Sword Pond is perhaps the most mysterious and legendary site on Tiger Hill in Suzhou. Located at the foot of the Rock of a Thousand People and surrounded by steep, moss-covered cliffs, this small, dark, and enigmatic body of water hides the hill`s greatest secret, which has captivated minds for over two millennia.
What Tourists See
Sword Pond is a narrow, elongated body of water resembling a sword in shape. It is enclosed within a natural stone well formed by vertical cliffs. The atmosphere here always feels cooler and more shaded. Above the pond loom two parts of a massive split rock, connected by a narrow bridge. This is the famous "Sword-Testing Rock" (Shijian Shi) crevice, which seems to point directly down to the pond below.
On the cliffs surrounding the pond, visitors can see carved characters. The most famous inscription is "Sword Pond," said to have been left by the renowned Tang Dynasty calligrapher Yan Zhenqing. There are also inscriptions from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, left by officials and poets who were likewise drawn to this mystery.
The Legend of King Helü`s Treasures
This is the central and most famous legend of Sword Pond, directly linked to the Rock of a Thousand People.
According to legend, after the death of King Helü of the State of Wu (6th century BCE), his son and successor, King Fuchai, ordered his father buried with immense wealth. The tomb`s greatest treasures were 3,000 exquisite swords, among which were the legendary blades forged by the master smith Gan Jiang—"Gan Jiang" and "Mo Ye."
To securely hide the tomb and protect it from grave robbers, Fuchai commanded:
• Dig a deep pit on the hillside.
• Place the king`s sarcophagus and all the treasures at the bottom.
• Fill the pit with water, creating an artificial lake—Sword Pond.
• Execute all the workers involved in the construction and bury them at the neighboring Rock of a Thousand People, ensuring the secret of the burial site died with them.
Thus, Sword Pond is not merely a body of water but the flooded entrance to a legendary tomb, its bottom literally paved with precious weapons.
The Legend of the Crevice`s Origin
The crevice above the pond also has a mythical explanation. It is said to be the mark of a strike from that very magical sword. According to one version, King Helü himself struck the blow, testing the sharpness of the newly acquired blade. Another version claims it was his son, Fuchai, splitting the rock in rage or attempting to reach the treasures. The perfectly smooth edges of the crevice indeed look as though a giant sword cleaved the rock.
Historical Facts
The legend is so persistent that it has sparked excitement among treasure hunters and scholars for centuries.
Attempt to Drain the Pond During Emperor Qianlong`s Reign: According to historical records, attempts were made to drain the pond during the Ming Dynasty, but without success. More famously, during the Qing Dynasty (18th century), Emperor Qianlong, known for his love of antiquities, ordered the complete draining of Sword Pond during his visit to Suzhou. Workers allegedly discovered a stone passage leading deep into the hill. However, as soon as they began clearing the entrance, water gushed out, forcing them to halt work to avoid collapsing the cliffs and damaging the pagoda above. The emperor ordered the passage sealed to preserve the ancient king`s rest.
1950s Scientific Investigations: In 1955, the Suzhou authorities took this mystery seriously. The pond was drained again for cleaning and archaeological research. At the bottom, they indeed discovered a sealed triangular entrance to a cave, matching descriptions from the Qianlong era. Archaeologists also found several artifacts from the Spring and Autumn Period. However, the entrance pointed directly beneath the foundation of the leaning Cloud Rock Temple Pagoda—the millennium-old symbol of Suzhou. Any large-scale excavation could destabilize the ground and lead to the pagoda`s collapse. Work was immediately halted, and the passage was resealed for safety.
Cultural Significance Today
Today, Sword Pond remains an untouched enigma. The Chinese authorities have decided to preserve it intact, prioritizing the pagoda`s safety and respect for historical heritage.
For tourists, this place offers a chance to touch a living legend. Standing at the edge of this dark pond, gazing at the reflection of the cliffs in the water, and imagining the 3,000 swords lying at the bottom, anyone can feel the breath of ancient Chinese history and mythology. Sword Pond is not just an attraction; it is the embodiment of an unsolved mystery that has endured for over 2,500 years.
