Six Harmonies Pagoda, or Liuhe Pagoda, stands on Yuelun Hill overlooking the Qiantang River in Hangzhou's Xihu District, first built in 970 CE to help calm the river's notoriously powerful tidal bore and rebuilt in its current form in 1165 after the original wooden structure burned. The pagoda appears from outside to have thirteen stories but contains only seven usable interior floors, each reached by a narrow wooden staircase and ringed with a viewing gallery. Visitors can climb to the top for views over the Qiantang River, the Qiantang River Bridge designed by engineer Mao Yisheng, and the wooded grounds surrounding the pagoda, which include a garden of miniature pagoda models collected from across China. A visit combining the grounds and a climb to the top takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. The pagoda's riverside position makes it one of the best places in Hangzhou to watch the autumn tidal bore, a natural surge of water that moves up the Qiantang River and draws large crowds during the mid-autumn festival period. Late afternoon offers the clearest light for photographing the river and bridge from the upper floors, while the grounds are quietest on weekday mornings outside of the tidal bore season.
| Admission | Adult ¥20 (~$2.98) grounds entry; additional ¥10 (~$1.49) to climb the pagoda interior · Child Discounted rate for students; free for young children |
|---|---|
| Hours | 7:00 AM-5:30 PM (Apr-Oct); 7:00 AM-4:55 PM (Nov-Mar) |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time | Late afternoon for views over the Qiantang River from the pagoda's upper floors |
| Getting there | Bus 2, K4, 308, or 504 to Liuhe Ta (Six Harmonies Pagoda) stop |
| Address | 16 Zhijiang Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China |
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Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Zhejiang.
Location
16 Zhijiang Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
30.1993, 120.1319 View on map
Highlights
- Seven-floor interior pagoda that appears as thirteen stories from outside
- Panoramic views over the Qiantang River and Qiantang River Bridge
- Garden of miniature pagoda models from across China
- One of the best vantage points for the autumn Qiantang tidal bore
Tips for visiting
- Pay the separate small fee to climb the pagoda interior for river views
- Visit in late afternoon for the clearest light over the Qiantang River
- Check the tidal bore schedule if visiting during the mid-autumn period, when crowds surge
- Wear flat shoes for the narrow wooden interior staircase
When to visit
Late afternoon gives the clearest views over the Qiantang River; mid-autumn afternoons draw the largest crowds for the tidal bore.
Accessibility
The grounds are reachable via paved paths, but the pagoda's interior staircase is narrow, steep, and unsuitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Six Harmonies Pagoda take?
Touring the grounds and climbing to the top of the pagoda takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Is it worth visiting with children?
Yes, though the interior staircase is narrow and steep, so younger children should be supervised closely while climbing.
Is photography allowed inside the pagoda?
Yes, photography is allowed on all interior floors and viewing galleries.
Why is it called Six Harmonies Pagoda?
The name refers to six Buddhist principles of harmony and was also intended, according to local legend, to help subdue the powerful tidal bore on the Qiantang River below.