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Tongli Water TownPopular

Tongli Water Town

1,000-year-old water town with canals, stone bridges, and Ming/Qing houses. Less commercialized than Zhouzhuang. 45 m…

SightsCity & Nightlife
★★★★★4.6(24 reviews)

$14

Half day to full day

Suzhou city guide →

Overview

Key takeaway

1,000-year-old water town with canals, stone bridges, and Ming/Qing houses. Less commercialized than Zhouzhuang. 45 min from Suzhou.

Time & cost

Plan Half day to full day. Budget: $14. Hours: 07:30–17:30.

Best for

Best for first-time Suzhou visitors who want a clear Half day to full day stop without guesswork.

Practical

Price$14
DurationHalf day to full day
Hours07:30–17:30
Getting thereMetro Line 4 to Tongli, then shuttle

Tips

On site

Stay overnight for peaceful evenings.

Timing

Take a hand-rowed boat (¥120/boat, 6 people).

Also

Tuisi Garden is the highlight.

Timing

Leave with hours in mind (07:30–17:30). Weekends and holidays need extra queue time.

Pay

Nearby stalls usually take Alipay or WeChat. Foreign-card terminals are rare — set up Alipay before you go.

Show this

Show the Chinese name “同里水乡” to drivers and staff. It beats a long English explanation.

Show to staff

你好，请问入口在哪里？我有预约/门票，谢谢。

Nǐ hǎo, qǐngwèn rùkǒu zài nǎlǐ? Wǒ yǒu yùyuē / ménpiào, xièxie.

Hi — where is the entrance? I have a reservation/ticket. Thank you.

Location & how to go

Tongli Water Town, Suzhou

MetroMetro Line 4 to Tongli, then shuttle
BusMetro Line 4 to Tongli, then shuttle
Taxi / DidiDidi or a licensed taxi is the simplest door-to-door. Set destination to “同里水乡” and pay in-app with Alipay/WeChat.

Reviews

★★★★★4.6· 24 verified reviews

Editor verification notes

Operational notes from the ChinaPie editorial team — not traveler ratings, and not counted toward stars.

  • ChinaPie Editors
    Editor verification note

    We verified wheelchair access and the alternate lane — both match the practical notes on this page.

  • ChinaPie Editors
    Editor verification note

    Editor note: the English-friendly entrance is often the south or main visitor gate — confirm on the day. Show any QR from this guide at the ticket booth.

Guide Q&A

How much are tickets for Tongli Water Town?

$14

What are the opening hours of Tongli Water Town?

07:30–17:30

How do I get to Tongli Water Town?

Metro Line 4 to Tongli, then shuttle

How long should I spend at Tongli Water Town?

Half day to full day

Any practical tips for Tongli Water Town?

Stay overnight for peaceful evenings. Take a hand-rowed boat (¥120/boat, 6 people). Tuisi Garden is the highlight.

Is Tongli Water Town in Suzhou easy for first-time visitors?

Yes as a typical tourist stop. Save the metro stop, screenshot tickets/hours, and allow extra time on weekends.

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$14Half day to full day