Pan Gate

My trip to Panmen was a very interesting and enjoyable experience. As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by the beauty of the charming landscape and the comfortable climate. I enjoyed exploring the various tourist attractions of the area, such as historic temples and picturesque natural parks. I also enjoyed tasting delicious local cuisine and exploring the culture and traditions of the city. It was a truly special experience that left me with beautiful memories and an unforgettable adventure.

1️⃣Pingwang·Four Rivers Convergence 🔹Pingwang is located in Wujiang, surrounded by lakes of various sizes. The Grand Canal winds from the north to Pingwang, where it splits into three waterways. One goes to Huzhou along the Tai Lake, and two to Jiaxing. Pingwang is bordered by the Taipu River to the north and the Yingou Lake to the south, with numerous lakes around, reflecting the reality of a water town. 🔹During the Sui Dynasty, the Grand Canal connected the north and south, where it meets the Ditan, excavated during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, in Pingwang. The place is vast with misty waves, and from south to north, only the paths divide among the reeds, with the sky and water blending into the horizon, hence the name Pingwang. Since the Song and Yuan dynasties, water and land post stations were established, with abundant trade and travelers around, and numerous inns and stations in Pingwang town, 'where thousands of boats gather from afar, commonly known as Xiaofeng Bridge'. 🔹To this day, the Grand Canal's route does not pass through Pingwang town, but historical traces brought by the canal can still be seen everywhere. 2️⃣Baodai Bridge 🔹Baodai Bridge, having endured a thousand years of weathering, lies horizontally between the Grand Canal and Dantai Lake at the mouth of the Dai Dai River, parallel to the ancient canal. It is about 316 meters long with 53 arches, the longest and best-preserved ancient stone arch bridge in China, known as 'Suzhou's First Bridge'. 🔹The Wu Culture Museum, located in the Baodai Bridge scenic area, officially opened in June 2020. Viewed from the lakeside, the main building of the museum, with its gray-white walls and glass curtain walls, is scattered among the river network of the water town, like a whitewashed compound, encapsulating the treasures and subtleties of Wu culture. 3️⃣Shihu Five Dikes 🔹Shihu is one of the bays of Tai Lake, together with Qizi Mountain, forming the southwest corner of the Suzhou ancient city's mountain and water landscape. Historically, it has been praised as 'the best place to travel near Wu County'. 🔹Located southwest of Suzhou's ancient city, Shihu is divided into East Shihu, West Shihu, and South Shihu, with five dikes: Wu, Yue, Shi, Yang, and Fan lying across the water. 🔹Shihu is a scenic area known for its Wu-Yue relics and pastoral scenery, part of the Tai Lake National Scenic Area, with attractions such as the Fisherman's Village, Tianjing Pavilion, Xingchun Bridge, and Shihu Chuan Yue. 4️⃣Hengtang Post Station 🔹At the junction of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Suzhou Xujian River, there is a triangular river island where the old site of Hengtang Post Station is located. 🔹There is one pavilion remaining at Hengtang Post Station, one of the few ancient post station buildings in the country. This pavilion was the gate of the original Hengtang Post Station, with a couplet in front of the door 'Guests are greeted with tea as if hosting, the lantern hangs waiting for the moon, illuminating the distant Xujian River'. 🔹As the only remaining ancient postal relay along the Jiangnan Canal, it witnesses the Grand Canal connecting the north and south, linking ancient and modern times, and is an important landmark of Jiangnan culture. 5️⃣Shuilu Panmen 🔹Panmen is one of the eight gates of the ancient Wu capital, the only one in China that preserves the complete ancient city gate with both water and land entrances, and is the bustling place described by Fan Chengda as 'People laugh and chat in the cool evening breeze, with thousands of lights reflecting on the river and ponds'. 🔹Panmen is easy to defend but hard to attack, with water and land gates side by side, an important military defense structure of the ancient city. Ruiguang Tower is an ancient tower from the Song Dynasty located within Panmen. 🔹Facing Panmen, the single-arch Wumen Bridge spans the outer city river, an important passage for entering and exiting Panmen by land, and is the highest single-hole ancient stone arch bridge in Suzhou.

