[2025 Suzhou Hotels] Travel Guide for Shui'an Hanshe Boutique Hotel (Updated Jul)

On my way back to Suzhou, I stayed at Waterside House for three nights. It's near Shanghai. Outside, I was able to breath in fresh air, which felt great! In the old town, I wandered through long lanes and over stone bridges early in the morning. Leaning against the window, I was able to take in every detail.

The small bridges, flowing water, and traditional houses of Lili, Suzhou, are truly a place to fall in love with at first sight! This time, I brought my wife and child and chose a particularly charming hotel—Suzhou Lili Shui'an Hanshe Boutique Hotel. The moment we stepped in, we were captivated by its elegant and rustic charm—it felt like stepping into a historical drama! 🌟 👶 Little Surprises in the Family Room 🎁 We stayed in a family room, and as soon as we entered, our little one jumped with excitement! The kids' play area was stocked with toys and books, especially the little wooden rocking horse, which became his new favorite. The room blended classical and modern design, with every detail reflecting care for families. Waking up every morning to the view of the Jiangnan water town outside the window, the tranquility and beauty even made me, an adult, feel completely enchanted. 🌅 🎈 Floating River Lanterns, Lighting Up Hopes 💡 The hotel also organized many fun activities, but the most memorable for me was floating river lanterns. In the evening, the three of us strolled along the riverbank, chatting while our little one held a lantern, his eyes filled with curiosity about the unknown. As the lantern drifted slowly into the distance, he suddenly turned to me and said, "Daddy, I made a wish—I hope we’ll always be this happy." At that moment, my heart warmed, and the whole world seemed to fall silent. ✨ 🍜 Authentic Lili Farmhouse Cuisine 🍲 When it comes to food, the aunties at the hotel made amazing farm-style dishes! Breakfast was delivered to our room every morning—freshly baked pastries, steaming hot porridge, and various side dishes, each bite full of homely flavors. Our little one especially loved the glutinous rice-stuffed lotus root—soft, sweet, and never enough for him. Lunch and dinner were equally delightful, with every dish leaving a lasting impression. The steamed white fish, in particular, was tender and delicious—even someone like me, who doesn’t usually eat much fish, fell in love with it. 🐟 🎨 Su Embroidery Class, Preserving Jiangnan Culture ✍️ To make our trip more meaningful, the hotel also arranged a Su embroidery class. Though our little one was a bit restless, with his mom’s encouragement, he earnestly tried his hand at embroidery. Watching him carefully thread the needle through the fabric, I suddenly realized that such family moments are the most precious treasures of travel. 👩‍👧‍👦 This trip to Lili, Suzhou, became even more unforgettable thanks to Shui'an Hanshe Boutique Hotel. It’s not just a place to rest but also a haven where the soul can be nourished. If you’re looking for a heartwarming family getaway, this hotel is definitely worth a try! 💖

🌿 Lili Ancient Town Travel Guide — A low-key hidden water town in Jiangnan ✨✨✨【Lili at a Glance】 📍📍📍Location: Wujiang District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, 1.5 hours from Shanghai, 40 minutes from Suzhou by car 🎫🎫🎫Tickets: Free (some attractions charge, combined ticket ¥60) ✨✨✨Features: Few crowds, peaceful, original ecology, distinctive covered corridors ⏰⏰⏰Recommended duration: 1 day (ideal for slow travel and photography) 🚗【Transportation Guide】 🚗🚗🚗Self-driving ✨✨✨From Shanghai/Suzhou: Navigate to "Lili Ancient Town," parking fee ¥10/day 🚌🚌🚌Public transport 🍀🍀🍀From Suzhou: Metro Line 4 → Tongli Station → transfer to Wujiang Lili special bus line 🍀🍀🍀From Shanghai: High-speed train to Suzhou Station → transfer by bus/taxi (about ¥100) 🏮【Top 5 Must-See Attractions】 1⃣️Liu Yazi Memorial Hall Former residence of a modern poet, experience the spirit of Republican-era literati 2⃣️Photo Studio under the Covered Corridors A kilometer-long riverside corridor street, very atmospheric for rainy day strolls 3⃣️Duanben Garden A small and exquisite Suzhou garden, less crowded and perfect for photos 4⃣️China Tinware Museum Free! Showcasing traditional Jiangnan tinware craftsmanship 5⃣️Lili Ancient Bridges More than ten Ming and Qing dynasty bridges including Qinglong Bridge and Tiyun Bridge 🍜🍜🍜【Must-Try Foods】 🍀🍀🍀You Dun Zi (Lili specialty, crispy outside and tender inside) 🍀🍀🍀Spicy Chicken Feet (sweet and spicy flavor, recommended at "Old Street You Dun Zi" shop) 🍀🍀🍀Sausage (traditional craftsmanship, rich but not greasy) 🍀🍀🍀Malt Pancake (spring seasonal, chewy texture) 🏠🏠🏠【Accommodation Recommendations】 🍀🍀🍀Shui'an Hanshe (¥400+, boutique homestay renovated from an old house) 🍀🍀🍀Lili Yue Jiangnan Hotel (¥300+, riverside view rooms) 🍀🍀🍀Day trips: You can stay in Tongli or Suzhou, 30 minutes by car 📸【Photography Tips】 ⏰⏰⏰Best times: Early morning 7-8 AM / late afternoon 4-6 PM 🍀🍀🍀Photo spots: 🎈🎈🎈Reflections in the covered corridors (even more beautiful after rain) 🎈🎈🎈Ancient bridges and black-awning boats 🎈🎈🎈Weathered white walls and dark tiles ⚠️【Practical Tips】 ✨✨✨Compared to Zhouzhuang/Tongli, this place is less commercialized, better for visitors who prefer tranquility ✨✨✨The ancient town is small and can be explored in 2-3 hours; it’s recommended to combine with nearby attractions (such as Luxu Ancient Town) ✨✨✨Traditional opera performances occasionally on weekends, check the scenic area announcements 🎈🎈🎈 Summary: Lili is like a Jiangnan secret forgotten by time, without crowds of tourists, only authentic water town life. Come here and be a true "ancient town resident" for a day!

