Tiger Hill is one of the most famous attractions in Suzhou, enjoying the reputation of "The first scenic spot in Wu area" by its imposing beauty.
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.
With only 36 meters high and an area of 20hectares, you might think it is an an artificial hill, but its history can be traced back to 2500 years ago. The Tiger Hill Pagoda in the park is the landmark of Suzhou city.
Attractions in Tiger Hill
- Sword-Testing Rock: a rock in two pieces that was supposedly cleaved cleanly by a legendary sword of extraordinary sharpness
- Spring of Simplicity and Honesty: a well that, according to legend, first appeared as a spring to an exhausted monk carrying water up the entire length of the hill
- Yunyan Pagoda: a pagoda seven stories in height whose main architectural feature is its lean; it in fact predates the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Sword Pond (Jianchi): a small rectangular pond, beneath which a treasure of some 3000 swords are believed to have been buried; this site is not excavated because the Leaning Pagoda's foundations rest on the site
- Lu Yu Well: a well attributed to Lu Yu, author of the first book on tea
- Thousand People Rock