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Panmen Scenic Area

Introducing Panmen Scenic Area
Panmen Scenic Area sits to the southwest of the old part of Suzhou, with the Wugong Pan-Pacific Grand Hotel and Xinshi Rd next door to the north, and the Huancheng River to the south. Panmen Scenic Area contains three famous scenic spots, the Land-and-Water City Gates, Ruiguang Pagoda, and Wumen Bridge. The new Panmen scenic area officially opened to the public on Sept 23, 1999. When the APEC finance ministers meeting was held in Suzhou, in Sept 2001, the scenic area’s Sirui Hall was selected as the venue.

Panmen Scenic Area Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Panmen Jingqu 盘门景区
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, History and Culture
• Opening Hours: 07:00-17:00 (Daytime); 18:00-20:00 (Night)
• Entrance Fee: ¥40 (Daytime) / ¥40 (Night Garden) / ¥6 (ascending the pagoda)
• Address: No. 49 East Avenue, Canglang District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province

What to expect at Panmen Scenic Area

Panmen Gate, which is under a provincial relics protection unit, was one of eight prominent gates in old Suzhou and was built in 514 BC. Panmen Gate got the name Panmen from a wooden carving, a Pan Long (coiled dragon) at the top of the gate to frighten State of Yue. It later got the name Panmen Gate, meaning winding (dragon) gate. The current gate was built during the Yuan Dynasty, and the gate tower was refurbished in the summer of 1986. The Panmen Gate consists of two gates on the water route, and two on land, as well as an enclosure between the inner and outer gates, gate towers, and city walls going out from the gates. Panmen Scenic Area is the only well-preserved land and water gate in Suzhou and in China for that matter.

Land-and-Water City Gates

The land gates have an inner and outer part, with an enclosure in between to hide troops to fight the enemy. The water gates and land gates are closely joined, with inner and outer parts, too, and hidden approaches to the towers. They are both equipped with a large portcullis which, in ancient times, could be lift or let down to control the flow of people or vessels to defend the town.

City Wall & Wumen Bridge

The walls are accessible from the northern slope and offer a panoramic view of the entire structure, both the land gates and water gates. The town walls were well equipped to defend the town, with battlements, cannon, arrow slits, holes to fire, locked entrances, gates, and a way to prevent fires. The running water beyond the Panmen Gate had a strategic importance during warfare in times past. So there is an inscription on the Panmen gate tower announcing that it is, Key to the Central State of Wu. There are also opposing couplets reading, “City walls of ancient Wu are thick and solid, swords and flames are often brought to the capital.” A visitor can hardly help being a bit nostalgic while examining the couplets and historical relics. The Wumen Bridge, which is adjacent to the Panmen Gate and crosses the old Grand Canal, was first built during the Song Dynasty and rebuilt during the Qing, so it has a history of 130 years and is Suzhou’s only single-arch stone bridge still standing. Panmen Scenic Area is now a cultural relic under municipal protection. Panmen Scenic Area resembles a full moon and is 66 meters long, 16 meters along the clear span of the arch, and 9.85 meters on the arch rise. The southern and northern steps are paved with slate and supported with carved stone on both sides. The bridge has a light, graceful structure that is a good example of the features of bridges in waterside towns along the Yangtze River.

Ruiguang Pagoda

The 13-storey Ruiguang (Auspicious light) Pagoda, in the Puji Temple, was built by Sun Quan during the Three Kingdoms period (AD 220-280) as a way to repay maternal love. It is also known as Bao’en (Paying for maternal love) pagoda, and was the earliest Buddhist pagoda in Suzhou. According to a popular legend, the pagoda could give off multi-colored light. During the Song, Yuan Zhao, an eminent monk, would lecture on abstruse parts of Buddhist sutras so wondrously that the temple was the site of four auspicious omens -- the drums in the hall chimed by themselves; withered bamboos in the courtyard turned green; a white turtle in the pond listened to Zen preaching; and the pagoda gave off multi-colored light. The Huizong emperor of the Song gave instructions that a horizontal tablet saying “Ruiguang Temple” be made. So, the Bao’en pagoda became the Ruiguang Temple pagoda.

The pagoda as it now is was built during the first year of Jingde during the Northern Song Dynasty (1004). It is 53.6 meters tall and has seven stories and eight sides. The pagoda slopes inward as it goes up with a curved line. It has a primitive simplicity, but is delicate and soft and shows the style and structures of a Tang and Song pagoda. Its main body was made of brick dating back to the Song Dynasty. The third story was the core of the pagoda. In 1978, a “heavenly palace” was found hidden in the storey, containing precious relics. The pagoda has an ingenious structure and has great historical, artistic and scientific value. In Jan 1988, the State Council added it to a third group of key cultural relics under national protection.

How to get to Panmen Scenic Area
• Take bus No. 39, 935, 949, Tourist Line 2 or Line 5 and get off at Panmen Scenic Area North Station.
• Take bus No. 921 and get off at Xinshiqiao South Station.

