Tiger Hill in Suzhou
Attractions Overview
Tiger Hill enjoys the good reputation of "the first scenic spot of the State of Wu", because Suzhou was the capital of the State of Wu during the Spring and Autumn Period. This is the place where Prince He Lv was buried after his death. This area was named Tiger Mountain because someone saw a tiger lying on Helu's tomb.
Chinese Name: 虎丘
English Name:Tiger Hill in Suzhou
Type: Suzhou Scenic Area, Suzhou famous spots & Artificial attractions
Best Time: All Year Around
Recommended Visiting Hours: 3-4 hours
Opening Hours:7: 30-17: 30 (May 1-October 7); 7: 30-17: 00 (October 8-April 30)
Location: Located in the northwest corner of Suzhou ancient city, huqiu mountain scenic area
Why is Tiger Hill So Special?
Tiger Hill (Hu Qiu) enjoys a reputation as ‘the first scenic spot in the State of Wu’, for Suzhou was once the capital of the State of Wu during the Spring and Autumn Period. It is where the King of Wu, He Lu, was buried after his death. The area was named Tiger Hill after a tiger was seen lying on the tomb of He Lu. With a history of more than 2,500 years, the Huqiu has been known as No. 1 Sight of Suzhou. Tiger Hill, which is 34 meters hight and about 5 kilometers from Suzhou downtown, is a must see for tourists, for its natural beauty as well as historical sites.
Where is Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill Scenic Area is located in the northwest corner of Suzhou ancient city and has a long history of more than 2500 years.
Main Attractions of Tiger Hill
Yunyan Pagoda
Tiger Hill is also located with the Yunyan Pagoda, which was tilted before the Qing Dynasty. It is said that the tower has been tilted since it was built in 959-961. It is a 48-meter-high brick tower with seven floors and eight sides. It was built earlier and higher than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It tilted about 3.5 degrees to the north. Today, this 1,000-year-old pagoda has become a symbol of Suzhou.
Sword Pond
Jianchi: A small rectangular pond, one of the most famous scenic spots in Tiger Mountain. He Lv is a famous samurai and sword collector. It is said that the sword pool contains He Lv’s treasured sword deep in the water, and some 3,000 swords are believed to be buried below. This site has not been excavated, because the foundation of the leaning tower is on this site.
Mountain Villa
Situated on the edge of the western mountain, the charming villa with its pagoda landscape as the background has collected the best specimens of Suzhou style bonsai. The dense vegetation behind the hillside forms a special climate zone and has now become a paradise for winged birds. In autumn dusk, thousands of herons circle around the pagoda, forming a huge wonder.
Sword-Testing Rock
Sword testing stone is a rock split in half by the legendary sharp sword.
Best Time to Travel Tiger Hill
March-April and September-October are the best travel times in Tiger Hill.
But in Hangzhou, there is no season or weather. No matter in spring, summer, autumn and winter, rain or shine, rain or snow, it can conjure up a beautiful appearance. September-November: The weather is crisp in autumn, and sweet osmanthus trees full of Longgui rain are fragrant for ten miles. Before and after the Mid-Autumn Festival, you can watch the spring tide in Qiantang during the day and enjoy the moon in the lake at night. March-May: The spring breeze is warm and the spring water is intoxicating. It is most suitable for strolling along the Suzhou Creek and enjoying the flowers.
How to Get There
- Take bus no. 32 or express line 3 and get off at Huqiu Beimen (North Gate of Tiger Hill) Station.
- Take bus no. 146 or tourist bus no. 1 or 2 and get off at Huqiu Station.
- Take bus no. 816 or 949 and get off at Huqiu Road Station.
Useful Travel Tips
| Admission Fee | April, May, July, August, September and October: CNY 80 January, February, March, June, November and December: CNY 60 * Note: Children below 4.6 feet (1.4 meters) can enter for free when accompanied by an adult. |
| Opening Hours | 07:30 – 17:30 |
- If you want to walk longer, be sure to bring a pair of comfortable shoes.
- The distance between scenic spots in Hangzhou is generally long. Unless you like hiking, it is recommended to take a bus, which saves time and effort.
- Whether you are traveling to West Lake or Hangzhou, bicycles are very good choices.
