Tianchi Mountain in Suzhou

Tianchi Mountain in Suzhou

Tianchi Mountain in Suzhou is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The Tianchi Mountain Scenic Area is located 15 kilometers west of the ancient city of Suzhou, at an altitude of 171 meters and covering an area of 60 hectares. It is connected to the famous local peaks of Gusu—Tianping Mountain and Lingyan Mountain—and is an extension of Zhejiang's Tianmu Mountain. It gets its name from a pool halfway up the mountain, which spans dozens of zhang (an ancient Chinese unit of length) and stretches across the mountainside. Tianchi Mountain is one of the Four Famous Mountains of Wu Zhong, known for its five wonders: “secluded environment,” “beautiful pool,” “sweet spring,” “unique rocks,” and “spiritual Buddhist presence.” It is hailed as the “No.1 Peak of Wu Zhong” and the “No.1 Pure Land of Wu Zhong.” The area features spectacular peaks, exquisite rocks, abundant springs, and numerous historical sites, all set within an extremely tranquil environment that resembles a paradise on earth. The three stone-built temple halls constructed during the Yuan Dynasty are rare nationwide and are considered treasures of architectural art.

The eastern half of Tianchi Mountain is known as “Huashan” (Mount Hua). Here, tall pines line the paths, and the bird trails wind through the quiet hills. Both Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong once visited Huashan. Today, hiking along the former “Imperial Path” still allows visitors to see sights such as the Tiger Run Spring, Yingying Spring, Dilei Spring, Xixin Spring, and Peach Blossom Stream. On the hillside stands the Cuiyan Temple, whose gate plaque was inscribed by Emperor Kangxi himself.

Starting from the foot of Tianchi Mountain and ascending the steps, you’ll pass by the Peach Blossom Stream, where flowing water cascades down in small waterfalls. After climbing over a stone slope, you’ll reach an archway inscribed with “Tianchi Mountain,” and soon the “Tianchi” (Heavenly Pool) comes into view. On the small hill near the pool stands the tomb of a Ming Dynasty Right Vice Censor-in-Chief. It is surrounded by bluestone walls, and the spirit way is flanked by two stone statues of officials (Wengzhong) and two stone horses—making it a relatively well-preserved Ming Dynasty tomb. The pool’s crystal-clear waters reveal the bottom, and a rock in the center appears and disappears intermittently, known as the “Little Maiden Rock.” An inscription on the cliff by the pool reads “Mist and Clouds Underwater,” highlighting the beautiful scene where surrounding white clouds reflect on the water, giving the illusion of floating, ethereal smoke. Around the pool stand uniquely shaped rocks, including the “Elderly Star Reading Scriptures Rock,” “Golden Toad Peak,” “Monk Rock,” and “Heavenly Lantern Tower.” Within Tianchi Mountain lies the Jijian Temple, traditionally believed to have been founded by the Zen Master Zhi Gong during the Wei and Jin Dynasties. The temple still houses three Yuan Dynasty stone structures, two of which are Buddha shrine-style stone houses located on either side of the mountain gate. Built in the 17th year of the Zhi Zheng era of the Yuan Dynasty (1357), the eastern house is called Doushu Palace, about 5 meters high, connected to a small cliff at the back, featuring a single-eave, five-ridged hip-and-gable roof atop a Sumeru pedestal. Inside is a statue of the Maitreya Buddha, about 2.55 meters tall. The western house is called Jileyuan (Paradise of Joy), facing south, about 5.8 meters high, with a statue of the Amitabha Buddha inside the niche, about 2.6 meters tall. There is also a hall-style stone structure in the temple, spanning three bays with a nine-ridged hip-and-gable roof, built in the 22nd year of the Zhi Zheng era (1363). The lintel is inscribed with “Imperially Bestowed West Heaven Temple,” and the ceiling features an intricately structured and exquisitely carved caisson, a rarity in China. The hall enshrines the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. The area around Jijian Temple is lush with trees and bamboo forests, resembling a paradise.

Tianchi Mountain is rich in springs. In front of the temple are the Qingxin (Pure Heart) Spring and the Hanku (Cold and Arid) Spring. On the nearby mountain are the “Bowl Spring,” a circular spring with a diameter of over half a meter, the thunderous-sounding “Dilei Spring,” the easily scooped “Yingying Spring,” and the “No.1 Spring of Tianchi.” Inside the temple is a teahouse named “Han Chuan” (Dry Boat). Brewing mountain tea with the pure spring water offers a uniquely delightful taste. In recent years, new stone steps have been carved out to the left of Jijian Temple, leading up via Woliu Ridge. At the mountaintop, uniquely shaped rocks stand precariously, resembling blooming stone lotuses, their petals formed by several massive stones. One central rock is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, appearing as if it might topple at any moment—an awe-inspiring sight. Descending from Lotus Peak along the winding path of Lotus Ridge, you’ll come across a steep cliff that juts abruptly from the ground, known as “Xiuping” (Elegant Screen). Below it are 53 stone steps carved directly into a single massive natural rock, forming a passage through the cliff face—these are the famous “Fifty-Three Steps” (Wushisan Can), said to have been hurriedly carved by monks in a single night for Emperor Qianlong’s ascent. Further down leads to Cuiyan Temple. Established in the Jin Dynasty like Jijian Temple, its plaque was inscribed by Emperor Kangxi. The ancient temple now only has ruins remaining. Exiting Cuiyan Temple, the mountain path winds through rugged surroundings, with strange rocks lining the way, streams crossing below, and the sounds of pine winds mingling with birdsong, creating an exceptionally serene and tranquil atmosphere. Along the cliffs are over 40 cliff inscriptions, including “Separating the Mortal Realm,” “Huashan Bird Path,” “Cloud-Piercing Plank Walk,” and “Imperial Stele.”

Address: Tianchi Village, Cangshu, Mudu Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City

Type: Mountain, Pond, Spring

Recommended Visiting Time: About 4 hours

Phone: 0512-66555665

Official Website: http://www.tianchimountain.com/

Opening Hours:

8:00-16:30