2500年的苏州古城

 

Ancient Suzhou was built in 514 BC, so it is over 2500 years old so far. The most amazing is that the city still stands at its original location. 

The layout of ancient Suzhou has never been changed since Mr. Wu Zixu/伍子胥 designed it and instructed Wu State to build it during the Spring and Autumn period. 

Suzhou is situated at the river shore of the grand canal connecting 18 cities from Beijing in the north to Hangzhou in the south, which was designated as the World Culture Heritage site in 2014. 

The whole city of ancient Suzhou has been preserved very well with 8 city gates around the city moat. The Pan ancient city gate is particular unique combining both the land city gate and water water gate.  

There are two other treasures nearby the Pan ancient city gate. One is the Ruiguan Pagoda/瑞光塔 and the other is Wumen Bridge/吴门桥, so three of them are usually well-known as three scenic spots of Wumen/吴门三景 by local people.

The pagoda was built in 247 and the over-1000-year-old stoned bridge is famous for its highest single-hole arch of Suzhou.

The ring trail around the city moat has become a popular hiking route for both local people and tourists.

Travel tips

1. The Pan ancient city gate is highly recommended to be visited because it is a crucial historical site as the witness of ancient Suzhou.

2. One good way to explore Suzhou history is to go hiking around the city moat if you have much more time.