Panmen Gate

Suzhou Attractions

	Introduction to Panmen Gate (苏州盘门) Panmen Gate (also known as Pan Gate) is a famous historical landmark in Suzhou, China. It is located in the southwest corner of the Main Canal of 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 now one part of the Panmen Gate Scenic Area, which features three famous landmarks. These are the Ruiguang Pagoda, (the earliest surviving pagoda in Suzhou and built in 247 B.C.), the Wu Gate Bridge (at that time the highest bridge in Suzhou and the entrance to Panmen Gate by water), and Panmen Gate. The gate tower we see today was rebuilt in 1986. It looks magnificent, with flying eaves and up-turning corners. Equipped with all kinds of facilities necessary 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 in front of is. Panmen Gate is a fortress suitable for ancient water-towns like Suzhou in the southern part of China. The two water gates adjoining the land gates are the only water pass linking the inside and outside of the southwestern corner of the city. Built with granite, each of them has enough room for two boats passing side by side. For each gate there is a huge sluice gate to control the water flow. It is easy to imagine the prosperous sights then that the double water and land gates of Panmen Gate shined on the Great Canal, when horses and carriages went through the pass with flags fluttering, and boats paddling through the water gates.

	Location No.1 East Street, Canglang District, Suzhou

	Main Sights Ruigang Pagoda, Wu Gate Bridge, Panmen Gate

	Travel Information Admission Fee: 25 Yuan Opening Hours: 7:30AM - 5:30PM

	Transportation 1. Take buses 7, 39, 47, 305, 935 or 949 getting off at Panmen Gate Scenic Area stop.

	Travel Tips 1. Try to avoid visiting during the summer holidays and Golden Week in October. There are many tour groups and local tourists during national holidays.