Tongli is located on the eastern bank of the Taihu Lake, 18 km from urban Suzhou. Originally named Fushi, the town has a history of more than 1,000 years. 

There are total 49 stone bridges in various styles link the different sections of Tongli on 7 islands created by 15 rivers and 5 lakes. Each bridge has a name, which usually reflects the poetic nature of the peaceful local life. Taiping (Peace) Bridge, Jili (Good Luck) Bridge and Changqing (Lasting Celebration) Bridge are the most representative among the Tongli bridges. The three bridges serve the local people as auspicious symbols and they always walk over them during weddings or birthday parties. The oldest bridge in Tongli is the Siben Bridge, which was built in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), while the smallest bridge is Dubu (Single Step), which is only one and a half meters in length and less than one meter in width.

Tongli deserves its reputation of 'museum of ancient architectures,' as there are many well-preserved ancient houses and temples from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Built along the riversides and decorated with flying eaves, carved windows, porcelain and clay figures and carved bricks, these complexes display the past glory of Tongli.