Someone vividly compares the multitude of lakes in the Suzhou area to a handful of bright pearls scattered on the land. However, it is more suitable to use the comparison to describe the Ming-Qing ancient towns surrounded by lakes, because it is the colors of architecture, folk customs and life these ancient towns demonstrate and the historic and cultural glory they contain that shine like pearls. The fineness, thoughtfulness and naturalness unique to Suzhou are inseparable from water and can be seen everywhere, from those buildings over water which are unique to the ancient town, such as Riding Building, Street-Crossing Building, Bridge Building, together with docks, bridges, boat-tying stone, to the folk customs preserved up till today, such as Walking Through the Three Bridge and Apo Tea, etc.
Among the ancient towns extensively scattered, the best preserved are Tongli and Zhouzhuang. The government official's residence Tuisi Gardens, the rich merchant's house Chongbentang and the scholarly family Jiayintang, which are the most typical ones in Tongli, are concentrated reflections of the history and feudal society. The uniform river streets adjacent to one another and the Ming-Qing citizen houses of Zhangting Shenting, together with bridges and teahouses in Zhouzhuang demonstrate the original quiet and happily simple style and features.
Tongli is 25km away from Suzhou, with a 40-minute ride by auto. Zhouzhuang and Tongli are just separated by one river, with a 1-hour shipping.
Special Tourist Routes of Suzhou Ancient Towns:
Suzhou-Zhouzhuang | Suzhou North Bus Station Departure | Start at 7:30 one per hour |
Suzhou-Tongli | Suzhou South Bus Station Departure | Start at 7:30 one per hour |