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Local folks in Tongli proudly summarize their scenery spots as "one garden, two mansions and three bridges."
Retreat and Reflection Garden
The gem of all these spots is the Retreat and Reflection Garden. What makes the garden most distinctive is its waterside buildings and crosswise layout around a lake. The pavilions and houses by the water look as if they are floating on it, so people also call it the "floating garden."
Jiayin and Chongben Mansions
Jiayin Mansion is a four-courtyard compound built in 1922. The mansion as a whole has a magnificent and dignified manner. The main building follows the luxurious style of Ming Dynasty, ornamented by many fine woodcarvings. In front of the rear building, Yanqing Pavilion, there is an arch built with engraved bricks. Patterns are carved out of the paving stones in the courtyard. Sitting by the window of the waterside tower in the northwest, one can hear the wind blowing, stream murmuring and boats rowing by.
Chongben Mansion, constructed in the early 20th century, faces Jiayin across a stream. The five-house residence is laid out compactly. The mansion is famous for its rich decorations, with over a 100 carved ornamental fixtures inside the buildings. The buildings in the compound are separated by fireproof walls, and rainwater is kept in "wells" on each end of the porches in case of fire.
Taiping, Jili and Changqing Bridges
Right in the middle of the town where two streams meet, there are three ancient bridges – Taiping, Jili and Changqing. These stone structures – small and exquisite – are dearly treasured by local people. Since the bridges are believed to repel adversity and misfortune, it is a common practice for newlyweds to cross them during their wedding.
Stylish houses
The ordinary houses in Tongli, the majority dating back to the times of the Ming and Qing dynasties, are very attractive for tourists. Their unusual upturned eaves, as well as innovatively designed arches, overpass towers and glazed tile windows are all a charming expression of the water town's ancient culture.
Most of the buildings in the town are by water and their ornamented bricks even more admirable. Brick carving was used to decorate gateway arches, beams and screen walls. The pick of local brick carving art can be found on the Five-Crane Arch of the Zhus' House. But the best woodcarvings can be seen at Chongben and Jiayin mansions.
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