Pagoda of Six Harmonies (六和塔)
Pagoda of Six Harmonies is an ancient building of the Han nationality built in the Song Dynasty. The current Pagoda of Six Harmonies was rebuilt in the Southern Song Dynasty. The pagoda is octagonal seen from above and has thirteen floors. The even-numbered six floors are closed, and the odd-numbered seven floors are connected with the body of the pagoda respectively. The whole pagoda forms a pattern of “seven clerestories and six blindstories”. Inside the pagoda, there are spiral staircases through the walls, which spiral up straight to the top floor. Corridors and chambers are seen on each floor. On the Sumeru Seat of the pagoda, there are brick carvings of gods and people, Flying Apsaras, flowers, birds and beasts.
Pagoda of Six Harmonies is one of the outstanding representatives of the existing brick and wood ancient pagodas in my country. As a high-rise building with an ancient double-sleeve structure, it reflects the superb pagoda-building technology and craftsmanship of ancient Chinese craftsmen.
The “Records of Quietly Viewing Seasonal Scenery” by Gao Lian from the Ming Dynasty contained an article named “Viewing Tidal Waves at Pagoda of Six Harmonies at Night”, in which the author lit the pagoda lamp and watched the tide rise under the moonlight quietly. He saw “the reflection of the moon on the water and the silvery waves, shimmering light and roaring snow-white waves, rapids hitting on the banks, waves rolling and thundering, white belt-like water dashing and twisting and turning.” “It’s magnificent, making people’s flesh creep!”
Former Residence of Hu Xueyan (胡雪岩故居)
In a secluded slate alley between West Lake and Qiantang River, there is a seemingly low-key but prominent “No. 1 Mansion under the Sun” — the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan.
The whole house covers an area of 10.8 mu (1 mu is roughly equal to 666 sq m) and its construction lasted for three whole years. It features carved beams and painted columns, and is splendid. It’s reputed to be the “No. 1 Mansion in China in the late Qing Dynasty”. Entering it, you’ll see the convoluted corridors, hidden alleys, pavilions, viewing platforms, towers, courtyards with patios, rockeries, water flowing under small bridges, vermillion doors, purple lattice windows, and carved arches over gateways. All of them are exquisite and unique.
There are also calligraphic works and stone carvings by famous masters such as Dong Qichang, Zheng Banqiao, Tang Bohu and Wen Zhengming in the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan. It’s like a “folk arts and crafts treasure museum” and is also one of the representatives of traditional Chinese architectural art.
Liangzhu Museum (良渚博物馆)
The overall temperament of Liangzhu Museum is in line with the elegance, purity and tranquility of Liangzhu jade ware. The museum is located on the lake, just like a piece of rough jade, and the elements of jade of Liangzhu Culture can be seen everywhere in the museum. The flower beds shaped to resemble Jade Cong are the finishing touch, giving the museum a special charm.
The building itself is integrated with the entire Meilizhou Park (美丽洲公园), and the whole park is characterized by water, and the environmental design of the museum tries to integrate the elements of water as much as possible.
The foot flow is designed with twists and turns, and the landscape in the museum is not simple at all with the function of space connection. The four buildings are of different heights, forming a unique sculptural form. The simple and grand architectural style is quite in line with the Liangzhu culture, and the two complement each other, forming a unique cultural landscape.