Written by Ivy Dong |
Standing by the Qiantang River,Ā Six Harmonies PagodaĀ (also known as liuhe Pagoda)Ā is not only a masterpiece of Chinese architecture, but also a culture symbol of Hangzhou. During North Song Dynasty, theĀ EmperorĀ Qian Chu of the Wuyue KingdomĀ designed this 59.89-meter-tall pagoda to controlĀ the tidal bore ofĀ the Qiantang River. Over centuries,Ā it has endured destruction and reconstruction, so itĀ blendedĀ elements from different dynasties like Song, Yuan, MingĀ and Qing. Today, it becomesĀ aĀ key toĀ exploring Hangzhouās history.
What does āsix harmoniesā stand for? As a term from Buddhism, it refers to different aspects of harmony, that is, body, speech, thought, view, livelihood, and conduct. Beyond its spiritual significance, Liuhe Pagoda plays an important role in Chinaās architectural and cultural evolution.
Essential Travel Information
- Location: Yuelun Hill, Zhijiang Road, Xihu District, HangzhouCity.
Chinese Name: å åå” (LiĆ¹hĆ© TĒ).
Opening Hours: 7:00 AMā5:30 PM. - Entrance:Ā„20 (adults), Ā„10 (students/seniors), free for children under 1.2m and seniors over 70.
- Additional fee for ascending the pagoda: Ā„10(adults), Ā„5Ā (students/seniors), free for children under 1.2m and seniors over 70.
- Time Needed: 1.5ā2 hours (including time to climb the pagoda and explore the grounds).
Best Time to Visit:Ā Septemberfor mild weather and the Qiantang River tidal bore; spring (MarchāApril) for nearby peony blooms.
History & Legend
Why Was the Liuhe Pagoda Built?
As a natural phenomenon, tidal bores of the Qiantang River had threatened nearby villages, farmland, and trade routes for a long time in history. To prevent people from its harm, the Six Harmonies Pagoda was built by local government. Ancient locals believed the raging tides were caused by an underwater dragon or angry river gods. Thus. the pagoda was designed to stabilize the riverās energy and protect the region from floods. Today, the pagoda extends beyond its original purpose. It stands as a testament to Hangzhouās historical glamour, a combination of spiritual comfort and functional design.
Historical Evolution
- Northern Song Dynasty (970): Original construction under the Wuyue Kingdom.
- Southern Song Dynasty (1163): Rebuilt after being destroyed in wartime, forming the core structure visitors can see
- Ming(1368-1644)Ā and Qing DynastiesĀ (1644-1912): Renovations added wooden eaves, decorative carvings, and Emperor Qianlongās inscribed plaques.
Literary Connections
The pagoda features in Jin YongāsĀ (a legendary Chinese novelist, essayist, and journalist)Ā martial arts novels, such asĀ The Book and the Sword, where Emperor Qianlong is held captive here, andĀ The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, which romanticizes it as a loversā rendezvous.Ā Through Jin Yongās lens, every ancient stone in Pagoda becomes meaningful, and every tree there appears mythical, transforming a historical siteĀ into a gateway to Chinaās literary world.
Architectural Marvel of Liuhe Pagoda
Liuhe Pagoda is nearly 60 meters tall. From the outside, it appears to have 13 tiers. In fact, there are only seven interior floors inside. With a spiral staircase going through the building, its octagonal structure stands for grandeur and harmony,
Structure and Design
Exterior Design
The pagodaās eaves diminish in size as they ascend, crowned with 104 iron bells hanging from upturned corners. The contrast between the bright upper eaves and shadowy lower tiers creates a striking visual harmony when viewed from afar.
Interior Features
The pagodaās walls are adorned with Sumeru pedestals (锻弄åŗ§, xÅ«mĆzuĆ²), a traditional Buddhist architectural element.
On the third-level Sumeru pedestal, intricate carvings present travelers withĀ floral patterns, birds, mythical beasts, and celestial beings, which shows anĀ exceptional craftsmanship from the Song Dynasty.
Brick Carvings
OverĀ 200 brick carvingsĀ decorate the Sumeru pedestals, featuring vivid motifs such as blooming pomegranates, lotuses, andĀ baoxiang flowersĀ (å®ēø, a stylized floral design), alongsideĀ phoenixes, peacocks, and parrotsĀ in mid-flight with outstretched wings. Mythical creatures likeĀ lions and qilinsĀ (Chinese unicorns) leap dynamically, while celestial dancers (feixian) swirl in mid-air.
Artistic Elements
From the whispering iron bells to celestial dancers, every detail of Six Harmonies Pagoda transforms it into a living museum of Chinaās artistic heritage.
- Stone Reliefs on Sumeru Pedestals: Symbolizingprosperity, purity, and fertility, the carvings of peonies, lotuses, and pomegranatesĀ are built in the third-tier pedestal,
- Wooden Eaves Brackets:To support the pagodaās overhanging eaves, dougong brackets are intricately carved, whichĀ combines structural function with ornate beauty.
Things to Do at Liuhe Pagoda
Ascend for Panoramic Views
Climb the spiral staircase, get to the top floorĀ and you can have a sweeping vista of the Qiantang River, where a āwhite snakeāĀ isĀ winding through lush hills and modern Hangzhouās skyline.
Witness the Qiantang River Tidal Bore
During theĀ autumn equinoxĀ (SeptemberāOctober), you canĀ observe the worldās largest tidal bore, a thunderous natural spectacle best viewed from the pagodaās upper levels.
Explore the Chinese Ancient Pagoda Museum
NextĀ to Six Harmonies Pagoda, Chinese Ancient Pagoda MuseumĀ is a home toĀ miniature models of iconic Chinese pagodas, offering insights into the nationās architectural diversity.
How to Get to Liuhe Pagoda
- Public Transit: Take buses 4, 318, or Y5 to āSix Harmonies Pagodaāat
- Taxi/Rideshare: A 20-minute ride from West Lake (approx. Ā„30āĀ„40).
Essential Tips for Visitors
- Comfortable Shoes: The spiral staircase is steepandĀ narrow, so you may need a pair of comfortable shoes to make the journey easier.
- Combine with Nearby Attractions: Prepare a full day for nearby attractions like West Lake, Lingyin Temple, or Xixi Wetlands.
- Check Tidal Schedules: For optimal viewing, youād better consult local tide tables in advance.
Six Harmonies Pagoda collects Hangzhouās fusion of natural beauty and human ingenuity. Whether youāre a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or nature lover, itĀ promises an unforgettable chapter in your Hangzhou tour. Plan your visit today and step into a story written over a millennium!
