Tongli

Tongli is a historic town located in the Wujiang District of Suzhou, Jiangsu province, China. It is part of the Jiangnan region and is renowned for its canal network, stone bridges, and well-preserved timber-frame architecture along the waterways. The town's layout reflects traditional water-town planning, with homes, teahouses, and courtyards oriented toward the canals and connected by footpaths and stone bridges. Visitors can explore by walking, cycling, or taking a boat along the canals.

The built environment includes numerous structures from the Ming and Qing periods and remains of old commercial lanes that once served travelers and merchants in the Wu region. Tongli's cultural identity is tied to the water town tradition that characterizes much of southern Jiangsu, and local crafts such as silk production and embroidery are part of its heritage, alongside contemporary tourism activities.

Tongli is accessible from Suzhou by road and rail connections, and it is a popular day-trip destination for visitors seeking to experience a quieter, traditional water town. The town focuses on canal scenery, historic streets, and preserved residential architecture, with ongoing efforts to maintain waterways and protect its historic character.