Liuhe Pagoda
970 AD Song-dynasty brick pagoda on the Qiantang River, formerly a tidal-bore lighthouse, now a Hangzhou photo landmark.
Written and signed by Marcus YangWhat it actually is
Liuhe Pagoda (liùhé tǎ, Six Harmonies Tower) is a 13-external-tier, 7-internal-storey brick-and-wood pagoda completed in 970 AD during the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127 AD). Built to calm the Qiantang River's legendary tidal bores, it served as a Hangzhou Bay lighthouse for centuries. The 59.89 m tower stands in Xihu District inside Liuhe Cultural Park, beside a cedar pagoda forest.
Editor's take
Worth a half-day if you are already south of the Qiantang River or pairing with West Lake; skip the tower if you only have a quick stop. Best for photographers, history visitors, and anyone who likes a short climb with a real view.
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Window-Light Photography in the Inner Stairwell
Photographers on Xiaohongshu consistently recommend Liuhe's south-facing inner windows as the standout shooting point. The brick walls act as natural reflectors; between 11:00 and 15:00 in clear weather, the angled sunlight lights the face without fill flash. Flowing fabrics and wide skirts read well in the layered window frames, and the 4:3 ratio is the local favorite.
Song-Dynasty Brickwork on a River Bend
Liuhe Pagoda was completed in 970 AD during the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127 AD) to calm the legendary tidal bores of the Qiantang River. The 13 external tiers and 7 internal storeys are built from brick and wood in the regional Song style, and the structure doubles as the only Song pagoda in Hangzhou still open to climbers.
Qiantang River Panoramas from the Roof
The top landing opens to a wide view of the Qiantang River bend and the southern Hangzhou skyline. On clear autumn days the city and the river read clearly in one frame. Pair the rooftop stop with a slow walk through the adjacent Chinese-cedar pagoda forest for a quiet half hour away from the crowds.