Tiger Hill, also known as Huqiu 虎丘 in Chinese， is one of the famous scenic areas in Suzhou, where the buildings and plants complement each other, creating a delicate Jiangnan garden style. Tiger Hill is about 30 meters high, and the whole scenic area is similar to a square with an area of about 2500 meters. Tourists can walk into the scenic area for sightseeing.
What to see
The Huqiu Scenic Area is mainly divided into three parts: Qian Hill, Qianren Stone, and the mountaintop. In addition to the Yunyan Temple Pagoda, the main attractions here include Jianchi Pool and Qianren Stone. Tiger Hill is an important gathering place for Suzhou citizens. The scenic area has innovatively launched the Spring Art Flower Fair (late March to May) and the Golden Autumn Temple Fair (September-October), which are deeply loved by tourists.
Entering Huqiu Scenic Area from the south gate, tourists first arrive at Qianshan. The stone arch bridge that catches the eye is the first scenic spot on the front mountain, called Haiyong Bridge. Looking ahead from Haiyong Bridge, the shape of the mountain resembles that of a tiger perched on top, which is also said to be the true reason for the name Tiger Hill.
Further ahead, tourists can see the Sword Testing Stone, which is said to be the location where King Helu of Wu tried the Mo Xie Sword during the Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period. Now, when you go to the Sword Testing Stone to observe, you can see a crack passing through the large stone, resembling a knife cutting a sword. There are also attractions such as the Broken Beam Hall, Xiangbei, Hanhan Spring, and Pillow Stone in the Qianshan area, each of which has a fantastic and ancient legend. Tourists can learn about their stories through the tour guide's explanation.
Continuing forward, tourists will arrive at the Thousand Person Stone area, where the main attractions include the Thousand Person Stone, Nodding Stone, Erxian Pavilion, and Sword Pool. Jianchi is a key attraction for visiting Huqiu, where the natural scenery is very unique. On the small hills of Jiangnan, there is a rare rock wall and steep valley behind Jianchi, and beneath the rock wall is a small pool of water. There are four big characters on the rock wall, "Tiger Hill Sword Pool," written by the famous scholar Yan Zhenqing. Legend has it that there is a large amount of treasure in the Sword Pool, and many kings in history have searched for it here, but it is still a mystery for thousands of years.
Climbing up the gentle steps, tourists will reach the top of the mountain, where there are attractions such as the Yunyan Temple Pagoda and the Yunyan Zen Temple Ruins. Yunyan Temple Pagoda is the most important attraction in Huqiu Scenic Area. What attracts people to it is that it is a leaning tower with a tip that slopes more than two meters northwest. It is known as China's "Leaning Tower of Pisa" and "the second leaning tower in the world", which is very special and attracts many tourists to take photos here.
There is a scenic spot called "Cold Fragrance Pavilion" on Huqiu Mountain, which was built in the sixth year of the Republic of China. Merlin trees are planted around the pavilion, and from February to March every year, the shadows are scattered and the fragrance is hidden. Tourists who come to Huqiu to appreciate the plum blossoms can go to the Cold Fragrance Pavilion to soak in a pot of fragrant tea, sit alone, and enjoy the tea and plum blossoms, adding more elegance and charm.
The Yulan Mountain House is located on the north side of Huqiu Mountain, above the Tongyou Pavilion. There is an old Yulan tree, which is very ancient and named Guanwuzhong. It is said to have been transplanted from Fujian by Song Zhuzhen. Every early spring, the magnolia blossoms are about to bloom. This area is elegant and beautiful, peaceful and comfortable. Tourists come here, reluctant to leave and reluctant to return.
Travel Tips
Address: No. 8, Huqiu Mountain Gate, Gusu District, Suzhou City
Telephone: 0512-962015,0512-65323488
Opening Hours: 07:30-18:00
Admission ticket : CNY 80