[2025 Suzhou Attraction] Travel Guide for Ancient Panmen Gates Area (Updated Aug)

Looking at the photos, did you think I was in Kyoto, Japan? Actually, this is Suzhou, just a half-hour high-speed train ride from Shanghai! With its close proximity and convenient transportation, Suzhou is undoubtedly the best day-trip destination during a Shanghai visit 🫶🏻 Upon arriving in Suzhou, I headed straight to the Panmen Scenic Area. Although there is an entrance fee, it’s absolutely worth it. Inside, you’ll find a sprawling garden with various ancient city towers and riverside willow trees swaying gently in the breeze, creating a poetic atmosphere. Strolling and taking photos here, you can deeply feel the rich historical and cultural essence 🥰

#chinatrip Our first stop in China is Suzhou, a city that truly embodies beauty and history. As our cab cruised along the tree-lined streets, we were captivated by the stunning architecture, feeling as if we had been transported back in time. Our accommodation, the Pan Pacific Suzhou, was a highlight of our visit. This remarkable hotel has been preserved for centuries and is directly connected to the heritage site Pan Men (盘门). Built during the period of the state of Wu, historians estimate it to be around 2,500 years old. The Pan Gate Scenic Area, where it is located, features the "Three Landmarks of Pan Gate" - Ruiguang Pagoda, the Wu Gate, and the Pan Gate itself. While Suzhou's daytime views are breathtaking, the nighttime scenery is nothing short of magical. When the lights come on, the place transforms into a scene straight out of a movie - with performances and street stalls. Within the scenic area, there is a café/bar that offers panoramic views of the lake during the day. The barista recommended visiting again at night when it transforms into a lively bar with unblocked performances. Taking his advice, we returned in the evening and were not disappointed. The night views and the vibrant atmosphere were unforgettable. The day and night views offered contrasting yet equally captivating experiences, making Pan Men a memorable and mesmerising first stop. We left with a deep appreciation for this city's timeless charm and a desire to return someday.

"Yue Panmen" is a Cantonese restaurant that opened in May 2023 in the Panmen Scenic Area. In addition to the classic Cantonese dishes, such as steamed shrimp dumplings and fried beef with rice flour, there were also Suzhou-style xiaolongbao and the recently popular rice paper shumai. All were delicious. Located in a lush scenic area, the table by the large window was bright and looked very comfortable. Most of the tables in the restaurant are by the window, but when I visited around 11:30 on the weekend, the table by the window was full 😂 I gave up and sat at the table in the middle. The window seats were also available around 12:30, so I think it's best to go a little later or earlier. It's recommended to visit after sightseeing in Panmen. If you purchase a paper admission ticket (40 yuan) at the entrance to the Panmen Scenic Area, you can use it as a 40 yuan voucher for the restaurant. Online admission tickets do not serve as vouchers, so be sure to get your admission ticket at the counter! 📍Yeongmen/Yeong style restaurant ☑︎Address 50 meters southwest of Shuihong Cave, Lumen Scenic Area, Shuwan Street, Gusu District, Suzhou City ☑︎Business hours 8:30-22:00 ☑︎Access Approximately 13 minutes walk from Exit 2 of Nanmen Station on Subway Line 4 #Overseas travel #Dim sum #China #China travel #China tourism

In the gardens of the Panmen Scenic Area in Suzhou, you can enjoy cakes and Chinese tea that look great on social media at the teahouse "Panmen Wenrui Pavilion" 🍵 The cake "Zui" that imitates the Zuiguang Tower in the garden looks great 🤭 I had "Jasmine Green Tea" for cold brew tea and "Zhengshan Xiao Zhonghong Tea" for hot tea. Both were delicious 😊 This teahouse is located in the Panmen Scenic Area, so you need to pay the admission fee to the scenic area, but if you buy a paper admission ticket for 40 yuan at the ticket booth at the entrance to the scenic area, you can use it as a 40 yuan ticket for the teahouse. Please note that this does not apply if you purchase the admission ticket online. 📍Panmen·Wenrui Pavilion ☑︎Address No. 49 East Street, Suzhou City, Panmen Scenic Area ☑︎Opening hours 10:00-18:00 ☑︎Access About a 13-minute walk from the subway "Nanmen" station ※ The admission fee to the "Panmen Scenic Area" is 40 yuan for adults, 20 yuan for children 140-150cm and 60-69 years old, and free for children under 139cm and those over 70 years old. #overseastravel #chinatravel #chinatourism #suzhou #china #teahouse #cafe #cafehopping

Panmen Scenic Area was built in 514 BC as an amphibious gate to protect Suzhou Castle, and the current gate was also built in 1351. It is located in the southwest of Suzhou Castle. The curved roof symbolizes Chineseness. The surrounding area has been developed as a park. Access: 10 minutes walk from Nanmen Station on Suzhou Subway Line 4 Opening hours: 8:30am - 8:30pm Admission fee: 40 yuan #ChinaTourism #China #Suzhou #Panmen

We arrived at Panmen Scenic Area on a hot summer afternoon, the stone walls of the ancient city gate radiating warmth under the bright sun 🌞🏯🛶. The water in the moat moved slow and dark, shaded by willows that hung heavy with green. Cicadas buzzed loud and constant, their song weaving through the stillness like a reminder of the heat 🌿🎶🪷. We walked the garden paths, where the air was thick with the scent of lotus blooms and damp earth 🌸🍃💧. The old pavilions offered pockets of shade, and the Wumen Bridge arched quietly over the canal, its stones worn and cool underfoot. By the time evening approached, the light softened, and a breeze stirred the water just enough to ripple the reflections. In summer, Panmen felt timeless a meeting of stone, water, and history, holding steady in the haze of the season 🕰️🚶♂️🌇. #summervacay #thingstodo #travel