Additional travel advice on Panmen Scenic Area
• Tourist Center is at the east entrance of the scenic area, offering multiple services: Information Inquiry, Baby stroller/Phone charger/Wheelchair lending, etc.
• The entrance ticket includes boating (about 10 minutes) for sightseeing.

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  1. Tour Highlights
    • Visit Suzhou, praised by Marco Polo as Venice of the East, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage classical gardens
    • Wander through Humble Administrator's Garden, the finest garden in all of southern China
    • Visit Panmen Gate, the oldest city gate of Suzhou and the only existing water and land gate in China
    • Admire Tiger Hill, the oldest pagoda in Suzhou (2,500 years old) nicknamed the Leaning Tower of China
    • Stroll along Shantang Street, a window of Wu Culture and a platform to experience the lifestyle of Suzhou
    • Experienced English speaking tour guide
    • Overland round-trip transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments

    About This Tour
    • Departure: Daily departing from Shanghai.
    • Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
    • Guide Languages: Chinese & English.
    • Pick-up Time: Between 07:00 and 10:00, choose a departure time most suitable for you.
    • Pick-up & Drop-off Place: Your accommodation in Shanghai
    Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour, please have a big breakfast and pack snacks just in case you get a bit peckish during sightseeing. If you want to try authentic local food for lunch, please feel free to inform your guide who is always ready to help.

    Tour Itinerary at a Glance
    • Pick up from your accommodation in Shanghai
    • Drive to Suzhou (less than 2 hours)
    • Visit Humble Administrator's Garden (1 hour & 30 minutes)
    • Lunch on your own
    • Visit Panmen Gate (1 hour)
    • Visit Tiger Hill (1 hour)
    • Visit Shantang Street  (1 hour)
    • Transfer back to your hotel in Shanghai (less than 2 hours)

    Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
    • If you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact GoGrandChina by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour package for you.

    Tour Prices (US$ Per Person)

    1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 +
    $298 $178 $138 $118 $108 $98 $90 $88 $82 $76


    Price Remark
    • Prices are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day & Chinese New Year Festival etc.).

    Price Inclusions

    • Professional English language speaking private tour guide
    • Air-conditioned vehicle with private experienced driver
    • All admission tickets to sightseeing places
    • All government taxes

    Price Exclusions
    • Hotel accommodation.
    • Your personal expenses.
    • Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
    • Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
    • Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.

    Additional Info
    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
    • The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
    • The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
    IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.

    Cancellation Policy
    • You may cancel the booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the date of your tour.
    • Cancellation within 24 hours or after the tour begins is non-refundable.
    • Cancellation request will be confirmed in 2-5 business days, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

    Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
    • Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
    • GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
    • GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
    • GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
    • No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
    • No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.

    Learn More
  2. Tour Highlights
    • Wander through Humble Administrator's Garden, the finest garden in all of southern China
    • Take your time at the Suzhou Museum, designed by the universally well-known architect Mr. Ieoh Ming Pei
    • Visit Panmen Gate, the oldest city gate of Suzhou and the only existing water and land gate in China
    • Admire Tiger Hill, the oldest pagoda in Suzhou (2,500 years old) nicknamed the Leaning Tower of China
    • Stroll along Shantang Street, a window of Wu Culture and a platform to experience the lifestyle of Suzhou
    • Experienced English speaking tour guide
    • Overland round-trip transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments

    About This Tour
    • Departure: Daily departing from Suzhou
    • Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
    • Guide Languages: Chinese & English.
    • Pick-up Time: Between 07:00 and 10:00, choose a departure time most suitable for you.
    • Pick-up & Drop-off Place: Your accommodation in Suzhou
    • Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour, please have a big breakfast and pack snacks just in case you get a bit peckish during sightseeing. If you want to try authentic local food for lunch, please feel free to inform your guide who is always ready to help.

    Tour Itinerary at a Glance
    • Pick up from your accommodation in Suzhou
    • Visit Humble Administrator's Garden
    • Visit Suzhou Museum
    • Lunch on your own
    • Visit Panmen Gate
    • Visit Tiger Hill
    • Stroll along Shantang Street
    • Transfer back to your accommodation in Suzhou

    Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
    • If you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact GoGrandChina by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour package for you.

    Tour Prices (US$ Per Person)

    1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 +
    $328 $188 $148 $118 $108 $98 $88 $78 $76 $75


    Price Remark
    • Prices are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day & Chinese New Year Festival etc.).

    Price Inclusions
    • Professional English language speaking private tour guide
    • Air-conditioned vehicle with private experienced driver
    • All admission tickets to sightseeing places
    • All government taxes

    Price Exclusions
    • Hotel accommodation.
    • Your personal expenses.
    • Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
    • Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
    • Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.

