Panmen City Gate

Introduction 

Panmen City Gate is located on the southwestern corner of Suzhou Main Canal. It was initially built 2,500 years ago during the Warring States in the reign of Wu. Its construction was based on some historic sites using architectural structures of classical gardens attracting hundreds of tourists both from home and abroad. It is made up of two water passages, three land passages and an outside gate. 

Things to see and do on a visit 

Ruiguang Pagoda

This is a 1,000-year-old pagoda which is the oldest pagoda built in 247 in Suzhou and it is located at the entrance of the scenic area. It stands 53.57 meters high and was built using masonry timber with eight sides and seven floors. A famous king, Sun Quan built the pagoda and he also established the Wu Kingdom in Three Kingdoms Period between 220 and 280 to pay homage to his mother. However, over the years the pagoda was damaged badly during wars leaving only the brick structures. In 1978, a little pagoda with Sheli (Buddhist relics) was discovered on the third floor of Ruiguang Pagoda with some cultural relics such as Miaofalianhua Scripture and bronze Buddhist statues.

Panmen City Gate

The Panmen City Gate is the center of the scenery area and was first built during the Wu Kingdom of Spring and Autumn Period between 770BC and 476BC. As of date it is the only well preserved water and land city gate in the whole of China constituting a land city gate, a water city gate, a city gate tower, a barbican and a city wall measuring 300 meters long and 5 meters wide on both sides. During ancient times the gate was a strategic army position for guarding equipped with shooting holes, sluice gateways and lookout towers. The sluices on the gate can be closed and opened by a stone gate to control water and to resist aggression. The gate’s city tower was destroyed during wars but wad later reconstructed in 1986 to commemorate the 2,500th year anniversary of the establishment of Suzhou. On the first floor of the tower is a great display of ancient weapons.

Wumen Bridge

Built in 1084, Wumen Bridge is the highest ancient bridge in Suzhou now. The bridge measures 11 meters high and 66 meters long. Originally the bridge was made up of three bridges and has been reconstructed many times in history. There are 50 steps on both sides of the bridge and visitors standing on the bridge can see boat sailing on the river, the high pagoda and the beauty of the area in a bird’s eye view.

Traditional activities 

Visitors can also experience traditional Chinese activities like acrobatics, bell tolling, boating and even attend a traditional wedding. 

Other scenic spots

In addition to the three major scenic spots, there are other attractions such as the Hall of Sirui, Wu Zixu's Memorial Temple, Double Pavilion Corridor Bridge and Century Bell of Tang.