How to Get to Tongli Water Town from Shanghai?

Q: Where should I set my drop-off location in Tongli if I take a Didi?

Its best to set your drop-off point as Tongli Water Town North Gate, since its closest to the main scenic area. Other gates are farther away and may require extra walking.

Q: Is Tongli worth a day trip from Shanghai?

Yes, its one of the most popular day trips from Shanghai, especially if you want to experience a classic Jiangnan water town with canals and old architecture.

Shanghai to Tongli (Water Town): Car or Bullet Train?

Expert Reviewed

Written by Felicia|Updated: 2026-05-06|Reading Time: 6 min

Planning a day trip to Tongli Water Town from Shanghai? If you check it on Google Maps, you'll usually find a few driving routes, all taking around 1.5 hours.

For most travelers, taking a car is the easiest and most convenient option, as it's a direct journey with no transfers. That said, high speed train is also available and more budget-friendly, though it usually involves a few transfers.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the best ways to get to Tongli Water Town from Shanghai—including private car options with flexible pickup and drop-off locations, as well as step-by-step tips for bullet train transportation.

4 Key Takeaways of Tongli Water Town

Tongli is about 100 km from Shanghai, with a travel time of around 1.5 hours by car.
Tongli Water Town (¥ 100,~$15) is best known for its combination of canals, stone bridges, and classical Chinese gardens.
Tongli is about 20 km from Suzhou South Railway Station, making it easy to combine a high-speed train + taxi ride.
You can also reach Tongli from Suzhou city center by metro (Line 4) to Tongli Station, but the station is still about 3 km from the South Entrance of the scenic area.

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Shanghai to Tongli Water Town Distance and Option Overview
Shanghai to Tongli by Car
Shanghai to Tongli by High Speed Train
Shanghai to Tongli: Day Trip or Overnight Trip
Explore Shanghai & Surroundings with Local-Based Asia Odyssey Travel

Shanghai to Tongli Water Town Distance and Option Overview

Take boat rides along the canals of Tongli Water Town

Tongli Water Town is located about 100 km from Shanghai, with a travel time of around 1.5 hours by car.

In general, there are two main ways to get to Tongli from Shanghai:

By car (most convenient) – direct, flexible, and ideal for day trips
By high-speed train + taxi – a mix of efficiency and budget-friendly travel

Below, we'll break down each option in detail to help you choose the best way for your trip.

Shanghai to Tongli by Car

Taking a car from Shanghai to Tongli Water Town is the easiest and most flexible option, especially if you want a direct ride without transfers. It's ideal for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

Shanghai Nanjing Road to Tongli Water Town Car Route on Google

Departure Point	Distance	Travel Time (by Car)
The Bund	~100 km	~1.5 hours
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station	~80 km	~1–1.5 hours
Shanghai Pudong Airport	~130 km	~1.5–2 hours
Shanghai Disneyland	~120 km	~1.5–2 hours
Wukang Road	~100 km	~1.5 hours

Tongli Drop-off Location Tips

Tongli has several entrances, including the North Gate, South Gate, and West Gate.
Tongli North Gate is closest to the main scenic area, setting it as your drop-off location.

Car Options

Your choice of car largely depends on how much luggage you have and where your trip continues after Tongli.

Private Taxi / Ride-Hailing (Didi / local taxi):

This is simple and convenient for solo travelers or couples who are returning to Shanghai after their Tongli visit. It's better to use Didi rather than a regular taxi, because Didi follows the route you select and shows the fare upfront, giving you more control.

Tongli Water Town, "Venice of the East"

Private Transfer / Chauffeur Service:

If you're staying overnight in Tongli or planning to continue your trip to another city like Suzhou or Hangzhou after Tongli, a private transfer is ideal. This option is perfect for groups or families, often comes with flexible pickup times, and sometimes allows for optional scenic stops along the way.

Practical Tips

Make sure your driver knows to drop you at the North Gate, as GPS sometimes defaults to the South Gate.
If you're visiting on a weekend, allow extra 15–30 minutes for traffic.
For budget-conscious travelers, splitting the fare in a group ride can save cost.
Consider combining your trip with nearby Suzhou attractions for a longer day trip.

Shanghai to Tongli by High Speed Train

Yes, you can even take a high speed train to Tongli Water Town, not right at the scenic area, just close to it, 20 km away. Suzhounan (Suzhou South) is the nearest railway station. You can take a train from Shanghai Hongqiao or Shanghai nan (South) railyway station.

Shanghai to Suzhounan High Speed Train Facts from 12306

This screenshot from 12306—China's official train ticket booking website—displays basic information and pricing for train tickets from Shanghai to Suzhou South. You can see that there are 61 depatures everyday.

