The Gate to the East A Striking Gateway to Suzhou

The Gate to the East is the tallest building in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China, and was conceived as a symbolic entrance or gateway to the city. Standing 301.8 meters (990 feet) high, this office complex has been described as the world’s largest gateway building.

Construction of the Gate to the East took place between 2004 and 2016. The project was designed by the British architectural firm RMJM. Its location was deliberately selected at the point where the historic east-west axis of Suzhou Old Town meets the western shoreline of Jinji Lake.

Architectural design

The structure consists of two tall vertical towers rising above the lake and connected by a monumental arch. The building is positioned directly over a major underground railway interchange, which was incorporated into the overall development and fully integrated with the tower complex.

The unusual design was intended to acknowledge both the geographical setting and the cultural character of Suzhou. However, the building has also attracted significant criticism from the media and architectural commentators. Some have regarded it as a striking example of the 21st century trend toward spectacular, highly expressive architecture.

Others have taken a much less favorable view of its appearance. The paired towers and enormous central arch have been compared to an oversized pair of trousers. Some local residents have even described the building as embarrassing, while others have likened passing through its large open arch to being made to crawl between another person's legs.

Despite these contrasting reactions, the Gate to the East remains one of Suzhou's most distinctive modern landmarks, combining a dramatic architectural form with a location closely connected to the city's historic urban axis and Jinji Lake.