China Guide
Jiangsu and Zhejiang
Pan Men
Price: Ruiguang Ta ¥6
Address: Bus #7 from the train station to the southern edge of the moat
In the far southwestern corner of the moated area is one of the city's most pleasant areas, centred around Pan Men (Coiled Gate) and a stretch of the original city wall, built in 514 BC by King Helu of the Wu Kingdom; the gate is the only surviving one of eight that once surrounded Suzhou. The best approach to this area is from the south, via Wumen Qiao, a delightful high-arched bridge (the tallest in Suzhou) with steps built into it; it's a great vantage point for watching the canal traffic). Just inside Pan Men sits the dramatic Ruiguang Ta, a thousand-year-old pagoda now rebuilt from ruins, once housing a rare Buddhist pearl stupa (since moved to the Suzhou Museum).