
Liuhe Pagoda, located south of West Lake on Yuelun Mountain beside the Qiantang River, is one of China's best-preserved ancient brick and wood structures. Adjacent to the Qiantang River, it faces the entrance to the Nine Creeks and Eighteen Streams. From the top, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Qiantang River.
Liuhe Pagoda is an ancient brick and wood structure with multiple layers and double eaves. Its simple, solemn, and majestic beauty have made it a landmark tourist attraction in Hangzhou. Standing 59.89 meters tall , it boasts 13 exterior stories , but only seven within ( the sixth is enclosed, while the seventh is connected to the main body, creating a unique " seven open and six hidden " structure ) . Arches at varying angles seamlessly integrate corridors, chambers, steps, and gates on each floor, providing direct access to the top floor. 104 iron bells are also hung from the eaves of each floor .
Since the Qiantang River is right at its foot, this is also one of the best places to watch the Qiantang River tide. The surging river water sometimes ebbs and flows, so when the " Three Reviews of the Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake " were made, it was given a beautiful name - Liuhe Tingtao.
The peonies at Liuhe Pagoda begin to bloom in April. The pagoda was once planted with peonies during the Wuyue Kingdom period, and now there are about 3,000 plants of more than 80 varieties . It is one of the best places to enjoy peonies in Hangzhou. You can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Qiantang River. During the high tide in September, you can see the magnificent Qiantang River tide.
Recommended playing time: less than 1 hour
Entrance fee is 20 yuan, and the tower entrance fee is 10 yuan.
Summer : 6:00-18:30
Winter : 6:30-17:30
The Liuhe Pagoda, also known as the Six Harmonies Pagoda, was built during the Northern Song Dynasty to help control the turbulent currents of the Qiantang River. It is a famous architectural landmark in Hangzhou, representing ancient Chinese pagoda design and engineering.
The Liuhe Pagoda is located in the southern part of Hangzhou, near the Qiantang River. It can be accessed by bus or taxi from the city center. The closest metro station is Chengzhan Station, and it's about a 15-minute taxi ride from there.
The Liuhe Pagoda is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the cooler temperatures and better lighting for photos.
The entrance fee for the Liuhe Pagoda is about 30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance or online through local travel platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, but it's recommended for weekends or public holidays to avoid long queues.
It typically takes around 1 to 2 hours to explore the pagoda and its surrounding area, depending on how much time you spend taking in the views and exploring the park.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and English-speaking guides may also be available, though it's best to check in advance. Audio guides in multiple languages are offered at the entrance for a fee.
The best photography spots are from the top of the pagoda, where you can capture panoramic views of Hangzhou. The pagoda itself, especially at sunrise or sunset, also makes for great photos.
Start by walking through the surrounding park and appreciating the pagoda from different angles. Then, climb to the top for the best views and spend time exploring the details of the pagoda's structure.
Currently, the Liuhe Pagoda does not offer night visits or light shows. Special tours may be available on request, but generally, visits are during the daytime.
The Liuhe Pagoda can be quite crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, especially early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Basic facilities, including toilets and water fountains, are available. There are no large food outlets or shops inside the pagoda area, but small local vendors near the entrance offer snacks and drinks.
The pagoda is accessible, though there are many steps to climb to reach the top. Elderly visitors or those with mobility issues may find the climb challenging, but the surrounding park is accessible.
Both cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted for tickets and souvenirs. Credit cards may not be widely accepted at the site.
Vegetarian options are available at nearby restaurants, especially in Hangzhou's more tourist-oriented areas. Halal food options are available in some restaurants catering to Muslim visitors.
There are small souvenir shops near the pagoda selling local crafts such as silk products, tea, and small pagoda-themed items.