Tongli Water Village Tour from Shanghai including Boat Ride and Tuisi Garden

Taking a trip from Shanghai to reach the quiet, centuries-old water town of Tongli offers a glimpse into traditional Jiangsu life and architecture away from the city’s buzz. This 5.5 to 6.5-hour tour, operated by Tom’s Tour, combines a scenic boat ride, visits to well-preserved gardens, and walking through old streets filled with local families and historic buildings. It’s a balanced mix of culture, natural beauty, and relaxed exploration.

What immediately catches the eye about this experience is the intimate glimpse into daily life in an ancient water town—something you don’t often find in larger, more commercialized tourist spots. We particularly appreciate the opportunity to stroll the old streets and see local families still living in traditional homes. The highlight for many is the boat ride, offering a new perspective of the town’s labyrinth of canals, stone bridges, and charming architecture.

One potential consideration is the driving time—about 1.5 hours each way—which might be tiring for some, especially if you’re jet-lagged or not used to long road trips. Still, for those seeking a genuine experience away from the hustle, Tongli offers a peaceful retreat. This tour is ideal for travelers interested in history, traditional gardens, and picturesque scenery, especially if you’re eager to explore beyond Shanghai’s modern skyline.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Walk through a living water town where local families still reside, not just a tourist attraction.
• Historic Architecture & Gardens: Visit the well-preserved Tuisi Garden, built in the late Qing Dynasty, with harmoniously integrated pavilions, ponds, and rockeries.
• Iconic Bridges: Cross the famous Taiping, Jili, and Changqing bridges, believed to bring peace, luck, and happiness—important cultural symbols.
• Scenic Boat Ride: Enjoy a relaxing canal cruise that offers unique angles and views of the town’s traditional architecture.
• Local Life & Shopping: Stroll along Tongli’s old street, where you can practice bargaining in local shops and observe everyday life.
• Value for Money: At $272 per person, this tour packs in a full cultural day, guided by an English-speaking local expert, with transport and boat included.

A Closer Look at the Tongli Water Village Tour

The Journey to Tongli

The tour begins with a pickup in Shanghai at 1:00 pm, with transportation by comfortable, air-conditioned minivan. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours, giving you a chance to relax or chat with your guide, who is usually a friendly local offering insights into the area’s history and culture. The journey itself is part of the experience, as you leave behind the skyscrapers of Shanghai and gradually enter the more serene, lush landscapes of Jiangsu Province.

Walking Through Old Streets and Local Communities

Once in Tongli, the walk along the old street is where the charm truly unfolds. The streets are lined with traditional architecture from the Ming Dynasty, and you’ll see residents still living in their ancestral homes. This isn’t a staged tourist town—it’s a living community where locals go about their daily routines amid historic surroundings.

Many travelers find this part of the tour fascinating, especially when the guide shares stories about the importance of the bridges and the history behind the private gardens. One review mentions that “seeing the homes of the Ming dynasty reflected a delicate, refined lifestyle” offers a tangible connection to the past.

Visiting Tuisi Garden

The highlight of the garden visits is the Tuisi Garden, built between 1885 and 1887 by an imperial official. We loved how the garden showcases harmonious landscaping with pavilions, terraces, and rockeries thoughtfully arranged around ponds. The garden’s layout emphasizes balance and natural beauty, making it a peaceful oasis amid the bustling town. Many reviewers mention that it’s well preserved, providing a clear window into late Qing dynasty garden design. The garden visit typically lasts about an hour, giving ample time to wander and take photos.

The Three Famous Bridges

An essential part of Tongli’s character are the three bridges—Taiping, Jili, and Changqing—which are regarded as sacred symbols. Locals believe crossing these bridges on special occasions, like weddings, can bring peace, luck, and happiness. These bridges aren’t just functional—they’re considered landmarks, each with their own style and story. For example, the Taiping Bridge embodies the theme of peace, and many visitors note that walking across these bridges feels like stepping into a postcard.

