Travel in China
Suzhou's sacred hill - the 'Leaning Tower of China' atop the founder king's burial mound.
Tiger Hill (Huqiu) is a 36-metre hill in north-west Suzhou that has been the city's most important site since its founding. According to legend, the Wu king Helu, who founded Suzhou in 514 BC, was buried here; three days later a white tiger appeared to guard the tomb - hence the name.
The hill's most famous feature is the Yunyan Pagoda, a 47-metre brick tower built in 961 AD that has been leaning since the 17th century - the 'Leaning Tower of China'. Other attractions include the Sword Pool (where the king's swords are said to be buried), the Thousand People Stone (a flat rock where the sword-smith's disciples gathered), and the True Spring (a spring that has flowed for a millennium).
Su Dongpo wrote that 'it is a lifelong regret to visit Suzhou without seeing Tiger Hill' - and the hill remains one of the city's essential sights. The climb takes 15 minutes past pavilions, bonsai gardens and ancient trees.
Highlights
The Yunyan Pagoda
The 'Leaning Tower of China' - a 47-metre brick tower tilting since the 17th century.
The Sword Pool
Where the founding king's 3,000 swords are said to be buried.
The Thousand People Stone
A flat rock where the sword-smith's disciples gathered.
The King Helu Tomb
The burial mound of Suzhou's founding king.
The True Spring
A spring that has flowed for a thousand years.
The Bonsai Garden
A collection of penjing trees in a walled garden.
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