Tiger Hill: Unveiling the Secrets of King Wu

Located in the northwestern suburbs of Suzhou, Tiger Hill boasts a rich history of over 2,500 years and is known as the "most famous scenic spot in Wu". Here's a travel guide to help you have a wonderful trip: Preparation - Documents: Bring your valid ID, student ID (if applicable), and other valid IDs for ticket purchase and admission. - Clothing: Choose appropriate clothing based on the season. Tiger Hill offers diverse scenery throughout the year: blooming flowers in spring, lush greenery in summer, fiery maple leaves in autumn, and tranquil serenity in winter. - Shoes: Comfortable athletic or casual shoes are recommended for walking on the hill. - Other items: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, an umbrella or raincoat for sun and rain protection. Also, pack some snacks and water to stay energized during your visit. Transportation - By car: Navigate to "Tiger Hill Scenic Area South Gate Parking Lot" or "Tiger Hill Scenic Area North Gate Parking Lot". Parking is available, but spaces are limited, so plan your trip in advance. - By bus: Take bus No. 32 or 36 to "Huqiu North Gate" station. The north entrance is a 1-minute walk away. - By subway: Take Subway Line 2 to "Shantang Street" station and cycle for about 15 mins (3.5 km); or take Subway Line 6 to "Tiger Hill" station, exit from Exit 3, and walk about 500m. Tickets - Price: Peak season (May 1 - October 31): CNY 70; Off-season (November 1 - April 30): CNY 60. - Discounts: Students and seniors can purchase half-price tickets with valid IDs. Children under 1.4m or under 6 years old are free of charge. Opening Hours - Peak season (May 1 - October 31): 7:30am - 6:00pm (ticket sales stop at 5:00pm, entry stops at 5:30pm). - Off-season (November 1 - April 30): 7:30am - 5:30pm (ticket sales stop at 4:30pm, entry stops at 5:00pm). Suggested Routes - Classic Route (approx. 4 hrs): Main Gate → Broken Beam Hall → Emerald Green Hill Villa → Hanhan Spring → Sword Testing Stone → Pillow Stone → Tomb of Zhen Niang → Sun Wu’s Parade Ground → Thousand-Person Rock → Two Immortals Pavilion → Sword Pond → Third Spring → Site of Stone Guanyin Temple → Tiger Hill Pagoda → Main Hall → Shadow of the Pine Trees by the Study → Cloud in Tea Fragrance → Little Wudang. - Highlights Route (approx. 3 hrs): Little Wudang → Tiger Hill Pagoda → Main Hall → Sword Pond → Thousand-Person Rock → Sun Wu’s Parade Ground → Tomb of Zhen Niang → Sword Testing Stone → Myriad Scenic Villa → West Creek Emerald → Main Gate. Recommended Attractions - Tiger Hill Pagoda: Also known as Yunyan Temple Pagoda, it is a landmark and symbol of ancient Suzhou, often called the "Leaning Tower of Pisa of the East". - Sword Pond: A deep and mysterious ravine with springs and clouds. Legend has it that the tomb of King Wu is located beneath the pond, along with 3,000 buried swords. - Myriad Scenic Villa: Home to over 600 exquisite Suzhou-style bonsai, featuring tree and rock bonsai displays. - Broken Beam Hall: The second gate of Tiger Hill. The hall's central beam, made of two pieces of wood, is a marvel of ancient architecture. - Emerald Green Hill Villa: A small, exquisitely designed garden with pavilions, rockeries, and ponds, offering picturesque scenery. - Sun Wu’s Parade Ground: Built in memory of Sun Wu, a general of King Wu during the Spring and Autumn Period, this was where Sun Wu trained his troops. Food Recommendations - Suzhou-style pastries: Many traditional Suzhou pastry shops near Tiger Hill, such as Wanfuxing, offer delicious treats like plum blossom cakes, crabapple cakes, and mung bean cakes. - Cangshu mutton: A famous Suzhou dish known for its tender mutton and unique flavor. - Shengjian mantou: Pan-fried buns with a crispy exterior and juicy filling, a popular breakfast choice in Suzhou. - Squirrel-shaped mandarin fish: A classic Suzhou dish featuring tender fish in a sweet and sour sauce. Things to Note - Book tickets in advance to avoid queues. - Follow the signs and instructions of staff, and pay attention to safety. - Protect the environment; do not spit or litter. - Respect local customs and religious beliefs. - If taking a boat tour, follow safety guidelines and instructions from staff.