Panmen Gate
» Suzhou, Jiang Su

盘门 飞檐翘角,巍然耸立

Panmen Gate is one of Eight Gates of Suzhou ancient town and was built in 514 BC. Known as the "Land and Water Gate," the Gate stands the southwestern corner of the ancient city of Suzhou. The constructions of the Panmen Gate tell us that more than one thousand years ago the defense constructions of China had already reached a high level. With the unique architecture, Panmen Gate has become a famous historical landmark in Suzhou.

A look at the Gate

Panmen Gate is part of the ancient city wall built in 514 B.C. that surrounded and protected Suzhou. It was the only entrance to the wall that surrounded ancient Suzhou. Famous for its complex of land and water city gates, people directly refer to it as the "Land and Water Gate."

The name "Panmen"

At the beginning, it was given the name "Coiled Dragon Gate" because a coiled dragon made of wood was put over the city gate to terrorize Yue State. Later it was renamed "Panmen (winding) Gate" because rivers are crisscross.

"Land and Water Gate"

The existing city gate was built in Yuan Dynasy and the gate tower was rebuilt in the early summer of 1986. Land Gate is composed of the outside gate and the inside gate, between which there is an "urn city" where the hidden soldiers laid siege to the enemy.

Water Gate is closely connected with Land Gate and is also composed of the outside gate and the inside gate, between which there is an underground passage which linked the gate tower. In order to set up defenses and defend the city there is a huge floodgate in Water and Land Gate which was lifted and closed by a windlass. Visitors can see the layout and the overall picture of land gate and water gate.

"The key to Wu kingdom"

There is an inscription on top of tablet over the gate which says: "the key to Wu kingdom" and a pair of antithetical couplet on both sides of the gate: "In Wu State Ancient cities and plains were great, in ancient times disputes and wars are numerous." The gate was position at a very strategically important position for the city.

The best protected ancient relic

The constructions of the Panmen Gate tell people that the defense constructions of China had already reached a high level more than one thousand years ago. In the following dynasties, it was destroyed and rebuilt. The structure was continuous protected and repaired during Ming and Qing Dynasties so that it is the best protected ancient relic in Suzhou.

The Wumen Gate Bridge

The Wumen Gate Bridge is near Panmen Gate and stretched over ancient cannel. First built in Song Dynasty and rebuilt in Qing Dynasty, this bridge has a history as long as more than 130 years.

The highest stone bridge

It is the highest single span stone bridge in existence in the Suzhou urban area. The total length of the bridge is 66.3 meters, the span of arch is 16 meters long, bridge arch is 9.85 meters high and the shape is like a full moon.

Enjoy a panoramic view

Every Bridge step on northern and southern slopes is paved by a single flagstone. Bridge rails are carved stones. Ascending the stairs, visitors can see waterways are like a labyrinth, bridges are vertical-horizontal, boats and ships come and go, city wall is continuous, and ancient towers stand towering. Having a panoramic view of faraway mountains and nearby water and style and features of ancient city makes people completely relaxed and happy.

The Auspicious Light Pagoda

On the bridge, one can have a clear view of the gate tower of Panmen Gate and the Auspicious Light Pagoda. In the river, there is a prosperous sight of boats sailing competitively in the Great Canal.

What it used to be

The Auspicious Light Pagoda was originally an attached building of the Buddhist Monastery of Universal Relief. It was built by Sun Quan, King of Wu, during the Three Kingdoms period. The current Auspicious Light Pagoda was from the early years of the Northern Song Dynasty and its wooden parts went through several renovations during the Song, Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is the second oldest structure of its kind in the Suzhou area, next to the Tiger Hill Pagoda only.

Elegant structure

Standing 44.42 meters high, the pagoda is a seven-storey octagon structure. Its elegant figure is reflected in the Great Canal. And either in daybreak or twilights when sunrays shoot on its body cast upon its roof, the pagoda looks particularly magnificent. If you climb onto the pagoda by following the stairs and looking into the distance, you will have a panoramic view of the picturesque water-land in the Yangtze River Delta.

Attractions around » Suzhou, Jiang Su

Historical Site

Historical Site

Cultural Site

Cultural Site

Shopping & Leisure

Shopping & Leisure

Historical Relic

Historical Relic

Garden & Park

Garden & Park

  Weather

  1. How about the weather in Suzhou?
  2. When is the best time to visit there?

  Travel

  1. How to rent a bicycle?
  2. Write down names and numbers if you don't speak Chinese.

  Customs

  1. Could you tell me something about local festival - Ya Shenxian?

  Other Hints

  1. People do tips there?
  2. Do people speak English there?

  • How about the weather in Suzhou?

    Suzhou is located in a subtropical monsoon zone, so the weather is mild and moist with four distinct seasons.

    The Plum Rain Season of June is followed by a hot July. After July, a harvest autumn arrives. Both the fresh fruits and the seafood will surely whet your appetite.


    • When is the best time to visit there?

  • It's best to visit Suzhou between January and April because the temperature is not too low and the flowers are in full bloom until June.


  • How to rent a bicycle?

    You can find bicycles for rent at a lot of place, but you will need to leave deposit and show your identity card.


  • Write dowm names and numbers if you don't speak Chinese.

    Being a foreigner in China, is quite demanding as you would have to struggle with the language barrier. Our best tip for people travelling from one place to another is to know the chinese character of the place you intend to go to and make sure you jot down the plate number of the bus, and it may prove very helpful once you leave some stuff behind.


  • Could you tell me something about local festival - Ya Shenxian?

    Ya Shenxian (April 14th in Chinese lunar calendar)
    April 14th is said to be the birthday of Lv Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals in Chinese Taoist mythology.

    On that day, he comes to Suzhou disguised as a human to spread happiness and prosperity. To receive more luck from the immortal, people from all over Suzhou crowd the streets in celebration.

    Today, this activity has turned into a bustling temple fair with various displays including handicrafts, plants, animals, and local snacks.


  • People do tips there?

    People here in Suzhou usually don't do tips. You don't have to pay porters for carrying things around for you. You don't have to pay waiter or waitress for bringing your dish.

    But some tips might make their life a bit easier. So tip or not tip, all depends on your personal preference.


  • Do people speak English there?

    The official language of China is Mandarin, though regional dialects pervade every corner of this massive country. Learning a few phrases in Mandarin is sufficient for travel in Suzhou.

    While younger Chinese and those involved with the tourist industry may understand varying degrees of English, it is still advised that visitors carry the name of their hotel and other important destinations written in Chinese characters.


With a history of 2,500 years, this city gate is the most completely preserved part of the ruins of the ancient city of Suzhou. Stepping on the gate, you can enjoy the water and gates, the Wumen Gate Bridge and the Auspicious Light Pagoda, which are popularly called "Three Scenes at the Panmen Gate."

Tour Highlights

» 1 tour1 Day Tours

» 1 tourCity Tours

»»For exploration of Panmen Gate, check out 2 tours ...

Related Guides



Tour Searching
Tour Packages We Provide
Package Searching 101
Customized Tour Design
Tour Booking
Fill Your Cart
Travel Agreement
Order Confirmation
Deposit & Payment
Methods of Payment
Deposit
Final Payment
Cancellation
Alteration
Customer Service
Contact Us
Our Guarantees
Lodge a Complaint
Travel Tips
Sitemap
Popular China Travel Destinations & Tours
phone U.S.A. +1 (310) 997-0051 / +1 (310) 878-2934
Canada +1 (604) 998-6945
China +86 (10) 8409-8570 / +86 (10) 8409-8571
email info@yeschinatour.commsn: help@yeschinatour.com