24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
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24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:[email protected]
Suzhou City Moat (Chinese: ?????)
Suzhou City Moat
Brief Introduction
Suzhou's ancient city moat, the Panmen Scenic Area and unique classical garden-style hotels are must-see sites for visitors to the city. The moat stretches more than 15.5 kilometers around the ancient city, which was also known as Gusu centuries ago. One of the first things tourists often do in Suzhou is take a boat ride on the moat to enjoy the city's classical and modern beauty.
After disembarking from the boats, people can wander around the Panmen Scenic Area. The area is home to Suzhou's three best-known landmarks, Ruiguang Pagoda, Wumen Ancient Bridge and Land and Water Gate. And Grand Canal, the longest artificial waterway in the world, was included on the World Heritage Sites list in 2014. The Suzhou part of the canal covers a range of cultural heritage sites including the Panmen Scenic Area.
With a history of 2,500 years, Suzhou has still preserved its ancient hydro-system, which is also vividly depicted as one with a circular ring, three horizontal lines and four vertical lines.
In Suzhou, 42%of the area is covered by water. Most part (four-fifths) of the Taihu Lake, one of the four major freshwater lakes in China and the famous ancient wonder, the Grand Canal, both traverse the city. The Yangtze River skirts the city, too. The Jinji Lake in the eastern part of the city shows Suzhou's modern image, while the city moat forms a boundary line of the old town. Apart from these, numerous unknown small lakes and rivers make Suzhou a water city in the true sense of the word.
With abundant cultural and natural resources, the scenic area is not only a tourist spot, but also an ideal venue for festivals and events. For example, the Blossom Hill Suzhou, a hotel inside an ancient building, is part of the Culture and Tourism Development Group's endeavor to renovate the plethora of old buildings in the city. The city wall museum, also one of the group-operated projects, showcases stories of the city wall during its 2,500-year history.
The Function of City Moat
Located outside the city wall, the moat played an important defensive role in times of war. It kept the invaders at a distance, and prevented them from getting close to the wall with their mobile wooden towers. Attackers had to construct bridges from their wooden towers in order to reach the top of the wall, thus exposing themselves to the defenders of the city.
Highlight
Suzhou International Tourism
The ancient City Moat will be open to sightseeing cruises during the Suzhou International Tourism Festival from April 12 to May 3. Thirty boats will cruise on the moat during the period. Tourists can get on the boat at Xumen Gate and Xiangmen Gate. A round-trip ticket costs 60 yuan while a one-way ticket costs 50 yuan.
More than 10 floats, representing Malaysia, Taiwan, Macao, Shanghai, Nanjing, Zhangjiagang, Zhouzhuang and Suzhou, will join the opening ceremony parade of the festival and will cruise on the moat twice a day during the festival.
Boat schedule:
April 11, leaving Xumen Gate at 8pm; leaving Xiangmen Gate at 7:30pm
April 12-May 3, leaving Xumen Gate at 2pm-3pm, 7pm-8pm every day, more boats available at 10am-11am on weekend; leaving Xiangmen Gate at 2:30pm-4pm, 6pm-7pm every day, more boats available at 10am-11am on weekend
Duration：10+ Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Humble Administrators Garden, Tiger Hill, Hanshan Temple, Pingjiang Road
Tour Style：Embark on the ultimate Suzhou day trip from Shanghai, where you’ll explore the city’s most iconic highlights with a private guide. Discover the beauty of the Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of classical Chinese landscaping, before heading to Tiger Hill, home to the leaning Yunyan Pagoda and centuries-old legends. Visit the tranquil Hanshan Temple, famous for its ancient bell chimes, and end your journey with a stroll along Pingjiang Road, a charming old street lined with traditional houses, boutique shops, and teahouses. With seamless private transportation and expert guidance, this journey offers an immersive cultural experience in the “Venice of the East.”
Duration：10+Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Lingering Garden, Panmen Gate, Hanshan Temple, Shantang Street
Tour Style：A Shanghai to Suzhou day trip offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, all within easy reach of Shanghai. Begin your journey with a visit to the Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its classical Chinese landscaping and tranquil atmosphere. Next, explore the iconic Panmen Gate, an ancient city gate that provides a glimpse into Suzhou's rich history and impressive architecture. Continue to the peaceful Hanshan Temple, famous for its ancient bell chimes and historical significance. Finally, stroll along Shantang Street, a charming waterway street lined with traditional buildings, shops, and teahouses. This day trip promises a wonderful exploration of Suzhou’s most famous landmarks.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Humble Administrators Garden, Tiger Hill, Hanshan Temple, Shantang Street
Tour Style：Embark on the ultimate Suzhou day trip, where you’ll explore the city's most famous landmarks with convenient hotel or train station pickup. Begin your journey at the tranquil Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its classical landscaping and serene beauty. Next, visit Tiger Hill, home to the iconic Yunyan Pagoda and steeped in historical significance. Continue to Hanshan Temple, known for its peaceful atmosphere and ancient bell chimes. Finally, stroll along Shantang Street, a picturesque waterway lined with traditional houses, teahouses, and local shops. This Suzhou day trip offers an immersive experience of the city’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Lingering Garden, Hanshan Temple, Panmen Gate, Pingjiang Road
Tour Style：Experience the best of Suzhou with our Suzhou 1 day tour, designed to showcase the city’s most iconic sights. Begin your adventure at the stunning Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its classical Chinese landscape design. Continue to Hanshan Temple, a peaceful retreat famous for its ancient bell chimes. Visit the historic Panmen Gate, an ancient city gate offering a glimpse into Suzhou's rich history and architecture. End your day with a leisurely stroll along Pingjiang Road, a charming street lined with traditional houses, teahouses, and vibrant local life. This Suzhou 1 day tour offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and beauty, with convenient pickup from your Suzhou hotel or train station.
Duration：10+ hours
Attractions(Cities)：The Master of Nest Garden, Pingjiang Road, Zhouzhuang Water Town
Tour Style：Embark on a Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Town tour from Shanghai and discover the charm of Suzhou’s classical gardens and ancient water towns. Begin your journey at The Master of Nets Garden, a masterpiece of traditional Chinese landscaping known for its elegant pavilions and tranquil ambiance. Stroll along Pingjiang Road, a historic canal-side street lined with traditional houses, teahouses, and boutique shops. Then, travel to Zhouzhuang Water Town, one of China’s most picturesque water towns, where stone bridges, ancient alleys, and serene canals create a timeless atmosphere. This Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Town tour from Shanghai offers a seamless and immersive experience, with private car transport ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey.
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