Ruiguang Pagoda, also known as the Auspicious Lustre Pagoda, is the earliest pagoda built in what is now known as the Panmen Scenic Area of Suzhou.
The pagoda was built in 247 CE during the reign of King Chiwu Sun Quan in honor of his mother. At the time of construction, the pagoda had 13 floors. During the succeeding dynasties, the pagoda was destroyed and rebuilt many times.
It was reconstructed during the Song Dynasty, this time at a slightly reduced height and in an octagonal shape still visible today. The Ruiguang Pagoda is composed of brick with wooden platforms and has simple Buddhist carvings on its base.
The structure is located in Suzhou and is set in a beautiful garden complete with stately pavilions and a pond home to giant koi fish. The surrounding park is known for the “three landmarks of Pan Gate,” of which the Ruiguang Pagoda is one. The others are the Wu Gate Bridge, at the time the highest bridge in Suzhou, and Pan Gate.
Visitors who stay in the Pan Pacific Hotel receive early access to the garden before the rest of the city.
