Step into the Tongli Ancient Town commercial area where canals weave through Ming-style shop houses selling silk embroidery and sandalwood fans. Cobblestone alleys lead to family-run teahouses serving sweet Osmanthus cakes, while the glow of lanterns doubles on the water at night — perfect for sipping Biluochun tea as Suzhou Pingtan melodies float through this living museum of Jiangnan's canal culture.

This is a paradise for families—kids will love the playground, water slide, and children’s pool, plus fun activities like animal encounters. Nestled by Tongli Lake, the hotel offers stunning night views and exquisite Chinese gardens, creating a serene escape. With top-notch amenities like a fitness center, spa, and yoga classes, plus free parking and 24-hour front desk, every detail is covered. Guests rave about the breakfast and lake views, calling it a great value for a relaxing getaway or eco-tourism adventure. Highly recommended!

This family-friendly lakeside resort offers a perfect blend of traditional Jiangnan charm and modern comforts. From the moment you arrive, staff will assist with luggage and strollers, while cartoon characters hand out yogurt to kids. Rooms feature fruit platters, premium bedding, and marble bathrooms with luxury toiletries. The buffet dazzles with a chocolate fountain, fresh sashimi, and night-time health porridge. Kids adore the 34°C heated pool, steam rooms, and indoor/outdoor play zones—guaranteed to make your stay unforgettable!

Discover a hidden gem by the beautiful Yinshan Lake in Suzhou! This hotel boasts panoramic lake views from its stylish rooms, including luxurious suites and family lofts. Unwind at the infinity pool, indulge in spa treatments, or let the kids have fun at the playground. The dining area offers stunning lakeside views, making every meal special. With convenient metro access, it's perfect for both leisure escapes and business trips. A true blend of nature and luxury!

This is a perfect getaway nestled by the ancient Tongli Lake, offering lake-view rooms and garden-view rooms that soothe the soul. Whether for family vacations or business trips, the hotel’s kid-friendly amenities, pool, and fitness center cater to all needs. Enjoy the Jiuyan Bridge night views, or let your kids interact with animals during the day. Unwind at the tea house or indulge in the delicious breakfast. With impeccable service, clean surroundings, and even pet-friendly policies, it’s a steal for the price. Highly recommended!

This is a boutique resort hotel full of history and cultural charm, located in the ancient town of Tongli. It was transformed from the century-old Lizze Girls' School, meticulously restored to retain its original grandeur. The hotel offers a rich Blossom House vacation experience, including local welcome tea, ancient town tours, and night exploration activities. It also features facilities and services specially designed for families and pets, making it an ideal choice for everyone. With beautiful lake views, unique designs, and thoughtful service, you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable getaway.

Tucked away in Tongli Ancient Town, this Republic-era style boutique hotel blends history with modern luxury. The 1300㎡ courtyard retains its early 20th-century charm, once home to a Golden Mic Award winner. Rooms feature smart systems, bathtubs, and heated toilets for understated elegance. With family cinema, kids’ pool, and picnic areas, it’s perfect for couples or families. Sip tea in the garden under Jiuyan Bridge’s night views, or enjoy fusion breakfasts. The thoughtful service (even valet parking!) earns its “high-score gem” reputation—every detail whispers care.

Nestled in a millennium-old water town, this boutique hotel is a masterpiece of Suzhou-style gardens. With its elegant architecture and serene ambiance, you’ll feel like stepping back in time. Perfect for family trips—kids will love the play area and home theater. Couples? The river-view rooms with bathtubs and premium sound systems are pure romance. Enjoy tea ceremonies, board games, or savor local delicacies in the garden. Whether you’re with family or friends, this place offers a slice of Jiangnan paradise.

This is a perfect family getaway, surrounded by water and offering stunning views of Tongli Lake’s misty scenery and Luo Xing Listening to Rain. The resort boasts kids’ playground, swimming pool, and fitness center, ensuring fun for children and relaxation for adults. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and thoughtful service, with perks like valet parking and free parking. Whether for a family vacation or business meeting, this place is an ideal choice!

Nestled in the heart of a Jiangnan water town, this heritage resort is a restored mansion from the late Qing Dynasty, preserving the charm of Ming-Qing architecture. With convenient access to Tongli Ancient Town, the hotel offers a private butler service, including aromatherapy and tai chi sessions, immersing you in the essence of Chinese elegance. Enjoy privacy in the courtyards and gardens, or dine at the on-site restaurant and tea house. Rated 4.9/5, it’s the perfect retreat for relaxation and culture.

