Ruiguang Tower is an ancient tower of the Song Dynasty located inside Panmen Gate in Suzhou. It was first built in 247 (the tenth year of Chiwu in the reign of Sun Quan of Eastern Wu). It has 13 floors. When it was rebuilt during the Dazhong Xiangfu period of the Song Dynasty, it was changed to seven floors and eight sides. It is about 43 meters high. In April 1978, a batch of precious cultural relics from the Five Dynasties and the early Northern Song Dynasty were found in the brick niche on the third floor. There are two copper-gilded towers, nine statues of Bodhisattvas such as Ksitigarbha, Avalokitesvara, and Tathagata Buddha. There are also handwritten scriptures from the Five Dynasties and lacquer cases inlaid with mother-of-pearl for storing Buddhist scriptures. In particular, a ‘pearl relic treasure tower’ is the most exquisite among the unearthed cultural relics. The tower is 1.22 meters high and is made of jewels. It combines jade carving, gold and silver craftsmanship, wood carving, gold tracing, and lacquer carving, and can be called a rare treasure. These cultural relics are of high value for studying the social situation and artistic achievements of the Song Dynasty. At the same time, it also confirms that the existing brick tower body is a relic from the second year of Dazhong Xiangfu in the Northern Song Dynasty (1009). Opening hours: Open all year round from 08:30 to 16:00. Supplementary notes on preferential policies: 1. The above information is for reference only. Specific details are subject to the announcements at the scenic spot. 2. Preferential policies for Panmen Scenic Area: Children with a height of 1.4 meters (excluding 1.4 meters) to 1.5 meters (excluding 1.5 meters) can purchase discounted tickets. Full-time undergraduate students and below with valid identity documents can purchase discounted tickets. People over 60 years old (including 60 years old) can purchase discounted tickets with valid identity documents. 3. Free admission policies for Panmen Scenic Area: Children with a height of 1.4 meters (including 1.4 meters) or below are exempt from admission fees. Active servicemen and retired cadres of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army can be exempt from admission fees with valid identity documents.
Ruiguang Tower
Ruiguang Tower is an ancient tower of the Song Dynasty located inside Panmen Gate in Suzhou. It was [...]
