7 Must-See Spots at Lotus Pond! Should You Start with the Dragon or the Tiger? We’ll Also Explain How to Read the Signs and How Long It Takes
At the Dragon-Tiger Pagoda in Lotus Pond, which is the correct way to enter—from the dragon or the tiger?
A.
The correct order is to enter through the dragon’s mouth and exit through the tiger’s mouth. Since this is said to ward off misfortune and bring good luck, at the entrance,Statue of a DragonBe sure to check this before you go in!
Lianchi Lake is one of Kaohsiung’s premier power spots.
Renchi Lake is located in Taiwan,Zuoying District, Kaohsiung CityIt's a lake located in [...]. It's a popular tourist spot where colorful temples and pavilions, including the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda, line the lakeshore.
In this column, we’ll introduce seven must-see highlights and the proper way to enter the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda. We’ve compiled information on admission fees, estimated visit time, and how to get there, so even if it’s your first trip to Kaohsiung, you’ll be able to explore without getting lost!
◆ For those who want to know the proper way to enter the Dragon-Tiger Pagoda in advance
◆ For those who want to check the admission fee and estimated time needed for Hasuike Pond
◆ For those who want to know how to get from Zuoying Station to Lotus Pond
7 Must-See Attractions at Hasuike Pond
The charm of Lotus Pond lies in the colorful temples and pagodas dotted around the lake. Here, we’ll introduce seven spots that first-time visitors shouldn’t miss.
dragon and tiger tower
The Dragon and Tiger Pagoda is considered a symbol of Lotus PondThe Seven-Layered Twin TowersIt was completed in 1976, and at the entrance, you're greeted by giant statues of a dragon and a tiger.
The vivid color scheme—yellow walls, red pillars, and orange roof tiles—creates a breathtaking view, even when reflected on the lake's surface!
Renovation work had been underway in recent years, but on April 13, 2025,ReopeningIt was. It's a spot you definitely want to check out when you visit Kaohsiung.
Shunju-kaku
Shunju-kaku consists of two pavilions built to enshrine Guan Yu, the god of war. Between the Spring Pavilion and the Autumn Pavilion,Kannon Riding a DragonA statue stands there.
It’s also interesting that there’s a legend saying that Kannon appeared among the clouds riding a dragon and, in that form, instructed people to build a statue in her likeness.
Since this is a popular photo spot on par with the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda, be sure to take a commemorative photo with the lake in the background.
Gori-tei
Goritei stands at the end of the bridge that extends straight from Shunju-kaku to the lake.Octagonal PavilionIt is.
Its appearance, as if floating on the lake, is striking, and when you look back from here, you can take in a panoramic view of the Dragon-Tiger Pagoda and the Spring-Autumn Pavilion.
The breeze blowing across the lake is refreshing, making it the perfect spot to take a break during your walk. At dusk, the sky and the lake’s surface turn a deep crimson, offering a truly romantic view!
Hokkyokutei (Statue of Xuantian Shangdi)
One thing that really catches the eye on the lake is the tower rising above the HokkyokuteiGod of the Dark HeavensIt is a giant statue of a god.
Xuanyuan Shangdi is revered as the deity who protects bodies of water. This statue is said to be the tallest statue of a water deity in Southeast Asia.
The sight of him holding a sword in his hand and standing on a turtle and a snake at his feet is truly awe-inspiring! Why not pay a visit here along with the nearby Emperor Yuan Temple (Zuoying Grand Temple)?
Zuoying Confucius Temple
The Zuoying Confucius Temple is a temple dedicated to Confucius, located on the northern shore of Lotus Pond.
The name "Hasuike Pond" originated when the Confucius Temple was built,Lotus FlowerIt is said that this name comes from the fact that many of them were planted.
The grand, palace-style architecture is truly a sight to behold. Since it’s dedicated to the god of learning, it’s highly recommended for students preparing for exams and families with children.
Keimeido
Keimeido stands directly in front of Shunju-kaku.Founded in 1899This is a shrine. It enshrines both Confucius, the god of learning, and Guan Yu, the god of war.
This palace-style building, which has been rebuilt many times, features exquisite carvings down to the finest details!
The cute lion statues on the temple grounds are also a highlight, so be sure to stop by and see them along with the Shunshukaku.