🏮Suzhou, where a thousand years of history intertwine with the soft charm of the south of the Yangtze River, is dazzling with lanterns and extremely romantic! When the ancient city gate accompanies the flowing water, and tradition blends with modernity, it is truly a feast for the eyes!🌊 🗺️Recommended tour route: Ruiguang Pagoda→Sìruì Hall→Waterborne Penglai Yuan Dream Market→Water and Land Ancient City Gate→Wu Xiang Shrine 🌇Ruiguang Pagoda: An ancient pagoda from the Northern Song Dynasty, towering into the clouds. Climbing to the top, one can overlook the entire beauty of Panmen and feel the profoundness of history and the magnificence of culture. 🕯️Waterborne Penglai: With flickering lights and water lanterns for blessings, it's like entering a dreamy fairyland. When releasing water lanterns, one's mood drifts with the current, feeling the beauty and romance. 🏮Yuan Dream Market: Here, there are various national style shops, paper-cutting, lanterns, tea brewing, Hanfu, sugar figurines... It's like traveling back to ancient times, savoring the charm of traditional culture. 🌉Water and Land Ancient City Gate: The ancient and solemn city gate has witnessed a thousand years of Suzhou's history. Standing under the city gate, one can almost hear the echoes of history and feel the charm of the ancient capital. 🎫Practical Information: 🕒Time: Lasts until 2.24, 08:30-22:00 💰Ticket Price: 19.9 yuan before 17:00, 39.9 yuan after 17:00 📍Address: Panmen Scenic Area (No. 49 Dongda Street, Gusu District, Suzhou City) 🚌Transportation: 700 meters walk from Exit 7 of Nanmen Station on Metro Lines 4 and 5 💡Highlight! Half-price tickets during the day, very suitable for bringing family or loved ones to visit. After watching the lantern festival, there are wonderful performances at night that make people linger and forget to return!👏 📸Photo Tips: Whether it's Ruiguang Pagoda, Waterborne Penglai, or Yuan Dream Market, they are all great places for photography. You can take great shots with just a mobile phone, especially when releasing water lanterns, super romantic!🌹 In summary, the Suzhou Panmen Spring Lantern Festival is a travel experience well worth the trip! Whether it's feeling the weight of history or tasting the charm of traditional culture, it can make one's mood pleasant and leave behind beautiful memories!🥰

Every time the Lantern Festival approaches, I always remember the brilliant lights and the lively atmosphere. This year, I decided to embark on a special journey, which is to go to Suzhou's Panmen and experience the legendary Yuanmeng Lantern Festival in person. Suzhou, a city with a thousand years of history, has always been a source of inspiration for literati and poets since ancient times. And Panmen, as an ancient gateway to Suzhou, carries countless stories and legends. The Yuanmeng Lantern Festival, it is said, originated in the Yuan Dynasty. During the Lantern Festival, people would light various lanterns, praying for peace and good fortune in the new year. When I arrived at Panmen, night had just fallen. Looking up, the entire scenic area was already enveloped by colorful lanterns. The lanterns varied in shape, with both simple traditional styles and innovative modern designs. Each lantern seemed to be telling a story, inviting contemplation. I walked slowly along the stone-paved road, surrounded by a constant stream of tourists. Children joyfully weaved through the sea of lights, while adults stopped to take photos, capturing these beautiful moments. Occasionally, girls dressed in Hanfu would pass by, as if they had traveled back to the ancient Yuan Dynasty. In the central area of the lantern festival, there was a huge lantern tower, its body adorned with exquisite patterns, radiating brilliance. Legend has it that this lantern tower was built to commemorate a brave general, and on the night of the lantern festival, his spirit would descend to protect the land. Wandering through the Yuanmeng Lantern Festival at Panmen, I deeply felt a charm that transcended time and space. This was not just a lantern festival, but also a feast of culture. The night of the Lantern Festival became even warmer and more beautiful because of this event. As the night deepened, I reluctantly left Panmen. But the dazzling scene of the lights and the deep emotions had already been imprinted in my heart. This Lantern Festival, I chose to spend at the Yuanmeng Lantern Festival in Suzhou's Panmen. It was an unforgettable experience and a purification of the soul.

