Pagoda of Six Harmonies

There are three famous pagodas in Hangzhou, Leifeng Pagoda, Baochu Pagoda, and Pagoda of Six Harmonies. Among the three, Pagoda of Six Harmonies is known for its majesty and local people described it as a General.

Pagoda of Six Harmonies stands on the Moon Disc Hill overlooking the Qiantang River. The pagoda is built in 970 AD when Hangzhou was the capital of the Southern Song. It’s 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

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.

Pagoda of Six Harmonies is 59.89 meters in height. Its construction style is rather sophisticated. Although viewed from outside, it appears to be a thirteen-storey pagoda, it only has seven interior stories. Inside the 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. 

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.