Tongli Water Town

Tongli stands out among water towns for its classical Chinese gardens. The Retreat & Reflection Garden (Tuisi Yuan) is a UNESCO World Heritage site — a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty garden design built by a retired official who wanted to "reflect on his life among nature." The town has 49 stone bridges, each unique, and a more relaxed atmosphere than the busier water towns. It's particularly beautiful in spring when wisteria blooms along the canals.