1. Pan Pacific Suzhou 🌟 Key Highlights Window as a Painting: Rooms face the Three Scenic Spots of Panmen, with bathtub views of sunset over the ancient city walls—a true ink-painting garden brought indoors. Free Perk: Backdoor access to Panmen Scenic Area with unlimited entry using room key (saves ¥160/person on tickets). Metro Convenience: Seamless connection to Lines 4/5, making attractions easily accessible. ⚠️ Downsides Severely Aged Facilities: Frequent issues like AC failure, showerhead malfunctions, and noisy sockets. 2. Kimpton Bamboo Grove Suzhou 🌟 Key Highlights Prime Location: Walk to Master-of-Nets Garden and Canglang Pavilion, 15-minute drive to Humble Administrator’s Garden/Pingjiang Road—tranquil yet central. Garden Aesthetics: Suzhou-style courtyard rooms with private gardens, waterside balconies with swing chairs for immersive Jiangnan vibes. Warm Service: Attentive staff offering local tips. ⚠️ Downsides Weak Soundproofing: Noise disturbances (especially street-facing rooms). Limited breakfast variety with mediocre quality, not matching the price. 3. Park Hyatt Suzhou 🌟 Key Highlights Design Excellence: Public areas blend Chinese gardens with modern aesthetics; lake-view terraces perfect for "Dream of the Red Chamber"-style photos. Semi-buffet breakfast with praised freshly made xiaolongbao. ⚠️ Downsides Service Disasters: Unhelpful concierge, AC issues causing room odors. Long breakfast queues during peak hours. 4. Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou 🌟 Key Highlights Secluded Island Retreat: Private isle on Jinji Lake, rooms/infinity pool facing the "Eye of Suzhou" Ferris wheel—unbeatable sunset views. Family-Friendly: Kids’ toiletries + step stools, patient staff for playtime. ⚠️ Downsides Some staff lack experience; slow service response. 5. The Ritz-Carlton, Suzhou 🌟 Key Highlights Butler Indulgence: Welcome gifts of Suzhou pastries + seasonal fruits, silk robes, and custom pillows. Historic Hub: 10-minute walk to Shantang Street, Humble Administrator’s Garden. ⚠️ Downsides Cramped gym with limited equipment, "small and stuffy" pool. Low-frequency noise (AC/equipment) in some rooms. 6. Hyatt Regency Suzhou 🌟 Key Highlights Downtown Core: 3-minute walk to Times Square Metro (Line 1), opposite Shin Kong Place, steps to Eslite Bookstore/Suzhou Center. Breakfast croissants "rival bakeries," standout freshly wrapped xiaolongbao. ⚠️ Downsides Noticeable room odors, heavily worn furniture (upgrade recommended). Some restaurants offer mediocre taste at low value.

❤Why I Recommend: To me, Suzhou is like an old friend. Our friendship began during my college years when I took a tour guide course on Suzhou's classical gardens. Back then, I was captivated by the grandeur of the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the elegance of the Lion Grove Garden, and I first savored the poetic line, "Outside Gusu City, the Cold Mountain Temple—midnight bell tones reach a traveler’s boat." Later, driven by my love for Jiangnan (southern China) and nostalgic sentiments, I returned to the Suzhou area (excluding Zhangjiagang and Wujiang) seven more times—whether to wander through gardens and ancient towns, enjoy Pingtan (Suzhou ballad singing), or indulge in local delicacies. I’ve always cherished its dreamy charm, like "mist veiling cold water, moonlight shrouding sand." For my eighth visit, I chose to stay with my family at Panmen for four days, slowing down to savor the world—the longest lingering encounter with Gusu since we first met... 🗓Itinerary: **Day 1: A Date with Food and Pingtan** [Heart] Arrived at Suzhou Station and took a ride straight to the Pan Pacific Suzhou Hotel to check in. After settling in, headed to Rui Noodle inside the hotel for a comforting bowl of alkaline noodles. Spent the afternoon sipping tea and chatting in the room. In the evening, strolled to Jiangnan Yachu (Taihua Mall Branch) for authentic Suzhou cuisine, accompanied by live Pingtan performances—a feast for both the palate and the soul, immersing in the charm of Jiangnan 🎵 **Day 2: The Beauty of Panmen and the Master-of-Nets Garden** [Heart] Explored Panmen Scenic Area, starting with the Ruiguang Pagoda, then the Water Gate and Land Gate. By day, Panmen is quaint and serene; by night, it’s even more enchanting. Took a night tour of the Master-of-Nets Garden—tickets plus performance and guided tour cost 120 RMB/person (bookable on the official WeChat account). A must-try experience, with surprises in the performance! [Facepalm] **Day 3: Museum Hopping Day** [Clapping][Clapping][Clapping] A paradise for museum lovers! Suzhou truly never runs short of gardens, each with its own story and charm. In the morning, walked from the hotel to visit the Stele Museum and the Education Museum (delightfully discovered it’s housed in Chai Garden [Heart][Heart][Heart]). In the afternoon, took a ride to revisit the Suzhou Museum for the third time. Remember to book in advance—it’s free but always crowded, 🔥 **Day 4: Relaxing with Biluochun Tea and Dim Sum** [Clapping][Clapping][Clapping] Slept in luxuriously at the hotel, then walked to Suzhou Tea Market for a cup of fresh Biluochun tea (it’s the new harvest!) [Heart]. Returned to the hotel for dinner at Haitian Tower, feasting on Jiangnan delicacies—crab roe and eel paste stole the show! 📝Accommodation Tips: Stay at Pan Pacific Suzhou Hotel—your room key grants free access to Panmen Scenic Area, super convenient! 🍽Dining Recommendations: 🍜Rui Noodle: The hotel’s noodle shop serves incredibly comforting Suzhou-style noodles and dim sum—a must-try. 🍲Haitian Tower Chinese Restaurant: The hotel’s in-house restaurant, offering authentic Jiangnan flavors. 🍲Jiangnan Yachu (Taihua Mall Branch): Genuine Suzhou cuisine in a lovely setting.

