China: Liuhe Ta or Six Harmonies Pagoda, Hangzhou

Liuhe Pagoda (Chinese: 六和塔; pinyin: Liùhé Tǎ), literally Six Harmonies Pagoda was originally constructed in 970 CE during the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127), destroyed in 1121, and reconstructed fully by 1165, during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279).

Hangzhou is one of China’s six ancient capitals. The city thrived during the Tang period (618–907), benefiting greatly from its position at the southern end of the Grand Canal.

At the beginning of the 12th century, Hangzhou was chosen as the new capital of the Southern Song Dynasty after the Chinese court was defeated in a battle against the Jin in 1123, and fled south.

The city flourished, with officials, writers and scholars moving there as the dynasty blossomed. During this period, Chinese culture reached a dramatic climax, and artworks from this era, particularly the richly detailed brush paintings, are considered to be among the finest works of art ever produced.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia