Suzhou is named for the former Su Prefecture of imperial China.

Su Prefecture was established under the Sui and renamed Jiuquan Commandery under the Tang.

[2] Its seat was established just within the extreme northwest angle of the Great Wall near the Jade Gate.

The old town was completely destroyed in the First Dungan Revolt but was recovered by the Qing in 1873 and was swiftly rebuilt.

[3] Suzhou District is divided to 7 Subdistricts, 14 towns, 1 townships and 3 other.