International Travel
Tiger Hill in Suzhou, China
Photos & story by: Debbie Stock
Yunyansi Pagoda or Tiger Hill pagoda built in 959 A.D. is considered the
symbol of ancient Suzhou, China. Leaning much the same as Italy's Leaning
Tower of Pisa, the Chinese pagoda both predates and is taller than the
famous Italian icon. With a lean of 3°59' to the north, the fantastic brick
structure with seven floors and eight sides is the most famous scenic spot
in Suzhou.
Nearly 2500 years ago King of "Wu", 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. Sword Pool or Sword Pond (right photo) is said to hold He Lu's treasured swords in its watery depths. The Leaning Pagoda's foundations rest on it so the site has never been excavated.
If you spend some time in China you'll come across quite a few pagodas
during your travels. In Hanzhou, be sure to check out
Li
Gong pagoda.