To date, the city Suzhou remains etched in my memory. I remembered fondly the impressive Pan Pacific Suzhou hotel that is located right next to scenic Panmen, the river landscape at night viewed from boat rides and shantang street bridge as well as the gorgeous gardens of greenery and grey stones. It was extremely easy for a traveller to get around Suzhou and explore these places free and easy. A local driver recommended a visit to the Lion Grove Garden. He felt that it was more beautiful than the more popular Humble Administrator's Garden. I can see why as the former is a compact curated garden. The latter is also beautiful in its own right. Do visit both and see for yourself. The 2 gardens are located near each other. Everything in Suzhou that I had seen came together to form a beautiful canvas. It's an artwork that I would like to admire in person again. #travel #china #suzhou #thingstodo

📍Shanghai → Suzhou Panmen Night Whirlwind Girls Trip🚇 🚩Route: Pudong Airport → Shanghai → Suzhou 🏖️Photogenic Spots: Historical City Gate × Night Light-up🌃 🚇Transportation: Efficient travel mainly by subway and taxi 📷Recommended Photo Location: Directly in front of the gate + best time from dusk to night 🍜Exquisite Food: Suzhou cuisine (such as pine squirrel fish) at "Songhe Lou"◎ 🏠Recommended Accommodation: Modern Guesthouse "〇〇" 💡Note: There are many tourists, so weekday nights are the best place! If you come to Suzhou, we went to **Panmen Gate**, a historical spot that you definitely want to stop by! The lights start to come up at dusk, and the city gate appears fantastically. Locals and tourists gather, and it's like a scene from a movie. The view of the city from the top of the gate is also exceptional. 🏯A little bit of historical trivia •Panmen is the oldest city gate in Suzhou, built during the Spring and Autumn period (about 2,500 years ago). •It was once a fortress structure with both water and land gates, and was the southern gateway to Suzhou. •It is now developed as a tourist destination, with a gate you can climb, gardens, and a promenade along a beautiful canal. #SuzhouTrip #Panmen #ChinaTrip #NightViewSpots #GirlsTripDiary

#springitinerary Step into history at Pan Men, Suzhou’s legendary city gate where land meets water in a rare fusion of ancient engineering and scenic beauty. Over 2,500 years old, Pan Men is the only surviving land-and-water gate in China, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s rich past. Wander through the Pan Men Scenic Area, home to the elegant Ruiguang Pagoda, Suzhou’s oldest tower, and the historic Wu Gate Bridge. Stroll along restored sections of the ancient city wall, and imagine the stories of emperors, warriors, and scholars who once passed through these gates. Surrounded by tranquil canals and classical gardens, Pan Men is not just a monument—it’s a journey into the heart of old Suzhou. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography lover, or just seeking a peaceful escape, Pan Men is a must-visit gem that brings China’s timeless charm to life.

Avoid these Suzhou night tour traps! ⚡First, don't crowd into Shantang Street - during holidays it's so packed you can't even take photos. I recommend visiting Ligongdi or Xietang Old Street during off-peak times instead. Second, don't buy "Suzhou embroidery handkerchiefs" from scenic spots - most are machine-made. For authentic pieces, visit Xiujiang Silk shops. Don't fall for "free Pingtan performances" - once inside, they'll try to sell you tea and souvenirs, it's a complete setup! But!!! Suzhou nights are truly enchanting! 🌙 When the traditional lanterns light up at Panmen Market, it feels like traveling back to Tang and Song dynasty night markets. The Pingtan performances on Pingjiang Road, paired with a cup of Biluochun tea, instantly immerse you in the gentle charm of Jiangnan. 🌃Night tour highlights: 1. Panmen Market: A traditional market themed around "moon appreciation," perfect for strolling in Hanfu outfits. You can experience handmade crafts like round fans and face painting. Remember to check opening hours in advance. 2. Ancient Canal Cruise: Watch the reflection of lights on both banks while listening to Suzhou's history from guides. Choose boats with Pingtan performances - the soft Wu dialect accompanied by pipa music creates a perfect atmosphere! 3. Pingjiang Road Pingtan: Visit Pipa Language Teahouse to hear "Qinhuai Scenery," get a window seat for river views, order Biluochun tea, and instantly travel back to the Republican era. 🍜Food: Try crab roe tofu at Wumen House in Panmen Market - incredibly delicious! Chen's Bubble Wonton on Pingjiang Road has fresh soup and tender meat, paired with sauce-covered pork chops - so satisfying! 👫Outfit suggestion: Wear a modern Chinese-style dress with a small cardigan and white sneakers - perfect for photos! Remember to bring mosquito repellent, there are lots of mosquitoes by the river! 💌Tips: Panmen Market is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, may close during rain; Jinji Lake musical fountain performs at 8pm every Saturday, arrive 30 minutes early to get a good spot!

Spring in Suzhou is so beautiful~ Invite your friends for a City Walk. The most beautiful section of the moat walkway is from Xumen Gate to Panmen Gate. No need to prepare food, just bring a bottle of water and sun protection. The scenery along the way is excellent. Walk at your leisure, rest when tired, enjoy the lake breeze, and chat with friends. ①Panmen Gate was part of the ancient city of Suzhou, built by Wu Zixu under the order of King Helü of Wu in the sixth year of King Jing of Zhou (514 BCE). It was one of the eight gates of the Wu capital. The current Panmen Gate was rebuilt during the Yuan Dynasty and is the only completely preserved ancient city gate with both water and land passages. 2 Xumen Gate was one of the ancient city gates built during the Spring and Autumn Period by the State of Wu. The existing gate was rebuilt during the Yuan Dynasty (1351) and renovated during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The open space in front of the ancient city wall is perfect for taking photos.

