Suzhou Travel Check-in N+1, Millennium Ancient Town｜Tongli

Su Zhou Tongli Ancient Town is one of the representative ancient towns in the Jiangnan water town area of China. It attracts many tourists with its well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture, ancient bridges and flowing water, tranquil living atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage.

🏞 1. Best Travel Time

Spring and autumn seasons are the most pleasant:
- March to May: Spring blossoms, the ancient town is lush and green, perfect for boating and sightseeing.
- September to November: Clear autumn skies, comfortable climate, avoiding the summer heat and winter cold waves.

Avoid peak holiday periods (such as National Day and Labor Day) to escape crowds and better experience the original charm of the ancient town.

🗺 2. Suggested Itinerary

🌞 Half-day tour (for tight schedules):
- Morning: Retreat & Reflection Garden → Sanqiao Scenic Area → Chongbentang
- Afternoon: Jiayintang → Stroll along the ancient bridges → Rest at a riverside teahouse

🌙 Full-day tour (recommended):
- Morning: Retreat & Reflection Garden → Chongbentang → Jiayintang
- Noon: Taste Tongli specialty snacks (such as Zhuangyuan Pig’s Trotter, Qing Tuan, Sock Bottom Pastry)
- Afternoon: Sanqiao Scenic Area → Former Residence of Chen Qubing → Boat ride under the ancient bridges
- Evening: Walk along the river, enjoy the sunset glow, and experience the slow life of the water town

🏯 3. Must-visit Attractions

1. Retreat & Reflection Garden (World Cultural Heritage):
- A representative Jiangnan classical garden, exquisitely laid out, famous as a “water-adjacent garden,” featuring rockeries, ponds, corridors, and pavilions with great artistic value.

2. Chongbentang & Jiayintang:
- Showcasing the essence of Jiangnan residential and ancestral hall architecture, with carved beams and painted rafters, exquisite craftsmanship reflecting the lifestyle of ancient scholar-officials.

3. Sanqiao Scenic Area:
- Tongli’s “Three Bridges” (Taiping Bridge, Jili Bridge, Changqing Bridge) are symbols of the ancient town, signifying good fortune and are a must-pass route for weddings.

4. Former Residence of Chen Qubing:
- Learn about the life of the modern revolutionary and poet Chen Qubing, and feel the historical and cultural atmosphere.

5. Ancient Bridges, Flowing Water & Boat Rides:
- Take a boat tour through the town’s waterways, passing under stone bridges and old houses, offering a unique charm.

🍜 4. Food Recommendations and Shopping Tips

🍜 Specialty Foods:
- Zhuangyuan Pig’s Trotter: Braised pig trotters, soft, rich, and melts in your mouth.
- Qing Tuan: Traditional Qingming Festival snack with mugwort fragrance.
- Sock Bottom Pastry: Crispy, sweet and savory, shaped like a sock sole, with a unique taste.
- Fermented Rice Dumplings: Sweet soup dessert, warm and delicious.

It is recommended to try these at old-established restaurants or street stalls in the ancient town, such as “Lao Zaotai” and “Tongdexing.”

🛍 Specialty Souvenirs:
- Suzhou Embroidery Products: Delicate and exquisite, highly collectible.
- Water Town Blue Printed Fabric: Can be used as scarves, bags, and other souvenirs.
- Tongli Yellow Wine: Locally brewed, rich aroma, suitable as a gift.

🚇 5. Transportation and Accommodation Suggestions

🚇 How to Get There:
- High-speed rail + bus: Take high-speed rail from Shanghai or Suzhou to “Suzhou Station” or “Suzhou South Station,” then transfer to a bus or taxi directly to Tongli Ancient Town.
- Self-driving: Navigate to “Tongli Ancient Town Visitor Center,” parking lots are available around the town.

🏨 Accommodation Suggestions:
- Riverside Guesthouses: Experience the Jiangnan water town style, recommended to stay in the core area of the ancient town, such as “Tongli Lake Resort” or various boutique inns.
- Nearby Hotels: For more comfort, choose chain hotels outside the ancient town, which are more affordable.

🎒 6. Travel Tips

1. Dress comfortably: Wear comfortable flat shoes as the ancient town has many stone pavements and involves frequent walking.
2. Rain and sun protection: Carry an umbrella or lightweight raincoat; strong sun in spring and autumn also requires sun protection.
3. Avoid peak times: Enter the town before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. for fewer crowds, better scenery, and better photo opportunities.
4. Respect local customs: Some old houses are still inhabited, so be quiet and polite when visiting.
5. Ticket advice: Some attractions require a combined ticket (about 100 RMB), which can be booked online in advance to avoid queues.