Dragon and Tiger Pagodas in Kaohsiung

The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are located in the Lotus Pond Scenic Area in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung. They are one of the city's renowned religious and tourist attractions, showcasing rich Eastern cultural characteristics. The pagodas are connected by a zigzag bridge and harmoniously complement the pond's scenery, offering a picturesque view. 🏯 Features of the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas • Architectural Background: Built in 1976 by Zuoying Ciji Temple, the pagodas are seven stories tall and dedicated to Baosheng Dadi, the God of Medicine. • Visiting Tradition: According to traditional customs, visitors are encouraged to "enter through the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger's mouth," symbolizing warding off evil and bringing good fortune. • Interior Decorations: The walls inside the pagodas feature colorful ceramic art depicting moral stories such as the Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars and the Ten Courts of Hell, offering both visual appeal and educational value. 🕒 Opening Hours and Admission • Opening Hours: The pagodas are open all day for exterior viewing, while the interior is accessible daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. • Admission: Free entry. 🚇 Transportation Information • High-Speed Rail: Take the high-speed rail to Zuoying Station, then walk approximately 10 minutes to reach the site. • Metro: Take the Kaohsiung Metro Red Line to "Zuoying Station (R16)" or "Ecological District Station (R15)," then transfer to Bus Red 35 and alight at "Lotus Pond (Victory Road)," followed by a 2-minute walk. • Driving: Take National Highway 1 → Dingjin System Interchange → National Highway 10 → Zuoying Interchange → Cuihua Road → Victory Road → Liantan Road to arrive. 📸 Nearby Attractions • Spring and Autumn Pavilions: Adjacent to the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, these palace-style pavilions were built in 1953 and named to commemorate Confucius' work "Spring and Autumn Annals." • Lotus Pond: Famous for its lotus flowers, the pond exudes a refreshing fragrance during summer and is celebrated as one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Fengshan" in the Qing Dynasty. • Confucius Temple: Open Tuesday to Sunday with free admission, the temple was built to honor Confucius.