With a network of lakes and waterways, Tongli has not suffered from war since it was inaccessible in the old times. Therefore more ancient buildings are preserved, among which we can still enjoy the following scenic spots “ the Moon Viewing at the East Stream”, “the Misty South Market at Dawn”, “the Night Crossing at the West ferry”, “the Spring Sight in the North Hill”, “the Fishermen's Flute in the Water Village” and “the Misty Bamboo of the Chan Hill”. The traditional houses densely settle on the sides of the fine banks piled by Jinshan Stone, and winding alleys and streets paved with pebble stones still keep the ancient appearance. There are 24 bridges at the intersection of waterways. The Siben Bridge built in the Southern Song dynasty is simple and archaic. The Fu'guan Bridge built in the Yuan dynasty is grandiose.

Tongli is rich in culture. In the long run of its history, it was once famed for its achievements in the imperial examinations and has produced famous cofucianists and notables. About 40 stone tablets of different periods have been well preserved and a quite number of its streets and alleys are named after the official titles such as Zhuang-yuan Street , Tongzhi Street , etc.

In the township of Tongli , the Ming an Qing buildings occupy four tenths of the total, among which there are grand as-many-as-nine-row houses, small exquisite courtyards and gardens. The gateway with the brick carving of Zhu Family and the wood carving of the Chong Ben Hall &Jia Yin Hall are extremely exquisite. The Yan-yi Building in the court of the Geng-le Hall is wrought so elegantly that it is like swallow flapping its wings. Huan Xiu Ge has two stories. If you remove the first floor board, fishes can be seen swimming in the clear pond beneath, full of vitality.