Step into Tiger Hill Sword Pond and be transported to ancient Wu Kingdom! This 2,500-year-old landmark hides the legendary tomb of King Helü beneath its emerald waters. The leaning Yunyan Pagoda offers breathtaking views of the cliffside pool, earning its title as 'First Scenic Spot in Wu Region'. Don't miss the Sword-Testing Stone by the pond - cracks from legendary swordsmiths Ganjiang and Moye are still visible! Visit during spring or autumn for the Tiger Hill Flower Festival, when azaleas and camellias blanket the slopes in riotous colors.

This hotel is the perfect choice for your Suzhou trip! Located in the heart of the ancient city, close to 5A-level attractions, it’s ideal for both business and leisure. The 20-meter-high lobby with a waterfall feature is breathtaking, while rooms boast private showers, satellite TV, and electronic safes for security. Food lovers will adore the authentic Huaiyang cuisine prepared by a team of banquet chefs, and the 29th-floor revolving restaurant offers a stunning panoramic view of Suzhou. Traveling with kids? The hotel provides children’s amenities and play areas, plus an indoor pool for family fun. With easy metro access, exceptional service, and glowing guest reviews, it’s no wonder this hotel comes highly recommended!
Everything you need to know about Sword Pool
Stay at Suzhou Tiger Hill Garden Hotel, a boutique retreat nestled within classical Chinese gardens just a 5-minute walk from the Sword Pool. The hotel blends traditional Suzhou architectural aesthetics with modern comfort, featuring courtyards with flowing streams and rock formations. Many rooms offer panoramic views of the pool, while on-site guided tours reveal legends of King Helü’s burial and ancient Wu Kingdom lore—perfect for immersing in authentic Suzhou culture.
From the Sword Pool, walk to the Tiger Pagoda in just 8 minutes along shaded stone paths, or take a short electric shuttle. For destinations like Cold Mountain Temple or Pingjiang Road Historic District, hop on Metro Line 4 (Tiger Hill Station) or rent an e-bike—both options take about 20 minutes. The area is well-connected via scenic pedestrian trails, ideal for leisurely exploration and experiencing the quiet elegance of Suzhou’s ancient cityscape.
Don’t miss the Sword Pool Exploration Tour—descend the stone steps to the pool’s edge where inscriptions like "Thousand-Fathom Sword Pool" by Tang Dynasty calligrapher Li Yangbing remain visible. In the morning mist, the scene becomes ethereal, resembling a classic ink painting. During seasonal events, join the Night Walk at Sword Pool, where storytelling brings to life tales of the Warring States era, enhanced by ambient lighting. Some months also host Guqin Recitals by the pool, offering a profound cultural immersion in ancient Chinese music traditions.
Families should consider Suzhou Garden-Style Homestays located just outside the Tiger Hill entrance. These homes feature child-friendly rooms, themed activities like paper-cutting and Suzhou embroidery workshops, and free garden tour passes. Weekend programs include Garden Storytime Sessions, where kids learn history through interactive storytelling. With serene courtyards and traditional décor, these stays combine fun and education in a tranquil setting.
The Sword Pool is named after the legendary burial of King Helü of Wu, who supposedly placed his finest sword in the depths upon death. Inscribed on the pool wall is "Thousand-Fathom Sword Pool," attributed to renowned Tang calligrapher Li Yangbing. Ancient texts describe the pool as bottomless, with tales of three days without sunlight—a testament to its mystique. Poets like Bai Juyi and Su Shi wrote odes here, turning it into a symbolic heart of Wu culture, embodying courage, legacy, and historical depth from the Spring and Autumn period.
Visit before 7 AM for the most magical experience: soft morning mist floats above the pool, creating a dreamlike atmosphere reminiscent of classical Chinese paintings. For photography and clear views, spring to early summer (April–June) offers mild weather and lush greenery. During Mid-Autumn Festival, enjoy the Sword Pool Light Show, where dynamic projections reenact King Helü’s funeral procession with immersive sound and light—transforming history into a breathtaking sensory journey.
See what other travelers say about Sword Pool

Staying at Jinling Aster Hotel Suzhou was a delightful experience. The hotel is literally across from the metro station, making it incredibly convenient to explore the city—just a short walk to get on the train. Free parking is a big plus for travelers driving in. Breakfast and lunch were both excellent, especially since the famous Cai Xiang Market is right behind the hotel, offering fresh and delicious local food. I couldn’t resist trying the Xucheng Mooncakes nearby—they’re absolutely worth it! There’s also a great local noodle shop, Huajiao Restaurant, just steps away, serving hearty, authentic dishes. The hotel itself has a rich history—it’s said to be Suzhou’s first five-star hotel, and its rooftop restaurant used to be a well-known landmark. Despite its heritage, the pricing feels very reasonable and fair. The room was clean, comfortable, and the overall vibe made me feel right at home. If you’re looking for a centrally located, affordable, and authentic stay in Suzhou, this place is an absolute gem.