This hotel seamlessly blends Suzhou-style gardens with modern smart technology, creating a truly unique experience. Located in the historic Tongli Water Town, every corner exudes cultural charm. Enjoy ancient guqin music in the tea room or admire the osmanthus and bamboo in the courtyard, feeling the harmony of tradition and nature. Rooms feature Ming and Song Dynasty aesthetics with smart systems, plus seven themed options like "Morning Window Listening to Qin" and "Spring Sleep Watching Fish." With great breakfast, attentive service, valet parking, and childcare, it's perfect for couples, families, and business travelers.

Dreaming of a stay where traditional gardens blend seamlessly with luxury? This resort adjacent to the 4A-rated Jingsi Garden and just 5 minutes from ancient Tongli Town offers the perfect retreat. Designed with classic Suzhou landscaping, its serene pathways and pavilions transport you to another era. Modern comforts abound: fully-equipped conference halls, international dining options, indoor pool, spa, and even a cigar lounge—ideal for both business trips and family vacations. With attentive service and free parking, it’s a hassle-free gateway to explore Suzhou’s cultural gems.

Tucked away in the heart of Tongli Ancient Town, this boutique B&B wows guests with its private garden and Instagram-worthy minimalist luxe design. Just 20 steps from Jiayin Hall, it’s a perfect spot to capture the stunning night view of Jiuyan Bridge! Rooms blend classic Jiangnan aesthetics with contemporary art, while amenities like tea lounge and BBQ area make it ideal for gatherings. Pet-friendly policies and a kids’ play zone cater to all family members. With super-friendly staff and delicious breakfasts, your Tongli tale starts here!

Tucked away in the ancient town of Tongli, this Suzhou-style boutique hotel is a hidden gem! Steps away from iconic Tailai Bridge and Tuisi Garden, you'll immerse in watery town charm. Rooms blend minimalist luxury with modern comforts, plus a spa for ultimate relaxation. Pet-friendly with family amenities and mahjong room, it's perfect for all travelers. Don't miss the breathtaking Nine-Eyes Bridge night views – insta-worthy! With warm hospitality and great value, your Jiangnan cultural escape starts here.

Tucked away in Tongli Ancient Town, this boutique inn is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. With its waterside location and Chinese-style garden courtyard, every corner exudes oriental charm. Most rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning river views, and some even come with a balcony tea room—perfect for sipping tea while soaking in the scenery. The inn also boasts a chain coffee bar and a Zen tea room, ideal for relaxation. Black walnut furniture adds a touch of elegance, while central air conditioning ensures comfort. Its prime location near Tuisi Garden and the ancient town center makes it incredibly convenient!

Tucked away in Tongli Ancient Town, this boutique hotel masterfully blends Jiangnan charm with modern luxury. The renovated heritage building features rooms with star-hotel-grade bedding and smart toilets, while the garden and courtyard whisper centuries of stories. Families love the home theater and kids' amenities, while couples adore soaking in freestanding tubs with river views. With barbecue facilities, bike rentals, and ultra-friendly staff, every detail here is designed to make your stay unforgettable. (P.S. Their pandemic precautions are top-notch!)

Nestled just 3 minutes walk from Tongli's 5A ancient town, this gem blends millennial heritage with sunset views. Families adore the kid-friendly zone and laundry facilities, while business travelers thrive in meeting rooms with tea lounge. Unwind at the stress-relief pavilion or alfresco terrace with Jiangnan vistas. Rated 4.9/5 for its robot-assisted service and smart amenities, it's your perfect base to explore UNESCO sites by day and lantern-lit canals by night.

Tucked away in a millennium-old water town, this homestay captures the essence of Jiangnan's charm. With its classical garden design featuring white walls and black tiles, every corner tells a romantic tale from The Romance of the West Chamber. The quaint rooms include options like tatami spaces and family-friendly suites, perfect for couples or families. Enjoy morning tea in the tea room, admire the Jiuyan Bridge night view, or even try on Kunqu opera costumes for a timeless photoshoot. More than a stay, it’s a soulful retreat.

Stroll along the cobblestone streets of Tongli Ancient Town, and you'll find this boutique hotel that blends tradition with modernity. Featuring river-view courtyards, a home theater, and a tea room, it's perfect for families or friends looking to unwind. The owner is warm and attentive, the design is unique, and it's even pet-friendly! Enjoy a BBQ in the garden at night or take in the stunning views of Jiuyan Bridge. With top-notch facilities and great value, it's a must-stay for those who love a slow-paced lifestyle!

