Pan Gate Scenic Area

Top choice in Suzhou


This quiet part of Suzhou is lovely, with a section of the city wall straddling the outer moat in the southwest corner of the city. Dating from 1355, the gate backs onto a delightful scenic area, dotted with old halls, bell towers, bridges, pavilions, lake, temple and the crumbling Ruiguang Pagoda, constructed in 1004.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Suzhou attractions

1. Ruiguang Pagoda

0.26 MILES

This delightful pagoda was built in 1004 and overlooks the Pan Gate Scenic Area in the southwest of the old town.

2. Xū Gate

0.67 MILES

One of the eight city gates that were first built to protect Sūzhōu during the Spring and Autumn Period (approximately 771–476 BC), the brick wall that we…

3. Confucian Temple

0.79 MILES

A haven of solitude and an oasis of peace in a busy town, the Confucian Temple is adorned with several ancient (one is 830 years old) gingkos and rows of…

4. Blue Wave Pavilion

0.82 MILES

Originally the home of a prince, the oldest garden in Suzhou was first built in the 11th century, and has been repeatedly rebuilt since. Instead of…

5. Suzhou No 1 Silk Factory

0.83 MILES

This museum and working silk factory was established as a state-owned silk factory in 1926. The highlight of the museum is seeing its massive, 80-year-old…

6. Kě Yuán

0.84 MILES

An academic garden directly opposite Blue Wave, Kě Yuán is where Suzhou Library was established in 1914 before the garden spent much of the 20th century…

7. Garden of the Master of the Nets

1.35 MILES

Off Shiquan Jie, this pocket-sized garden is considered one of Suzhou's best preserved. Laid out in the 12th century, it went to seed and was later…

8. Sūzhōu Park

1.46 MILES

Small but charming public park in Sūzhōu's downtown area. Popular amongst local retirees, this is a great place to experience China's outdoor group…