Tongli belongs to Wujiang City, Jiangsu Province. It is located on the bank of Taihu Lake and east of the ancient canal. It is surrounded by water on all sides and surrounded by eight lakes, with beautiful scenery. The town is divided into seven small islands by 15 Sichuan-shaped rivers, and 49 ancient bridges connect the small islands into a whole. The building stands on the water and is known as "a house with a small bridge and flowing water". A trip to Tongli is a spiritual return. The quaint shops, the winding alleys, the houses with white walls and black tiles, the looming ancient bridge, and the green willows blowing in the wind all convey a sense of tranquility and serenity. The most impressive thing is Tongli Water, which is a long stretch of green water with lively and clear water. Basically, "every household near the water can access the boat". There are "there are many water lanes and small bridges, and everyone rests on the river", "Willow River" and "Tongli Water". The bridge connects to the water city, and the river port flows into the lake and fields." The unique landscape.
Because the streets are formed by water, the streets in Tongli are ancient. Most of them are ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, which give the old streets a deep and mysterious color. However, the various fragrant snacks being made and sold on the street can truly tell you that this place is "the most prosperous place in the world." Various small flags with shop names written on them fluttered over the ancient street, and a long ancient wind blew in. Looking from a distance, the four characters "Ming and Qing Heritage" inscribed by Mr. Fei Xiaotong for the ancient street were inlaid in the simple and solemn, On the tall marble gate tower, a sense of vicissitudes of life arises from the bottom of my heart. These old streets may be shaded by green trees, or may be surrounded by houses or lined with shops, but they are all quiet and peaceful. This kind of tranquility is a kind of tranquility far away from the world, an otherworldly tranquility, a kind of tranquility that truly comes from the soul. Although with the development of society, the old streets in Tongli have quietly undergone some changes. Some old-fashioned shops have been equipped with neon lights, and some Shikumen buildings have been replaced with aluminum alloy windows. Some are brightly painted, and some are playing music that young people like, but these changes do not detract from the strong charm that the old street gives to every visitor. The old street is the same street where the warmth and life of life flow. The colorful river, its changes and changes, will bring a new hope to the ancient town.
There are no bridges in a water town, just like there are no books in a bookstore. The rivers in Tongli are connected by bridges one after another, and each bridge has its own charm. The winding rivers are like ribbons wrapped around the ancient town, while the stone bridges with different styles are like beautiful bows on the ribbons, connecting the streets and alleys of the ancient town, linking the ancient and modern times of the town.
In the ancient town, the longest bridge is Siben Bridge. It was built in the Southern Song Dynasty, more than 700 years ago, and it still remains unchanged. It stands next to the clear water of Sichuan. On Bridgeport. The smallest bridge is the Dubu Bridge located on the lotus pond of Huancui Villa. The total length of the bridge is less than 1 meter and the width is 2 meters. When two people meet, they have to pass by sideways. Its small and exquisite size is a unique thing. The most famous bridge in the town is the "Three Bridges" - Taiping Bridge, The three stone bridges, Geely Bridge and Changqing Bridge, are known for their small size, simplicity and elegance. They stand in the center of the ancient town in a tripartite posture, relying on each other. It is said that people in Tongli have the custom of "walking three bridges" during happy events since ancient times. They say that if you walk across the Taiping Bridge, you will be in good health all year round; if you walk on the Geely Bridge, your business will be booming; if you walk on the Changqing Bridge, you will remain youthful forever. Therefore, local people attach great importance to "walking the three bridges". When their children are full moon or they are celebrating a wedding, they must walk on the three bridges for good luck, peace and happiness.
The ancient bridge is a major feature of Tongli. Every guest who comes to visit the ancient town can see here how these ancient bridges with different styles and spreading beautiful stories have withstood the long years. After the ups and downs, she became gentle and affectionate. They are the living history of the ancient town.