Six Harmonies Pagoda stands on Yuelun Hill where the Qiantang River enters the southern edge of Hangzhou, thirteen stories of brick and wood rising 60 metres over the water. Built in the Northern Song dynasty to calm the famous tidal bore of the Qiantang River, it is one of the best-preserved ancient pagodas in China and gives views across the river and down into the city.
The climb to the top is genuinely worth it. Each storey has a different decorated ceiling, and the wooden external walkways allow you to look out from each level. The pagoda is usually uncrowded by Hangzhou standards. The adjacent park has a large collection of Song dynasty stone steles arranged among pines. Combine with a visit to the Qiantang River embankment below, especially during the lunar eighth month when the tidal bore can reach heights of several metres.