The Scenic Canal Boat Ride

The boat ride is often described as the tour’s highlight. It lasts about 20-30 minutes and offers a different view of the town from the water. Many travelers appreciate how the boat provides a relaxed, meditative experience, allowing you to see the traditional houses, bridges, and narrow alleyways from a peaceful vantage point. A reviewer noted that “the boat ride was a calming experience, and the different perspectives made the town seem even more charming.”

Exploring Local Shops and Bargaining

After the boat ride, you’re free to stroll the local shops, where you can buy souvenirs or practice bargaining. The shops offer a range of local crafts, snacks, and traditional products. Travelers who enjoy shopping often say it’s an enjoyable way to engage with the local culture and pick up some unique items.

Practical Details and Considerations

Cost & Value

At $272 per person, this tour provides a comprehensive experience, including transportation, a guided walk, entry to the Tuisi Garden, and a boat ride. When you consider the cost of private transportation, entry fees, and the guided insights, it’s a good value for those looking for an in-depth, hassle-free day trip.

Timing & Duration

The tour lasts roughly 5.5 to 6.5 hours, which makes it a manageable half-day escape from Shanghai. The early afternoon start allows visitors to avoid the morning rush, and you’ll return before dinner, giving you ample time for evening plans or rest.

Group & Private Tour

This experience is a private tour, meaning it’s tailored to your group only. This allows for a more relaxed, personalized pace and the chance to ask questions and explore at your own speed.

Accessibility & Comfort

The tour involves some walking on uneven surfaces and steps, so comfortable shoes are a must. The guide will be an English speaker, helping to translate and share stories, which enriches the visit significantly.

What’s Not Included

Food and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to buy local treats during the walk. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not provided, so plan your transportation accordingly—most travelers meet at the designated start point in Shanghai.

Authentic Experiences from Other Travelers

One review mentions that “the local family homes we saw gave a real sense of the town’s life,” which helped them appreciate Tongli beyond just its photographs. Another said, “the boat ride was the most relaxing part, and I loved practicing bargaining in the shops—such an authentic experience.” Such comments highlight that this tour offers more than just sightseeing; it’s an opportunity to connect with local traditions.

This Tongli Water Village tour offers a well-rounded experience for those eager to see a different side of China—one filled with historic architecture, tranquil waterways, and local life. The combination of guided walks, a scenic boat ride, and visits to ancient gardens makes it ideal for culture enthusiasts and anyone looking for a peaceful retreat from Shanghai’s urban excitement.

While it involves a bit of travel time and some walking, the opportunity to explore a living water town with centuries-old bridges and gardens makes it worth considering. It’s especially suitable for travelers interested in history, traditional gardens, and authentic village life in China. Given the good value for money, this tour can be a highlight of your Shanghai visit—offering a memorable glimpse into the charm of Jiangsu’s water towns.

Is hotel pickup included? No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point in Shanghai.

How long does the drive to Tongli take? About 1.5 hours each way, making the total trip roughly 3 hours of travel.

What’s included in the tour? The tour includes transportation by air-conditioned minivan, an English-speaking guide, entry to Tuisi Garden, and a boat ride around Tongli.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour? Yes, you’ll have time to browse local shops along Tongli’s old street, where bargaining is encouraged.

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and the walking is manageable for those with moderate physical fitness.

What should I wear? Casual, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking are recommended.

Are meals included? No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase local treats.

Is this tour private or group? It’s a private tour, meaning only your group will participate.

What is the best time to visit? The tour starts in the early afternoon, and visiting in spring or autumn will offer pleasant weather and scenic views.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, cancellation is free if done at least 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind in case your plans change.

In summary, this tour balances culture with scenic beauty and offers excellent value for those wanting an authentic day in one of China’s most picturesque water towns. Whether you’re a history buff, a garden lover, or simply in search of tranquil waterside scenery, Tongli delivers a memorable experience away from Shanghai’s urban pace.