Besties! I've discovered a "hidden Jiangnan gem" tucked away in Suzhou—Lili Ancient Town! ✨ Without the crowds of Zhouzhuang or the commercialization of Xitang, this place only has gentle flowing waters, weathered brick walls, and sweet treats that warm your heart. I've just finished this super detailed guide—follow it to unlock the most authentic slow life of Jiangnan, save it now 👇 🌉【Must-Visit Spots with Local Flavor】 1. Lili Old Street (Where Time Slows Down) The moment I entered the ancient town, I felt healed! 🌿 Bluestone paths, white walls with dark gray tiles, red lanterns hanging under corridors... I recommend starting from the "Ancient Town Archway" and strolling along the Market River, watching the sculling boats glide across the water, listening to locals chatting by the shore. Don't miss the "Liu Yazi Memorial Hall"—an old house with blue bricks and wooden windows hiding a scholar's story. The pomegranate tree in the courtyard is breathtaking when in bloom! 📖 2. Duanben Garden (Poetic Garden Hidden in Deep Alleys) Known as "Lili's Little Forbidden City"! 🏯 Though small, this Qing Dynasty garden is full of clever designs: rockeries, winding paths, flower windows with scenic views... Purple wisteria hangs from the trellises in spring, and lotus flowers cover the ponds in summer. Find any corner to sit, and you'll feel like "a person wandering in a painting." Remember to wear light-colored Hanfu for the perfect atmosphere! 📸 3. Lili Ancient Bridge Cluster (Romantic Views at Every Step) The town hides 12 ancient bridges! 🌉 I recommend visiting "Tiyun Bridge" at dusk to see the sunset, with the bridge arch reflecting golden twilight like a Chinese ink painting. "Qinglong Bridge" is the locals' favorite landmark, with grandmas selling water chestnut cakes and umbrella repairmen nearby, full of everyday life vibes. 4. Liuyue Museum (A Time Machine Among Old Objects) A must-visit for culture lovers! 🎭 This museum houses over 40,000 folk artifacts: Ming and Qing furniture, opera costumes, everyday items... The "Thousand Buddha Wall" in the exhibition hall is stunning (though not religious, the woodcarving craftsmanship is amazing!). There's also an interactive area where you can use old abacuses and sit in traditional bridal sedans—instantly travel back to ancient times! 🍡【Local Food Map from Insiders】 ✔️ Lili Spicy Duck Feet (The Soul of the Town!) You must try this! 🌶️ Duck feet soaked in secret marinade, spicy and sweet, perfectly chewy—ideal for snacking while exploring. I recommend "Wang's Spicy Feet," made fresh daily and vacuum-packed so you can take some home. ✔️ You Dun (Chewy Treat Heaven!) A treasure snack that's crispy outside and chewy inside! 🥠 Golden-fried glutinous rice skin with either red bean paste or savory meat filling that bursts with juice when you bite in. Have one for breakfast with a bowl of small wontons for maximum happiness! ✔️ Tiger Bean Cake (Childhood Nostalgia!) Cake made from black beans and brown sugar. 🍮 It has a sandy texture with caramel flavor. Grandmas sell them freshly steamed in front of old houses—so fragrant when eaten hot! ✔️ Qing Tuan (The Taste of Spring!) Must-eat before and after Qingming Festival! 🌿 Glutinous rice skin mixed with mugwort juice, wrapped around red bean paste or egg yolk with pork floss. Lili's qing tuan are small and exquisite, with a mouthful of freshness. I recommend buying them at "Old Street Tea House." 🏡【Accommodation Recommendations】 ✅ Guesthouses Inside the Ancient Town (Immersive Jiangnan Experience) I recommend "Lili House" or "Waterside Cold Cottage"—open your window to see the Market River, wooden carved beds, blue calico curtains, and fall asleep to the sound of flowing water. 🌙 In the morning, ask the owner to prepare local breakfast to enjoy slowly in the courtyard. ✅ Hotels Around the Ancient Town (High Value Option) For more comfort, choose "Vienna International Hotel," a 10-minute drive from the ancient town, with parking and buffet breakfast—perfect for those driving. 🚗 📌【Useful Tips】 1. Transportation: If driving, navigate to "Lili Ancient Town Visitor Center," parking fee is 10 yuan/day; take the high-speed train to Suzhou Station, then bus 792 directly to the town. 2. Outfits: Light-colored Hanfu/qipao recommended; several Hanfu rental shops in town (about 80 yuan/day). 3. Avoid traps: Skip the "viral milk tea" at the scenic area entrance—focus on local snacks instead. 4. Best seasons: March-May (wisteria blooming), September-November (osmanthus fragrance filling the streets). ✨ Lili Ancient Town is like an undisturbed ink painting, preserving the most authentic Jiangnan atmosphere. 🌿 Slow down here—drink tea, eat cakes, explore old alleys—even time becomes gentle. Besties, bring your girlfriends/family to steal some leisure time here! If you have any questions, just call me in the comments! 😉