Six Harmonies Pagoda (Liuhe Pagoda) in Hangzhou

Standing on Yuelun Hill beside the Qiantang River, Liuhe Pagoda (六和塔) is one of Hangzhou’s most remarkable ancient landmarks. Together with Leifeng Pagoda and Baochu Pagoda, it is one of the city’s best-known historic towers, yet it has a character all its own.

Leifeng Pagoda is associated with romantic legends, while Baochu Pagoda is admired for its elegant silhouette. Liuhe Pagoda feels different. Rising above the river with a solid and imposing presence, it resembles a general standing guard over the Qiantang River, a role it has symbolically played for more than a thousand years.

If you want to escape the crowds around West Lake and find a place where you can climb an ancient tower, enjoy sweeping river views, and experience a quieter side of Hangzhou, Liuhe Pagoda is an excellent choice. Climb through its unusual “seven visible and six hidden” levels, listen to the sound of 104 iron bells in the river breeze, and discover the thousand-year-old story of a tower built to calm the legendary tides of the Qiantang River.

A Thousand Years of History: The King Who Wanted to Control the Tides

The story of Liuhe Pagoda began with an ancient struggle between people and the powerful forces of nature.

The original pagoda was built in 970 during the Northern Song Dynasty, commissioned by Qian Hongchu (钱弘俶), the fifth king of the Wuyue Kingdom during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Its purpose was to protect the surrounding area from the powerful Qiantang River tides, which could overflow the banks, destroy fields, and damage homes.

The concern was not without reason. Qian Hongchu's grandfather, Qian Liu (钱镠), was already associated with the famous legend of “Qian Wang Shooting the Tide,” in which he supposedly shot arrows toward the raging river tide in an attempt to subdue it.

By Qian Hongchu's time, the idea had taken a different form. He built the pagoda as a spiritual safeguard, adopting the Buddhist concept of “Liuhe Jing” (六和敬), which represents harmony and mutual respect. The name Liuhe, literally associated with the “six directions” of the universe, also came to symbolize peace and protection.

Over the centuries, the pagoda was repeatedly damaged by war and rebuilt. The original structure was destroyed toward the end of the Northern Song Dynasty, and a monk named Zhitan (智昙) later raised funds to rebuild it during the Southern Song Dynasty.

The tower we see today is a fascinating combination of different periods: the brick tower body largely dates from the Southern Song Dynasty, the pagoda finial reflects Yuan Dynasty reconstruction, while the wooden exterior eaves were rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty.

In 1961, Liuhe Pagoda was listed among the first group of National Key Cultural Relic Protection Units in China. In 2011, it became one of the 14 important historic sites within the West Lake Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In many ways, the pagoda itself is a condensed history of Hangzhou—combining royal ambition, Buddhist beliefs, architectural ingenuity, and the city's long relationship with the Qiantang River.

Seven Visible and Six Hidden Levels: Climb Inside a Thousand-Year-Old Tower

Liuhe Pagoda is an outstanding example of traditional Chinese brick-and-timber pagoda architecture and is considered one of the best-preserved ancient structures of its kind in China.

One of its most fascinating features is its unusual structure.

From the outside, the pagoda appears to have 13 levels and eight sides. Inside, however, there are only seven accessible floors, creating the distinctive arrangement known as “seven visible and six hidden” (七明六暗).

The even-numbered exterior levels are largely enclosed within the wooden structure, while the odd-numbered levels connect with the interior tower body. As a result, the tower appears to have 13 stories from the outside, but visitors actually climb only seven floors.

This ingenious arrangement is extremely unusual among China's ancient pagodas.

Inside the tower, visitors can admire 174 groups of exquisite Southern Song brick carvings. The decorations on the base include flowers, birds, animals, apsaras, musicians, and other motifs. Many of these decorative elements can be traced to the architectural principles recorded in the famous Song Dynasty architectural manual Yingzao Fashi (营造法式).

Around the outer eaves hang 104 iron bells. When the wind blows across the Qiantang River, the bells produce a distinctive sound that blends with the river and echoes around the tower—a sensory experience that makes the ancient structure feel remarkably alive.

Enjoy the View from the Top

After climbing the seven levels, the view opens dramatically.

From the upper levels, you can look across the Qiantang River, watch vehicles crossing the Qiantang River Bridge, and see the area where the Grand Canal meets the river system. On a clear day, the mountains surrounding West Lake can also be seen in the distance.

The tower also has an important connection with modern Chinese architectural history. Liang Sicheng, one of China's most influential architectural historians, personally surveyed Liuhe Pagoda and prepared restoration drawings based on his research. His drawings were later referenced during the reconstruction of Leifeng Pagoda.

More Than a Pagoda: Discover the Hidden Highlights of Liuhe Pagoda Cultural Park

Many visitors climb Liuhe Pagoda, enjoy the view, and leave. However, doing so means missing many of the quieter attractions within Liuhe Pagoda Cultural Park (六和塔文化公园).

A good way to explore the area is to follow the local-style route of “climb the tower, ring the bell, then explore the pagoda forest.”

Ring the Liuhe Bell

After visiting the tower, take a moment to ring the Liuhe Bell. Its deep, resonant sound is traditionally associated with blessings, peace, and good fortune.

It offers a simple but memorable experience after exploring the ancient pagoda.

Explore the Chinese Ancient Pagoda Expo Garden

Behind the main scenic area is the Chinese Ancient Pagoda Expo Garden (中华古塔博览苑), where miniature versions of famous ancient pagodas from different parts of China are displayed.

Instead of traveling across the country to see different styles of traditional pagodas, you can explore a miniature “pagoda forest” in one place.