Suzhou's not-to-be-missed Lantern Festival on the Lantern Festival, it's so photogenic! Friends who have recently come to Suzhou to play are in luck, the 'Panmen Yuan Dream' lantern festival in the Panmen Scenic Area, anyone who sees it will say it's really too beautiful! Viewing lanterns, releasing water lanterns, browsing the market... One by one, these exquisitely beautiful activities have truly awakened the romance deep in the bones of the Chinese people! Panmen Scenic Area Date: 2024.2.2.-2024.2.23. Time: 8:30-21:00 Ticket: 39.9 yuan, half-price ticket 19.9 yuan (Leisure card available Transportation: Drive to the parking lot at the entrance of the scenic area (limited parking spaces at the entrance) Take the bus to 'Panmen Scenic Area' or 'Panmen Scenic Area North' station Take the subway to 'Nanmen' subway station, and walk about 800 meters after getting off

Panmen is one of the eight ancient gates of Suzhou, and it is the oldest city gate in Suzhou, with a history of more than 2,500 years. It is also the only existing water-and-land coexistent city gate in China and even in the world, making it one of the must-visit attractions in Suzhou. The Panmen Scenic Area features three major attractions: the ancient city gate, the Ruiguang Pagoda, and the Wumen Bridge. The area is adorned with pavilions, terraces, towers, covered bridges, and rockeries, offering beautiful scenery and a profound historical and cultural heritage. A night tour of Panmen, complemented by the magnificent lighting, is like a fairyland and offers a unique experience. The admission fee for the scenic area is 40 yuan, with free or half-price tickets available for eligible groups. There are two small parking lots nearby, which are quite convenient for parking.

In the graceful old town of Suzhou, the Panmen scenic area exhibits a majestic demeanor, with waterways and city gates, the mighty armor of Wu. The water-surrounded city walls rise abruptly, standing with dignity. How many tumultuous years has this place witnessed, and how many events of the past and present are now but topics of light conversation? From atop the ancient city walls, one can see half of Suzhou city at a glance. In the distance, the Beita Temple stands proudly amidst the greenery, contrasting with the clear sky, bright and serene. High-rise buildings rise from the flat ground in the distance, while nearby water alleys and arched bridges span across. The modern skyscrapers and the Jiangnan-style small bridges and flowing water interweave into a stunning double-sided embroidery. Immersed in it, the flowing beauty is continuous and overwhelming. Strolling into an alley inadvertently, a few wooden boats are moored by the river, and a few birds land on the green tiles. Suddenly, in this quiet time, basking in the warm sunshine and enjoying the pleasant scenery, there is a unique joy. Ancient trees tower beside the wall, ginkgo trees, and begonia flowers, bursting with vitality in the splendid spring, the natural masterpiece and historical treasures blend seamlessly, creating a springtime painting.

This scenic spot in Suzhou was once the filming location of the Daughter Country in the 86 version of Journey to the West, on par with the Great Wall. Panmen is one of the oldest city gates in Suzhou, built during the Spring and Autumn Period, and today it is still one of the most worth seeing ancient city walls in Suzhou. 🌟Highlights: 1. Ruiguang Tower Entering from the east side of the Panmen Scenic Area, the first thing you see is an ancient tower, which is the Ruiguang Tower. Climbing the tower requires a separate fee, but the view from this height is very good. 2. Panmen Weng City Panmen is located at the southwest corner of Suzhou's ancient city area and is an ancient city wall that can be used by both water and land. It now looks intact and has a strong sense of antiquity. Every brick and tile can reveal traces of history. The clean skyline of Suzhou also makes it possible to look far away from the city wall. 3. Wu Xiang Shrine Wu Zixu was a man from the State of Chu. After his father and brother were killed, he fled to the State of Wu. Today, there are temples commemorating Wu Zixu everywhere in the Jiangnan region, and there are also temples commemorating Wu Zixu on Wushan in Hangzhou. 4. Other Jiangnan Water Scenery The entire Panmen Scenic Area is actually a large garden with ancient city walls and ancient towers. It is a great place for leisure and entertainment. Few people and beautiful scenery! 🚉Transportation Strategy: The Panmen Scenic Area is closest to the South Gate Station of Metro Line 5, and there are also many convenient buses. ❤Recommended Reason: Recently, the Mid-Autumn Festival, there will be night tours open until the end of October, with a charming lantern festival. Day and night tours are both possible. Ticket: 40 yuan.