#discoverchina 🏯 Suzhou’s Only Preserved Ancient City Gate - Part of 2,500-year-old Wu State capital walls, featuring: - Pan Gate: Unique water-land double gate defense system - Wumen Bridge: 900-year-old single-arch stone bridge - Ruiguang Pagoda: 7-story Northern Song Dynasty pagoda 📍 Location: No. 1 Dongda Street, Gusu District, Suzhou 🕒 Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Apr–Oct) | 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Nov–Mar) 🎫 Admission: ¥40 (Includes Ruiguang Pagoda & Wu Gate) 🚇 Metro: Line 4/5 to Nanmen Station, Exit 7 (5-min walk)

Ten miles of mountain ponds do not distinguish between day and night, a river of maple fire shares spring and autumn. When you come to Suzhou, I believe that everyone will want to live in a garden, fantasize about taking the fan and gently shaking it, and sleeping in the dream of the stars. Suzhou Wugong Pan Pacific Hotel is such a garden hotel that deeply integrates with Panmen, giving people a surge of experience. 🌟Location Advantage: The hotel is located in Panmen Scenic Area, not far from Pingjiang Road, Liuyuan, Art Garden and other places, line 5 can be directly reached, while as a five-star hotel of GHA Group, plus the off-season price of 400-600 dollars, can be said to be great value for money. [House] Facilities Layout: Gardens often serve as scenery, and hotels as garden hotels also follow this principle. There are eight scenes of Spring and Autumn Wu Palace, Cangcheng Snow Plum, Panshui Palace, Heaven and Earth Bagua, Moon Under the Auspicious Garden, Eight Pools Printing the Moon, Qixi Flying Rainbow, and Wuqiao Rain Lotus. Among them, the first attraction of the entrance is Tiandi Bagua (Fig. 8), where the hotel’s lobby is located. The original intention of the hotel's design is to imply peace, health and everything goes well. The remaining attractions are distributed in the Ruiyuan Garden behind the hotel (Moonlight Ruiyuan, Batan Yinyue, Qixi Feihong, Panshui Palace), the restaurant on the first floor and the corridor (Wuqiao Yuhe, Jingcheng Snow Plum), Spring and Autumn Wu Palace is the exterior view of the entire hotel. (Figure 6-12) Each attraction, which can serve as a unique checkpoint, is well worth visiting. The hotel has a pool, but it is only open in the summer. And walking in Suzhou, 90% of people will not be addicted to lying flat on the swimming pool, which belongs to the items that do not add points or deduct points. The decoration of each floor is very classical. The mural lamps, picture books, scrolls, woven products... you can see that they have been thoughtful. [CityNight] Room type distribution There is not much distinction between hotel room types, as each building has a separate landscape. There are loquat trees planted in the garden. When the loquats are ripe, the hotel will pick them and give them to guests to taste. The room type with the words Ruiguang is facing the Ruiguang Tower view, the one with the balcony has an outdoor balcony, the price of the room type is about 50 dollars up, the main difference is in the area, but the overall area is relatively small, not actually marked 30 square meters so large. [Tableware] Hotel Dining: The hotel breakfast has two specialties: mint mung bean soup, and Su-style noodles. West Point is relatively much less and on the corner. My favorite is the mint mung bean soup, which is sweetened with ice cubes. Su-style noodles are mainly red soup, not much topping, but the taste is ok. Experienced their spring afternoon tea with exquisite pastries and seasonal specialty fresh fruits. I heard that they change the dishes seasonally, which is well worth the experience. [RoundNails] Playing Tips: [One] GHA official website booking the special experience has an afternoon tea package for around $162 (subject to slight changes) including a market price of $144 afternoon tea and two cruise tickets, you can choose a night tour. [Two] Hotel guests can book cruise tickets at half price. [Three] The plate door is free for the hotel, including after the plate gate clears at 9 pm, hotel guests can enter, perfect for night photography of Ruiguang Tower. [Four] There will be a popping teacher in the lobby of the weekend hotel who can listen to the pounding review for free. [RedHeart] Summary The garden hotel that costs around 600 yuan in Panmen, close to Pingjiang Road and other must-see attractions, is an excellent choice for photo-taking accommodation in Suzhou city. But if you think the price is too expensive, you can consider the Wu Palace Imperial Banquet Hotel next door, which will be a few hundred dollars cheaper.

This family trip started from bustling Shanghai. The first stop was Hangzhou, which has a strong cultural atmosphere. We strolled along the West Lake to feel the spring atmosphere. Then we went to Wuzhen, where we were deeply attracted by the simplicity and tranquility of the Jiangnan water town. The classical gardens in Suzhou are exquisite and elegant, making people linger. Finally, we came to the dreamy Shanghai Disneyland, where the children laughed the happiest. There were beautiful scenery, delicious food, and family company along the way. Every moment is worth cherishing. This journey not only relaxed the body and mind, but also brought us closer to each other, and we returned home with a lot of good memories. #Family Travel #Parent-Child Time #Travel Sharing #Shanghai #Hangzhou #Wuzhen #Suzhou #Disney #Spring Tour Plan #Happiness Record 📍Address: Shanghai Yixi Courtyard➡️Shanghai Atour Hotel➡️Wuzhen Scenic Area➡️Suzhou All Seasons Hotel Guanqian Street Branch➡️Shanghai Miduo Holiday B&B

📍Address of the attraction: No. 49, East Street, Gusu District, Suzhou City 🚗 Transportation: Take Metro Line 4 to [Nanmen] Station and walk for 10 minutes; take bus No. 2 or 39 to [Panmen Scenic Area] 👍️Check-in route: Exploring the Land Gate - Climb up the 10-meter-high city wall and overlook the entire land and water gate. The "Hongwu" inscription from the Ming Dynasty is clearly visible on the bricks. Water Gate Rafting - Take a rowboat through the thousand-year-old waterway (30 yuan/person) and experience the unique perspective of "boat sailing under the city gate". Ruiguang Pagoda Light and Shadow - A seven-story brick pagoda from the Northern Song Dynasty, it has stood for a thousand years despite its tilted body. Climbing the tower, you can overlook the skyline of Suzhou's old city. Photo of Wumen Bridge - the tallest ancient stone arch bridge in Suzhou, with vines hanging down from the bridge, it looks like an ink painting in the morning mist. 🎟️Ticket related: Tickets: 40 yuan (including climbing the Ruiguang Pagoda), night tour ticket 30 yuan (summer only) - Opening hours: 7:30-17:30 (daytime), 18:30-21:00 (nighttime) - Recommended duration: 2-3 hours 💗Other tips: Prime location: The stone steps on the north side of Wumen Bridge, with the bridge, tower, and water gate in the frame - Tips for night photography: When the lights are on, the city wall reflects the canal water, so it is recommended to bring a tripod for long exposure Hanfu adaptation: Ancient costume rental is available in the scenic area (50 yuan/hour), and the rate of blue bricks and gray tiles is very high

