Six Harmonies Pagoda

Introducing Six Harmonies Pagoda
There are three famous pagodas in Hangzhou, Leifeng Pagoda, Baochu Pagoda, and Six Harmonies Pagoda. Among the three, Six Harmonies Pagoda is known for its majesty and local people described it as a General. Six Harmonies Pagoda stands on the Moon Disc Hill overlooking the Qiantang River. Six Harmonies Pagoda is built in 970 AD when Hangzhou was the capital of the Southern Song. Six Harmonies Pagoda is one of the most prominent wood-and-brick structures of ancient China and also the perfect place to enjoy the superb view of Qiantang River and the grandeur Qiantang River Bridges.

Six Harmonies Pagoda Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Liuheta 六和塔
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Buddhism, Architecture
• Opening Hours: 06:30-17:30
• Entrance Fee: ¥20；¥10 for ascending the pagoda
• Address: No. 16 Zhijiang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province

What to expect at Six Harmonies Pagoda

Name of Six Harmonies Pagoda
There are two kinds of interpretation of the name—Six Harmonies. One is that the name is related to six codes of Buddhism. Six Harmonies mean the harmonies of body, mind, speech, opinion, wealth and abstinence from temptation. The other goes that Six Harmonies refer to the harmony of four directions (east, west, south, west), heaven and earth.

Construction of Six Harmonies Pagoda
Six Harmonies Pagoda is 59.89 meters in height. Its construction style is rather sophisticated. Although viewed from outside, Six Harmonies Pagoda appears to be a thirteen-storey pagoda, it only has seven interior stories. Inside the Six Harmonies Pagoda, there is a spiral staircase leading to the top floor and upon each of the seven ceilings are carved and painted figures including animals, flowers, birds and characters etc.

Legend of Six Harmonies Pagoda
In ancient times, the Dragon King of Qiantang River (who is said to have the power to manipulate water and wind) was rather vicious. By using his power, he had capsized numerous fishing boats and inundated thousands of acres of farmland. There was this brave boy called Liuhe (Six Harmonies). His father was drowned and his mother swept away by the tidal waves. Liuhe was so indignant that he threw stones into Qiantang River every day from Moon Disc Hill, which shook the Dragon Palace Violently. The Dragon King tried to make peace with Liuhe by offering him gold, silver and other precious things. But Liuhe refused and said that he wouldn’t stop until the Dragon King promised to release his mother and prevent the tidal waves from harming people. Dragon King had no choice but to agree. From then on, the river tide had been under control. To express their sincere gratitude to Liuhe, local people built a pagoda on Moon Disc Hill. And this pagoda was named Liuhe Pagoda.

How to get to Six Harmonies Pagoda
• Take bus No. 287, 318, 334 or 354 and get off at Liuheta Station.
• Take bus No. 4, 190, 202, 280, 308, 595 or 597 and get off at Zhijianglu Liuheta Station.

Additional travel advice on Six Harmonies Pagoda
• Please watch out the steps while ascending the pagoda.
• Children and seniors are not recommended to make the ascent.