
Tongli Water Town Guide – Venice of the East
Venice is a very popular destination for travelers. It is in most of the traveler’s bucket list. Unfortunately for those living in Asia like me, Venice is very far, it’s a 15+ hour flight away with more than one connecting flight. However, Tongli Water Town is a great alternative if you cannot visit Venice in Italy since it’s just a few hours’ flight. Tongli Water Town is also called the Oriental Venice or Venice of the East. Aside from Tongli, there are several hidden gems in China, these cities are China’s best-kept secrets.
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Tongli water town is a very beautiful ancient town. The traditional architecture is also really beautiful. You can explore the oriental gardens, beautiful halls, and see the Three Bridges. My favorite part about Tongli water town is you can also ride a gondola just like the one in Venice.
How to visit Tongli Water Town From Shanghai
- You need to take the train to either Shanghai Station or Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.
Tip: Train arrives every 5 minutes in Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Stations so I prefer this over Shanghai Station where trains arrive every 30 minutes. - Once you arrive in Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, take the high speed or bullet train to Suzhou Railway Station. It would take around 30 minutes.
Tip: I highly recommend you buy your tickets online in advance especially if you are traveling on a weekend. The machines are only for locals and you can only buy tickets from the ticket counter. However, on weekends, the ticket counters are usually closed. - When you arrive in Suzhou railway station, transfer to line 4 and take the train to Tongli. Tongli is the last station in line 4. It would take around 50 minutes.
- When you arrive at Tongli station, go to exit 10. You can see a lot of tourist buses heading to Tongli water town when you go to exit 10.

How much time do you need to enjoy Tongli Water Town?
Tongli Water Town is very big. I highly recommend spending at least 3 – 5 hours to enjoy and explore everything in this town. There are a lot of things to do in this town. You can explore the gardens, ride the gondola, eat street foods. There are also lots of souvenir shops selling local crafts.
You can easily take a day trip to Tongli Water Town from Shanghai but I recommend staying at least a night in Suzhou. When you stay a night in Suzhou, you can explore more gardens and tourist attractions in Suzhou. We stayed at Suzhou Sun Plaza Hotel, it is a beautiful hotel and really affordable for a 4-star hotel. There are also several beautiful and affordable 5-star hotels in Suzhou.

Tuisi Garden
Tuisi Garden is a World Heritage Garden and also one of the highlights of this place. It was also built during the Qing Dynasty. Tuisi Garden is also translated as ‘Withdraw and Reflect Garden’.

There is actually a meaning behind the name of this garden. It is where a demoted Qing government official retired. I liked the pond in the center, it makes the Chinese architecture that surrounds it looked like it is floating.

There are several photo-worthy spots in Tongli water town. We were just strolling when we suddenly saw this cute and colorful alley. We were the only ones there, we did not see any tourists or locals which was really great since we were able to take great photos.

Gondola rides
After walking and exploring the town, we purchased a ticket to ride the gondola. Since we did not want to ride with other tourists, the cost for the whole gondola was 100 CNY for a 10 – 15 minutes ride.

After taking the photo above, we were walking along the river when I suddenly dropped my phone. My heart skipped a beat because I thought my phone fell into the river. It almost fell into the water but I was really grateful that it didn’t and my phone screen did not have any scratches too which was really great. The aunties and grandmas at the shops beside the river told me to be careful after witnessing what just happened.

Taking this gondola ride was the highlight of my trip to Tongli water town. It was what I was looking forward to the most prior to our trip. It’s very peaceful and the gondoliers or the gondola driver was really kind and friendly. He did not speak English but my mom understands and speaks Mandarin well so she translates what he is explaining. I don’t speak Mandarin fluently but I can understand a little so it was really interesting to hear their conversation.

He told us that it is much better to DIY your trip rather than join a tour group. He also shared that there are Malaysian tourists who visit there that also speak Mandarin well and that do not join tour groups. It was really fun listening to their conversation.

He also explained that there are Three Bridges and it symbolizes the three important stages in our lives. The first bridge is when we were born, the second is when we get married and have our own family and the last is death. We passed by those Three Bridges while riding the gondola.


I noticed that some of the gondola drivers were smoking while driving tourists. If you are like me who do not smoke and do not like the smell of the smoke, you would be bothered by it. Fortunately, our gondola driver did not smoke which was really great. Not only the gondola drivers are the ones who smoke but almost all locals do. I highly recommend packing a mask before your trip to China.
Restaurants in Tongli Water Town

There are several restaurants in Tongli Water Town. But if you want to a great ambiance and a great view while you eat, the riverside restaurants are perfect for you. You can enjoy people watching as you eat.

