Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
Southern Taiwan Region
The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are a renowned pair of seven-story pagodas located on the shore of Lotus Pond in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Built in 1976 by the Zuoying Ciji Temple, these pagodas are significant cultural landmarks that embody traditional Taiwanese religious architecture and symbolism. Visitors enter through the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger's mouth, symbolizing turning bad luck into good fortune. The pagodas feature intricate murals and statues depicting Chinese folklore, Confucian teachings, and Buddhist themes. Each pagoda has a double spiral staircase allowing separate flows of visitors ascending and descending without crossing paths. The Dragon Pagoda houses depictions of the Twenty-four Filial Exemplars and the Ten Kings of Hell, while the Tiger Pagoda contains images of the Seventy-two Worthies and thirty-six officials, as well as a shrine to Confucius. The pagodas stand beside the scenic Lotus Pond, which is surrounded by other significant temples and pavilions, making the area a vibrant cultural and spiritual hub in southern Taiwan.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas is during the late afternoon to catch the sunset reflections on Lotus Pond. Visitors should consider purchasing tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons to avoid queues. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the spiral staircases inside the pagodas. Nearby attractions like the Spring and Autumn Pavilions and the Kaohsiung Confucius Temple can be combined for a full day of cultural exploration. Discounts may be available for students and seniors at official ticket counters.
Interesting facts
- •The pagodas’ design features a double spiral staircase that allows visitors ascending and descending to avoid crossing paths, enhancing visitor flow and experience.
- •The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are symbolic gateways where entering the dragon’s mouth and exiting the tiger’s mouth is believed to transform bad luck into good fortune.
- •The pagodas stand seven stories tall, representing the seven levels of a traditional Buddhist pagoda.
- •Murals inside the Dragon Pagoda depict the Twenty-four Filial Exemplars and the Ten Kings of Hell, while the Tiger Pagoda features the Seventy-two Worthies and a shrine to Confucius.
History
The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas were constructed in 1976 following a divine instruction received by the Zuoying Ciji Temple’s Baosheng Dadi deity in 1974, which warned of impending disaster.
The faithful built the pagodas as a spiritual safeguard, and shortly after completion, a major typhoon struck the region, reinforcing the pagodas’ protective symbolism.
Their construction also aimed to restore the feng shui disrupted by the nearby Yongqing Tower.
The seven-story height symbolizes the seven levels of Buddhist pagodas, and the architectural design incorporates traditional motifs and religious iconography reflecting Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist influences.
Place Guide
Dragon Pagoda Interior1976
Inside the Dragon Pagoda, visitors can admire murals illustrating the Twenty-four Filial Exemplars and the Ten Kings of Hell, alongside a shrine dedicated to Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, reflecting Buddhist and Confucian values.
Tiger Pagoda Interior1976
The Tiger Pagoda contains murals of the Seventy-two Worthies and thirty-six officials, with a shrine dedicated to Confucius, emphasizing Confucian teachings and historical figures.
Nine-turn Bridge
The pagodas are accessed via a nine-turn zigzag bridge over Lotus Pond, symbolizing the winding path to enlightenment and providing scenic views of the lake and surrounding temples.
Contact
Phone: 07 581 9286
