This stretch of the city wall, straddling the outer moat in the southwest corner of the city has Sūzhōu’s only remaining original coiled gate, Pán Gate, which dates from 1355. This overgrown double-walled water gate was used for controlling waterways, with defensive positions at the top. From the gate, you can view the exquisite arched Wúmén Bridge (Wúmén Qiáo) to the east, the long moat and the crumbling Ruìguāng Pagoda , constructed in 1004.
The gate is also connected to 300m of the ancient city wall , which visitors can walk along, past old women harvesting dandelions. The gate also backs onto a delightful scenic area, dotted with old halls, bell towers, bridges, pavilions and a lake as well as the small Wǔxiàng Temple (Wǔxiàng Cí ). It's far less crowded than Sūzhōu's gardens and in many ways, more attractive. To get here, take tourist bus Y2 or a taxi.
