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Lotus Pond is a serene artificial lake famed for the lush lotus plants floating across its waters. The pond is also surrounded by a dense cluster of temples, pavilions, and cultural sites that reflect centuries of local tradition.

Among the most celebrated landmarks are the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, the Confucius Temple at the northern end, and the iconic Dragon and Tiger Pagodas in the south. The shoreline is dotted with statues, bridges, and walkways that encourage leisurely exploration.

The pond's surrounding area holds historic significance too—just a short walk away are the ruins of the Fengshan County walls and gates, designated as first-grade historic sites. Traditional homes, military dependents’ villages, and bustling local markets round out the experience, offering a deeper look into the everyday life of Zuoying’s residents.

Open 24 hours a day and free to explore, Lotus Pond is a favorite among both locals and travelers—especially those on a budget. While some temple interiors may have set hours, the lake and its paths are always accessible. For the best experience, photographers and serenity-seekers should visit at sunrise or sunset, when the golden light reflects off the water and crowds are sparse.

The Lotus Pond Water Music Box Platform is a scenic floating stage located on the tranquil waters of Lotus Pond in Kaohsiung. Designed as a cultural and performance venue, this platform hosts concerts, light shows, and other artistic events that enhance the vibrant atmosphere of the lake. Surrounded by iconic temples and pagodas, it offers visitors a unique experience where traditional Taiwanese spirituality meets modern creativity.

The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, perched along the scenic edge of Lotus Pond are among the city’s 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’s mouth and exit through the tiger’s—representing 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—bridging 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’s 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.

Zuoying Ciji Temple, located at the northern end of Kaohsiung’s Lotus Lake, is a visually captivating Taoist temple dedicated to Xuan Wu, also known as the God Almighty of the Mysterious Heavens. The temple is best recognized by the towering statue of the deity, depicted with one foot on a serpent and the other on a tortoise—symbols of chaos subdued by divine power. This iconic image not only dominates the temple grounds but also serves as a spiritual guardian over the northern entrance to the lake.

Architecturally, the temple follows the elaborate style common to many Taiwanese Taoist shrines, with richly decorated rooflines, colorful carvings of dragons, and intricate representations of warrior gods. Inside, the scent of incense and the rhythmic clinking of fortune sticks create a contemplative atmosphere where visitors can observe or participate in traditional worship practices. Entrance to the temple is free, making it an inviting stop for those interested in both religion and design.

While less crowded than some of the lake’s more famous pagodas, the temple offers a serene space for reflection and a vivid example of southern Taiwan’s living religious traditions. It’s an ideal destination for travelers seeking cultural depth and an authentic sense of place.

Zuoying Chiming Temple is a colorful and historically significant Taoist temple. Founded in 1953 by Chi Ming Palace, the temple was established as a central place of worship and as the spiritual overseer of the nearby Spring and Autumn Pavilions. These two iconic, octagonal towers—dedicated to Guandi, the god of war—are not only architectural landmarks but also integral components of the temple complex’s religious landscape. Their vibrant green and yellow fa?ades, visible from across the lake, symbolize the temple's lasting presence and its role in shaping the area’s spiritual and cultural identity.

The main hall of Chiming Temple exemplifies traditional southern Chinese temple design. Visitors are greeted by vivid wooden carvings, decorative dragons coiled along the eaves, and richly painted beams in reds, blues, and golds. Inside, incense smoke hangs in the air as worshippers pay tribute to Guandi and other Taoist deities represented in elaborately crafted statues. The temple's architecture and ceremonial atmosphere offer a powerful introduction to Taiwan’s living Taoist tradition.

Adding to the temple’s significance are its detailed murals and symbolic decorations that line the interior walls. These artworks depict scenes from Chinese folklore and classical tales, portraying heroic deeds, moral lessons, and divine interventions. Every detail—from the swirling cloud motifs to the fierce expressions of door gods—contributes to the temple’s role as both a religious center and a cultural showcase.

The Spring and Autumn Pavilions are a beautiful Taoist temple complex located on the southwestern edge of Lotus Pond in Kaohsiung’s Zuoying District. Built in 1953 by the Chi Ming Palace, these two octagonal towers stand in vivid contrast to the serene waters surrounding them. Their bold green and yellow exteriors reflect the traditional Chinese palace style, yet their playful, cartoon-like design gives them a unique charm—reminiscent of the nearby Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, though the pavilions actually predate their more famous neighbors.

Dedicated to Guandi, the revered God of War, the Spring and Autumn Pavilions symbolize the eternal balance of yin and yang, as their names suggest. Visitors enter the site through a dramatic dragon-shaped walkway adorned with vibrant wall paintings, adding a fantastical touch to the experience. Inside, statues of Guandi and Guanyin—the Goddess of Mercy, depicted riding a dragon—create a powerful spiritual presence, drawing worshippers and tourists alike into the temple’s rich symbolic world.

