The Pagoda of the Six Harmonies, Hanghzhou is one of the top-most tourist sites in China. People from far off areas come to see this Pagoda of the Six Harmonies that is 60 meters or 200 feet high. The Pagoda was rebuilt in the year 1899, where the original brick core was retained and wood-cladding was added to the exterior. Pagoda of the Six Harmonies, Hanghzhou was thought to offer protection from floods and also serve as a lighthouse in earlier times.
Pagoda of the Six Harmonies in Hanghzhou is situated on the Yuelun Hill overlooking the Qiantang River. It is one of the magnificent masterpieces of ancient Chinese architecture. Originally the pagoda was built during the Northern Song Dynasty (386-581) by the ruler of the Wuyue State. The pagoda was completely destroyed during a battle in 1121 and had to be rebuilt.
The current Pagoda of the Six Harmonies was constructed of wood and brick during the Southern Song Dynasty (420-589). Pagoda of the Six Harmonies is octagonal in shape and some 59.89 meters or 196 feet in height. Although it seems to be a 13 storey structure, it actually has 7 interior storeys. Travelers will need to climb a spiral staircase leading to the top floor and upon each of the 7 ceilings that are carved and painted with figures of animals, flowers, birds and human characters.
Each storey of the pagoda consists of 4 elements: the exterior walls, a zigzagged corridor, interior walls and a small chamber. Viewed from outside, the pagoda appears to be layered-bright on the upper surface and dark underneath, with a harmonious alternation of light and shade. As you climb up the Pagoda of the Six Harmonies, tourists will get a stunning view of the Qiantang River Bridge spanning the surging tides of the Qiantang River.
Near the Pagoda, there is an exhibition center displaying details of about 80 or more ancient pagodas in China. The Pagoda of Six Harmonies has been praised by poets and men of letters for the past hundreds of years. The carvings of the human figures, flowers, birds, fish, insects and other decorative patterns reminds us of the rich culture and heritage of ancient China.
travel.mapsofworld.com provides online information on Pagoda of the Six Harmonies, Hanghzhou.
| 
