Although Huqiu is just a small hill, it has natural landscapes such as cliffs and gullies. Due to construction over the ages, numerous cultural attractions have been formed. The buildings and plants in the park set off each other, presenting the elegant style of a Jiangnan garden. Here, you can learn about stories from the Spring and Autumn Period and observe the landmark leaning Yunyan Pagoda. The entire Huqiu scenic area is similar to a square and is not very large. It is about 500 meters in both length and width, and the mountain is only about thirty meters high. You can tour on foot after entering the scenic area. The scenic area is mainly divided into three parts: Qianshan, Thousand People Stone, and the mountaintop. Each part has many scenic and cultural attractions worth seeing. In addition to the Yunyan Pagoda, the Sword Pool and Thousand People Stone also need to be highlighted. Huqiu is also an important gathering place for Suzhou folk. According to the history of ‘three markets and three festivals’, the scenic area has innovatively launched the spring art flower fair (from the end of March to May), showing the charming charm of a large number of precious flowers such as peonies, tulips, Belgian azaleas, and lilies, with a high artistic taste. Complementing the flower fair is the golden autumn temple fair with rich folk customs (in September and October), reproducing the grand occasion of the Shantang Festival and presenting folk art programs that blend the north and south, which are deeply loved by tourists. Entering the Huqiu scenic area from the south gate (i.e., the main gate on Huqiu Road), the first thing you come to is Qianshan. The stone arch bridge that catches the eye is the first attraction in Qianshan, called Haiyong Bridge. Standing on Haiyong Bridge and looking ahead, the shape of the mountain is very much like a tiger crouching on the mountain. This is also said to be the real reason for the name Huqiu. You can also see the mountain hidden in the temple and the temple wrapping around the small hill. Walking forward, you can see the Sword Testing Stone. Legend has it that this is the place where King Helü of Wu tried out the Moye Sword. Now, when you go to see the Sword Testing Stone, you can see a crack passing through the big stone, just like being cut by a knife or sword. In Qianshan, there are also attractions such as the Broken Beam Hall, the Sounding Stele, the Hanhan Spring, and the Pillow Stone. Each one has a fantastical and ancient legend. You can learn their stories through the explanations of the tour guide. Walking forward again, you will reach the area of Thousand People Stone. The main attractions here are Thousand People Stone, Nodding Stone, Two Immortals Pavilion, and Sword Pool. The Sword Pool is the key attraction when visiting Huqiu. The natural scenery here is very peculiar. On the small hills of Jiangnan, there is the rare cliff and ravine behind the Sword Pool. Under the cliff is a small pool of water. On the cliff wall are the four characters ‘Huqiu Sword Pool’ written by famous calligrapher Yan Zhenqing. Legend has it that there is a large amount of treasure in the Sword Pool. Many kings in history have searched for it here, but it remains an eternal mystery. Climbing up the gentle steps and walking forward, you will reach the mountaintop. There are attractions such as the Yunyan Pagoda and the ruins of Yunyan Temple on the mountaintop. The Yunyan Pagoda is the top attraction in Huqiu. Its attraction lies in that it is a leaning tower. The spire leans more than two meters to the northwest. It is known as China’s ‘Leaning Tower of Pisa’ and the ‘world’s second leaning tower’. It is very special and attracts many tourists to take pictures here.
The Yunyan Pagoda is currently not accessible for internal visits; external appreciation is sufficient. Within the Huqiu Mountain Scenic Area, there is a scenic spot named ‘Lengxiang Pavilion’, which was built in the sixth year of the Republic of China. Surrounding the pavilion are plum groves, and from February to March each year, the sparse shadows and subtle fragrances create a serene atmosphere. Visitors who come to admire the plum blossoms at Huqiu can brew a pot of fragrant tea at Lengxiang Pavilion, sit alone, and enjoy the tea and blossoms, adding to the elegance and pleasure. The Yulan Mountain House is located above the secluded corridor on the northern side of Huqiu Mountain. There used to be an ancient magnolia tree, renowned in Wu Zhong, said to have been transplanted from Fujian by Song Zhu Mian. Every early spring, when the magnolias are about to bloom, the area becomes elegantly beautiful, tranquil, and comfortable. Tourists who come here are reluctant to leave and enjoy themselves immensely. Opening hours are from May 1st to July 12th from 07:30 to 18:00; from November 1st to April 30th from 07:30 to 17:30; from July 13th to August 31st from 07:30 to 21:00; and from September 1st to October 31st from 07:30 to 18:00. Concessions include: Children under 6 years old (inclusive) or under 1.4 meters in height (inclusive) can enter for free with valid identification; minors aged between 6 and 18 years old (inclusive) can enter at half price. Elderly people aged 70 years old (inclusive) and above can enter for free with valid identification. In Jiangsu Province, seniors aged 60 years old (inclusive) and above can enter for free with an elderly card or identification (except for major garden events). Full-time undergraduate and below students can enter at half price with valid identification. Active military personnel of the People’s Republic of China can enter for free with a military ID, and retired military officers can enter for free with a retirement officer’s ID. Disabled people and one accompanying person for severely disabled individuals can enter for free with valid identification. Preferential targets with the ‘People’s Republic of China Veterans’ Preference Certificate’ or ‘People’s Republic of China Martyrs, Military Personnel Who Died in the Line of Duty, and Deceased Military Personnel’s Dependents Preference Certificate’ can enter for free (excluding garden within the garden, garden charges, and night tour projects). Suzhou medical staff can visit the scenic area for free within seven days starting from International Nurses’ Day on May 12th and Chinese Doctor’s Day on August 19th (from May 12th to 18th and from August 19th to 25th). When visiting the scenic area, Suzhou medical staff should present their ‘personal ID’ + ‘Suzhou Medical Staff Free Garden Card (electronic card)’ and can enter the garden without an appointment, with the first ticket free of charge. Additional note: 1. Seniors aged between 60 and 70 years old (inclusive of 60 but exclusive of 70) with valid resident ID or ‘Senior Citizen Preference Certificate’ and other valid documents can enter scenic spots (Huqiu, Shangfangshan National Forest Park, Shangfangshan Forest Animal World) for free. During large garden events, a half-price policy is implemented.
Within the Huqiu Scenic Area, children under 1.2 meters (inclusive) are required to purchase child tickets at the ticket exchange office for electric sightseeing cars, horse carriages, and boats; those 1.2 meters (exclusive) and above pay the same price as adults. Service facilities include parking lots: **Huqiu South Parking Lot** with a reference price of ¥6 per hour; located at No. 8, Shanmen, Huqiu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province; with a capacity of 400 parking spaces; the fee is 6 yuan for small vehicles and 12 yuan for large vehicles within the first hour of parking. (Fees are for reference only). Luggage storage: the reference price is free. Scenic area explanations: There are explanation services at the visitor centers at the north and south gates. There are free explanations at specific times and paid explanations at a rate of 200 yuan for 10 people, with an additional charge of 10 yuan for each additional person. Scenic area map: Visitor centers provide maps of the scenic area, which visitors can pick up and consult as needed. Transportation within the park: the reference price is charged. Rain gear rental: the reference price is free; located at the visitor center. Restrooms: There are multiple restrooms within Huqiu, located near Duanliang Hall, Yanghejian, Xixihuan Cui, Lengxiang Pavilion, Tea Garden, Yixie Garden, Sun Wu Temple, and the North Gate Visitor Center, all marked with conspicuous signs. Nursing rooms: Nursing rooms are located within the restrooms at Huqiu. Vending machines: There are vending machines available at the south exit of the scenic area.
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