Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill, a famous historic spot in Soochow,
was reputed to be the burial place of Ho Lu, the King of
Wu, in the 6th century B.C. (Spring and Autumn Period).

The pagoda of the Yun Yen Temple on the hilltop
was built in 961 A.D. (2nd reign year of Chienlung,
Northern Sung Dynasty). Repaired and reinforced in 1956,
the pagoda has since been listed as one of the major
historic relics under state protection.

The hill rises abruptly from the level ground,
its height being 36 metres and its total area about 20
hectares. But in the vicinity of: "Thousand Men Rocks"
and the "Sword Pond", there are many big rocks and stone
precipices standing face to face. It is a magnificent
sight that creates an impression of towering mountains
and deep ravines.

The pagoda court is the highest point which
commands a superb view far into the distance.

Since liberation water has been diverted up to
encircle the hill, and large-scale afforestation has
been undertaken. There is much verdure here as the
luxuriant trees have now grown into a wood.

The Soochow Embroidery Research Institute

The embroidery research institute was founded in 1957. It carries on research for the development of embroidery and trains new craftsmen. At present it has a personnel of more than 200.

Soochow embroidery is one of China's outstanding handicraft arts. It has a long history of more than 1,000 years. It is roted for its delicate colours and exquisite needlework.

Before liberation, embroidery used to be a cottage industry, but it was on the decline. It developed anew after liberation under the Communist Party's policy of "Let a hundred flowers blossom; weed through the old to bring forth the new". Instead of the original eighteen different stitching techniques there are now more than forty, and the one-surface embroidery has been developed into the more exquisite dual-surface embroidery. In the past, embroidery decorations were confined to Chinese traditional paintings, but now oil paintings, water-colours, ornamental designs and photographs can all be used as models for exquisite articles of embroidery.

Soochow embroideries have been on display in various exhibitions in more than fifty countries and embroiderers have been abroad many times to demonstrate their craftsmanship, thus strengthening the friendship and cultural interflow between the Chinese people and the people of other countries.

CHUOCHENG GARDEN

Chuocheng Garden was first built in 1522 (during the reign year of Chiaching in the Ming Dynasty). Through the centuries with the change of proprietors it fell into disrepair and was later renovated many a time. After liberation it was thoroughly repaired and opened to the public in 1953.

Chuocheng Garden now consists of the eastern, the central and the western sections. The central section, which is the chief attraction, is centred around a lake that occupies nearly three fifths of this section. Almost all the buildings here are dotted around and overlook the lake. So the scenery here is varied, deep in perspective and wide in expanse, reminding the visitor of the lovely scenery peculiar to the landscape south of the Yangtse River.

Across the large lake there are many bridges different in design but flat in structure, lying just above the water with low stone balustrades, thus highlighting the calmness of the water and adding beauty to the scene.

Chuocheng Garden is one of the major historic relics under state protection.