Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Kaohsiung

Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Kaohsiung (must see)

The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, perched along the scenic edge of Lotus Pond are among the city鈥檚 most iconic landmarks. These striking seven-story towers, adorned with yellow walls, red pillars, and orange tiles, reflect the vibrant colors and traditional artistry of Taiwanese temple architecture. A winding bridge connects the pagodas to the shore, welcoming visitors into a symbolic journey: it is considered good luck to enter through the dragon鈥檚 mouth and exit through the tiger鈥檚鈥攔epresenting the passage from misfortune to prosperity.

Each tower offers a rich display of cultural symbolism and religious imagery. Inside the Dragon Tower, visitors once viewed paintings depicting Ksitigarbha, a revered bodhisattva associated with compassion and salvation. The Tiger Tower, meanwhile, features murals of the twelve Magi, the thirty celestial palaces of the Jade Emperor, and even images of Confucius鈥攂ridging Daoist, Buddhist, and Confucian traditions in one sacred space.

The pagodas are set against a backdrop of picturesque attractions, including the Small Tortoise Mountains, the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, and the 5-mile and Pei Chi Pavilions- all surrounding the tranquil waters of Lotus Pond. This setting not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the site but also reinforces its spiritual atmosphere, offering visitors a harmonious blend of nature, architecture, and cultural heritage. The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas stand as proud symbols of Kaohsiung鈥檚 deep-rooted traditions and are a popular stop for photographers, pilgrims, and curious travelers alike.

Entry is free of charge, and the temple grounds are open to the public daily until 6 PM. However, as of 2025, the interiors of the towers are temporarily closed for renovation, but the exteriors remain fully accessible for sightseeing and photography.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kaohsiung. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
Sight Location: Kaohsiung, Taiwan (See walking tours in Kaohsiung)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Lotus Pond Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Create Your Own Walk in Kaohsiung

Creating your own self-guided walk in Kaohsiung is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Lotus Pond Walking Tour

Lotus Pond, located in Kaohsiung鈥檚 Zuoying District, is a scenic manmade lake known for its calm waters, floating lotus flowers in summer, and impressive lineup of temples and pagodas along its shores. Originally completed in the 1950s, the pond quickly became a cultural landmark and recreational hub for locals and visitors alike. A walking path encircles the lake, providing easy access to... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles

Kaohsiung Introduction Walking Tour

Kaohsiung, Taiwan鈥檚 second-largest city, is a vibrant port metropolis that combines modern energy with natural beauty and cultural depth. Located in the island鈥檚 south, it boasts year-round warm weather, a laid-back atmosphere, and a growing reputation as a hub for art, design, and waterfront redevelopment. Visitors can explore a range of attractions, from the dramatic Lotus Pond with its... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles

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