The only downside to these restaurants is they require you to order a minimum worth of 200 yuan. We did not eat here. We decided to just buy from the food stalls and ate them while sitting on the bench beside the river. It’s a great alternative to have a great ambiance while you eat without spending a lot of money.


I would have like to stay longer in this town but we had to go back to Suzhou Railway Station. We stayed in the premium lounge while waiting for our scheduled train to Shanghai.
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Have you heard about Tongli water town, the Venice of the East? What did you think about it? Let me know your thoughts in the comments 🙂
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100 Comments
Bliss Eatts
This looks so pretty. I can’t believe I’ve never heard of it before. Great guide!
Image Earth Travel
Great write-up and photos!
Manahil
I wish I could also visit there some day
Joy Della Vita
Having Venice visited multiple times already (even by Train – I’m from Europe), I can definitely understand why this town is called “Venice of the East” – it definitely got the charms!
jk
It looks lovely there. I’ve never heard of this place before, I’m so happy to have come across this post – I’ll save it for the future, when hopefully I will get to travel to the area.
Ann Pape
Beautiful pictures! Can’t wait to visit one day.
Arun
I always wanted to travel to Venice. Wow, this town is so beautiful and full of greenery. I wish to be here soon.
Paige
I’ve never heard of Tongli Water Town before! It looks like a beautiful place.
Céline
It looks like a really picturesque town! I had never heard of it.
Thanks for your guide (that tofu does look delicious!)
Matt Taylor
Wow! Tongli Water Town looks amazing!! Another location to put on my bucket list. My friend used to go to China all the time, I wonder if she has ever been there. I will have to ask her.
Andi
I visited here in 1999 – it’s amazing to see how much has changed and what hasn’t! It was such a beautiful spot although I visited in Winter – and it was a little cold!
WanderWoMom
I havent heard of this place. Super beautiful discovery. My sis went to shanghai last year, for sure she didnt know about this as well. Will share this to my fam!
Elsa
Nice recomendation, i’m also from Asia.
Annalisa Fran
Tongli looks truly amazing, look at those trees on the channels, perfect light and colors. A photographer would have the best time in there!
Leslie L Denning
What a lovely post! I’ve never heard of this, but I’ve never traveled outside of North America except to the Caribbean. Thanks for all of your lovely photos, and I wish I could have shared some of that tofu with you. I love tofu.
Krystianna
Great post! I loved your photos! 🙂
Krystianna @ Volumes and Voyages
Kalyon Subbarao
Very nice post, have never heard of this place thanks for such detailed information and pictures about the place food…..!!!
Kathy Kenny Ngo
I love that you had practical tips with this post. It’s one of the things I always look forward to when I read travel posts. After all, we need to save money where we can so we can indulge on things that actually matter. I’d definitely go visit this place coz it looks so serene and calming.
Neha
Oh wow! Shanghai is on my list and though we have been to Venice this looks like somewhere worth visiting. Love the oriental feel too. The food looks good and definitely is a change from Italian. The town looks so pretty to so definitely a day trip
Rebecca
This place looks fantastic! I am adding to my travel list. Thanks so much for sharing.
Rosey
How wonderful, right from the beginning to the end with the luxury lounge. I am so happy to see this water town!
Milica
This place is beautiful! I am planning to visit Venice (hopefully) this june! Don`t worry ,maybe one day you get a chance to see Venice :))
Chelsea Sauve - Wandure
This piece and your stunning photos absolutely stirred my travel soul! Thanks for sharing this gem! I will definitely be making it a part of my future travels.
Krysten Quiles
Oh that looks like it would be absolutely lovely. I would love to do that sometime. Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us!
Foodie Find Home
What a cool looking city to visit! I have a visit to China planned for later this year, and I am wondering if I could swing by adding this as a stop to my itinerary. I would love to visit here. I believe that travel insurance is so important and I will be checking out Safety Wing to see if I can insure some of my upcoming trips with them.
The Picture Perfect Tales
Your pictures are so amazing. This beauty is added in my travel list.
Kevin Akidi
The place looks beautiful, I particularly like the restaurants and shops by the water. I love places with water, it doesn’t matter the type of water body I will automatically love it.
Mai H
Looks so pretty ! I‘ll have to add this to my travel list
Krizzia Scollon
Tongli water town looks so pretty! Thanks for visually taking us there. I hope I could visit someday!
Ntensibe Edgar Michael
Fae, I love this….1000 times even! Just look at that very first foot-bridge you came across. Is there anything that beats such a scene and view?
Kristen
This place looks amazing – it reminds me of Disney World! I’ve been to Venice and it is an amazing experience navigating the canals so I’m happy to see a similar experience in China.