    Additional Info
    • Suzhou Museum is closed on Monday tours.
    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
    • The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
    • The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
    • IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.

    Cancellation Policy
    • You may cancel the booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the date of your tour.
    • Cancellation within 24 hours or after the tour begins is non-refundable.
    • Cancellation request will be confirmed in 2-5 business days, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

    Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
    • Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
    • GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
    • GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
    • GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
    • No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
    • No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.

    Learn More
  3. Tour Highlights
    • Step into Master of the Nets Garden, a compact garden designed by fengshui masters
    • Visit Panmen Gate, the oldest city gate of Suzhou and the only existing water and land gate in China
    • Wander through Tongli Water Town, nicknamed "Venice of the East" and one of the “Top Six Ancient Towns in the Regions South of Yangtze River"
    • Experienced English speaking tour guide
    • Overland round-trip transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments

    About This Tour
    • Departure: Daily departing from Suzhou
    • Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
    • Guide Languages: Chinese & English.
    • Pick-up Time: Between 07:00 and 10:00, choose a departure time most suitable for you.
    • Pick-up & Drop-off Place: Your accommodation in Suzhou
    • Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour, please have a big breakfast and pack snacks just in case you get a bit peckish during sightseeing. If you want to try authentic local food for lunch, please feel free to inform your guide who is always ready to help.

    Tour Itinerary at a Glance
    • Pick up from your accommodation in Suzhou
    • Visit Master of the Nets Garden
    • Visit Panmen Gate
    • Lunch on your own
    • Drive to Tongli Water Town (approximately 30km)
    • Visit Tongli Water Town
    • Transfer back to your accommodation in Suzhou

    Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
    • If you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact GoGrandChina by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour package for you.

    Tour Prices (US$ Per Person)

    1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 +
    $378 $208 $158 $128 $108 $98 $90 $85 $80 $76


    Price Remark
    • Prices are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day & Chinese New Year Festival etc.).

    Price Inclusions
    • Professional English language speaking private tour guide
    • Air-conditioned vehicle with private experienced driver
    • All admission tickets to sightseeing places
    • All government taxes

    Price Exclusions
    • Hotel accommodation.
    • Your personal expenses.
    • Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
    • Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
    • Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service..

    Additional Info
    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
    • The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
    • The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
    • IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.

    Cancellation Policy
    • You may cancel the booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the date of your tour.
    • Cancellation within 24 hours or after the tour begins is non-refundable.
    • Cancellation request will be confirmed in 2-5 business days, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

    Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
    • Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
    • GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
    • GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
    • GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
    • No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
    • No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.

    Learn More
  4. Tour Highlights
    • Visit Suzhou, praised by Marco Polo as Venice of the East, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage classical gardens
    • Wander through Humble Administrator's Garden, the finest garden in all of southern China
    • Visit Panmen Gate, the oldest city gate of Suzhou and the only existing water and land gate in China
    • Admire Tiger Hill, the oldest pagoda in Suzhou (2,500 years old) nicknamed the Leaning Tower of China
    • Stroll along Shantang Street, a window of Wu Culture and a platform to experience the lifestyle of Suzhou
    • Experienced English speaking tour guide
    • Overland round-trip transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments

    About This Tour
    • Departure: Daily departing from Shanghai.
    • Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
    • Guide Languages: Chinese & English.
    • Pick-up & Drop-off Place: Shanghai Cruise Port
    Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour, please have a big breakfast and pack snacks just in case you get a bit peckish during sightseeing. If you want to try authentic local food for lunch, please feel free to inform your guide who is always ready to help.

    Tour Itinerary at a Glance
    • Pick up from Shanghai Cruise Port
    • Drive to Suzhou (less than 2 hours)
    • Visit Humble Administrator's Garden (1 hour & 30 minutes)
    • Lunch on your own
    • Visit Panmen Gate (1 hour)
    • Visit Tiger Hill (1 hour)
    • Visit Shantang Street  (1 hour)
    • Transfer back to Shanghai Cruise Port (less than 2 hours)

    Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
    • If you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact GoGrandChina by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour package for you.

    Tour Prices (US$ Per Person)

    1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 +
    $298 $178 $138 $118 $108 $98 $90 $88 $82 $76


    Price Remark
    • Prices are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day & Chinese New Year Festival etc.).

    Price Inclusions

    • Professional English language speaking private tour guide
    • Air-conditioned vehicle with private experienced driver
    • All admission tickets to sightseeing places
    • All government taxes

    Price Exclusions
    • Hotel accommodation.
    • Your personal expenses.
    • Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
    • Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
    • Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.

    Additional Info
    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
    • The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
    • The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
    IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.

    Cancellation Policy
    • You may cancel the booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the date of your tour.
    • Cancellation within 24 hours or after the tour begins is non-refundable.
    • Cancellation request will be confirmed in 2-5 business days, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

    Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
    • Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
    • GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
    • GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
    • GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
    • No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
    • No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.

    Learn More

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