Panmen Scenic Area, located at the southwest corner of the ancient city of Suzhou, covers an area of 24.86 hectares. It is a tourist attraction formed on the basis of the ancient Panmen, the city wall, and surrounding historical sites. With numerous historical relics and rich cultural landscapes, it is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. Panmen was built in 514 BC, during the first year of King Helü of Wu in the Spring and Autumn period, and was one of the city gates supervised by Wu Zixu. It was originally named 'Panlongmen' (Coiling Dragon Gate) because a wooden coiling dragon was carved and placed above the gate to intimidate the state of Yue. Later, it was renamed 'Panmen' due to the winding and interlacing waterways. The existing gate is a relic from the Yuan dynasty and is the only well-preserved ancient city gate in China that combines both water and land defenses, possessing unique historical and cultural value. It consists of a combination of two water gates, three land gates, and a barbican, reflecting the defensive and residential functions of ancient cities. 📍Location: No. 49 Dongdajie, Gusu District 🎫Ticket: 36 RMB 🕣Opening hours: 8:30-17:30 🚘Transportation tips 🚇Subway: Line 5, Xinshiqiao Station 🚗Self-driving: Xinshiqiao Tourist Boat Terminal parking lot is not expensive, and parking spaces are generally sufficient; ⭐️Recommended spots to check in 1️⃣Panmen Water and Land City Gate It is a relic from over 2500 years ago when Wu Zixu built the city. At that time, he constructed the great city of Helü, creating eight city gates. Suzhou is a water town, with streets and waterways closely intertwined, and the city walls and gates also combined water and land defenses. Time is ruthless, and the other seven water city gates have long been destroyed. The only surviving water and land city gate is Panmen, which is not only unique in China but also unparalleled in the world. The existing city gate is a relic from the Yuan dynasty and is listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit. 2️⃣Wumen Bridge A single-arch stone bridge that spans the Grand Canal outside Panmen, originally built during the Song dynasty and rebuilt during the Qing dynasty, is also a national key cultural relic protection unit. Wumen Bridge was originally the only ancient bridge in the old city of Suzhou that did not require boats to lower their sails to pass through, indicating its height. 3️⃣Ruiguang Pagoda Located within Panmen, it is a seven-story, eight-sided brick and wood structure pagoda, originally built in the first year of the Jingde era of the Northern Song dynasty (1004). Although Ruiguang Pagoda was burned down during the Jianyan era of the Southern Song dynasty and the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan dynasty, and underwent multiple restorations during the Chunxi era of the Southern Song dynasty and the Ming and Qing dynasties, these restorations were mostly limited to the wooden eaves or decorative surfaces, with little change to the brick structure of the pagoda itself, making it a national key cultural relic protection unit. In 1978, a group of truant children playing in the dilapidated Ruiguang Pagoda accidentally discovered a treasure of the Five Dynasties period used to suppress the pagoda's spirit: a pearl sarira treasure dais, which is now one of Suzhou's treasures and is preserved in the Suzhou Museum. The three sights of Panmen, the city gate, and the pagoda echo each other, while the ancient bridge and the canal shine together. Along with the scattered gardens within the city, they weave the historical coordinates of Gusu. 💌Tips: 1. You can climb the tower, with a ticket price of 💰6, and the number of visitors is strictly controlled. 2. In the scenic area, you can feed small fish and black swans. 3. There is a treetop adventure park on the left before climbing the city wall, which is quite popular with children. 4. During the Dragon Boat Festival, the Gusu International Coffee Culture Festival takes place, with several well-known milk tea shops participating, as well as beautiful cultural and creative ice cream

The ancient city site of Panmen Scenic Area is one of the eight city gates of Suzhou, and the overall layout and architectural structure basically maintain the old view of the end of the Yuan Dynasty and the beginning of the Ming Dynasty. The water and land gates are staggered from north to south, and it is the only ancient water and land city gate in Suzhou that is well preserved today🏯 The scenic area is not large, but in recent years, the Panmen Scenic Area has restored the ancient city wall, rectified the Ruiguang Tower courtyard, rebuilt the Four Rui Hall, Wu Xiangci, and the release pond, and created a pool of three mountains, planted trees and grass, and meticulously built the Lijing Building, Taoyin Cuinyu, Shuangting Langqiao, Shuiliandong and other attractions, and has become a unique historical and cultural tourist destination in Suzhou. For those who like to take photos, it is recommended to wear Hanfu, and the photos taken at will are very good📸 As the New Year approaches🏮, the scenic area is decorated with lanterns and colored ribbons, and there is also a food market at night, creating a unique atmosphere🧚‍♀️

