TONGLI
2008-9-12
Three Bridges- Three bridges indicate Taiping Bridge, Jili Bridge and Changqing Bridge which are arranged in a triangle at the convergences of three rivers, forming ring roads in the town. Tongli people like walking across the three bridges. If someone celebrates marriage, the celebration group will walk across the three bridges full of joy accompanied by hilarious drum music and fireworks, praying aloud,"peace, auspiciousness and everlasting happiness!"and residents along the street will come out to view the occasion, extending their congratulations; If old people celebrate their 66-year-old birthday, they will certainly walk across the three bridges after lunch for auspiciousness. It is unknown to all when the custom of "walking across three bridges" started, but for Tongli people, three bridges symbolize auspiciousness and happiness.
Jiayin Hall- Jiayin Hall,established in 1912.all the doors, windows and beams are well-carved.The main architecture of Jiayin Hall, commonly referred to as "Gauze Cap Hall", imitates the architectural style of Ming dynasty. It got such a name because the front beam is like the cap wing in Ming dynasty. The high and spacious court is solemn and grand. The symmetric two sides of five beams are carved with Eight Horses, and the two ends of beams are carved with Phoenix and Peony. Such patterns as Satisfaction and Destined to be Selected are carved at the back of beams. What's more rare is that the gauze cap wings (i.e. the front beam) are carved with eight pictures in Romance of Three Kingdoms.All the figures in these pictures are vividly portrayed.
Tuisi Garden- Tuisi Garden is the most famous site in the town. It was built from 1885 AD to 1887 AD. The 9.8-mu Garden, simple and unsophisticated, quiet and elegant, is an area with typical architectural style of Jiangnan Garden in late Qing dynasty.
It boasts unique layout with a complete collection of pavilion, terrace, tower, porch, bridge, hall and house centered by pond as if these architectures are floating on it. The compact and natural layout, plants and sceneries of four seasons contribute to a clear, secluded and bright garden. With the characteristics of garden of Qing dynasty, it is a masterpiece of Jiangnan classical garden. The profound cultural connotation, together with the long history of Tongli, makes tourists fall into reverie and enlightenment. In 2001, it was listed as world's Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Tongli, which belongs to Wujiang in Jiangsu Province, is located along the bank of Tai Lake and to the east of ancient canal with eight lakes surrounded. It is 80 kilometers away from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport in the east and 18 kilometers away from Suzhou in the north.
Other sights; Chongben Hall; Pearl Tower; Luoxing Islet; South Garden Tea House; Pine & Rock Enlightenment Garden; Cultural Artifacts Exhibition Hall.
NOTICE
CHARGE: Adult ticket 130yuan
PROVIDE:return coach fare and admission;lunch excluded.
TRAVELERS DISCOUNT:
The admission for adult is 80 yuan
Kids below 110cm and elder over 70 years old are free ;
Kids 110-130cm are 50% off.
You can pay 70yuan for a seat in the coach for the above people.
But the admission is excluded,you may buy it at the entrance.
OTHERS:
Tourist accident insurance is.highly recommended to travelers.2 yuan for each for one day tour
Do remember take your passport on yourself for discount
This route will be changed to ground road if the expressway is blocked due to the bad weather.
