Moon Harbor in Suzhou

This is the night skyline of Jinji Lake (金鸡湖 jīnjīhú) as seen from Moon Harbor. The glossy centerpiece is the Gate of the Orient (东方之门 dōngfāngzhīmén), a prominent building known for its height and design.
The photo was taken during a stroll with local friends after dinner. One of them lived in Suzhou and brought us here to marvel at the scenery and enjoy the cool breeze.
I had seen the Gate of the Orient earlier in the day and sympathized with claims that it resembled a pair of pants. Harsher criticism and outright mockery has been and is still being directed at the Gate of the Orient. As similarly unique structures have been appearing across China, this example highlights the negative public opinion such “weird architecture” can incite. But by presenting the Gate of the Orient in this light (although light is lacking literally), I hope criticisms of this architectural feat do not neglect the luster it adds to Suzhou’s night skyline. On a larger scale, the flavor that “weird architecture” adds to its surroundings should not be ignored when critiquing such creative expression.