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Located in the Zuoying District of Kaohsiung, the serene and culturally rich Lotus Pond (Lianchi Tan) is nestled between Guishan Hill to the south and Bansheng Hill to the north. This serene locale was first known for its lotus blossoms during the Qing Dynasty. Every summer, the fragrance of the flowers would spread throughout the area, earning it the illustrious title of "The Fragrant Lotus of the Pandalake" and becoming one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Fengshan in the Qing period. The iconic "Loong Hu Tower" next to the pond offers profound insights into the Eastern religious culture. Recognized and recommended by CNN, this site is one of Kaohsiung's most culturally significant attractions. More than 20 temples line the shores of Lotus Pond, including the notable Loong Hu Tower, Ch'un Ch'iu Pavilion, Northern Emperor of Heaven Temple, and Confucius Temple. Among them, Loong Hu Tower is the favorite among international tourists and a must-visit when in Kaohsiung. As highlighted by CNN in their 2014 article "Ten Reasons to Love Kaohsiung", this tower is renowned for its blessings of health and fortune. Loong Hu Tower was constructed in 1976, a seven-story edifice where visitors enter through the dragon's mouth and exit from the tiger's mouth. Inside the dragon tower, intricate wall paintings depicting moral tales crafted by master artisans catch the eye. The tower connects to the nine-bend bridge, reflecting beautifully on the lake's surface. It is said that to bring oneself good fortune and avoid misfortunes, one must follow the rule of entering through the dragon's mouth and exiting via the tiger's mouth upon entering the tower; reaching its pinnacle allows a panoramic view of the entire Lotus Pond. Adjacent to Loong Hu Tower stands Ch'un Ch'iu Pavilion, erected in the 42nd year of the Republic of China (1953). Standing for over six decades, it consists of two Chinese palace-style pavilions: "Spring Pavilion" and "Autumn Pavilion." Named in honor of Confucius's historical chronicles "Chun Qiu," the buildings are four-story, octagonal, with green tiles and yellow walls, giving an air of imperial grandeur. The pavilions' classical silhouettes are reflected in the water and connected to the nine-bend bridge, originally constructed to commemorate the Martial Saint Guan Yu. The architectural style was considered unparalleled across the island at that time, and it is also known in Chinese as "Chun Qiu Yu Ge" (Spring and Autumn Imperial Pavilion). Inside the Ch'un Ch'iu Pavilion, there lies a magnificent dragon-shaped tunnel. Just like in Loong Hu Tower, visitors pass through the dragon's mouth into a corridor adorned with elaborately painted murals that illustrate rich religious narratives in vivid colors. Many visitors come here with a profound respect, admiring the detailed artworks on the walls. At the front of the Ch'un Ch'iu Pavilion looms a statue of a Dragon-riding Guanyin Bodhisattva. There's a legend regarding this statue: Guanyin Bodhisattva once rode a dragon to the sky, appearing before the faithful. He instructed them to construct the statue according to this divine sight between the spring and autumn pavilions. Consequently, the current Dragon-riding Guanyin statue came into existence. Originating from the phrase "wuling wu" by poet Li Shangyin with its poetic "Five Miles Without Reason Fog," the "Wu Li Ting" (Five Miles Pavilion) gets its name. Its two-story structure, decorated with flying eaves and yellow tiles, stands vibrant against the morning mist that envelops Lotus Pond. When dawn breaks, the view resembles a celestial palace floating on the lake. By nightfall, a line of illuminated palace lanterns along the shore adds to its ethereal charm. From the upper floor of Wu Li Ting, a vantage point offers a spectacular view of Lotus Pond, exuding an oriental charm reminiscent of Southern Chinese garden aesthetics. Effective March 10, 2025, the Kaohsiung Zuoying Confucius Temple will undergo a complete seismic reinforcement and restoration project, expected to be completed by September 15, 2025. (The actual reopening date will be subject to the announcements via the Facebook page of the Zuoying Confucius Temple in Kaohsiung.) The Confucius Temple by Lotus Pond is the largest in Taiwan, built in resemblance of the Confucius temple architectural form in Qufu, Shandong in China, adopting a grand imperial design. It includes key components such as the Great Success Hall, the Success Gate, East and West Wus, and others. Originally built in 1684 by Yang Fangsheng, the county magistrate, it has been repaired over the years to reach its current state, serving as the venue for the Confucian ceremony on September 28 each year. The Lotus Pond Children's Park in Kaohsiung is renowned as a family-friendly attraction. Diverging from the monotonous modular playgrounds, it features play equipment with diverse local characteristics and is the city's first collaborative-style park. Its attractions include the vibrant Rainbow Hills, combining sound tubes, tunnels, and climbing facilities allowing children to explore endlessly. Transforming into Spiderman in the rope climbing area of the sandbox zone enhances coordination skills. Recently added to the park is a 30-meter-long zip line, along with other facilities such as bird's nest swings and balance beams for a fun-filled family adventure. On the bank of Lotus Pond, experience the charm of slow-paced living. The surrounding pavilions, colossal statues, and walls evoke a sense of antiquity, exuding the atmosphere of an old town. The mix of historical landmarks, old architecture, and neighborhood life enriches the area with a unique cultural flavor. Walking the old streets and browsing the traditional markets allows you to savor the distinctive gourmet experiences of Zuoying with your taste buds. With its breathtaking beauty and diverse water activities, Lotus Pond caters to thrill seekers. The surrounding promenade offers a perfect setting for leisurely strolls or a ride on a bicycle, providing a pleasant rhythm through the landscape. The Lotus Pond Waterslide Theme Park is the first international standard cable wakeboarding facility in Taiwan. Since its opening in 2014, it has drawn over one million visitors. Combined with irregular international invite competitions, the park not only enhances its appeal for tourists from multiple countries but also gains global attention through media coverage, creating new heights of tourism while showcasing the multifaceted Kaohsiung. "PAMMA Coffee" is located beside the Yandie Temple, offering a light meal and beverage experience in a bright, white building that harmonizes with the lakefront ecology. With its view of the serene aquatic surroundings, PAMMA Coffee has become a new destination for both local and international tourists visiting Kaohsiung's renowned Lotus Pond Scenic Area. Mango Ko Ko (operating suspended since March 10, 2025 due to the temple's renovation project) Need a different type of afternoon tea experience? Come to the Confucius Temple in Zuoying by Kaohsiung and have a cup of coffee and a taste of traditional snacks. Located within the Confucius Temple, Mango Ko Ko is where you'll find great tasting coffee and authentic afternoon tea snacks amidst a classic Chinese ambiance for that unique experience. Chengyi Left Camp Ci Ji Temple, also known as Chengyi Ci Ji Temple and Zuoying Ci Ji Temple, is affectionately referred to by locals as...