Want to experience authentic Suzhou charm? This garden inn hidden in Tongli Ancient Town is your perfect choice! The neo-Chinese retro design blends modern comfort with classical elegance, with every detail full of surprises. Stroll through the 3,000+ square meter private garden, with its pine trees, bamboos, and pavilions, as if stepping back in time. The rooms are cozy and spacious, with tatami and lake-view rooms being Instagram hotspots! The friendly owner serves a delicious breakfast, and there’s even a lovely cat to keep you company. Whether it’s a family trip, romantic getaway, or photoshoot, this place has it all. Don’t miss the stunning night view of Jiuyan Bridge!

This hotel is perfect for families or friends traveling together! Just a 5-minute walk to the UNESCO World Heritage site "Tui Si Yuan". The stand-alone courtyard design with landscape terraces and free parking makes it super convenient. Pet-friendly, kids’ play area, and home theater cater to all needs. The owner is warm, facilities are modern, and the great value leaves guests raving!
Everything you need to know about Inside Tongli Ancient Town
Stay at Shui Xiang Renjia Boutique Inn, located just steps from the Tongli Ancient Town South Gate. This charming homestay blends traditional Suzhou architecture with modern comfort, offering rooms with views of canals and ancient bridges. Each guest receives a free hand-painted silk scarf and access to complimentary bicycles for exploring nearby sites like Tui Si Garden and Chen Jia Shan.
The inn is ideal for families, with spacious suites, kid-friendly menus, and guided storytelling walks through historic alleys. Its central location ensures easy access to all major attractions, making it perfect for travelers seeking both authenticity and convenience in a serene water-town setting.
Take Suzhou Metro Line 4 directly to Tongli Station, then walk 8 minutes to the South Gate of Tongli Ancient Town—a seamless journey taking only about 45 minutes with no transfers.
Alternatively, catch bus K1 or 750 from Suzhou Railway Station, but expect longer travel time (around 1 hour) and less frequent departures. For a more personalized experience, book a private transfer service (approx. ¥150 CNY), which includes a local guide and stops at key attractions like Tui Si Garden and Three Bridges and One Dam—ideal for elderly travelers or families with children.
We recommend departing early to avoid midday crowds and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the ancient town in peaceful solitude.
Don’t miss the traditional Su-style indigo dyeing workshop, where you can create your own handcrafted fabric using clamped resist dyeing techniques passed down for generations. The finished piece makes a meaningful souvenir.
Also take a morning rowboat tour along the canals between Tui Si Garden and Pō Yuán, guided by local boatmen who share stories of historical merchant clans and literary gatherings. This immersive experience embodies the poetic essence of "traveling through a painting."
In the evening, visit the intangible cultural heritage night market, sampling local delicacies like chicken starch cake and braised pork noodles, while enjoying live guqin music and Kunqu opera performances—deepening your connection to authentic Jiangnan culture.
Yes, Tongli Lake Resort · Yue She Hotel stands out as a top choice for photographers. Inspired by Ming Dynasty academies, it features an infinity pool, reflective courtyard, and bamboo-lined pathways that mirror the surrounding white-walled houses and distant hills—creating a living ink-wash painting.
All rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Tongli Lake and a corner of Tui Si Garden, ideal for capturing golden hour reflections and silhouette shots. The hotel’s ancient bridge promenade and stone dock are also popular backdrops, especially when paired with Hanfu or qipao attire.
Complimentary traditional costumes and props are available for rent, allowing guests to recreate timeless scenes and document their journey in style.
Accommodations are concentrated along Dongxi Street and the area outside the South Gate, both within walking distance (under 10 minutes) of major entrances and attractions.
These districts offer excellent facilities: electric shuttle services, shared bike rentals, 24-hour convenience stores, and cafés. Some hotels, such as Zhen Shui Ju and Yu Ge Xiao Yuan, provide free shuttle buses to key sites like Tui Si Garden and Three Bridges and One Dam.
Though no metro station exists within the town, a bus terminal and parking lot are located nearby. Visitors driving can park safely and walk into the town center—a well-organized system perfect for first-time visitors seeking ease and authenticity.
Absolutely! Tongli’s night scenery is legendary, especially during Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese New Year, when thousands of lanterns illuminate the canals and rooftops, creating a dreamlike glow on the water.
Must-visit spots include: North Pier of Tui Si Garden, offering panoramic views of the garden’s pavilions reflected in the still waters; curved alleyway at Dongxi Street, lined with red lanterns and old homes; and the Tongli Lake viewing platform, which provides a 360-degree vista of the entire town under soft light.
The quiet atmosphere at night enhances the sense of serenity and poetry, making it the perfect moment to capture breathtaking photos. Bring a camera or tripod to preserve these fleeting, magical moments.
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