The tallest pagoda south of the Yangzi, the nine-storey North Temple Pagoda dominates the northern end of Renmin Lu. Part of Bào'ēn Temple (报恩寺; Bào'ēn Sì ), you can climb the pagoda (塔; tǎ ) for sweeping views of hazy modern-day Sūzhōu.
The complex goes back 1700 years and was originally a residence; the current reincarnation dates back to the 17th century. Off to one side is Nánmù Guānyīn Hall (楠木观音殿; Nánmù Guānyīn Diàn ), which was rebuilt in the Ming dynasty with some features imported from elsewhere.
The Chinese plaque outside the hall intones '一塵不染' ('spotless'), revealing Guanyin's state of unblemished purity. At the rear is a thoughtfully composed garden and rockery , with a teahouse. Within the temple compound is also the rather unusual Seven Buddha Hall .
