Huqiu Hill, though small in size, boasts natural landscapes such as cliffs and ravines, and numerous cultural sites formed through generations of construction, with architecture and vegetation complementing each other, embodying the exquisite style of Jiangnan gardens. Here, you can learn about stories from the Spring and Autumn period and view the iconic tilted Yunyan Temple Pagoda. The entire Huqiu scenic area resembles a square with a size of approximately 500 meters in both length and width, and a hill height of only about thirty meters, making it easily navigable on foot.
The scenic area is mainly divided into three parts: Qianshan, Qianrenshi, and the summit. Each part offers many scenic spots and cultural attractions worth visiting, with the Yunyan Temple Pagoda being the highlight, along with Sword Pond and Qianrenshi. Huqiu Hill is also an important gathering place for Suzhou’s folk culture. Based on the history of ‘three markets and three festivals,’ the scenic area has innovated by introducing the Spring Art Flower Fair (from late March to May), showcasing the enchanting elegance of precious flowers such as peonies, tulips, Belgian azaleas, and lilies, which is highly appreciated for its artistic taste. Complementing the flower fair is the richly folk-style Golden Autumn Temple Fair (in September and October), which recreates the grandeur of the Shantang outing and showcases a blend of folk art from the north and south, greatly loved by tourists. Entering the Huqiu scenic area from the south gate (the main entrance on Huqiu Road), one first arrives at Qianshan. The stone arch bridge that catches the eye is the first scenic spot in Qianshan, named Haiyong Bridge. Standing on Haiyong Bridge and looking ahead, the mountain resembles a tiger crouching on it, which is also said to be the true reason for Huqiu Hill’s name. One can also observe the characteristic where the mountain is hidden within the temple, and the temple envelops the small hill. Further ahead, one can see the Sword Testing Stone, said to be the location where King Helü of Wu tested the Mo Ye sword. Visiting the Sword Testing Stone today, one can see a crack running through the large stone, resembling a sword cut. Inside Qianshan, there are also attractions such as the Broken Beam Hall, the Resounding Stele, the Simple Well, and the Pillow Stone, each with its own fantastic and ancient legend that can be learned through a guide’s narration. Moving forward leads to the Qianrenshi area, where the main attractions include Qianrenshi, Nodding Stone, Erxian Pavilion, and Sword Pond. Sword Pond is a key highlight of visiting Huqiu Hill, with its unique natural scenery. On the small hills of Jiangnan, Sword Pond boasts a rare cliff and ravine behind it, with a small pool of water beneath the cliff. On the cliff, there are four large characters ‘Huqiu Sword Pond’ inscribed by the famous calligrapher Yan Zhenqing. It is said that there is a large amount of treasure in Sword Pond, and many emperors have searched for it throughout history, but it remains an eternal mystery to this day. Climbing up the gentle steps, one arrives at the summit, which features attractions such as the Yunyan Temple Pagoda and the remains of Yunyan Zen Temple. The Yunyan Temple Pagoda is the most important attraction in Huqiu Hill. Its appeal lies in being a leaning tower, with the tower peak tilting more than two meters to the northwest, earning it the nickname of China’s ‘Leaning Tower of Pisa’ and ‘the second leaning tower in the world,’ making it very special and attracting many tourists to take photos here.The Yunyan Pagoda is currently not allowed to enter inside. Just enjoy it from the outside. Huqiu Mountain has an attraction called ‘Lengxiang Pavilion’. It was built in the sixth year of the Republic of China. There are plum groves planted around the pavilion. Every year from February to March, the sparse shadows and faint fragrance are enchanting. Tourists who come to Huqiu to enjoy plum blossoms can go to Lengxiang Pavilion, brew a pot of fragrant tea, sit alone in one place, taste tea and enjoy plum blossoms, adding more elegance.
Yulan Mountain House is above Tongyou Pavilion on the north side of Huqiu Mountain. There used to be an ancient magnolia tree here. It is very famous in Wuzhong. According to legend, it was transplanted from Fujian by Zhu Mian of the Song Dynasty. Every early spring, magnolias are about to bloom. This area is elegant and beautiful, quiet and comfortable. Tourists who come here are reluctant to leave and enjoy themselves so much that they forget to return.
Opening hours: From May 1st to October 31st, it is open from 07:30 to 18:00; from November 1st to April 30th, it is open from 07:30 to 17:30.
Preferential policies:
Children: Those under 6 years old (inclusive) or under 1.4 meters in height can enter for free with valid identity documents.
Children under 2 meters (including) need to purchase child tickets at the ticket exchange office, and those above 1.2 meters (excluding) are charged the same as adults. Service Facilities Parking Lot: [Huqiu South Parking Lot] Reference Price: ¥6/hour; Address: No. 8, Shangmen, Huqiu District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, North of Huqiu Parking; Spaces: 400; Fees: For the first hour, small vehicles are charged ¥6, and large vehicles are charged ¥12. (Fees are for reference only) Luggage Storage: Reference Price: Free Scenic Area Guide: There is a guide service at the visitor centers at the north and south gates. Free guided tours are available at specific times, and paid tours cost ¥200 for 10 people, with an additional ¥10 for each extra person. Map of the Scenic Area: The visitor center provides a map of the scenic area, which visitors can pick up and consult. Transportation within the Park: Reference Price: Paid Rain Gear Rental: Reference Price: Free; Address: Visitor Center Restrooms: There are multiple restrooms located within Huqiu, near Duanliang Hall, Yanghejian, Xixi Huancui, Lengxiang Pavilion, Tea Garden, Yixie Garden, Sun Wu Temple, and North Gate Visitor Center, with clear signs. Nursing Room: Address: Nursing rooms are located within the Huqiu restrooms. Vending Machines: Vending machines are provided at the south gate exit of the scenic area.
