The well-preserved Gengle Residence (Gengle Tang) allows visitors to explore a home of classic Ming and Qing dynasty design. Ming Dynasty official Zhuxiang, also called Gengle, built this placid retreat built ater a successful career in government. So pleasant was his home that he seldom left it, earning a reputation as a hermit, albeit a hermit with a 54-room mansion to hole up in. Today, the house retains three courtyards and 41 rooms out of the original layout. The front living quarters lead to a small garden area with a lotus pool. An adjacent zigzag bridge connects to a pavilion. The Sweet Osmanthus Hall is home to two ancient sweet osmanthus trees that waft their fragrance through residence to this day.

Shangyuan Jie, Tongli, Wujiang Tongli lies 18 km outside of Suzhou. Buses run directly from the south or north bus station in Suzhou. From Wujiang, take bus No 5 or take a taxi.