Here is the ticket price about high speed train to Tongli

Seat Type	Price (CNY)	Approx. Price (USD)	Notes
Second Class (3+2)	¥26–36	~$4–5	Affordable, basic seating
First Class (2+2)	¥42–58	~$6–8	More comfortable, wider seats
Business Class (1+1)	¥92–126	~$13–18	Luxury option, very comfy

Train Time: 26-36 minutes
Train Frequency: Trains run from 6 AM to 9 PM, more than 50 trains a day, roughly one every 20 minutes. Tickets are easy to get.

Glimpse the daily life of the locals when touring Tongli

After arriving at Suzhou South, you still have about 20 km to Tongli Water Town. A taxi ride takes around 40 minutes, so the total trip from Shanghai is roughly 1.5 hours, similar to driving—but cheaper and less stressful if you want to skip the long-distance drive.

1 Day Suzhou Garden & Tongli Water Town Tour from Shanghai

Shanghai - Suzhou - Tongli Water Town - Shanghai

Day Trip

1 Day

4 Places View Detail

Shanghai to Tongli: Day Trip or Overnight Trip

Day Trip (Most Popular Option)

If you're short on time, a day trip from Shanghai is totally doable. The journey takes about 1.5 hours each way, so you can leave in the morning, explore Tongli, and head back in the evening.

Classical Chinese garden in Tongli, Suzhou

This works best if you:

Just want to see the canals, bridges, and old-town vibe
Prefer a fast-paced itinerary
Are based in Shanghai and don't want to change hotels

Must-Do Highlights for a Day Trip

Try to cover Tongli's key cultural highlights, including Tuisi Garden, Pearl Tower, Gengle Hall, Jiayin Hall, and Chongben Hall.
Don't miss the Three Bridges (Sanqiao) area, which is the most iconic part of the town.
Take a canal boat ride, listen to Pingshu (traditional storytelling), or try a qipao photoshoot for a classic Jiangnan vibe.

Overnight Trip (Better Experience)

If you have more time, staying one night in Tongli is a much better experience. Why? Because the town feels completely different after dark. Once most day-trippers leave, Tongli becomes quiet, atmospheric, and way more charming.

Picturesque waterways and charming scenery of Tongli

This is a great option if you:

Want to enjoy a slower, more relaxed pace
Love night views and peaceful walks
Plan to continue your trip to nearby cities like Suzhou or Hangzhou

Tips for an Overnight Stay

You can enter the town for free after around 5:00 PM, which is perfect if you arrive in the evening.
However, most cultural attractions are closed at night, so plan to visit them the next day.
Staying inside the water town gives you a completely different experience from big cities; you'll also get to enjoy early morning and evening moments.

5 Days Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tour: Experience Heavenly Charm by Bullet Train

Shanghai - Hangzhou - Suzhou - Shanghai

Top Jiangnan Trip

5 Days

4 Places View Detail

Explore Shanghai & Surroundings with Local-Based Asia Odyssey Travel

At Asia Odyssey Travel, we have a local office in Shanghai and over 10 years of experience in organizing tours across the region. We've worked with travelers from all over the world, so we understand what international visitors need.

What really sets us apart is our local insight. We stay up to date with Shanghai's latest travel trends, popular attractions, and hidden gems, so you're not just following a standard itinerary—you're experiencing the city in a smarter, more enjoyable way.

Whether you're planning a Shanghai city tour, a day trip to nearby destinations, or a longer journey across East China, we can help you with:

Hassle-free transportation (private car, high-speed train planning and ticket)
Flexible, customized itineraries
Local English-speaking guides who understand both culture and traveler expectations

If you want a trip that's easy, well-organized, and truly local, Asia Odyssey Travel is here to help.

Tuisi Garden, Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site

Frequently Asked Questions

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How far is Tongli Water Town from Shanghai? +

Tongli is about 100 km from Shanghai, and it usually takes around 1.5 hours by car, depending on traffic.

What is the best way to get from Shanghai to Tongli? +

For most travelers, taking a car (taxi or ride-hailing) is the easiest and most convenient option since it's a direct trip with no transfers.

Where should I set my drop-off location in Tongli if I take a Didi? +

It's best to set your drop-off point as Tongli Water Town North Gate, since it's closest to the main scenic area. Other gates are farther away and may require extra walking.

Can I take a high-speed train directly to Tongli Water Town? +

Not exactly. You can take a train to Suzhou South Railway Station, which is about 20 km away, and then take a taxi (around 40 minutes) to Tongli.

Is Tongli worth a day trip from Shanghai? +

Yes, it's one of the most popular day trips from Shanghai, especially if you want to experience a classic Jiangnan water town with canals and old architecture.

Should I stay overnight in Tongli? +

If you have time, staying overnight is definitely worth it. The town becomes much quieter and more atmospheric at night, and you can also enjoy the early morning views without crowds.