Tiger Hill (Huqiu) Travel Guide: Exploring Suzhou’s Iconic Leaning Pagoda

1. Introduction
If you had to choose just one place in Suzhou that captures both the essence of Jiangnan gardens and the city’s rich history, it would be Tiger Hill. Known as the “No. 1 Scenic Spot in Suzhou,” it combines a thousand-year-old leaning pagoda, classic Chinese gardens, flowing streams, and legendary stories. The famous poet Su Dongpo once said: “To visit Suzhou and not see Tiger Hill would be a lifelong regret.”

2. History and Legends
Tiger Hill dates back over 2,500 years and is closely tied to King Helü of Wu. Legend says that after his burial, a white tiger appeared to guard his tomb, giving the hill its name. It has since become a place full of legends—hidden swords in Sword Pond, the Broken Beam Hall, and Sword-Testing Rock. The Tiger Hill Pagoda, built in the Song Dynasty, is one of China’s oldest leaning towers, often called the “Leaning Tower of Pisa of China.”

3. Experiencing Tiger Hill’s Highlights

Yunyan Pagoda – More Than Just a Leaning Tower
The most iconic landmark of Suzhou, this 47-meter-high pagoda has stood for over a millennium. Due to foundation settlement, it tilts significantly, making it a fascinating photography spot.

Sword Pool – A Silent Mystery
According to legend, King Helü’s tomb lies beneath the pond, along with 3,000 swords. The narrow gorge with steep cliffs creates a dramatic and mysterious atmosphere.

Thousand People Rock – Echoes of Ancient Voices
The pond has sword-like shape as it is wide in the south and narrow in the north. It was named sword pond because many of He Lü’s favorite swords were also buried in the tomb as sacrificial objects.

Wanjing Villa – Where Nature is Miniaturized
Lu Yu Well is a stone well on the hill, is said to be have been sunk by Lu Yu, an authority on the art of tea and wrote the first ever book on the subject entitled 'The Treatise of Tea'. According to historic records, Lu Yu once lived on Tiger Hill for a long time, and researched the tea and wrote the book, and Lu Yu also found the water in the well was very sweet, so he awarded it the Third Well under Heaven. 

4. Practical Information
Address: No. 8, Huqiu Shanmen, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province
Entrance Fee: 80 RMB per person
Opening Hours: 8:00 – 17:30 (extended hours during holidays and evening events)
Transportation: From downtown Suzhou, a taxi takes around 15 minutes. Alternatively, public buses or metro plus a short walk are available. From Shanghai or Wuxi, take a high-speed train to Suzhou Station, then transfer by car or bus to Tiger Hill.
Recommended Duration: 2–3 hours; allow half a day if you want to enjoy performances and garden strolls.

5. Travel Tips
Visiting Tiger Hill on weekdays is recommended to avoid the crowds that gather on weekends and holidays. Wear comfortable shoes to navigate the many steps and stone pathways throughout the site. The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn, while in summer it’s ideal to go in the early morning or evening, and in winter you can enjoy the festive lantern displays. Tickets and snacks can be easily purchased with cash or mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. If you’re short on time, focus on the two main highlights—the Tiger Hill Pagoda and the Sword Pool.

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