| Lantern Festival Night in a Dreamy Sea of Lanterns. ✨ This year, I chose to experience the most beautiful lantern festival at Panmen in Suzhou! As night falls, the Panmen Lantern Festival poetically showcases the traditional Chinese art of lanterns, with dazzling lights and colorful displays that transport you to a dreamlike world. 🎆 Each lantern tells a story unique to Suzhou, and walking through the sea of lanterns feels like a conversation with history and an intimate encounter with culture! 📸 Beautiful Photos | Capturing Moments at the Lantern Festival Every step is full of surprises, as lanterns gently sway in the wind, casting a soft glow that outlines a picturesque night scene. Each photo captures a flowing story - this is Suzhou, a beautiful blend of ancient and modern! 📷✨ 💡 Highlights of the Beautiful Lantern Sets: 🔮 Giant Lanterns: Resembling scenes from classical paintings, reflecting the unique charm of Jiangnan 🐉 Dragon Dance Lantern Array: A dragon dance lantern array that dances in the night sky, exuding vitality and energy! 🎭 Flower Lantern Group: A variety of flower lantern decorations, colorful and staggered, creating stunning photos! 💖 Lantern Festival Night | A Collision of Tradition and Modernity Here, traditional lanterns are not only preserved, but modern creativity is also integrated, making the entire lantern festival fresh and visually impactful! Walking through the streets of Panmen feels like stepping into another era, with lights, air, and music all telling the romance and history of this city. 🌟 🍡 Lantern Festival Food | A Bite of Happiness Of course, the Lantern Festival wouldn't be complete without delicious food! I tasted a warm tangyuan at a small stall next to the lantern festival, sweet but not greasy, with a soft glutinous rice skin wrapped around the filling, melting in my mouth instantly, bringing a sense of happiness. 🍡💕

Hi, everyone! 👋 Is there a song that reminds you of the water towns in Jiangnan, like a dream? I was inspired by the song "Beautiful Suzhou" to visit Suzhou. The lyrics "Heaven above, Suzhou and Hangzhou below, gardens in the city, green hills outside the city, oh, beautiful Suzhou" describe the beauty of Suzhou in a poetic way, making me want to visit this ancient city to explore its gentleness and elegance. In February, I embarked on a journey to Suzhou with anticipation. Check out my travel guide! 🌆 Suzhou is a famous water town in Jiangnan with a history of over 2,500 years, located in the middle of the Yangtze River Delta. Here, you can find exquisite classical gardens with a Jiangnan charm, where every step offers a different view; the thousand-year-old Grand Canal, where the ripples of time are created by the gentle rocking of oars; and old streets and alleys with white walls and black tiles, where the smoke and fire of life fill the air. In February, Suzhou is still cold, but it has a unique poetic charm, making it a great time to experience the slow life of Jiangnan. 🚗 Transportation Guide ✈️ By Air: After arriving at Sunan Shuofang International Airport, you can take an airport bus to downtown Suzhou, which is economical and affordable. You can also take a taxi, which takes about 30–40 minutes to reach the city center. If you take a high-speed train, Suzhou Station and Suzhou North Station have many trains. Suzhou Station is close to the city center, with well-developed facilities and convenient public transportation and taxis, and you can reach popular attractions as soon as you leave the station. Suzhou North Station is a bit further away, but the transportation connections are smooth. Most city buses operate from 6:00 to 20:00, and you can pay with Alipay or WeChat Pay. Check the bus app for real-time information before traveling. 🗺 Recommended Travel Routes Day 1️⃣: Humble Administrator's Garden - Suzhou Museum - Pingjiang Road Day 2️⃣: Tiger Hill - Shantang Street - Lingering Garden Day 3️⃣: Hanshan Temple - Fengqiao Scenic Area - Panmen Scenic Area 🌟 Must-visit Attractions 📍 Humble Administrator's Garden: As a representative of Jiangnan classical gardens, it is centered around water, with pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and plants arranged in an orderly manner. Walking through it is like being in a poetic painting of ancient literati, with every corner exuding an ancient and elegant atmosphere. Whether it's a secluded path or a pavilion by the pond, you'll want to stop and admire it, and take photos with a great sense of atmosphere. 📷 📍 Hanshan Temple: Famous for Zhang Ji's "A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge," "The moon sets, crows caw, frost fills the sky, river maples and fishing lights make me sleepless. Outside Gusu City, Hanshan Temple, the midnight bell reaches the guest boat." The temple is filled with ancient trees and incense, and listening to the bell tolls feels like traveling through a thousand years, experiencing the weight of history and Zen. 📌 Practical Tips 1. You can book tickets for Humble Administrator's Garden online in advance to avoid peak times on weekends and holidays. Take your time to appreciate the garden scenery and protect the cultural relics. Suzhou Museum is free but requires advance reservation. The museum has a rich collection and unique architecture, and can be visited together with Humble Administrator's Garden to experience the beauty of the fusion of ancient and modern. 2. The same goes for gardens like Tiger Hill and Lingering Garden. Plan your itinerary in advance and arrange your time reasonably. Shantang Street and Pingjiang Road are famous old streets in Suzhou with many delicious foods. You can stroll and taste Suzhou snacks like sweet porridge and begonia cake, but pay attention to food hygiene. You can buy tickets for Hanshan Temple on-site, and visit Fengqiao Scenic Area and Panmen Scenic Area to learn about the history of Suzhou's ancient city gates. 🍜 Local Food Recommendations 🥘 Suzhou-style Noodles: A favorite of Suzhou people, with thin noodles and fresh soup, and a variety of toppings such as braised meat, fried fish, and shrimp. A bowl in the morning, steaming hot, with chewy noodles and rich soup, will start your day full of energy. 👍 🍰 Suzhou-style Pastries: Like plum blossom cake and victory cake, they are delicately shaped, soft and glutinous, sweet but not greasy, full of Jiangnan characteristics, and are great souvenirs when visiting old streets. You can enjoy the sweet taste while walking. 🏨 Hotel Accommodation 📍 Gusu District: Suzhou Nanyuan Hotel, with a prime location in the center of Gusu District, close to many attractions, with a quiet environment, elegant and comfortable rooms, and attentive service, allowing you to immerse yourself in the ancient charm of Suzhou. 📍 Near Pingjiang Road: Suzhou Pingjiang Mansion Boutique Hotel, close to Pingjiang Road, with easy access to the old street. The hotel is decorated in an ancient style with Jiangnan elements, and you can fall asleep to the tranquility of the Jiangnan water town at night. 💖 Travel Experience During these three days in February in Suzhou, I felt like I was immersed in a dreamlike, poetic world. The elegance of Humble Administrator's Garden, the tranquility of Hanshan Temple, and the delicious food all intoxicated me. Humming "Beautiful Suzhou" while strolling through the streets of Suzhou, I truly felt the charm of this city. Everything here is like an endless poem, an endless painting, and I look forward to coming back next time to continue exploring this Jiangnan water town. 💕

