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China travel and tour destination Tong Li

China Destination Guide - Tong Li 同里

Another of the canal towns which surround Shanghai, Tong Li is a favourite as it retains much of it's original character having not been over restored. Leisurely boat trips on the canals, long walks along the winding cobbled alleys or lazy afternoons sipping tea in the many tea houses are the chief pastimes here in a China a world away from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai.

➤ TCTC Tip: Tong Li makes for an excellent day trip from Shanghai.

What there is to see at Tong Li:

Rather than specific sites a trip to Tongli is all about soaking up the experience of a bygone China. A canal trip is a must as is a visit to a teahouse. Much of the pleasure will also come from just strolling about and peering into the courtyard homes that are little changed since the town's founding in the 9th Century. There are also a few museums that can be visited. If you can, avoid being there at weekends or public holidays as it gets very crowded with day trippers from Shanghai.

Best time to visit Tong Li

April and May as well as September, October and November are the best but December and January are also not bad as is March. Summer months are hot humid and rainy but that doesn't stop the tourists at the weekends.

Best reason to visit Tong Li

Sipping a fine tea in one of the canal side teahouses and watching the world go by.

Our last word on Tong Li

For a change of both scene and pace from Shanghai, Tongli is both accessible and not as large and visited as Suzhou although it does lack Suzhou's famous gardens.