Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

Overview

The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are a pair of seven-storey towers rising from Lotus Pond in Kaohsiung's Zuoying district. Built in 1976 as Taoist shrines, visitors enter through the dragon's open mouth and exit through the tiger's, following a tradition believed to turn bad luck into good fortune.

Highlights

• Dragon-and-Tiger Walkway: A zigzag bridge leads across the water to the pagodas, creating a dramatic approach over the lotus-filled lake.
• Interior Murals: The tunnels connecting the towers are painted with vivid scenes from Chinese mythology, depicting the twelve Chinese zodiac animals and Buddhist parables.
• Rooftop View: Climbing to the seventh floor rewards visitors with a panoramic sweep of Lotus Pond, the surrounding temples, and the Zuoying skyline.

History

The pagodas were constructed in 1976 by the Zuoying Citian Temple committee to promote moral education through religious art. Their design follows traditional Taoist cosmology, where the dragon is the most auspicious creature and the tiger the least—hence the prescribed entry-exit order. A 2017 restoration refreshed the paintwork and structural supports.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Enter through the dragon's mouth (left tower) and exit through the tiger's mouth (right tower) to follow the lucky path.
• Tip 2: Visit late afternoon for softer light and fewer tour groups.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.