Tongli is an age-old but well-preserved water township located on the eastern bank of the Taihu Lake, 18 km from urban Suzhou. Originally named Fushi, the town of Tongli has a history of more than 1,000 years. True to its reputation, Tongli is a wonderful travel destination for tourists to have a marvelous vacation or to learn about traditional Chinese culture.
Bridges: Bridges are a vital component of the water-town. Totaling 49 in number, the stone bridges in various styles link the different sections of Tongli on seven islands created by 15 rivers and five lakes. Each bridge has a name, which usually reflects the poetic nature of the peaceful local life. Taiping (Peace) Bridge, Jili (Good Luck) Bridge and Changqing (Lasting Celebration) Bridge are the most representative among the Longli bridges. The small and exquisite Taiping Bridge was built during the reign of Emperor Jiaqing of the Qing Dynasty; Changqing Bridge, also named Guangli Bridge, was originally constructed in 1470 and rebuilt by Xie Zhen in 1704; Jili is an arched bridge, on which are inscribed age-old couplets describing the beautiful picturesque views on either side. The three bridges serve the local people as auspicious symbols and they always walk over them during weddings or birthday parties. The oldest bridge in Tongli is the Siben Bridge, which was built in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), while the smallest bridge is Dubu (Single Step), which is only one and a half meters in length and less than one meter in width.
Residential Houses: Tongli deserves its reputation of "museum of ancient architectures," as there are many well-preserved ancient houses and temples from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Built along the riversides and decorated with flying eaves, carved windows, porcelain and clay figures and carved bricks, these complexes display the past glory of Tongli. Tuisiyuan (Retreat and Retrospect Garden), built by the retired official Ren Lansheng during 1885 and 1887, is the most spectacular mansion in Tongli. The ingenious design of Tuisiyuan conforms to the local landforms and conditions. It covers and area of about 0.65 hectares. Compact and harmonious, the garden has two parts. The residential area in the west consists of an outer house and an inner house, including the sedan hall, tea hall, a main reception hall and two dwelling buildings. In the east garden there are ponds, Marble Boat, waterside pavilions, halls, kiosks, verandas, rockeries and bridges. Covered with luxuriant trees and colorful flowers, the garden displays its beauty and charm to visitors in all seasons.
Cultural History: Tongli has a rich cultural legacy. As it was a favorable destination of poets, painters, Confucian scholars and government officials in ancient times, not only that dozens of stone tablets from different historical periods have been left here, but many of its streets are named after the most famous men of letters or officials. Walking through the alleys of this venerable water-town, one may be overwhelmed by its pristine and intoxicating atmosphere.
In 1981, Tongli was designated one of the 13 national tourist towns around the Taihu Lake. In 1982, again, it was listed as a key cultural relic under provincial protection.
(China.org.cn June 24, 2004)
