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1 East Street, Canglang District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
A historical landmark in Suzhou
Panmen Gate is the oldest city gate of Suzhou and the only existing water and land gate in China. The gate is located on the south-west corner of the Main Canal Suzhou. Originally built during the Warring States Period in the state of Wu, historians estimate it to be around 2,500 years old.
It is composed of two water passages, three land passages and the outside gate. The canal outside the gate is the oldest section of the Grand Canal that was also built 2,500 years ago. In its vicinity, there is a 1,000-year-old pagoda named Ruiguang Pagoda, the earliest pagoda in Suzhou; and the Wu Bridge, the entrance to the gate at that time over the water passage and the highest bridge in Suzhou at the time.
• Water gate and land gate show the importance of Panmen Gate in Suzhou water-system. The two water gateDuring the ancient time, the clean water in Grand Canal flew through the water gate, and the generals and soldiers entered in Suzhou by riding horses. This glorious picture can still be imaged from this site. adjoining theland gate are the only water pass linking the inside and outside of the southwestern corner of the city.
• The Gate Town in Panmen Gate Scenic Area was rebuilt in 1986. The traditional Chinese architectural style has a magnificent position in the Ancient battle field. Equipped with all kinds of facilities needed in ancient defensive battles, such as shooting holes, sluice gateways and lookout towers, the city gate seems to have brought the ancient city of Suzhou back to us.
• Wumen Gate Bridge is splendid so that people would like to call it as a rainbow hung in the sky. This site is situated beside the Panmen Gate with fame as the longest stone one-arched bridge in Suzhou. Standing on this bridge, people can savor the beautiful pictures of the Panmen Gate and the Auspicious Light Pagoda. In the river, there is a prosperous sight of boats sailing competitively in the Great Canal.
• Ruiguang Pagoda is a brick-and-wood pavilion-style pagoda standing 53.57 meters tall (with its spire accounting for 9.14 meters). It occupies a significant place in the history of Chinese architecture. Similar in style to the famous Tiger Hill Pagoda (built in 959 AD), it has seven stories and eight sides, with a finely crafted Xumizuo-style base decorated with exquisite blue-stone carvings. The carved rolling cloud motifs symbolize that the entire pagoda rests upon floating clouds, enhancing its elegance and sacred aura.
To the west of Panmen lies Wu Xiang Temple, built in honor of Wu Zixu. While most of the structures are modern reconstructions, a pair of ancient stone flagpole bases in front of the temple remain original Tang dynasty relics. The temple complex consists of halls, pavilions, and gardens, and occasionally hosts Suzhou Pingtan (storytelling and ballad singing) performances in the eastern courtyard.
South of the temple is the Water City Dock, where visitors can take a complimentary rowboat ride. The short journey under the ancient twin water gates offers a unique perspective of the city walls draped in ivy, blending grandeur with Jiangnan charm. After about ten minutes, the boat circles back along the moat, creating a serene and picturesque experience.
Further south stands Wumen Bridge, first constructed in 1084 AD during the Northern Song Dynasty. Originally a group of three bridges, it was rebuilt in the late Qing into the single-arched stone bridge seen today. Rising nearly 10 meters high, it remains one of the tallest single-arch bridges in Suzhou. The vantage point from atop the bridge is ideal for photographing Panmen Gate and its surrounding scenery.
In the northeast of the scenic area, visitors will find Ruiguang Pagoda. Although destroyed during wartime in the late Qing period, the brick structure was later restored. The seven-story pagoda offers panoramic views of the entire Panmen Scenic Area. Its fame also comes from the discovery in 1978 of a precious Jeweled Reliquary for Sarira on the third story, now housed in the Suzhou Museum as one of its greatest treasures.
After exploring the “Three Scenes of Panmen,” visitors may enjoy a leisurely stroll within the park. The flowing canal, arched bridges, rockeries, pavilions, and towers create a classical Jiangnan landscape. Feeding koi fish in the waterways offers a peaceful interlude. For those wishing to continue sightseeing, Canglang Pavilion (northeast) and Master of the Nets Garden (east) are both nearby, along with Shiquan Street, a lively area for local food and traditional handicrafts.
In summer, when daytime sightseeing can be too hot, an evening visit is a wonderful alternative. As night falls, Panmen’s ancient walls, Ruiguang Pagoda, and Wumen Bridge are illuminated, shimmering in the water’s reflections like a living ink painting. The park sometimes features special light installations—fields of glowing roses, pumpkin carriages, and rotating ballet dancers on water—creating a romantic atmosphere.
Cultural performances are also held on select evenings, and during festivals, visitors may take part in floating lantern ceremonies on the water. Locals often come here for evening strolls, while sightseeing boats glide along the river, enhancing the authentic Jiangnan water-town ambiance.
You can take 39, 47, 305, 935, 949 to get off at Panmen North Station.
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