Suzhou suzhou 📍Location: About 110km northwest of Shanghai ⏰Time required: About 30 minutes by high-speed train from Shanghai, about 1-2 hours by local train, about 2 hours by bus 🚇How to get to Suzhou from Shanghai: Train, taxi, bus 📆Recommended itinerary: Day trip, 1 night 2 days “How to get to Suzhou from Shanghai“ 1️⃣Train Usually take the train at Shanghai Station or Hongqiao Station and get off at Suzhou Station or Suzhou Nan Station. It takes about 30 minutes by high-speed train and about 1-2 hours by local train. 2️⃣Taxi If you take a Didi taxi from Shanghai to Suzhou, the price is about 200-300 yuan. It takes about 2 hours. It's a long time "Places to visit in Suzhou" 1️⃣Panmen It is the only remaining city gate in Suzhou built during the Spring and Autumn Period. It is said that this is the only remaining water and land gate in China with a water gate and a water gate. In Panmen Park, you can see not only Panmen but also Wumenqiao and Ruiguangshi Tao, so you can see the ancient appearance. 2️⃣Santangjie Suzhou is a city of canals, so there are many water villages and they are well preserved. Among them, Shantangjie is a famous and representative water village in Suzhou. This place is also famous for its beautiful night view. Like Wuzhen Water Village, the red lights are turned on and the night view is so beautiful. Santangjie is also huge like Wuzhen. You can enjoy various Chinese street food on each street. 3️⃣Suzhou Garden Suzhou is called the city of gardens in China. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it is full of traditional Chinese architecture and landscaping art. It's so beautiful Suzhou has four major gardens: Humble Administrator's Garden, Yuyuan Garden, Lion Forest, and Canglang Pavilion These four major gardens are all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites If you don't have time to see all four gardens in Suzhou, I recommend Humble Administrator's Garden and Lion Forest #Travel Itinerary

Panmen Scenic Area is a must-see! 😍 Step into Panmen Scenic Area and travel back in time. The ancient city walls and magnificent gates tell the story of a glorious past. The scenery is breathtaking. The lush trees and flowers bring life and vitality to this ancient land. Stroll through the area and feel the breeze on your face. The water gate is also a highlight. The river flows gently, and boats sail slowly by, giving you a taste of the unique charm of the Jiangnan water towns. Here, you can also admire traditional architecture and cultural relics. Each one has a story to tell, and you can't help but be immersed in history. Come to Panmen Scenic Area and embark on a journey through time! 💖

A place to experience while traveling in Suzhou, Panmen-zaifen.. Recommended by a local bicycle driver From Lion Forest to Panmen-zaifen, it takes about 40 minutes by bicycle rickshaw(?).. The driver drives to the pier and guides you through the alleys that are not well known to ordinary travelers. The fare is 50 yuan. You can get there quickly by taxi but it is an excellent choice that allows you to see the alleys while going slowly and also helps a little with the hard-working driver's daily wage. After arriving at the pier, take a boat and ride along the big river for about 40 minutes one way. 138 yuan per person.. It seems a little expensive, but the time on the cruise is not short. During the boat ride, a girl guides you, and they play the pipa and sing. This is called pingtan (评弹). Playing music while riding a boat is the very definition of leisurely. The place we arrived at after about 40 minutes is called Panmen (盘门), and when we first got off, we thought, "What is this?" But come to your senses a little and take a walk along the riverbank. There are many places to take pretty pictures, so you'll be busy taking pictures. In particular, I recommend that you take the last boat we took at 4:40 PM, and make sure to take the boat back at a dark time. I thought the boat ride back was a bit boring, but when it got dark, lights came on on both sides of the river, and a really pretty scenery unfolded. I took a picture of it. Please refer to it~~~#TravelLunar #Couples #HistoricalTraces #ScenerySpots #TravelLunar #Panmen