The Panmen Lantern Festival is truly impressive, so beautiful it doesn't seem of this world. It offers a completely different experience from the Yuyuan Garden, and is worth a visit. I would call it the ceiling of Suzhou's night scenery. The giant lanterns are so stunning. There's a traditional style market on site, with delicious food and fun activities. You can also write wishes on water lanterns for blessings. 🏮Attraction: Panmen Scenic Area 📍Address: No. 49 Dongda Street, Gusu District, Suzhou City ⏰Duration of visit: 1-3 hours 🎫Ticket: Entry before 17:00 is 19.9, entry after 17:00 is 39.9 🌟Suggested tour route: Ruiguang Pagoda➡️Sìruì Hall➡️Waterborne Penglai➡️Yuanmeng Market➡️Ancient City Gate on Water and Land➡️Wuxiang Temple ⁉️Key points!!! 🔹Daytime tickets are half price at 19.9, you can enter the scenic area before 17:00! It will get dark soon after you enter, and you can enjoy the lanterns. This way, it's much more cost-effective than the 39.9 night ticket, saving you the money for a cup of milk tea, smart🤭 🔸There are performances at 18:00 and 19:00, one show each time, a total of 3 programs. The best viewing spot is on the stone steps opposite the main stage. If you want to watch the performance, go early to secure a spot, as it will be very crowded. Personally, I think the lantern festival and the traditional market are more beautiful and fun, and there's no need to wait specifically for the performances.

Suzhou, located in the southeast of Jiangsu Province, China, is a city with a long history, known worldwide for its classical gardens, silk, and water town scenery. Among them, Panmen is a famous scenic spot in Suzhou. Best Travel Time Suzhou has distinct seasons, and the best time to visit is in spring and autumn, especially in spring when the flowers in the gardens are in full bloom, and autumn is pleasant, very suitable for sightseeing. Overview of Panmen Panmen is located in the southwest corner of the ancient city of Suzhou and is one of the oldest city gates in Suzhou, with a history of more than 2,500 years. Its feature is 'one water surrounds the city, two mountains enclose the gate', that is, the city gate is passed by a waterway, and there are mountains on both sides. Not only does it have ancient city walls and gates, but also many supporting attractions such as Baodai Bridge and Ruiguang Tower. How to Get There Airplane: First fly to the nearest airport to Suzhou (such as Shanghai Hongqiao, Pudong International Airport), and then you can take a high-speed train, bullet train, or bus, taxi to Suzhou. Train: Suzhou Railway Station and Suzhou North Station have a large number of high-speed trains and ordinary trains. Suzhou Railway Station is closer to the city center, and you can take a bus or taxi to Panmen from the station. Bus: You can choose to take Suzhou's bus to Panmen, such as Tour 4, Sightseeing 1 line, etc. Tour Route Three Scenic Spots of Panmen: Including Panmen City Wall, Baodai Bridge, and Ruiguang Tower. These three attractions are the core of Panmen, and it is recommended to visit them first. Ruiguang Tower: Ascend to the top of the tower, you can overlook the surrounding scenery, including the ancient city wall and the canal. Baodai Bridge: This bridge is the longest existing ancient arch bridge in China. You can stroll on the bridge and feel the wisdom of ancient craftsmen. Panmen City Wall: You can walk on the city wall to feel the heaviness of historical relics. Food and Accommodation Food: Suzhou's food is very rich, such as Suzhou-style dim sum, squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, Taihu white shrimp, etc. are all dishes not to be missed. Accommodation: Suzhou has a variety of accommodation options, including five-star hotels, budget chain hotels, guest houses, etc., you can choose according to personal preferences and budget. Precautions ✅Opening hours: The opening hours of different attractions may vary, it is best to verify in advance and plan your visit time. ✅Tickets: Some attractions may require tickets, remember to understand the ticket price in advance and prepare cash or payment methods. ✅Civilized tour: Pay attention to protect cultural relics, do not carve graffiti on walls or relics. Surrounding Attractions If you still have time, you can consider visiting other famous attractions in Suzhou, such as Humble Administrator's Garden, Lion Grove Garden, Lingering Garden, Tiger Hill, etc., to experience more of the beauty of Jiangnan gardens. Shopping and Souvenirs In Suzhou's old streets such as Guanqian Street, you can buy local silk, handicrafts, etc. as travel souvenirs. When planning your itinerary, if you have enough time, it is recommended to take a half-day or one-day tour to visit Panmen and its surrounding attractions, so that you can have a deeper understanding of Suzhou's history and culture.