Zuo Ying City, Ci Ji Palace
The Ciji Palace in Zuoying is a temple located right next to the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda. It is also known as the temple that built the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda.
The God of Medicine・Great Emperor HōshōIt enshrines [name], and is believed to bestow blessings for good health, longevity, and recovery from illness.
If you pay your respects here along with the Dragon-Tiger Pagoda, you might just receive even greater blessings!
Which Side Should You Enter the Dragon-Tiger Pagoda From—the Dragon or the Tiger? Etiquette for Visiting
Did you know there’s a specific order for entering the Dragon-Tiger Pagoda? Be sure to check this before you visit so you don’t accidentally enter the wrong way.
The correct answer is: "Enter through the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger's mouth."
The Dragon-Tiger Pagoda is “Enter through the dragon's mouth、To escape the jaws of a tiger"That's the correct way to go around."
It is said that if you walk through in this order, you will ward off misfortune and invite good luck. There is also a legend that it will purify you of your past misdeeds.
It is said that the Nine-Turn Bridge leading to the tower zigzags so that evil spirits cannot proceed in a straight line.
Be sure to check out the dragon statue before you go in!
Don't miss the murals inside the tower and the view from the upper floors.
Inside the tower is a painting depicting the teachings of filial piety, titled “The Twenty-Four Filial Piety Stories" and murals such as the "Ten Halls of Yama," which depict the judgments of hell.
The vibrant murals are truly impressive and offer a valuable opportunity to experience Taiwan's religious culture.
If you climb the stairs to the upper floor, you can enjoy a view of the surface of Lianchi Lake. Since tours of the tower are only available during the day, we recommend visiting while it’s still light out.
Hashike Pond: Admission Fees, Visit Duration, and Directions
We’ve put together some basic information you’ll want to know before visiting Lotus Pond. Since it’s free to visit and close to the station, it’s easy to fit into your Kaohsiung sightseeing itinerary.
Admission Fees and Hours of Operation
The Lotus Pond Scenic Area isFree admissionSo, you can enjoy a stroll along the lake at any time of the day or night.
You can also visit the Dragon-Tiger Pagoda and the Spring-Autumn Pavilion for free. Depending on the temple, they may accept voluntary donations.
However, the interior of the tower and the individual shrines have specific opening hours and are closed at night. If you’d like to explore the inside, be sure to plan your visit during the day.
Estimated Time and Recommended Itinerary
If you plan to visit all the major towers and the Confucius Temple, it will take2 to 3 hoursThat's a good rule of thumb.
There is a well-maintained walking path around the lake. We recommend starting at the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda and walking along the lakeshore to Chunqiu Pavilion, Wuli Pavilion, and Beiji Pavilion.
If you visit in the evening, you can enjoy the sunset reflected on the lake! In the summer, lotus flowers bloom on the lake, making for some truly Instagram-worthy photos.
How to Get There from Zuoying Station
The nearest station to Lotus Pond is the Taiwan Railways “Zuoying (Old City) Station"If you cross the street in front of the station, you'll reach the lakeshore right away."
It's about a 5- to 8-minute taxi ride from "Zuoying Station" on the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (Shinkansen) or the MRT. It takes about 15 minutes on foot.
You can also take the No. 35 Red bus from an MRT station, so please choose the option that best suits your travel style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Hasuike Pond
Lotus Pond is pronounced “Renchi-tan.” It is said that the name comes from the fact that many lotus flowers were planted in the lake when the Confucius Temple was built.
Admission to the scenic area is free, and you can also visit the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda and the Spring and Autumn Pavilion at no charge. Some temples accept voluntary donations.
The nearest station is the Taiwan Railways “Zuoying (Old City) Station.” From the High-Speed Rail or MRT “Zuoying Station,” it takes about 5 to 8 minutes by taxi or around 15 minutes on foot to get there.
summary
Lianchi Lake is a place where colorful temples and pagodas—such as the Dragon-Tiger Pagoda and the Spring-Autumn Pavilion—are clustered along the lakeshore,Representative of KaohsiungIt's a tourist attraction.
The correct way to visit the Dragon-Tiger Pagoda is to enter through the dragon’s mouth and exit through the tiger’s mouth, so be sure to follow the proper order when paying your respects.
Admission is free, and you can easily explore the area in about 2 to 3 hours. If you're visiting Kaohsiung, be sure to stop by!
