The impression I have while walking along the river is that of a relatively traditional village not yet spoiled from mass tourism, but it seems to be just a matter of time.

At present, there are just a handful of commercial and tourist activities in the village, and the cultural sites of historic interest can be visited in peace without the need to buy a ticket.
We were informed that there are future plans for tourism and commercial development: thanks to its location nearby Suzhou. Lili is in fact the perfect getaway for a picturesque weekend out of town, and this seems to be the direction that local governments wants to push. One wonders if they will make a considerable effort to keep this little place neat and preserved.
During the weekdays though, the picturesque views seem to only be enjoyed at by it’s elderly inhabitants so far.

The traditional houses that extend along the main canal, many of which are more than 100 years old according to the owners, are elegant and well maintained.
Some of the urban details are really taken care of, lacking that decadent feeling so peculiar of other water cities in the area.

It is also possible to cross the village through one of its cold, narrow alleys to discover less ancient buildings, less polished and maintained, stretching to the back of the village … where cleaning and finishing work has not yet begun!

Here a few snaps of the tranquil views I enjoyed in Lili Water Town.