Liuhe Pagoda - A Quiet Sentinel Through the Ages

In Hangzhou, there's a place where natural beauty and cultural heritage intertwine—the Liuhe Pagoda. Standing on the banks of the Qiantang River, it has weathered a thousand years of storms, witnessed countless sunrises and sunsets, and carries the historical memories of this city. The journey to Liuhe Pagoda is filled with anticipation. If you choose public transportation, you can take bus routes 314, 4, 4 Express, 318, 318B, Digital Tourism Bus Line 2, or Digital Tourism Bus Line 4, and get off at Liuhe Pagoda Station to encounter this marvel. Alternatively, you can take bus routes 500, 7280, or 8202 to Zhijiang Road Liuhe Pagoda Station for easy access. If driving, head west from Xiaoshan East or National Highway 104, turn south after crossing the bridge, and navigate to Hangzhou Liuhe Pagoda. The scenery along the way serves as a prelude, gradually unveiling this wonderful journey. Upon entering the Liuhe Pagoda scenic area, you're immediately enveloped by an ancient atmosphere. This structure, originally built in the third year of the Kaibao period during the Northern Song Dynasty, was constructed by King Qian Hongchu of Wuyue to suppress the river tides, embodying the wisdom and wishes of the ancients. The existing Liuhe Pagoda features a wooden tower structure with a brick body in pavilion style. The tower stands 59.89 meters tall and appears to have thirteen stories from the outside, with numerous small windows on each level and 104 iron bells hanging from the upturned eaves. When the wind blows, the bells chime with a crisp, pleasant sound. However, the pagoda actually has only seven floors inside, with its unique "seven visible, six hidden" structure seemingly concealing secrets of time. Ascending the spiral staircase, you can feel the weight of history with each step. From the top of the tower, looking out over the railing, the magnificent Qiantang River spreads before your eyes. The surging waters flow ceaselessly, boats come and go on the river, and in the distance, the Qiantang River Bridge spans both banks, connecting past and present, busyness and tranquility. The majestic scene makes one marvel at nature's masterful craftsmanship and humanity's great creativity, while troubles gradually dissipate amid this spectacular view. From March to mid-April, Liuhe Pagoda welcomes a romantic floral event—the peony exhibition. During this time, the pagoda transforms into an exquisite painting. Liuhe Cultural Park is known as the "Jiangnan Peony Garden," housing over 230 varieties of peonies across 4,000 square meters. When the peonies bloom—red like fire, pink like rosy clouds, white like snow—they appear even more enchanting against the backdrop of Liuhe Pagoda. The elegance of the peonies complements the pagoda's ancient charm, the softness of the flowers blends with the tower's strength. Walking among the flowers, with the fragrance of peonies lingering and the ancient pagoda in sight, it feels like traveling through time back to a prosperous era. Here, time seems to slow down, and every moment is filled with poetry. On the way down the mountain, the bells of Liuhe Pagoda ring out softly. These bell sounds, echoing from a thousand years ago, carry historical vicissitudes and the sediment of time. Each toll is steady and powerful, piercing the night sky, reaching people's ears, and resonating in their hearts. In these bell sounds, one feels inner peace and tranquility, as if all fatigue and chaos are cleansed away, leaving only purity and serenity deep within. Liuhe Pagoda is not merely a building but an emotional anchor and cultural heritage. Here, you can watch the surging river tides, admire blooming peonies, listen to melodious bells, and let your soul find healing in this tranquil yet magnificent setting, creating warm and beautiful memories. Tip: The Liuhe Pagoda scenic area requires an entrance ticket, and there's an additional fee to climb the tower.