Mary Robinson
thank you so much for this guide! I will save it for my next trip to China. Love your photos xoxo
Michael
Aside from the green water, it seems everything seems nice. Thanks for letting me know such a place.
aisasami
Wow, Tongli looks really beautiful, especially with all that water. I would love to visit Tuisi Garden!
Jodi Graham
WOW this is so beautiful – I had no idea there was anything like this in China! You’ve inspired me to add it to my bucketlist 🙂
Sarah
I didn’t know this place existed! This is now added to my Bucket-List of places to visit! So beautiful!
Aanya
Amazing writup! I love traveling and this is such a crisp and amazing one! I wish to visit super soon!
Emman Damian
Wow! i want to visit Tongli Water Town. Seems like a very interesting place. It’s truly the Venice of the East!
Laura
This is going to my list of places to visit, so pretty. Thank you for sharing x
Angela Tolsma
I love the garden photos! This place looks lovely, waterways are so beautiful and I hope to explore here one day.
Neely Moldovan
Looks like a beautiful place to visit! I would love to go sometime!
melissa christine
Looks like a wonderful place to visit, I need to definitely visit here one day for sure 🙂
Stephanie
I’ve never heard of this before, but it looks gorgeous! You’re right, Venice is on my list of places to visit. Unfortunately, both Venice and Tongli are far from me in the US.
Norma
Oh my Tongli looks super pretty. Venice was on my travel list and I decided to pay it a visit in 2019. It is remarkably romantic.
Maysz
This is a very adventure and peaceful trip and I would love to put Tongli water on my Travel list thanks to this. Love your photos girl!
Rhonda Albom
Tongli looks lovely, and I was so close. I took the bullet train to Suzhou, enjoyed the day and then went back to Shanghai. We love relaxing and going down a river on a small craft, so the gondola ride will be on my list, as will the food. I am assuming that the minimum price you mentioned was high, but the idea of people watching where you did eat is appealing to me. Also, I am glad your phone neither broke nor fell in the water.
Marion Halliday
Wow, Tongli is an unbelievably scenic town – the reflections of the stunning architecture in the water are amazing! I’m not surprised it’s called the Venice of the East, especially with attractions like gondola rides and photo opportunities around every corner. I think I would do as you did, and choose your food from the stalls and eat it overlooking that wonderful view.
Danik
I have done some planning for the Shanghai area as I hope to be out there shortly but never heard of Tongli. I do like places like this in Europe but never come across any in Asia before and would take the time out to explore this area. I would defo go on a gondola to check out the town from the water.
Renata Feyen
That looks like an amazing place to visit but living in Belgium that would be quite far too and Venice is much closer for me 🙂
Patricia Chamberlain
This looks like an amazing destination! I’d love to visit someday. I will add it to my bucket list.
Grace Esedeke | Today Was Fab
I loved reading this. The simplicity of your writing and story telling makes it all the more beautiful. Tongli sounds like such a beautiful place.
Susan m Quackenbush
I would like to take my mom to see the Tuisi Garden!
Amber Hurley
This looks very nice, thank you for sharing!
Candy Wafford
I’ve never heard of Tongli! It looks lovely. Thank you for sharing this special place!
Linda (LD Holland)
It is funny how many different cities are compared to Venice. But great to have an alternative with Venice so far from where you live. Too bad we did not hear about Tongli before we visited Shanghai. It would be great to explore the streets and waterways. Some of them look so narrow.
Flossie McCowald
I have to admit, I’ve never even heard of this place! It is very pretty, especially the botanical garden.
Jasmine Watts
I have been longing to be in this place someday. Hopefully, I’d be able to find time to visit this magical place.
Kiwi
Venice is so serene. I want to definitely go on one of those riverboat tours.
Ann
I am so jelous of all your magical trips, its looks amazing!
And you know what, i am learning so much for reading though your posts, thank you 🙂
Sarah
Wow, I’ve travelled quite a bit through China but never heard of Tongli before. It looks absolutely gorgeous. I think a return trip to China may be in order 🙂
Samar
OMG the place is so pretty and so wonderful.
loved it. Thanks for sharing.
Jan
Enjoyed reading about the beautiful Tongli! I have visited China but never heard of this place! It is really refreshing to hear about these hidden gems. I have a future trip planned for Shanghai and I will do a side trip to Tongli. 🙂
AMAR SINGH
Wow what a great post and perfect timing as I start planning my trip to China next year. I was not aware of this Venice of the East and even though I have tasted Venice I would love to try this. Thanks to post like these they show us so much more. I will be based in Shanghai so perfect to take the train to Shanghai Station or Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station as you have suggested. Do you need to book tickets in advance. Love the colorful surroundings which are very different from the views in Venice. Your photos have added life to the post . Thanks for sharing this unique place in China.