Look for Historic Stone Relics

The park also contains several lesser-known historic relics, including a Ming Dynasty stone statue of a sea-protecting deity, a Southern Song stone stele bearing the inscription “Imperially Bestowed Kaihua Temple”, and an imperial stele handwritten by Emperor Qianlong after one of his visits to the pagoda.

These details are easy to overlook but add considerable historical depth to the visit.

Walk Through the Bamboo Forest

The paths through Yuelun Hill's bamboo groves offer a completely different atmosphere from the open riverfront.

Walking through the narrow bamboo-covered paths can feel almost like stepping into a traditional Chinese martial arts film. You can also visit the remains of Kaihua Temple and explore the quieter forest surroundings.

For photographers, the area offers some particularly interesting compositions. With the right viewpoint, it is possible to frame Liuhe Pagoda, the Qiantang River, and passing trains in a single photograph.

Compared with the busy West Lake attractions, Liuhe Pagoda feels considerably more peaceful and atmospheric. For travelers interested in history, architecture, photography, or simply finding a quieter side of Hangzhou, it can be one of the city's most rewarding ancient towers to visit.

Best Time to Visit Liuhe Pagoda

Liuhe Pagoda can be visited throughout the year, with each season offering a slightly different experience.

Spring is ideal for enjoying flowers, including peonies in the surrounding park. Summer is a good time to take advantage of the shade around the hill and enjoy cooler air from the river. Autumn brings colorful foliage, creating a beautiful contrast with the ancient tower.

For the best overall experience, late afternoon from around 4:00 to 6:00 PM is highly recommended. The midday heat is usually less intense, while the elevated viewpoint offers beautiful views of the Qiantang River as the light begins to soften.

If photography is your priority, consider arriving around 7:30 AM when the park opens. Early morning is the best opportunity to enjoy the tower and surrounding paths with fewer visitors.

Opening Hours, Tickets and Practical Information

Opening Hours:

• Summer: 7:00 AM–5:30 PM
• Winter: 7:00 AM–4:55 PM

Admission:

• Liuhe Pagoda Cultural Park: RMB 20
• Pagoda entrance: additional RMB 10
• Combined ticket: RMB 30
• Holders of the Hangzhou Park Pass can enter the cultural park free of charge.

Recommended Visit Duration:
Allow around 2–3 hours to climb the pagoda, explore the park, ring the bell, and visit the Ancient Pagoda Expo Garden.

How to Get to Liuhe Pagoda

By Bus

Taking a bus is the most convenient public transportation option. Routes including Bus 4, 314, 318, and 500 stop at Liuhe Pagoda Station, from where it is only a short walk to the entrance.

By Metro + Bus

Take the metro to Shuichengqiao Station, then leave from Exit B and transfer to Bus 500 or 39.

By Car

Navigate to Liuhe Pagoda Ground Parking Lot. The scenic area is located along Zhijiang Road, where traffic can become busy during peak periods.

For most visitors, public transportation is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.

Photography Tips for Liuhe Pagoda

Liuhe Pagoda offers several excellent photography opportunities beyond the standard exterior shot.

Frame the Landscape Through the Tower Windows

Use the windows on different levels as natural frames. The architectural openings can create unique compositions of the river, mountains, and surrounding landscape.

Capture the Pagoda Reflection

After rain, look for puddles near the “Jingyu Jiangtian” (净宇江天) archway. Reflections of the pagoda in the water can create a simple and elegant photograph.

What to Wear

For traditional-style photographs, neutral colors, simple outfits, modern Chinese-style clothing, or Hanfu work particularly well against the wooden structure, stone paths, and bamboo forest.

Tips for Visiting Liuhe Pagoda

The stairs inside the pagoda are relatively steep, so comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.

The surrounding park is densely vegetated, particularly in summer, so bring mosquito repellent if you are visiting during the warmer months.

If you plan to climb the tower, allow enough time rather than rushing through the seven levels. The changing views through the windows are part of the experience.

Nearby Attractions: Extend Your Hangzhou Journey

Liuhe Pagoda is conveniently located in the southern part of Hangzhou, making it easy to combine with several other attractions.

Qiantang River Bridge (钱塘江大桥) is nearby. It is historically significant as China's first independently designed and constructed double-deck railway-road bridge. You can walk across parts of the bridge and enjoy the river scenery.

Tiger Run Park (虎跑公园) is also within easy reach and is famous for Tiger Run Spring, traditionally regarded as one of the three great springs of Hangzhou.

The historic Zhijiang Campus of Zhejiang University (浙江大学之江校区) features a collection of early 20th-century buildings and offers a very different architectural atmosphere.

For an evening of entertainment, Songcheng (宋城) is another nearby option, where visitors can experience the large-scale performance The Romance of Song Dynasty (宋城千古情).

A Different Side of Hangzhou

From the Wuyue King Qian Hongchu's original ambition to protect the river from its powerful tides, to the Southern Song monk Zhitan's efforts to rebuild the pagoda; from Emperor Qianlong's visit and imperial inscription to the architectural surveys of Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin, Liuhe Pagoda has accumulated more than a thousand years of history within its unusual “seven visible and six hidden” structure.

It stands away from the busiest parts of West Lake, yet offers something equally memorable: a sweeping view of the Qiantang River and a quiet encounter with Hangzhou's architectural and cultural past.

If you are looking for a place in Hangzhou where you can touch a thousand years of history while watching the great river flow below, come to Liuhe Pagoda. Here, the pagoda stands like a general guarding the tides, the river stretches out like a thousand-year-old landscape painting, and you stand at the general's shoulder, looking across the same mountains and waters that generations of travelers have admired.