Tongli, established in the Song Dynasty, has a history of over 1,000 years. It is very rich in cultural heritage. Traditional residences including gardens, houses and temples, built in the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty, are the highlight of the city. Jiayin Hall built in 1922 is known for its fine carvings on the structure. Congben Hall built in 1911 is also known for its carvings on the structure. There are more than one hundred of well-preserved woodcarvings of traditional figures from Chinese classics.

 

Bridges are an important part of the city. The most famous bridges among the 49 bridges in Tongli are the three bridges named Taiping (peace), Jili (luck) and Changqing (celebration) bridges. The three bridges have now become the symbol of the city. Whenever there is an important occasion, such as a wedding, people will walk through the three bridges to wish peace, fortune, happiness and health in their lives.

 

There are also many traditional gardens in Tongli. Tuisi Garden is a classic of traditional Chinese gardens, which was constructed between 1885 and 1887 by Ren Langsheng, who was once an imperial scholar. The pavilions, terraces, halls, rockeries, ponds and other elements of the garden were harmoniously integrated together.

 

1.         Tuisi Garden

 

Tuisi Garden was built from 1885 AD to 1887 AD. It is originally owned by Ren Lansheng. The name originates from “Be loyal to the emperor when serving the court and reflect upon oneself when retreating from the post” in Tso Chuan. Its designer Yuan Long took actions that suited the local circumstances of Jiangnan Region and finished the Garden in two years after elaborate design. 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. Tuisi Garden 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 Tuisi Garden.

 

Tuisi Garden, with the characteristics of garden of Qing dynasty, is a classic work of Jiangnan classical garden. Chinese landscaper Chen Congzhou regards Tuisi Garden as “Waterside Garden” inspired by “The wise find pleasure in water; the virtuous find pleasure in hills” of Confucius. The profound cultural connotation of Tuisi Garden, together with the long history of Tongli, makes tourists fall into reverie and enlightenment. In 2001, Tuisi Garden was listed as world’s Cultural Heritage. 

 

2.         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.

 

3.         Jiayin Hall

 

Jiayin Hall, established in 1912, is located in the front part of Youjia Lane in Zhuxing Street; it has four entrances and all the doors, windows and beams are well-carved. Its owner Liu Bingnan, original Beishe people, started oil mill in Luxu at the very beginning, and moved to Tongli to build luxurious residence which cost 20,000 grams silver after becoming rich. Liu Bingnan and the famous patriotic poet Liu Yazi are of the same clan.

 

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 including Meeting in Ancient Town, Three Big Persons (Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei) Fighting against Lv Bu, etc. All the figures in these pictures are vividly portrayed. 

 

4.         Chongben Hall

 

Located on the northern side of Changqing Bridge in Fu Guan Street, Chongben Hall is built by water facing the south; the group of architectures develops in depth revolving around the axle wire, with five entrances including entrance hall, hall, front building, back building and kitchen. The one-mu Chongben Hall, in spite of its small amount of architectures, is laid out compactly and exquisitely. Various sculptures and carvings are the most attractive elements in Chongben Hall.