When King Helu of the state of Wu died in 496 BC he was buried on a hill with his precious collection of 3000 swords.

Some days later a white tiger showed up to guard the tomb, and the place is called Hu Qui (Tiger Hill) ever after.

 

NB: one of Helu's generals was Sun Tzu, the author of the Art of War.

 

The first emperor had the site searched for the swords, but not to prevail.

The cristal clear Sword Pool is said to be the result of that unsuccessful digging. Others claim that the pool actually protects the tomb and swords beneath it.

 

In 960 AD the Yunyan Pagoda was build on the hill top, presumably right over Helu's tomb. Over time the pagoda has started leaning, presently at an angle of 4 degrees.

 

Tiger Hill is small but packed with monuments, inscriptions, temples and statues and should not be missed when you are in the Suzhou area.

 

Between 1997 and 2005 we have visited this fascinating place several times.