International
Ion Ștefanovici, CAPDR: The Tiger Hill Pagoda in Suzhou – China’s Leaning Tower and the Lesson of Time
by Ion Ștefanovici, President of CAPDR
In the heart of Suzhou, also known as the “Venice of the East,” rises a structure of profound significance for Chinese heritage: the Huqiu Pagoda (虎丘塔), also known as the Tiger Hill Pagoda.
Built in 959 AD during the Northern Song Dynasty, the pagoda has become both a spiritual and architectural symbol of the Jiangsu region, representing a bridge between China’s imperial past and modern present. Though little known beyond the country’s borders, the pagoda is often referred to as “China’s Leaning Tower,” with a natural tilt of over 2 meters from the vertical—a true engineering marvel that has withstood earthquakes, the passage of time, and changing regimes.
The Place Where History Takes Shape
Legend has it that at the top of Tiger Hill lies the tomb of King Helü of the state of Wu, a prominent ruler during the Spring and Autumn period (496 BC). It is said that immediately after the burial, a white tiger was seen guarding the tomb—a heavenly sign for the locals, who named the area “Tiger Hill.”
The seven-story pagoda, standing 47 meters tall, is made of brick covered with stone, reflecting the refined and symbolic style of Chinese architecture. Each level is a testament to Buddhist devotion and to the urban sophistication of Suzhou—a city famous for its canals, imperial gardens, and silk manufacturing.
The Lesson of a Civilization that Respects Its Past
Standing before this pagoda, one feels not only the weight of time but also the responsibility of generations to preserve, interpret, and pass on the fundamental values of a culture. In 1981, the Chinese authorities included the Tiger Hill Pagoda on the list of nationally protected historic monuments—a testament to a coherent policy of heritage preservation.
For us, who build bridges between regions, cultures, and generations, this monument becomes a symbol of stability, moral uprightness, and balance. The fact that the tower is leaning but still standing can be seen as a metaphor for our contemporary world: strained, yet full of inner resources to move forward.
Reflections in the Heart of China
The CAPDR delegation’s visit to Suzhou was not merely an exercise in cultural diplomacy. It was a reconnection with the essence of sustainability, roots, and long-term vision. In front of the Tiger Hill Pagoda, we realized just how much a building can say about a nation—and how much Eastern Europe can learn from the way China tells its story.
Along our route through China, this moment became a landmark—one of those fixed points around which the consciousness of a civilization revolves.
📍 Suzhou, China – May 2025
✍️ Ion Ștefanovici, President of CAPDR – as part of the official delegation to the People’s Republic of China