🏰 Discover the Ancient Charm of Suzhou - Panmen Gate Travelogue Location: Gusu District, Suzhou 🅿️ Parking Tip: There's a parking lot north of the east gate, costing CNY 15 per visit, which is quite convenient. 🚇 Travel Suggestion: The subway is a good option, as the South Gate subway station is only 600 meters away, just a short walk. 🌟 Three Highlights of Panmen Gate: 1. Panmen Water and Land Gate: Standing here, you can almost feel its solemnity as the southwestern gate of Suzhou. 2. Wumen Bridge: This ancient bridge spans the canal, witnessing countless historical changes. 3. Ruiguang Pagoda: Standing under the pagoda, you can feel the ancient tranquility. 🚶‍♂️ My Tour Route: Start from the South Gate, visit Wumen Bridge first, then Panmen Urn City, followed by Ruiguang Pagoda, and finally exit from the East Gate. 🚣‍♂️ If you want a different perspective, you can take a boat tour: Navigate to Panmen Wharf, and enjoy the unique scenery of the canal. 🍵 Ticket Secret: - Remember to keep your ticket, as it can be used as cash at the teahouse in the scenic area. - Enjoy a Suzhou-style afternoon tea and try some local snacks for a unique experience. 🎨 Creative Experience: - You can buy a water lantern for CNY 18, DIY your blessings, and release it into the canal, feeling the blend of tradition and modernity. 📸 Photography Tips: - Between 6-7 pm, the lighting is just right, perfect for taking beautiful photos of both lights and people. - After dark, taking photos of lights is fine, but for portraits, you might need to use a flash. 🍽️ Dining Suggestion: - If it's not a market day, there are no dining services in the park, so it's recommended to eat before coming or bring some snacks. 👘 Outfit Recommendation: - Highly recommend wearing Hanfu, as the park is perfect for photos, making you feel like you've traveled back in time. Panmen Gate is not just an ancient city gate of Suzhou, but a witness to history. Visiting here, you can feel the charm of the ancient city and experience a different Suzhou journey! 🌉🌌

"The Great Wall is majestic in the north, while Panmen is beautiful in the south." Suzhou's Panmen Gate was one of the eight gates of the ancient city of Wu, and is the most complete ancient water and land gate in China. The Panmen Lantern Festival has a long history, dating back to the Southern Song Dynasty. At that time, the imperial court set up a naval base near Panmen Gate, and every Lantern Festival, the naval officers and soldiers would hold a lantern festival at Panmen Gate to pray for a successful expedition. In recent years, the Panmen Lantern Festival has become an important cultural event in Suzhou during certain festivals. This year's Panmen New Year Lantern Festival was recently lit, with the theme of "Fish Leaping and Lion Dancing: Panmen's Dream of the Lantern Festival," and features several creative check-in points such as "Red Wall and Happy Drums," "Dragon Gate and Good Fortune," "Lantern Corridor," and "Lantern Festival Dream." In addition, there are five wonderful cultural performances every night at 6:00 pm at Ruiguang Pagoda, Wengcheng, Shuilian Cave Pavilion, Lake Center, and Water Stage. Visitors can enjoy the colorful lanterns, gardens, performances, and markets, and experience the lively atmosphere of the New Year and the Lantern Festival. The entire lantern festival runs from December 21, 2024, to February 12, 2025. If you like lanterns and gardens, don't miss it! Lantern Viewing Tips: Location: No. 49 Dongdajie, Gusu District, Suzhou Transportation: Take Metro Line 4 to Nanmen Station (Exit 7), and walk 1.2 km; take Bus 308 to Nanmen Station, and walk 893 m; take Bus 51 to Xinshiqiao South Station, and walk 1.2 km; take You 5 North Line to Panmen Scenic Area North Station, and walk 691 m. Opening hours: 8:30 am–9:00 pm Ticket price: Daytime, adults CNY 40; minors aged 6 (exclusive) to 18 (inclusive), seniors aged 60 (inclusive) to 69 (inclusive), and full-time university students and below pay half price; children aged 6 (inclusive) and below, seniors aged 70 (inclusive) and above, people with disabilities, and military personnel (including veterans) are free. Nighttime, CNY 50 for all ages.

#2024mapped The Suzhou Panmen Gates are a must-visit historical landmark in Suzhou, offering a glimpse into the city's ancient defensive architecture. The gates, which date back to the Ming Dynasty, are an impressive blend of water and land defenses, featuring a grand archway, a watchtower, and a surrounding moat. Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved structure, walk along the city walls, and enjoy stunning views of the water and surrounding landscapes. Don’t miss the nearby Panmen Scenic Area, which includes traditional gardens and peaceful walking paths, making it a perfect spot for history and nature lovers alike.

🎉The New Year’s Eve countdown event at Panmen Scenic Spot is coming? 👀 📅 The New Year’s Day holiday is getting closer~✨ 🎉 Who are you going to have fun with on New Year’s Eve? Where to go? 🤔 🎆 In addition to watching the gorgeous fireworks show, The countdown is also an activity full of ritual feeling! 🎉 👀 Is Panmen Scenic Area counting down this year? So looking forward to it! Countdown to 3️⃣2️⃣1️⃣, let the sky lanterns fly🏮, super romantic! 👭 When we count down together "3️⃣2️⃣1️⃣", The moment the clock 🕰️ turns to the New Year, Thousands of sky lanterns ✨ rise into the sky at the same time, As bright as the stars, dreamy and shocking! 🌌 🐉 The lion dance brings five blessings🧧 and brings good luck! The five lions of metal, wood, water, fire and earth 🦁 make their debut, It’s hidden in Panmen Garden waiting for you to find it! 🔍 🎉 At that time, let’s look for lions and seek good luck together! 🍀 The fish lanterns🐟 are swimming, the flower lanterns🏮 are bright, and the sky lanterns are dreamy and beautiful! 📸 The antique scene check-in area is waiting for you! 👗 An antique scene full of atmosphere, Immersive interpretation takes you through ancient and modern times! 🎭 🛍️ Stroll around the dimly lit Yuanmeng Market, Welcome the beauty of the New Year with fun interactions! 🎈 🏮 The lights and shadows are like a dream, let’s go to the garden for a joyful night together! 🎉 📝 The play guide is here! 📝 ⏰ Activity time: December 21, 2024 to January 1, 2025 📍 Event location: No. 49 East Street, Gusu District 🚇 Transportation guide: Exit 7 of Nanmen Station of Metro Line 4/5 🎟️ New Year’s Eve admission: 16:00-00:00 the next day 💰 Scenic spot ticket prices: Early bird tickets on New Year’s Eve only start at 29.9 yuan! 🎟️ How to purchase tickets: Search "Panmen" online to get it! 🔍