Jay Artale
It sounds like a fabulous alternative to Venice but also like an amazing destination in its own right. I’m not surprised it’s a heritage site.
Indrani
Tongli Water Town is new to me and I am in love with it reading your post. A scenic place! Those restaurants along the canal look so good. I would love a gondola ride here. Love your pics.
Carrie
Wow!! I didn’t even know this place exists. So cool!
Debra Schroeder
I did not have much knowledge about Tonglie Water Town. I haven’t been to this part of Shanghai. This is very informative and helpful to those who are interested in Tongli Water Town.
Christa
I was in Suzhou a few months ago but didn’t make it to Tongli Water Town. It looks so pretty! I spent 3 weeks in China and there is still so much more to see. I can’t wait to go back!
Angela Campos
This looks so gorgeous there! I love all of the pictures, I hope to travel there some day!!
Jeferson
I love Tuisi Garden……perfect place to reflect……sensible choice indeed for retirement……
Ashli Ferguson
WOW! I would love to go here – this looks fantastic!! Such a dream!
siennylovesdrawing
really enjoyed my reading of your sharing here, learnt this water town from your sharing here. wish to visit this place one day soon. Missed my backpacking. cheers, siennylovesdrawing
MARYCOR VALENCIA
I haven’t heard about this place. Thanks for sharing 😉
Abby
Wow, the place is so beautiful and thinking that it can be found in China.
I enjoyed reading your post about it and wishing one day can see it in my own eyes too
tweenselmom
The waters are a bit murky but the trees around them are beautiful. Great photos!
Pashmina Binwani
Who knew there was a place called the Venice of the East in China? Tongli Water Town looks amazing and serene (free from pollution) and a place I would never imagine in China!
Angela
I loved reading about the water town and it made me laugh when you said all the aunties warned you about dropping your phone! I can imagine what that was like. The Tuisi garden looks beautiful with all those autumnal colours.
Georgina
Love your photos. Such a beautiful place to visit. Never heard of it before – glad you visited and have now brought it to our attention.
Megan
Thanks for all the great info! I would love to go on the gondola ride!
Sadiq Saleem
Worth-reading and amazing article. Thanks for sharing.
Karthika
Wow! this looks so pretty and I love how your pictures have captured the sense of the place so beautifully.
Dominique Brooks
How pretty is this town? I love gondola rides so that would be my first stop too! However, eating by the water would be fun too! It just looks so peaceful there! Thanks for sharing!
Sage
It’s gorgeous, and I love the name “Venice of the East.” But do you know what it reminds me of more than Venice? The San Antonio River Walk in Texas. (Well, with an Asian rather than Texas flair, of course!) Have you ever been or seen pictures of it?
Slavka
What a lovely town! The canals definitely remind us of Venice, minus the crowds 🙂 I like that peaceful garden and the tofu dish looks really yummy.
Iuliya
This place looks gorgeous! Would love to visit one day 🙂
may palacpac
We might go to China soon. When that happens, I think i would also need to learn to eat and be full from stalls when we go around.
That’s a really nice place to hang out. Hope we reach that area.
Hina
China is def going to be in my next five year bucket list. These pictures are simply beautiful.
daniel
What a comprehensive guide. I never knew about Tongli water town and it seems somewhere I would love to go.
Reina E Conboy
What a great guide to Tongli Water Town. I’m glad to see there are other destinations out there similar to Venice. I think I would want to try the gondola ride, looks like fun!
Danielle
This place looks like such a nice place to visit! I would love to go here someday and really explore for myself.
Nimra khan
Amazing pictures. I will definitely visit this place one day.
Amelia Pollock
I love Venice. Such a wonderful place to visit. I have explored it in pictures only , LOL,,but would love to visit there someday.
Jen
The gondola ride looks amazing! Someday…
Anshul
such a beautiful photogenic place. This is just like the watertowns of Bangkok. So pretty
Erica
Great post! I’ve been to Shanghai twice and have always intended to visit Tongli but just haven’t had the opportunity. I’m going to Shanghai again in March and am absolutely visiting. No excuses this time!
Emese
Looks like a lovely town; water towns are intriguing, I can’t imagine living in one, but they are definitely picturesque. Thanks for the tour.
Sinjana
The Tuisi garden looks like a fairytale. I can see why this place is called venice of the east. Truly faschinating.
Yukti Agrawal
Tongli water town really looks great to visit and just similar to Venice. Thanks for sharing a beautiful offbeat destination with us.
Jenn
What a great guide! I like that this is really easy to get to. It also reminds me a little bit of San Antonio Texas and the Riverwalk
Aditi Sharma
I hadn’t heard about Tongli until I read your post. It looks like such a picturesque destination and you’ve captured it beautifully through your photographs. I really appreciate the information regarding how to reach there from Shanghai – that will definitely help with trip planning.