Panmen Scenic Area

Lying to the southwest of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, Panmen Scenic Area was built on the base of some historic sites by using the architectural structure of classical gardens. It is famous for its numerous historic relics and abundant human landscapes and has been listed as a National AAAA Tourist Area. Now, Panmen Scenic Area has become a tourist resort showing the unique historic and cultural features of Suzhou. The scenery area centered on Panmen City Gate consists of many scenic spots. Amongst them, Ruiguang Pagoda, Panmen City Gate and Wumen Bridge are praised as 'three fine sceneries'.

Panmen Scenic Area
Panmen City Gate
 
Ruiguang Pagoda
Ruiguang Pagoda

Ruiguang Pagoda

Standing at the entrance of the scenery area, Ruiguang Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Suzhou. It is as high as 175.6 feet (53.57 meters) and was built in masonry-timber structure with eight sides and seven floors. It is said that the pagoda was built  in 247 by Sun Quan, a famous king who established the Wu Kingdom in Three Kingdoms Period (220-280), to show respect to his mother. Unfortunately, in the next thousand years, the pagoda has been damaged badly in the wars, leaving only the brick body of it. In 1978, a little pagoda with Sheli (Buddhist relics) was found on the third floor of Ruiguang Pagoda and some other cultural relics were also found there, such as Miaofalianhua Scripture written on green paper and bronze Buddhist Statue.


Panmen City Gate

As the center of the scenery area, Panmen City Gate, also being called Pan Gate, was first built during the Wu Kingdom of Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC) and it is the only well preserved water-and-land city gate in the world now. It consists of the land city gate, the water city gate, the city gate tower, the barbican and the city wall on both sides. It was a place with utmost importance for the army in ancient times. The double water city gate is a pioneering work in architectural history. There is a sluice on the gate which can be closed and opened by a stone gate at any time to control the water as well as resist aggression. Upon the gate, there is a city tower. It was damaged many times in wars and the extant Panmen City Gate Tower was built in 1986 to commemorate the 2,500-year-anniversary of the establishment of Suzhou. There are many ancient weapons on display on the first floor of the tower. And the city wall is 328 yards (300 meters) long and 16 feet (5 meters) high. Walking along the slope on the north of the city wall, you can see the whole arrangement of Panmen City Gate.
 

Wumen Bridge

Not far from Panmen City Gate, visitors can see Wumen Bridge. It was built in 1084 and is the highest ancient bridge in Suzhou now. The bridge is 36 feet (11 meters) high and 72 yards (66 meters) long. It is recorded that it was made up of three bridges originally and has been repaired many times in history. In the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it was rebuilt into a single arched stone bridge. There are 50 steps on both sides of the bridge separately. Standing on the bridge, you can see not only the boats coming and going frequently over the river but also the high pagoda and the fine sceneries in a distance.
Panmen Scenic Area

Besides the three fine sceneries, there are many other scenic spots to see around here, such as Premier Wu Zixu's Memorial Temple, Hall of Sirui, Double-Pavilion Corridor Bridge and Century Bell of Tang.

After admiring the scenic spots, you will be satisfied with the traditional Chinese activities, including bell tolling, boating and acrobatics. Moreover, the traditional wedding show is also enjoyable.
 

Transportation

1. Take bus no. 305, 935, 949, or tourist bus line 5 and get off at Panmen Scenic Area North Station.
2. Take bus no. 47 or 970 and get off at Panmen Station.
Suzhou Bus Search

Admission Fee

CNY 40 (daytime: 08:30 - 16:00)
* Free for childer below 4.6 feet (1.4 meters) and seniors over 60; half price for children between 4.6-4.9 feet (1.4-1.5m).

CNY 40 (nighttime: 16:00 - 21:00)

Opening Hours 08:30 - 21:00

- Last updated on Aug. 13, 2024 by Gabby Li -
Questions & Answers on Panmen Scenic Area
Asked by Steve from UNITED KINGDOM | Jul. 16, 2021 06:29Reply
Panmen Gate - Renovation
Is the Panmen gate currently undergoing some kind of reconstruction? If so, any ideas when this will be completed?
Answers (1)
Answered by Susan | Jul. 18, 2021 20:55
00Reply


Actually, as far as I know, it is open at present.
Asked by Almudena from SPAIN | Feb. 20, 2018 10:44Reply
Are ther discount for students? Is it possible to get to the wumen Bridge free?
Answers (1)
Answered by Nicole from AUSTRALIA | Feb. 23, 2018 01:37
20Reply


No, dear, there is no discount for students.
Asked by Peter from AUSTRALIA | Aug. 13, 2017 08:51Reply
How long should I allow to enjoy Panmen Scenic Area?
Thanks
Answers (1)
Answered by Ella from USA | Aug. 14, 2017 04:33
10Reply


You are advised to spend half a day to visit there.
Asked by Virginia from USA | Jun. 03, 2016 22:18Reply
If we take Xumen pier cruise along Grand canal, does it stop at 3 sceneries?
Panmen city gate, Wumen bridge and Ruiguang pagoda? Are they all nearby together?
Please provide suggestions how and what to do for touring these 3 sceneries.
Answers (1)
Answered by Mary from USA | Jun. 07, 2016 03:45
30Reply


Yes, it stop at the three places, which are located close to one another. You can get onto the cruise from Ancient Grand Canal Wharf at No. 798, Panxu Road. The cruises are available from 18:30 to 19:30. It costs CNY 120 per person. You can enjoy these scenic spots at dusk, and take some beautiful pictures. Have fun! :)
Asked by bro5 from UNITED KINGDOM | Mar. 12, 2016 02:57Reply
Is Panmen Scenic Area really open after 6pm?
Answers (1)
Answered by James from UNITED KINGDOM | Mar. 12, 2016 03:45
00Reply


Yes. Besides the sightseeing in the day time, there is a special 'Night Garden' Tour in this scenic area. And its opening hours are from 18:00 to 20:30. :)
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