The gate to Suzhou is said to have more than a 2,400 year history. It is said to have been the only gate in China with both a lower water entrance and an upper land entrance on China tourism. It was built at a time when a canal moat surrounded Suzhou. The present structure was built in 1986. It is part of a park. It was built on the spot of another tower that was built about the year 1344 at the end of the Yuan Empire period.

Panmen Gate is the only existing ancient parallel city gate Suzhou tour for both land and water in China, which is provided with great historical and cultural values. The gate is consists of double arch gates and a water gate running through between the land gates; the design was a pioneering work in ancient architecture which is a tailor-made one for considerate combat readiness and flood control. The existing city wall today is over 300 m long and over 5 m high. On the top of the city wall, it offers a full view of the entire gate and the structure; crenellations, gun perforations, cannon holes, water-gate, and courtyard for fireproofing are all visible.

In recent years, the Pan Gate spot becomes a famous tourist attraction Suzhou tour package. There are many gardens, pavilions and ponds scattered throughout the area. It is a very nice place to stroll and relax.