Tiger Hill, or Huqiu Shan, is not just a hill and a park in the suburbs of ancient Suzhou. It is a place where history, legends, and art have come together to create one of China`s most iconic and poetic landmarks. It is often called the "Number One Scenic Spot in Wuzhong," where "Wu" is the ancient name for the region around Suzhou. It is a symbol of the city, its millennia-old culture, and its masterful craftsmanship.
History and Legend
The real history of Tiger Hill begins in the 6th century BC, during the Spring and Autumn period, when this region was part of the State of Wu. Legend has it that the powerful King He Lü was buried here in 496 BC. His son, King Fuchai, ordered the construction of a massive tomb for his father. Hundreds of thousands of workers labored on the site. According to tradition, the burial chamber lies deep beneath the reservoir at the foot of the hill—the Sword Pond.
After King He Lü was buried with untold treasures, his favorite horse, and, most importantly, three thousand of his legendary swords, a mysterious figure appeared on the tomb. The legend tells that three days after the burial, a white tiger came to the burial mound and sat on its summit, guarding the king`s rest and his treasures. Since then, this place has been called "Tiger Hill".
Main Sights of Tiger Hill
The ascent up the hill is a journey through time. Every rock, every pavilion, and every pond has its own story.
1. Sword Pond (Jianchi). This is perhaps the most mysterious and atmospheric place on the hill. It is a narrow, deep reservoir squeezed between two sheer cliffs, on which characters are carved, believed to be by Wang Xizhi himself—the great calligrapher of the Eastern Jin Dynasty.
According to legend, this is the entrance to the tomb of King He Lü, guarded by thousands of swords. The water in the pond is green and mysterious. Numerous attempts to drain the pond (including by Emperor Qin Shi Huang) to search for treasures were unsuccessful. In the 20th century, when the pond was drained for cleaning, several ancient swords were discovered in front of the supposed tomb entrance, which only added fuel to the legends.
2. Cloud Rock Temple Pagoda (Yunyan Si Ta). This is a symbol not only of Tiger Hill but of all Suzhou. Built in 961 AD (the era of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms), this pagoda is known as the Tiger Hill Pagoda.
What it is: A seven-story, octagonal brick pagoda, 48 meters high. Its uniqueness and worldwide fame lie in one fact: it is a leaning tower. Due to soil characteristics and centuries of settlement, the pagoda has deviated from the vertical by more than 2.3 meters. Its tilt is visible to the naked eye, and it is an older "rival" to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Entrance inside is closed to preserve the monument.
History: It was originally part of the Cloud Rock Temple, which was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt due to wars and fires, but the pagoda miraculously stood firm.
3. Thousand People Stone (Qianrenshi). A huge flat area made of brown stone at the foot of the pagoda. It is associated with two somewhat gloomy but very characteristic ancient legends.
Legend 1: After the completion of King He Lü`s tomb, his son, King Fuchai, fearing that the builders would reveal the secrets of the burial, ordered the execution of all workers on this very stone. Their blood is said to have permanently stained the stone brown.
Legend 2: The Buddhist preacher Shengdao once preached here. His words were so convincing and beautiful that a thousand people gathered to listen to him. The stone beneath them softened like a pillow so they could sit comfortably. Hence the name—"Thousand People Stone."
4. Hall of the Great Buddha (Daxiong Baodian). This is the main hall of the Buddhist temple that was restored on the hill`s territory. Although it is not as historical as the pagoda or the pond, it represents the classical architecture of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Inside are statues of Buddha and bodhisattvas. The hall adds religious grandeur to the overall ensemble of the hill.
5. Garden by the Water Pavilion (Shuidian Fenglai Ting). This is not a huge garden but an elegant, typical Suzhou corner for contemplation. A small pavilion stands over the water, surrounded by trees, flowers, and rocks. It perfectly embodies the principle of "borrowing the scenery", where an artificially created view harmoniously blends with nature. It is a place to rest and feel the coolness from the water.
6. Wanjing Villa (Wanjing Shanzhuang). This is, in essence, a bonsai garden (penjing) on the territory of Tiger Hill. It houses a stunning collection of dwarf trees, many of which are ancient and unique. The art of penzai (Suzhou-style bonsai) is famous for its refinement and naturalness. A walk through Wanjing Villa is an immersion into a miniature world where every tree is a whole story, the embodiment of patience and the harmony between humans and nature.
7. West Stream (Xixi) and Double Well Bridge (Shuangjing Qiao). A quieter and more picturesque part of the park. The stream, small bridges, pavilions, and greenery create ideal conditions for a leisurely stroll. The Double Well Bridge is a unique structure that indeed has two wells on it, which was a rarity for bridges.
What else is interesting on Tiger Hill:
• Sword Testing Stone (Shijianshi): A boulder allegedly split in two by the sword of King He Lü, which he tested on this stone.
• Crouching Dragon Pond (Wolongchi): A small pond shaped like a lying dragon.
• Terrace Stone Hill (Shitai): It is said to be the place where the legendary preacher Shengdao sat and meditated.
• Goose Pond Pavilion (Yang`echi): Associated with the legend of the great calligrapher Wang Xizhi, who adored geese. Observing their graceful movements, he honed his calligraphy skills.
• Teahouses and traditional performances: In various corners of the park, you can find cozy teahouses serving the famous "Biluochun" (Green Snail Spring) tea, grown nearby at Lake Taihu. Sometimes, short traditional performances on ancient themes are held here.
Why you should visit Tiger Hill?
Tiger Hill is a concentration of Chinese culture. Here, in one day, you will touch upon:
• Ancient history (the Warring States era),
• Buddhism (pagoda and temples),
• Legends and myths (tiger, swords, executions),
• Garden art (Garden by the Water Pavilion, Wanjing Villa),
• Poetry and calligraphy (inscriptions on the cliffs),
• Architectural genius and mysteries (leaning pagoda).
