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| The
curling eaves of Liuhe Pagoda at sunset. The Pagoda
balances the Fengshui of the local area, protecting it from
floods. |
| The
pagoda has eight sides, seven interior levels and thirteen
external eaves. Stairways lead to the top storey giving a great
view of the surrounding area. |
| Zhi
Tan, a local abbot, is commemorated in this bronze statue for
raising funds to rebuild the Liuhe Pagoda after it was destroyed
by war. His efforts led to the completion of the current Pagoda in
1163. |
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Liuhe
Pagoda, Hangzhou
Liuhe means Six
Harmonies and refers to the harmony between Heaven, Earth and the Four
directions. It is an appropriate name for this Pagoda as its main purpose
is to harmonise the environmental energies of the area, protecting the
city from floods and evil spirits.
The Pagoda is located on top of the
Yuelun Mountain overlooking the Qiantang River in Hangzhou. The location
is a key Fengshui point and in ancient times when the windows
of the Pagoda were filled with lanterns the building served as a great light house.
The octagonal wooden and stone structure, was first
built in 970 AD. Originally it had 9 stories and was about 150
metres high. However by 1121, the outer wooden structure had been almost
completely destroyed by war and during its reconstruction in 1153 there
was only enough of the inner stonework left to support seven floors.
The
rebuilding of the Pagoda was completed thanks to the determination of the
Buddhist abbot, Zhi Tan whose statue stands in the Pagoda garden.
On Your Visit
- Climb the internal stair case and look for the Song Dynasty
inscriptions.
- Enjoy the gardens, sculptures and quiet places around the base
of the pagoda.
- Climb the garden stairs at the back of the garden and visit the bonsai
collection.
- Further past the bonsai collection is a Stupa garden. If you are quiet
you may see some long-tailed squirrels playing there.
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