This stay exceeded all my expectations! The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the metro station and surrounded by great restaurants, shops, and local charm. The hotel itself is spotless and thoughtfully designed, with a clean, modern vibe that instantly makes you feel at home. One of the coolest features? The delivery robot that brings your food right to your door—fun, efficient, and such a nice touch of innovation. I also loved the laundry service: staff came to pick up my clothes, sorted them, washed and dried everything, and returned them neatly folded—all without any hassle on my end. Super convenient and thoughtful. Every employee I interacted with was friendly, helpful, and genuinely attentive, even offering to carry luggage. From start to finish, the experience felt personal and seamless. If you're visiting Suzhou, this is definitely a top choice—highly recommend for anyone who values comfort, convenience, and a little bit of magic in their stay.

Staying at Moonytree Hotel (Suzhou Zhuozhengyuan Store) was an absolute delight. The location is unbeatable—right next to the famous Suzhou Garden, and just a short walk from Pingjiang Road. As soon as I stepped into the room, I noticed how clean and well-maintained it was. The heating was already on, and the power card was conveniently placed—perfect after a long day of sightseeing in the chilly weather. It felt like coming home, warm and cozy. Parking was super easy too—just a quick turn down the small alley beside the entrance, no hassle at all. The room itself is spacious, with extra bedding and cushions upstairs, making it ideal for families traveling with kids. Everything about this stay felt thoughtfully designed, from the comfort to the convenience. This hotel offers excellent value for money and truly delivers on every front. I’ll definitely be back.

Staying at ONE Hotel (Suzhou Guanqian Street Pingjiang Road) was an absolute delight! The room was clean, quiet, and beautifully designed—perfect for a relaxing getaway. Located right in the heart of Suzhou’s historic district, it’s just steps away from Guanqian Street and Pingjiang Road, making exploration super convenient. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming—the team went out of their way to help, even offering a complimentary room upgrade with no extra charge. I was impressed by how well-insulated the rooms were; despite being connected, there was zero noise from neighboring units, which made for a peaceful night’s sleep. Plus, the laundry area at the back was easy to access and fully equipped—so practical! Overall, this hotel delivers exceptional value, warm hospitality, and a great location. I’d definitely come back and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Suzhou.

Staying at Atour Hotel Suzhou Bao'en Temple Taohuawu Street was an absolute delight. The room had excellent soundproofing—no noise from the street or neighboring rooms, which made for a peaceful night’s sleep. The bedding was incredibly comfortable, with just the right firmness, and the breakfast was fresh and delicious, especially the warm congee served late at night—such a thoughtful touch! The hotel is perfectly located right at the entrance of the scenic area, with the Tang Bohu Former Residence just downstairs. It’s quiet and charming, far less crowded than places like Pingjiang Road, giving you a genuine sense of old Suzhou living. The room itself was spotless, modern, and well-equipped. I loved the local atmosphere and the attention to detail in service. This place truly offers a unique stay in the heart of history. I’d definitely come back and highly recommend it to travelers looking for authenticity and comfort.

Staying here was an absolute delight from start to finish. The hotel is perfectly located just steps away from Suzhou Railway Station, making travel incredibly convenient—especially if you're catching a train early in the morning or late at night. The room itself was spacious and well-equipped with everything we needed, including thoughtful touches like a baby cot for our little one. The high-floor view? Absolutely breathtaking. We could see the entire ancient city skyline—historic rooftops by day, glowing lanterns at night. It felt like staying in a peaceful oasis right in the heart of the city. Cleanliness was top-notch; every surface sparkled, the bathroom was immaculate, and the bedding felt fresh and crisp. Even though it's adjacent to the busy train station, the interior is so thoughtfully designed that it’s quiet and serene inside—no noise disturbance at all. And the staff? Exceptional. Friendly, attentive, and genuinely eager to help. They remembered our names, offered recommendations, even helped carry luggage without being asked. It’s clear they care about guest experience. This place offers incredible value for money—comfortable, stylish, and truly welcoming. I’ll definitely be back.

