Featured Hotels Near Lili Ancient Town

Recommended is Liyi Shui'an · Yinju, a boutique inn nestled beside the town's historic canal. Its architecture blends Ming and Qing dynasty styles with modern minimalism, offering private river-facing balconies where guests can enjoy morning mist drifting over the water. The rooms feature handcrafted wooden furnishings and tatami mats, while the on-site tea pavilion serves local green tea paired with traditional pastries. Guests can also rent bicycles to explore the nearby Bailu Lake Greenway, making it ideal for immersive, slow travel experiences rooted in Jiangnan culture.

From Suzhou Railway Station, take Metro Line 4 to Tongli Station, then transfer to Bus 750 or 751 bound for "Liyi Town"—a 40-minute journey. Alternatively, a taxi ride covers the 30 km distance in about 45 minutes, costing roughly ¥120. Free parking is available near the town entrance, and electric shuttle buses connect key sites within the ancient district. With well-marked walking trails and scenic footbridges, getting around is effortless, ensuring seamless access to all cultural highlights.

Visitors can enjoy live performances of Suzhou Pingtan at the Liyi Academy, where skilled storytellers deliver classic tales in fluent Wu dialect, showcasing the art’s melodic rhythm and emotional depth. Additionally, hands-on workshops at the Suzhou Embroidery Studio allow guests to learn basic stitches and create personalized silk souvenirs like small fans or embroidered pouches. Seasonal events such as the Water Town Lantern Festival combine illuminated boat parades, traditional opera acts, and digital light projections, blending heritage with contemporary creativity in stunning fashion.

Must-visit photo locations include the century-old ginkgo tree in front of Chen Clan Temple, whose golden leaves frame the ancient horse-head wall perfectly during autumn. The double bridge view at Xijie Street offers a striking composition of arched bridges reflected in still waters. And the half-pavilion corridor behind Nanyuan Library, with its red bricks, black tiles, and carved windows, provides an ideal backdrop for classical-style portraits. Visit during early morning or golden hour for soft lighting and clear reflections—perfect for capturing the timeless beauty of this water village.

Yes! Head to the Liyi Agrarian Culture Park, featuring interactive zones like rice field frog hunting, handmade tofu workshops, and bamboo weaving classes where kids craft their own baskets. The park also hosts a children’s ecological trail with audio-guided stations teaching about local wetland species and birds. Weekly events like the Junior Explorer Treasure Hunt combine map puzzles and historical riddles, turning learning into adventure. Parents can relax at the on-site teahouse while enjoying quiet moments together.

Liyi’s night scene is renowned for its luminous water reflections and tranquil ambiance. As dusk falls, paper lanterns and antique copper lights along the canals glow softly, casting rippling patterns on the calm surface. The stretch from Dongmen Bridge to Nancheng Street becomes especially magical, with red silk drapes and glowing lanterns creating a dreamlike passage. Occasionally, a floating lantern procession glides by on boats adorned with colorful lights, evoking memories of old-world elegance. The blend of gentle music, warm glow, and still waters makes it one of China’s most poetic night-time destinations.