Tongli Town

Welcome to Tongli, an ancient water town that has remained remarkably intact for over a millennium. Founded during the Song Dynasty, this settlement is often called the 'Venice of the East,' but such a comparison fails to capture…

We begin our exploration at the Tuisi Garden, a masterpiece of classical Chinese landscaping designed during the late Qing Dynasty. Built between 1885 and 1887 by a retired official named Ren Lansheng, the garden’s…

Crossing the waterways of Tongli is more than a physical act; it is a ritual performance of local culture. We are now standing near the intersection of three of the town’s most famous stone bridges: the Taiping Bridge, the Jili…

As we move into the residential heart of Tongli, we encounter the grand halls of the local gentry, most notably the Ji Hall. These structures represent the domestic architecture of the Ming and Qing dynasties at its most opulent. …

The canals of Tongli are not merely scenic; they are the functional arteries of the town. For centuries, every aspect of life was oriented toward the water. …

No visit to Tongli is complete without exploring the flavors and aromas of its local marketplace. The town is famous for its 'specialty snacks,' many of which have been produced here for generations. …

Our final architectural stop is the Pearl Pagoda, a site associated with one of the most famous folk legends in the region. The 'Pearl Pagoda' is not a physical tower in the traditional sense, but rather a name given to a…

As our tour of Tongli comes to an end, I invite you to take one final look at the town’s silhouette reflected in the darkening waters. We have explored the intricate 'Tuisi' philosophy of retreat, crossed the bridges of peace and…