Suzhou has one mountain, but it has two names. One side is called the Tianchi Hill/天池山 and the other side is named the Huashan Hill/花山.

The mountain is located at 15 kilometres southwest of ancient Suzhou. The Tianchi Hill is named after the pond halfway up the hill, which looks like a piece of beautiful jade.

One ancient temple called the Jijian Temple/寂鉴寺 is hidden in the hill, which was built in Yuan Dynasty over 600 years ago. 

It has already become one of National-Level Cultural Relics Preservation Units because its hall is the only stone house built in Yuan Dynasty across China. 

The hill is about 171 meters high, so it is a piece of cake for climbers to reach the summit.

But the natural landscape is absolutely stunning.

The hill is connecting to some Suzhou famous mountains including Tianping Mountain and Lingyan Mountain.

On the top of the summit, there is one huge leaning rock, which always seems like swaying when the wind blows.

There were two paths climbing down the hill. One is heading to the Huashan Hill and the other is for the He Jiuling Hill/贺九岭.

At the end of the path, one ancient stone gate must appear.

According to the description, two ancient stone gates were built in the Ming Dynasty almost 500 years ago. The He Jiuling Temple is just located between the two ancient stone gates.

It must be enjoyable if tourists can make tea for a short rest in such a relaxing environment.

Travel Tips

1. The bus takes almost two hours to the hill even though it is 15 kilometres southwest of ancient Suzhou.

2. Recommend to climb up the Tianchi Hill and down the Huashan Hill, or vice versa.

3. Another option is for the He Jiuling Hill if you want to get closer to nature.