The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are twin towers on the southwest edge of Lotus Pond in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung. Devotees of the nearby Cihji Palace built them in 1976, and they are painted in bold yellow, orange and red. A zigzag walkway leads to the two figures, and the mouths of the dragon and the tiger are the entrance and the exit. Inside, paintings of Buddhist and Taoist figures cover the walls, and spiral stairs lead to the top, where the whole pond is in view. Entry is free.
Twin towers on Lotus Pond
The pagodas stand at the southwestern corner of Lotus Pond, an artificial lake in Zuoying District, on the northern edge of Kaohsiung. The pond is one of the city's older scenic areas. It was counted among the Eight Sights of Fongshan in the Qing Dynasty, and temples line much of its shore.
The pagodas date from 1976. Devotees of Cihji Palace built them, and the temple stands just across the road. Baosheng Dadi, one of the patron saints of the area, is enshrined there. Many visitors start at the temple and then cross the road to the pagodas.
The towers are yellow, orange and red, and a large dragon and a large tiger sit in front of them. They rise directly from the water, with lotus plants around the base.
In through the dragon, out through the tiger
A zigzag walkway crosses the water to the pagodas. Its bends and decorated rails make it a popular place to stop for photos.
The central custom here is the route through the figures. You enter through the dragon's mouth and leave through the tiger's mouth. The practice is understood as turning bad fortune into good, and it is the best-known feature of the site. Attendants are on hand to keep people moving in the right direction, so follow the order and do not go in through the tiger.
The passage through the dragon is decorated in detail, and you move on into the tower from there.
Inside and at the top
Both pagodas can be entered. The interiors are covered in colourful paintings of Buddhist and Taoist figures, so allow time to look at the walls as you climb.
Spiral stairs lead up through the floors to the top. From there you see the whole of Lotus Pond, the second pagoda, the temples around the shore and the city beyond. A breeze usually blows across the upper level. The railings are low, which adds to the sense of height but calls for care with children.
Turtles and other small animals around the water are a favourite stop for families.
Around the pond
The pagodas are a good starting point for a longer walk. One route runs from the southwestern end of the pond north to the Confucius Temple at the northern tip, which is the largest in Taiwan. On the way you pass Cihji Palace, the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, with their teal dragon, and Haian Temple. The giant statue of Yuandi at Zuoying Yuandi Temple is another of the most photographed sights on the pond.
A lakeside path circles the water, and Ubike bicycles can be rented for the ride. A wakeboard spot sits nearby, and its modern water sports contrast with the temple architecture. There are large, clean restrooms at the site.
An annual festival is held at the pagodas, with decorations, performances and cultural activities. The input gives no date, so check locally if you want to time a visit around it.
Choosing when to go
The pond is at its best in the late afternoon, when the setting sun reflects in the water. The weather is also usually more pleasant then. The site is one of the most visited in Kaohsiung, and tour groups tend to arrive from about 2:30 pm. For a quieter visit, go in the early morning. The lake at sunrise can be almost empty.
The pond lies away from the city's other main sights, so plan the trip as its own outing rather than a quick stop.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee for the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas?
No. Visitors report that entry is free and no ticket is needed.
Which way do you go through the pagodas?
Enter through the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger's mouth. The custom is said to turn bad luck into good, and attendants ask visitors to follow this direction.
How do you get to the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas?
Taxi or Uber is the simplest way, as public transport is limited. A ride from Kaohsiung main station cost around 200 TWD.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning is quiet, and tour crowds start to build from about 2:30 pm. Late afternoon is pleasant, with the sunset reflected in Lotus Pond.
What else is nearby?
Cihji Palace is across the street. Along the pond you will also find the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, Zuoying Yuandi Temple and the Confucius Temple at the northern end.
