Panmen Gate

A rare surviving ancient water-and-land gate in the southwestern corner of old Suzhou, combining a fortified land entrance with a parallel canal gate that controlled boat traffic into the walled city. Its origins reach back over two millennia, though the present brick structure is of later date. The surrounding scenic area gathers the gate with the graceful Wumen Bridge arching over the moat and the nearby Ruiguang Pagoda. Visitors climb the gate ramparts for views of the water gate and moat, cross the high stone bridge and wander the grounds.