Winter in Suzhou, a four-day walking guide is here! Avoid the crowds and enjoy the charm of the ancient city. Start your heartwarming journey now! -------- 🚩Itinerary: D1: Fengqiao Scenic Area—Hanshan Temple—Tiger Hill Scenic Area—Shantang Street Visit historical and cultural sites on the first day. Experience the simplicity of Fengqiao and Hanshan Temple, the beauty of Tiger Hill, and the charm of old Suzhou on Shantang Street. D2: Humble Administrator's Garden—Suzhou Museum—Lingering Garden—Suzhou Garden Museum On the second day, experience the beauty of Suzhou gardens. Enjoy the exquisite Humble Administrator's Garden, the historical Suzhou Museum, the unique Lingering Garden, and the Suzhou Garden Museum to learn about garden art. D3: Tianping Mountain—Mudu Ancient Town On the third day, climb Tianping Mountain to enjoy the scenery, then head to Mudu Ancient Town to experience the charm of the water town and its rich history. D4: Lion Grove Garden—Soochow University (Tiancizhuang Campus)—Couple's Retreat Garden—Panmen—Suzhou Ancient Canal On the last day, visit the strange stones of Lion Grove Garden, visit Soochow University to experience the academic atmosphere, stroll through the classical Couple's Retreat Garden, visit the ancient city wall of Panmen, and end your wonderful Suzhou trip along the ancient canal. -------- Must-see attractions: 🌟 Humble Administrator's Garden: Water and mountains, changing scenery, as if in a classical painting. 🍁 Fengqiao Scenic Area: Ancient bridges, canals, and ancient towns complement each other, full of Jiangnan charm. 🔔 Hanshan Temple: A thousand-year-old temple, the sound of the blessing bell echoes in the sky. The stele gallery is full of famous inscriptions, showing the charm of ancient calligraphy. -------- Tips: - Customs: Respect local traditions, avoid loud noises in gardens, and enjoy the slow pace of life in Suzhou. 🍃 - December climate: Suzhou is cold and humid in winter, so bring a warm coat and rain gear. 🧣 - Airport transportation: You can take the subway or taxi from the airport to the city center, which is convenient and fast. 🚖 - Food: Try Suzhou-style snacks, such as xiaolongbao and squirrel fish, and don't miss the local specialties. 🍜 -------- On your Suzhou trip, may every step be a scenery, every place a story, and may you take away memories and peace of mind. 🍃

🏖️Ambiance/Facilities: Good. We can see a lot of efforts have been put in to maintain the attraction. The night view is stunning. 🕰️Business Hours: close before 9pm. must come at night to see the building gets lights up.#panmen #suzhou We were here at 5pm and were amazed by the tower and the panmen gate (water gate and land gate). You will need to pass by the Ruiguang tower and walk straight to the end for the gates. Don't bother to visit the qili shantang street, it is a waste of time.#qili shantang

Old friends! Come to Suzhou to experience the soft Wu dialect and small bridges over flowing water, and enjoy the beautiful mountains and rivers and elegant gardens. Have a comfortable trip to the gentle Gusu City! -- 🏃Itinerary: D1: Fengqiao Scenic Area -> Hanshan Temple -> Tiger Hill Scenic Area -> Shantang Street A one-day trip to enjoy the classical style of Suzhou, from the poetic Fengqiao to the Zen of Hanshan Temple, and then to the historical heritage of Tiger Hill. In the evening, take a stroll along Shantang Street to enjoy the beauty of the ancient city at night. D2: Humble Administrator's Garden -> Suzhou Museum -> Lingering Garden -> Suzhou Garden Museum Experience the delicacy and charm of Suzhou gardens, the beauty of the Humble Administrator's Garden, the cultural heritage of Suzhou Museum, the uniqueness of Lingering Garden, and end with the scroll of the Garden Museum. D3: Tianping Mountain -> Mudu Ancient Town Climb Tianping Mountain to enjoy the beauty of nature; in the afternoon, visit Mudu Ancient Town, wander through the ancient streets and alleys, and feel the leisure and tranquility of the water town in Jiangnan. D4: Lion Grove Garden -> Soochow University (Tiancizhuang Campus) -> Couple's Retreat Garden -> Panmen -> Suzhou Ancient Canal Explore the Lion Grove Garden, feel the academic atmosphere of Soochow University, enjoy the elegant life of Couple's Retreat Garden, appreciate the ancient city style of Panmen, and then take a walk along the ancient canal to end your wonderful trip to Suzhou. -- Travel Essentials: 🎒Going to Suzhou, you need to bring these! 👗 Clothing: In November, the temperature in Suzhou is moderate but changeable, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket or a thin down jacket. You can choose comfortable jeans or casual pants, and wear comfortable flat shoes, as you will be walking in Suzhou gardens and alleys to savor the beauty. 🎒 Accessories: When traveling, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential, as the autumn sun in Suzhou is also very gentle. Don't forget to bring rain gear, as the autumn rain in Jiangnan can come at any time. Also, bring a power bank, as you will need enough power to take photos and post them on social media! 📇 Documents: ID card and bank card should be carried with you. If you have a student ID, senior citizen card, or other discount cards, don't forget to bring them, as many attractions in Suzhou offer discounts. 🍵 Others: The beautiful scenery of Suzhou gardens, paired with a cup of good tea, is a perfect combination. It is recommended to bring a small teacup, so you can enjoy good tea anytime. Of course, if you like taking photos, bring a portable camera to capture beautiful moments! -- 🎉Suzhou is waiting for you to explore, don't miss more beautiful scenery and delicious food!✨