Wumen Bridge

Wumen Bridge is the highest existing ancient stone arch bridge in Suzhou. It was built in the seventh year of the Yuanfeng era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1084), and its completion ended the history of ferrying at Panmen. Therefore, it is called "New Bridge". The river surface was much wider than it is now, and the "New Bridge" was composed of two connected wooden bridges on the north bank and a stone bridge on the south bank, which was also referred to as "Three Bridges" at that time. The existing Wumen Bridge was renovated during the Qing Dynasty, with a total length of 66.3 meters, a width of 4.8 meters, a clear span of 16 meters, and a height of 9.85 meters for the arch, making it the highest single-arch stone bridge among the ancient bridges in Suzhou. Climbing up the steps, one can see the intricate water network below, boats coming and going, the towering city towers, the shining ancient pagodas, and the distant mountains and nearby waters all in view.