A curved pedestrian bridge connects the two pavilions and leads out over the lake to Wuliting, an elegant island pavilion and restful retreat. From here, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the pond, especially picturesque during summer when blooming lotuses fill the water. The bridge itself offers an ideal photo spot, with its scenic backdrop and architectural harmony complementing the colorful towers behind.

While the Spring and Autumn Pavilions are visually impressive, they also offer a quieter cultural moment. Less crowded than some other Kaohsiung landmarks, they provide a peaceful space to reflect, appreciate Taoist traditions, or simply converse with friendly locals. Their blend of playful design, spiritual significance, and natural beauty makes them a rewarding stop on any visit to Lotus Pond.

Zuoying Yuandi Temple and the nearby Statue of the Xuantian God in the Beiji Pavilion form one of the most visually striking religious sites along Lotus Pond in Kaohsiung. Dedicated to Xuantian Shangdi—also known as the Dark or Mysterious Heavenly Emperor—this Taoist complex honors the powerful deity believed to govern the northern heavens and protect against evil. Xuantian is often portrayed as a heroic figure who subdued a serpent and tortoise, symbols of chaos. His mythological legacy is deeply rooted in Taoist belief, and this temple serves as a major center of his veneration in southern Taiwan.

The Beiji Pavilion, also referred to as the Northern Pole Pavilion, is particularly famous for housing a colossal statue of Xuantian God. Seated regally and barefoot, the statue rises impressively above the temple’s roofline and can be seen from various points around Lotus Pond. Clad in warrior’s armor with a commanding gaze, the god rests one foot on a serpent and the other on a tortoise—an image both symbolic and protective.

Architecturally, the temple and pavilion blend traditional Taoist design with bold colors and intricate ornamentation. Red columns, decorative roof tiles, and elaborate carvings of dragons and phoenixes highlight the craftsmanship that defines southern Taiwanese temple aesthetics. Inside the halls, visitors will find altars, incense burners, and richly adorned statues of Taoist gods. The air is often thick with fragrant smoke and echoes of soft chanting, offering a deeply atmospheric setting for both prayer and observation.

The Kaohsiung Confucius Temple, located on the northwestern shore of Lotus Lake, is the largest Confucian temple in Taiwan. Originally built in 1684 during the Qing Dynasty and later reconstructed in the 1970s, the current structure was modeled after the Song Dynasty’s Confucian temples, particularly the Shandong Qufu Confucius Temple, the philosopher’s birthplace. With its elegant symmetry, sweeping tiled roofs, and solemn courtyards, the temple stands as a dignified tribute to Confucian ideals of education, virtue, and social order.

Visitors enter through the imposing Lingxing Gate, followed by a sequence of serene courtyards leading to the Dacheng Hall, the temple’s central building. This grand hall enshrines Confucius and other important philosophers, with ceremonial tablets placed upon a raised altar. Stone columns, red walls, and wooden beams are adorned with classical Chinese inscriptions, offering a tranquil setting for contemplation and quiet reverence. While it no longer functions as a religious site in the traditional sense, the temple continues to host rites of passage and annual Confucius birthday ceremonies.

Surrounded by tall trees and scenic views of Lotus Lake, the Kaohsiung Confucius Temple is more than a historical monument—it serves as a peaceful refuge from the urban bustle. Its grounds offer shaded paths, benches, and open courtyards that encourage slow exploration. Informational plaques throughout the site help visitors learn about Confucian thought, traditional architecture, and the temple’s evolving role in Taiwanese culture.

As part of the larger Lotus Pond cultural area, the temple is easily accessible and pairs well with visits to the nearby Spring and Autumn Pavilions or Dragon and Tiger Pagodas.

Zhouzi Qingshui Temple is a revered religious site located near the scenic Lotus Pond. The temple is dedicated to Qingshui Zushi, a Buddhist monk deified as a protector deity in Taiwanese folk religion. Known for his legendary powers to bring rain and ward off disasters, Qingshui Zushi is a popular figure in southern Taiwan. Though not as flamboyant as some of its neighbors, the temple stands out for its spiritual atmosphere and longstanding connection to the local community.

Built in the traditional Minnan architectural style, Zhouzi Qingshui Temple features ornate carvings, elegant rooflines with upward-curving ridges, and protective stone lions flanking the entrance. The richly decorated main hall houses the statue of Qingshui Zushi, often depicted with a stern expression and barefoot stance, symbolizing his humility and vigilance. Surrounding him are smaller shrines and images of other Buddhist and folk deities, creating a sacred space filled with incense and prayer offerings.

For tourists exploring the Lotus Pond area, Zhouzi Qingshui Temple provides a quieter, more reflective stop among the area’s grander monuments. Its understated beauty and spiritual significance make it a worthwhile visit, especially for those interested in local traditions and the lived experience of Taiwanese religious practice.