Pan Gate, Ancient water and land gate in Suzhou, China
Pan Gate is an ancient structure in Suzhou that controlled both water and land routes into the city, featuring a double-gate building, the Ruiguang Pagoda, and a stone bridge over the canal. The design allowed boats to pass beneath while pedestrians and vehicles used the level above.
Built around 514 BCE during the Spring and Autumn period, this gate served as a crucial entry point through Suzhou's defensive walls. Its strategic importance made it one of the city's key military positions throughout ancient times.
The red two-story gate displays weapons and armor from ancient dynasties, showing visitors how people once protected this important passage into the city.
Public buses serve the Pan Gate Scenic Area with stops near the northern entrance, making it easy to arrive. The entire complex is walkable with clear paths connecting the different structures on the grounds.
The gate features two separate traffic levels within a single structure, a design that served both boat traffic and wheeled carts simultaneously, reflecting the commercial importance of water and land routes in ancient times. This dual-level engineering solution remains one of its most distinctive architectural achievements.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
