Tiger HillorHuqiu (Chinese: 虎丘; pinyin: Hǔ Qiū; Suzhou Wu: Hou chieu, Wu Chinese pronunciation: [hou tɕʰʏ]) is a hill in Suzhou, China. It is a tourist destination that is known for its natural environment and historic sites. The hill's name is said to come from the fact it looks like a crouching tiger. Another legend states that a white tiger appeared on the hill to guard it following the burial of King Helü. The hill is also sometimes referred to in parallel with Shizishan (Chinese: 狮子山; pinyin: Shīzǐshān), another mountain in Suzhou which resembles a sitting lion.[1]
According to the Historical Records, King Helü of Wu was buried on the hill, called then "the Hill Emerging from the Sea". The legend goes that three days after his burial a white tiger appeared squatting on the hill. Hence the name. It has an elevation of over 30 m (98 ft) and covers about 20 hectares (49 acres). Tiger Hill boasts impressive rocks, deep dales, three matchless scenes, nine suitable occasions for enjoyment, 18 scenic spots, and changing scenery at all times. No wonder it has been an awe-inspiring sight in the area south of the Lower Yangtze. The Yunyan Temple Pagoda and the Sword Pool are well-known features of the hill. With a history going back more than 1,000 years, the simple, archaic and imposing Yunyan Temple Pagoda, also known as the Second Leaning Tower on earth, stands aloft at the top of the hill, serving as a symbol of ancient Suzhou for years, The Tomb of the Wu King Helu under the Sword Pool has remained an unsolved mystery for two and a half millennia. The story goes that the great Jin master Wang Xizhi traded his calligraphy for lovable geese from the Taoist Abbot. The windy vale and cloudy spring are said to make the visitor reluctant to leave.[2][3]
The hill has been a tourist destination for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, as is evident from the poetry and calligraphy carved into rocks on the hill. Its features include:
31°20′15″N 120°34′34″E / 31.337531°N 120.576167°E / 31.337531; 120.576167
