Tongli Wetland Lotus Viewing Guide

【Summer Cooling Plan: Tongli Wetland Boat Tour to Enjoy Lotus, Parent-Child Water Play Guide】

In summer, Tongli National Wetland Park hides the most pleasant cool secret in the Yangtze River Delta. From June to August, lotus flowers bloom, and the wetland with its crisscrossing waterways is 5°C cooler than the urban area. Taking a boat through the lotus, playing in the water with children, becomes an excellent choice for cooling off and family outings. As a travel blogger specializing in family trips, this cool guide helps you unlock the proper way to enjoy the wetland in summer.

1. Core Cool Experience: Boat Tour in the Lotus Sea + Water Fun for Kids

1. Lotus Secret Boat Tour

- Best Viewing Period: Mid to late July through early August, when thousands of acres of lotus ponds are in full bloom. Pink and white lotus flowers and green lotus leaves cover the wetland waterways, with dawn redwood forests reflecting on the water, creating the feeling of "a boat traveling in a painting."
- Boat Types: Electric boats (40 RMB/person) are suitable for the whole family to leisurely enjoy the scenery, passing spots like "Lotus Breeze Bridge" and "Bird Watching Platform," with the boatman explaining lotus varieties; bamboo raft drifting (50 RMB/person) is more immersive, allowing you to touch lotus leaves, recommended between 9-11 AM when the light is soft and perfect for photos.
- Photo Tips: Wear light-colored clothes and stand at the bow of the boat with "lotus flowers + dawn redwoods" as the background, using lotus leaves as a blurred foreground to easily capture fresh and beautiful shots.

2. Parent-Child Water Play Park

- Shallow Fish Catching Area: Next to Ginkgo Wharf, the ecological shallow water is only 30 cm deep, with free fish nets provided (50 RMB deposit). Children can catch small fish and observe snails while parents rest under umbrellas.
- Water Gun Battle Camp: At the lawn area at the end of the bamboo forest boardwalk, there is a water play camp. Bring your own water gun or buy one on-site (20 RMB each). There is a parent-child water fight activity daily at 3 PM. Remember to bring a change of clothes.

2. Transportation and Tickets: Worry-Free Cooling Plan

- Self-Driving: Within 1.5 hours from Suzhou/Shanghai, navigate to "Tongli Wetland North Gate." The parking lot has plenty of shaded spots, 10 RMB/day.
- Public Transport: Take Metro Line 4 to Tongli Station, transfer to Bus 725 to Wetland Station, then a 5-minute walk; free shuttle buses run from the Ancient Town Tourist Center every hour.
- Tickets: Free admission to the park; boat rides and water play activities are charged separately. Book the "Boat + Water Gun Package" on Trip.com to get 15 RMB off, including boat ticket, water gun, and a small towel.

3. Food and Accommodation Recommendations: Cool Delicacies and Comfortable Stays

- Summer Limited Delicacies:
- Wetland Café: Lotus Leaf Iced Latte and Lotus Flower Jelly with a refreshing taste, paired with freshly baked small dried fish (25 RMB/serving).
- Ancient Town Must-Eats: Lotus Leaf Wrapped Rice from Jiutanzi Rice Bucket (18 RMB/serving), chilled mung bean soup (8 RMB), 10 minutes by car from the wetland.
- Family-Friendly Accommodation:
- Huazhu Lotus Breeze Inn: 10-minute walk to the wetland, family rooms with small balconies, providing children's slippers and mosquito repellents, Trip.com booking includes breakfast at 450 RMB/night.
- Yinlu Courtyard: Ancient town water view rooms with night star viewing, free lotus flower tea experience included, suitable for slow-paced families, about 800 RMB/night.

4. Tips and Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Heat Protection Gear: Bring sun hats and children's sunscreen. Although there is plenty of shade in the wetland, sunscreen is still needed at noon; bring mosquito repellent patches as mosquitoes are more active at dusk.
2. Off-Peak Tips: Weekends from 10 AM to 3 PM are crowded. It is recommended to visit on weekdays or enter before 9 AM to avoid the intense sun and crowds.
3. Souvenirs: At the exit, "Lotus Charm Shop" sells lotus leaf tea and lotus flower pastries. Spend over 50 RMB to receive a free children's lotus flower sticker.

This summer, bring your kids to Tongli Wetland, escape the heat amid the fragrance of lotus and the sound of water, and fill your holiday with coolness and laughter! Click to save, book accommodation on Trip.com and get a free children's fish-catching net, cool benefits await you~