Liuhe Pagoda (Chinese: ???; pinyin: Li鵫?Ta); 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. Pictures From Asia David Henley