Tiger Hill Pagoda

Tiger Hill Pagoda, commonly called the Yunyan Pagoda, is a historic brick pagoda on Tiger Hill in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, originally built in 961. It is notable for its multi-storey octagonal form and an observable tilt from vertical.

The pagoda stands as the focal point of the Tiger Hill cultural complex, which also includes gardens, small temple remains and the nearby Sword Pond and burial mound. The pagoda itself rises through multiple stories and is a prominent visual landmark visible from around the hill.

The pagoda was constructed in the mid 10th century during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period and has survived through successive repairs and conservation efforts, which have attempted to stabilise and preserve the leaning structure. The hill and its features have long been associated with local historical traditions and burials.

Tiger Hill is immediately west of central Suzhou and forms a wooded cultural-heritage park on a limestone ridge. The site is accessed from the city and is a common short excursion for visitors to Suzhou.

• Construction date: The pagoda dates to the 10th century (built in 961) and is an important leaning tower in China, often compared visually to other leaning towers.
• Site layout: The site combines archaeological remains, gardens and short walking trails and is concentrated within a compact cultural-heritage park in Suzhou.

What to See #

• Yunyan Pagoda (Tiger Hill Pagoda): The Yunyan (Tiger Hill) Pagoda, a seven-story brick pagoda built in 961 that stands about 47 metres tall and leans noticeably from vertical.
• Sword Pond and burial features: Sword Pond and the nearby burial mound traditionally associated with King Helu of Wu, forming part of the Tiger Hill complex with gardens and smaller temple ruins.