Why is the Six Harmonies Pagoda special?
The Six Harmonies Pagoda, located on Yuelun Hill overlooking the Qiantang River, and south of West Lake, is one of the true masterpieces of ancient Chinese architectures.
Six Harmonies Pagoda Highlights
The pagoda was named Six Harmonies (‘Liuhe’ in Chinese) to signify the harmony of heaven, earth, and the four directions: east, west, south and north. The current pagoda was constructed of wood and brick during the Southern Song Dynasty (420-589), and subsequently, during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasties (1644 -1911), additional exterior eaves were added to the pagoda.
Delicate architecture
The pagoda is octagonal in shape and some 59.89 meters (196 feet) in height, it also has the appearance of being a thirteen-story structure, though it only has seven interior stories. 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.
Each story of the pagoda consists of four elements, the exterior walls, a zigzagged corridor, the interior walls and a small chamber. Viewed from outside, the pagoda appears to be layered-bright on the upper surface and dark underneath. That is a harmonious alternation of light and shade.
A bird’s view from the pagoda
Upon ascending the pagoda, visitors will have a spectacular view of the Qiantang River Bridge spanning the surging tides of the Qiantang River.
Exhibition Center
Nearby the Six Harmonies Pagoda an exhibition center detailing ancient pagodas in China was set up in recently upon Yuelun Hill. So visitors can visit the Six Harmonies Pagoda and then learn of the various ancient pagodas architectural styles to be found within China.