Staying at Wassim R Hotel was a delightful surprise—way better than I expected! The front desk staff were incredibly patient and helpful during check-in, and they even offered free luggage storage, which came in super handy for early arrivals or late departures. The location is unbeatable—right across from the Shilu Metro Station exit 10, making it super easy to explore Suzhou on foot or by transit. Just steps away is the large shopping complex,万象天地, with plenty of dining and entertainment options. The building itself has restaurants on every floor, so grabbing a bite anytime—even late at night—is never an issue. The lobby is accessed via a staircase up to the second floor, which feels a bit unique but adds character. Overall, the hotel’s value for money is outstanding. Clean rooms, friendly service, and excellent convenience all make this a top choice for travelers looking for comfort without the premium price. Definitely worth recommending!

I came across this charming boutique hotel with a distinct Chinese republican-era vibe online and decided to give it a try after reading the positive reviews. I was genuinely surprised by how beautifully designed and well-maintained this little gem is. Located right next to Shantang Street, the property offers serene views of the moat from the windows—perfect for morning coffee or just relaxing. Walking to the historic district is effortless, and the location makes exploring the area so convenient. The room was spotless, comfortable, and thoughtfully decorated with subtle vintage touches. Everything felt clean, quiet, and welcoming. For the price, the value is outstanding. This stay truly made my trip to Suzhou unforgettable. I’ll definitely be returning here on my next visit.

We stayed here as a family of four—three generations including elderly parents and young kids—and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made for our trip to Suzhou. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful; when we first arrived and couldn’t find the place, the team patiently guided us through directions and even met us at the entrance with a warm smile. Location-wise, it’s perfect—right in the heart of the city with amazing access to restaurants, shopping, and public transport. We were able to walk to many local attractions without needing a car. The apartment itself is clean, modern, and well-equipped. Everything from the kitchen appliances to the bedding felt brand new. The washer-dryer combo was a game-changer, especially with kids in tow—no more worrying about laundry piling up. The layout is smart too: two floors give us privacy and space for everyone, which made family time much more relaxed. No unpleasant odors, no noise issues—just a peaceful, comfortable stay. Overall, this place offered exceptional value and service. I’d definitely come back and recommend it to any family visiting Suzhou.

The location of Wangshantang Hotel is excellent—right next to the historic Shantang Street, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the area. Most of the nearby attractions are within a 4km radius, so you can easily walk or take a short metro ride to see everything without spending too much time commuting. The hotel is just steps away from a subway station, which makes getting around the city super easy. I was especially impressed with the staff—they were friendly, helpful, and went the extra mile, even offering a room upgrade during check-in. The atmosphere is authentic and cozy, with plenty of local charm right outside the door. Whether you're here for sightseeing or just relaxing in a well-located, comfortable space, this place delivers great value. I’d definitely stay here again on my next trip to Suzhou.

The stay at this hotel was absolutely fantastic! The staff member kindly upgraded us to a family suite without any extra charge—such a pleasant surprise after a long journey. The room was spacious, clean, and incredibly comfortable, instantly turning our tired travel day into a relaxing retreat. Breakfast was outstanding—every day offered something different, with quality and variety that surpassed many other five-star hotels I’ve stayed at. The local Suzhou-style noodles were especially memorable—better than anything I’ve had at restaurants outside the hotel. Even better, the hotel is directly connected to the Panmen Scenic Area, allowing free entry. We arrived just in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival lantern display and live performances—beautiful lighting, cultural shows, and festive atmosphere all right on site. No need to go elsewhere to enjoy the highlights of the season. This place truly delivers an exceptional experience from start to finish. Highly recommended!

Staying at Huamao Gusuli Service Apartment in Suzhou was an absolute delight—especially for families with young kids. The spacious rooms made us feel right at home, and they even provided a baby safety barrier when we requested it, which was such a thoughtful touch. Everything you need is here: washer, dryer, smart toilet, and all the essentials for a comfortable stay. We were pleasantly surprised when the front desk staff, Xiao Ju, gave our little one a sweet welcome gift during check-in and checkout—such a personal and warm gesture. On the LG floor, there's a dedicated kids' playground and a swimming pool that kept our child entertained for hours. Just outside, the Zhiyuan Garden offers a beautiful panoramic view perfect for a relaxing stroll. The service is attentive without being intrusive, and the location is ideal for exploring Shantang Street. This place truly delivers on comfort, convenience, and charm. I’d definitely come back here on any future trip to Suzhou.
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