Why was the Six Harmonies Pagoda built?

It was first raised in 970 CE on the bank of the Qiantang River, partly to symbolically suppress the river's dramatic tidal bore, a tsunami-like wave that still surges each Mid-Autumn Festival. The current structure dates from a 1153 rebuild. Standing 13 storeys and about 60 metres tall, it also served as a navigation marker for boats on the river.

Can I climb the pagoda and what will I see?

Yes. Entry covers the grounds and a small extra fee lets you climb the 13-storey tower, which has external balconies on the way up. From the top you look out over the Qiantang River and the 1937 Qiantang River Bridge, the first modern bridge designed and built by Chinese engineers, a landmark of the country's engineering history.

Is the Six Harmonies Pagoda worth visiting away from West Lake?

It is for travellers wanting a quieter, less touristy stop. It sits south of the lake, roughly half an hour by taxi, and few foreign visitors make the trip. You can pair it with a riverside walk along the Qiantang. Allow about an hour and a half for the pagoda and the surrounding park.

Six Harmonies Pagoda, Hangzhou: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

970 CE Northern Song-era 13-story brick + wood pagoda overlooking the Qiantang River — built to control the river's famous tidal bore.

At a glance

What it is: Heritage Site
Also known as: 六和塔 (Liù Hé Tǎ)
Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 6 PM
Time needed: 1.5 hours
Best time to visit: Mid-Autumn Festival weekend (tidal bore season)
Getting there: Taxi / DiDi from metro
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Entry: Passport booking recommended
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: 16 Zhijiang Rd, Hangzhou · 之江路 16 号

The Six Harmonies Pagoda (970 CE, current rebuild 1153) sits on the north bank of the Qiantang River, originally built to suppress the Qiantang River's tidal bore (an annual 9m-high tsunami-like wave that still occurs every Mid-Autumn Festival). The 13-story 60m pagoda has external balconies for viewing the river. The Qiantang River Bridge (1937, the first modern bridge built by Chinese engineers, designed by Tsai Ti-yan to span the river) is visible from the pagoda — a key wartime engineering achievement. Entry ¥30 + ¥10 to climb. Combine with the Hangzhou River Trail walk (5 km along the Qiantang). 30 min from West Lake by taxi (¥30) — most foreigners don't make it here but it's the city's best off-the-tourist-track stop.

Highlights

Tidal Bore ViewingMid-Autumn Festival weekend; 9m wave annually
Climb the 13-story PagodaQiantang River + bridge panorama
1937 Qiantang BridgeFirst modern Chinese-engineered bridge; visible from pagoda

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Climb to an upper balcony for the river-and-bridge panorama; the view, not the interior, is the real reward here.
▸It is well south of West Lake; budget a half-hour taxi each way and treat it as its own outing.
▸Mid-Autumn Festival weekend draws crowds for the tidal bore, but the wave is best seen downriver, not from the pagoda itself.
▸The riverside trail along the Qiantang runs for kilometres from here and is far emptier than any West Lake path.
▸Morning light favours photos of the pagoda against the hillside; afternoon backlights it from across the river.
▸Spot the 1937 Qiantang River Bridge from the upper floors, a piece of wartime engineering most foreign visitors never notice.
▸Wear proper shoes; the wooden internal stairs are steep and uneven compared with West Lake's flat causeways.

Photos

Calm West Lake waters with Leifeng Pagoda and misty mountains in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

Picturesque view of West Lake with pagoda and boat, Hangzhou, China.

Peaceful scene featuring a boat on West Lake with Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou, China.

Scenic view of Leifeng Pagoda surrounded by forested hills in Hangzhou, China.

Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou surrounded by lush greenery on a misty day.

Scenic view of Leifeng Pagoda over West Lake, Hangzhou with lush greenery and tranquil waters.

Leifeng Pagoda with vibrant autumn leaves highlights this iconic Hangzhou landmark.

Captivating view of a traditional Chinese pagoda in Hangzhou, surrounded by lush greenery.

Capture of Leifeng Pagoda amidst autumn foliage at West Lake, Hangzhou, China.

A stunning nighttime view of the illuminated Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou, framed by tree branches.

A breathtaking view of Leifeng Pagoda surrounded by lush greenery and urban skyline in Hangzhou, China.

Beautiful view of traditional Chinese architecture along West Lake in Hangzhou with boats and lush greenery in the background.

Beautiful traditional Chinese building surrounded by lush trees and calm waters, reflecting cultural elegance.

Serene twilight scene of West Lake in Hangzhou, showcasing a silhouetted pier and pagoda.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

PagodaFan·TripAdvisor·4/5

Song-era pagoda by Qiantang River. ¥20 to climb. Tidal bore view in autumn.

2026-04-18

六和塔·Xiaohongshu·4/5

六和塔登顶看钱塘江！¥20。9 月观潮季最佳。配宋城顺路。

2026-03-25

Eric L.·Google Maps·4/5

13-story Song-era pagoda. Climb for Qiantang River views. ¥20.

2026-02-22

Frequently asked questions about Six Harmonies Pagoda

Why was the Six Harmonies Pagoda built?: It was first raised in 970 CE on the bank of the Qiantang River, partly to symbolically suppress the river's dramatic tidal bore, a tsunami-like wave that still surges each Mid-Autumn Festival. The current structure dates from a 1153 rebuild. Standing 13 storeys and about 60 metres tall, it also served as a navigation marker for boats on the river.
Can I climb the pagoda and what will I see?: Yes. Entry covers the grounds and a small extra fee lets you climb the 13-storey tower, which has external balconies on the way up. From the top you look out over the Qiantang River and the 1937 Qiantang River Bridge, the first modern bridge designed and built by Chinese engineers, a landmark of the country's engineering history.
Is the Six Harmonies Pagoda worth visiting away from West Lake?: It is for travellers wanting a quieter, less touristy stop. It sits south of the lake, roughly half an hour by taxi, and few foreign visitors make the trip. You can pair it with a riverside walk along the Qiantang. Allow about an hour and a half for the pagoda and the surrounding park.