Tiger Hill

The Tiger Hill (in Chinese: Huqiu), is the most famous scenic spot of Suzhou standing to the north west of Suzhou.

It was the place where the King of "Wu" (a small state in the Spring and Autumn Periods nearly 2500 years ago), Fu Chai, buried his father-King He Lu along with 3,000 swords. Legend says that on the third day after the burial, a white tiger appeared to guard the tomb, hence the name of the hill.

The Yunyan Pagoda, also known as the Leaning Pagoda, stands on top of the hill. Today this 1000-year-old pagoda has become a symbol of Suzhou. It is seven stories in height and famously leans much the Leaning Tower of Pisa. In fact this pagoda both predates and is taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.


Yunyan Pagoda, Leaning Tower of China	Sword Pool where treasured swords of the king was burid

Another attraction at Tiger hill is the Sword Pool (in Chinese Jianchi). King He Lu was a famous warrior and sword collector who was buried here. The Sword Pond is said to hold He Lu's treasured swords in its watery depths. But the site has never been excavated because the Leaning Pagoda's foundations rest on it.

Last, but certainly not least, the Wangjing Villa (Wanjing Shanzhuang) is one of Huqiu's most interesting spots. Wanjing Villa is a garden of potted landscapes and "bonzai-style" shrubs, covering an area of about 1700 square meters (half and acre). Some of the potted landscapes are quite small and some are not potted at all, but are small displays set up like miniature Suzhou gardens. All are intended to evoke images of magnificent mountains and forest scenery.


Sword Pool	Tiger Hill in autumn

Suzhou Attractions

	Pingjiang Old Street		Tongli Water Town
	Lingering Garden		Hanshan Temple
	Master of the Nets Garden		Zhouzhuang Water Town
	Ouyuan Garden		Panmen Gate
	Grand Canal		Kunqu Opera
	Suzhou Silk Factory		Humble Administrator's Garden
	Lion Grove Garden		Kunqu Opera
	Luzhi Water Town		Suzhou Pingtan