Liuhe Pagoda – Ticket, Opening Hours, Location, and Highlights

Occupying an area of 890 square meters, Liuhe Pagoda stands at a height of 59.89 meters. The internal core of the pagoda is a seven-story brick and stone structure, while the external wooden structure resembles a pavilion with eight sides and thirteen stories. 104 iron bells are hung at the eaves. The pagoda’s exterior mimics wooden construction, and its interior features a spiral staircase allowing visitors to ascend. As one climbs higher, the staircase becomes narrower, and each level offers panoramic views from different heights. Upon reaching the top, visitors are treated to a breathtaking view of the rolling Qiantang River, with the Qiantang River Bridge spanning the banks and the architecture and greenery on both sides visible below.

The walls of Liuhe Pagoda are adorned with niches and pedestals, displaying intricate carvings. The pedestals feature a variety of motifs, including flowers like pomegranates, lotuses, precious elephants, peonies, hibiscus, cockscombs, globe amaranths, roses, camellias, and magnolias. Birds include phoenixes, peacocks, parrots, magpies, and cranes, while mythical creatures such as lions, qilins, lions with antlers, and rhinoceroses are also depicted. Additionally, celestial beings, court ladies, and musicians are present, along with exquisite patterns like arabesques, cloud motifs, ruyi scepters, and floral designs. The brick carvings are masterfully executed, creating a richly decorated effect.

Within Liuhe Pagoda, historical artifacts include a Ming Dynasty stone-carved statue of the Sea-Calming God, a Southern Song Dynasty stele inscribed with “Saving and Bestowing Enlightenment to the Monastery,” and a stela personally inscribed by Emperor Qianlong during his visit to the pagoda, which details the rise and fall of Liuhe Pagoda and the emperor’s personal reflections on the beauty of the Qiantang River. In addition, there is a bronze statue of the abbot Zhitan, who presided over the Kaihua Temple during the Southern Song Dynasty, created in later years to commemorate his contributions. A bronze bell, measuring 0.95 meters in height and weighing 2.3 tons, was cast by the Hangzhou Oxygen Machine Factory in 1996 and placed inside Liuhe Pagoda.

Next to the ancient pagoda, there is a bronze bell known as the “Liuhe Bell.” Visitors have the opportunity to strike the bell a few times and listen to the resonant tones of the Liuhe Bell. Afterward, ascending the stairs on the west side of the pagoda leads to a small hill where the “Chinese Ancient Pagoda Expo Garden” is located. Here, you can leisurely stroll through the garden and admire miniature replicas of various renowned ancient pagodas from different parts of China, such as the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an, the White Pagoda in Beijing, the Chongsheng Temple Pagoda in Dali, and the Wooden Pagoda in Yingxian. Each miniature pagoda is accompanied by informative descriptions, providing visitors with insights into the historical and architectural significance of these famous structures.

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