Lotus Pond is a giant lake surrounded by pagodas, pavilions and markets in central Kaohsiung. Much of the city has grown around the lake, so the business district and many attractions also loom over the water. Stroll around the lake and admire the lotus plants that give the lake its name.
Visit the Dragon Tiger Tower to learn about Chinese traditions and mythology. Walk through the jaws of the model dragon and exit from the tiger’s mouth, symbolizing turning bad luck into good fortune. Climb to the top of twin pagodas for a panoramic view of the lake and its temples.
The Spring and Autumn Pavilions are majestic four-story structures with octagonal green tiles joined by a bridge. Gaze up at the statue of Guanyin, the deity of mercy, riding a dragon.
Make your way to the Confucius Temple that was initially constructed in 1684, before being relocated and renovated in the 1970s. It is devoted to the memory of Confucius and his followers.
Other attractions on the shores of Lotus Pond include the Chi Ming Palace, the Tianfu Palace and the God Temple. Chouchai Wetland Park is a serene spot away from the stress of city life. Walk or cycle along its hiking paths and take pictures of the marshes and the temples across the water. In the evening, explore the nearby Liouhe Night Market to try Taiwanese delicacies and get a sense of the culture.
Watch the sunlight reflect on the water at the end of the day. This man-made pool of water, opened in 1951. It hosted many water sport events, such as dragon boat racing and canoe polo activities, during World Games 2009.
Lotus Pond takes up a large portion of the heart of Kaohsiung. Choose from many buses that will take you to the lake. The Red Line of the metro runs parallel to the eastern shore, so you can stop at either Zuoying Station or Ecological District Station and walk for a few minutes to reach the pond. The railways stations of Zuoying and Xinzuoying are also nearby.