Tongli is known as a museum of architecture of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). Among the stunning structures there are the Fuji Hall, the Chongben Hall, the Old Residence of Ji Cheng, the Old Residence of Fei Gong and the Old Residence of Chen Qubing, all well preserved ancient houses. The Tuisi Garden epitomizes garden architecture in southeast China. The “sky bridge” – a bridge that spans a corridor – and the stone boat are the garden’s main attractions. Sitting in the stone boat, visitors can enjoy the green hills and crystal-clear water. On Luoxingzhou, an islet in the lake completely surrounded by water, there stands a tall pavilion from which you can look out over a vast expanse of water and mist. The Guandi Temple, the Hall of Guanyin and the Wenchang Pavilion represent the coexistence of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism in the garden. Walking along Ming and Qing Street and then across the Three Bridges, you can wish for peace, luck and happiness, and it is believed your wishes will come true. In the Old Residence of Chen Wangdao, visitors listen to the music of local stringed instruments accompanying ancient love stories.
Table of Contents
A Water Town on the Land of Plenty by the Yangtze Land of Rice and Fish Picturesque Water View Dotted with Houses and Bridges The Many Delights of Tuisi Garden Memorial Archway of the Chen Family and the Pear／Pagoda Ancient Housing Compounds Carved Designs in Chongben Hall The Best Teahouse in Southeast China Former Residence Of Chen Qubing Folk Residences Unique Bridges and Local Customs Listening to the Rain on Luoxingzhou Scenic Spots Accommodation LocaI Delicacies How to Get to Tongli Ticket Prices
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The story goes back many years.The city of Fuyang inZhejiang Province SOffered from a succession of famines，and many people 1eft their birthplaces and came to Tonglito reclaim wasteland for crop growing.Thanks to theirpainstaking labor and the good climate，the migrants be-gan to lead a good life.Hence the name Futu. After Emperor Yandi（r.6 05-61 8）of the Sui Dynastytook the throne，he began to live extravagantly and ig-nored state affairs，thus soon depleting the treasury.One year，the country was hit with a severe drought in the north and floods in the south，and many famine-struck regions could not deliver the grain that they used to paytheir taxes.The emperor issued an edict ordering the people of Futu each to pay 3 0 additional liters of grain within ten days，and that those who failed to pay would be severely punished.After hearing this，the people of Futu became very worried.They asked a local scholar surnamed Jin for advice，and he came up with a plan.When the deadline passed and some people had not paid their grain，an imperial envoy came to the town to urge them to comply.The scholar Jin，together with the local people，kneeled along the shore to greet him.
![Around Town Tour and Guide Shanghai (China) [paperback]](/bmz_cache/4/4f25fd278d6ec84cf32a47fcb855bbe4.image.104x160.jpg "Around Town Tour and Guide Shanghai (China) [paperback]")
