Six Harmonies Pagoda
Zhejiang Sheng
The Six Harmonies Pagoda, also known as Liuhe Pagoda, is a magnificent multi-story Chinese pagoda located at the foot of Yuelun Hill, facing the Qiantang River in southern Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Originally constructed in 970 by the Wuyue Kingdom, it was destroyed in 1121 during warfare and fully reconstructed by 1165 in the Southern Song dynasty. The octagonal pagoda stands approximately 59.89 meters tall and appears to have thirteen stories, though it contains only seven interior levels. It features a spiral staircase leading to the top floor, with intricately carved and painted figures of animals, flowers, birds, and characters on each ceiling. The structure's design includes exterior walls, a zigzag corridor, interior walls, and small chambers on each story, creating a harmonious play of light and shadow. Historically, the pagoda served as a lighthouse to aid navigation on the Qiantang River and was built to calm the river's tidal bore. Additional eaves were added during the Ming and Qing dynasties, enhancing its architectural complexity. Nearby, a Pagoda Park exhibits models of ancient Chinese pagodas, illustrating their diverse designs and cultural symbolism. The Six Harmonies Pagoda remains a significant cultural landmark and a popular tourist attraction in Zhejiang.
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Astuce: Visitors should consider visiting the Six Harmonies Pagoda during daylight hours to fully appreciate its architectural details and scenic views of the Qiantang River. Purchasing tickets in advance is advisable during peak tourist seasons to avoid queues. The nearby Pagoda Park offers additional cultural insights and is worth combining into the visit. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. Comfortable footwear is recommended due to the spiral staircases inside the pagoda.
Faits intéressants
- •The pagoda appears to have thirteen stories from the outside but actually contains only seven interior levels.
- •It was originally built to calm the tidal bore of the Qiantang River and serve as a lighthouse for river navigation.
- •Each of the seven ceilings inside the pagoda is decorated with carved and painted figures including animals, flowers, birds, and characters.
- •The pagoda's design features a layered alternation of light and shade, bright on the upper surfaces and darker underneath.
- •A nearby Pagoda Park exhibits models of ancient Chinese pagodas, highlighting their diverse designs and cultural symbolism.
Histoire
The Six Harmonies Pagoda was originally built in 970 by the ruler of the Wuyue Kingdom to serve as a navigational aid and to calm the tidal bore of the Qiantang River.
It was destroyed in 1121 during warfare but was reconstructed by 1165 during the Southern Song dynasty using wood and brick.
Over the following centuries, additional exterior eaves were added during the Ming and Qing dynasties, contributing to its current architectural form.
The pagoda has historically functioned as a lighthouse, assisting sailors navigating the river.
Prior to 1900, the structure had fallen into disrepair but has since been preserved and remains an important cultural monument.
Guide du lieu
Exterior Architecture12th-17th centuries
The pagoda's octagonal shape with thirteen visible stories is enhanced by additional eaves from the Ming and Qing dynasties, creating a striking silhouette against the sky.
Interior Spiral Staircase and Ceilings12th century
A spiral staircase leads visitors through seven interior stories, each ceiling adorned with carved and painted figures of animals, flowers, birds, and characters, reflecting traditional Chinese artistry.
Pagoda ParkModern
A cultural exhibition near the pagoda featuring models of ancient Chinese pagodas, illustrating various designs, histories, and symbolic meanings associated with these structures.