Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Kaohsiung

Name: Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
Address: Kaohsiung, Taiwan

#9 among attractions in Kaohsiung

Palace, Top attraction, Buddhist architecture

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Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Fumihiko Ueno / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Zairon / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Suicasmo / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Zairon / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / CEphoto, Uwe Aranas or alternatively CEphoto, Uwe / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Selvamsathish / URL

Facts and practical information

Rising majestically beside the serene Lotus Pond in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas stand as an iconic representation of traditional Taiwanese architecture and culture. These twin pagodas, completed in 1976, are not just a breathtaking sight but also a spiritual haven for many visitors.

Each pagoda stands seven stories tall and is intricately adorned with colorful paintings and sculptures that depict various aspects of Taiwanese folklore and Buddhist teachings. The Dragon Pagoda is entered through the dragon's mouth, while the Tiger Pagoda is exited from the tiger's mouth. This is symbolic of turning bad luck into good fortune, as local legend suggests that entering a dragon's throat and coming out through a tiger's mouth symbolizes turning away from evil.

Visitors can ascend the spiraling staircases inside the pagodas to explore the different levels, each of which houses a shrine or a statue of a Buddhist deity. The journey culminates at the top floor, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding Lotus Pond and the lush Zuoying District.

The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are more than just a place of worship; they are a testament to the artistic and spiritual heritage of Taiwan. The site is a popular attraction for both tourists and locals, who come to seek blessings, admire the artistry, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Lotus Pond.

The pagodas are easily accessible to the public and are open daily. Visitors are encouraged to take their time exploring the art and iconography that line the walls, a vivid narrative of myth and spirituality. As the sun sets, the pagodas are illuminated, creating a serene and almost ethereal experience against the night sky.

Alternative names: Completed: 1976 (48 years ago)Coordinates: 22°40'50"N, 120°17'31"E

Address

Kaohsiung Taiwan

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Day trips

Dragon and Tiger Pagodas – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Lotus Pond, Ruifeng Night Market, Kaohsiung Arena, Kaohsiung Confucius Temple.

~1650 ftNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Lotus Pond, Kaohsiung
8 min walk • Nestled in the vibrant city of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Lotus Pond is a tranquil oasis that offers a serene escape from the urban hustle. This man-made lake is renowned for its picturesque scenery, adorned with traditional temples and pagodas that reflect the rich cultural...
1.1 miSE
Shopping, Market
Ruifeng Night Market, Kaohsiung
28 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the Ruifeng Night Market stands as a vibrant hub of street food, entertainment, and shopping, attracting both locals and tourists alike. Known for its lively atmosphere and an extensive array of stalls, the market has become a...
1 miSE
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Kaohsiung Arena, Kaohsiung
27 min walk • Kaohsiung Arena stands as a modern coliseum in the bustling city of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and is a premier destination for sports and entertainment. Officially opened in 2009, it has since become an iconic sports venue, serving as a hub for various events, from basketball...
0.8 miNE
Temple, Sacred and religious sites
Kaohsiung Confucius Temple, Kaohsiung
20 min walk • The Kaohsiung Confucius Temple is a temple dedicated to the memory of Confucius near Lotus Pond, Zuoying District, in the Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung. With an area of 167 square metres, it is Taiwan's largest Confucian temple complex.
~710 ftNE
Temple
Spring and Autumn Pavilions, Kaohsiung
4 min walk • The Spring and Autumn Pavilions are a Taoist temple complex located on Lotus Lake in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Like the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, the temple is special and unique.
1 miSE
Shopping, Shopping centre
Hanshin Arena Shopping Plaza, Kaohsiung
26 min walk • Hanshin Arena Shopping Plaza is a shopping mall in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan that opened on July 10, 2008. The total floor area of the mall interior is about 100,000 m2. It has been the shopping mall with the highest annual revenue in Kaohsiung since 2012.
~370 ftNW
Temple
Zuoying Ciji Temple, Kaohsiung
2 min walk • Zuoying Ciji Temple or Bao Sheng Da Di Temple is a temple by Lotus Lake in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
~690 ftN
Temple
Chi Ming Palace, Kaohsiung
4 min walk • Chi Ming Palace is a temple located on Lotus Lake in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Also called Southeast of Dili Que hall, Chi Ming palace is the most spectacular temple by Lotus Lake. Located in the west and facing the east.
~920 ftNE
City, Neighbourhood
Zuoying District, Kaohsiung
5 min walk • Zuoying District is a district of Kaohsiung City in southern Taiwan. Zuoying District has the most populous village in Taiwan: Fushan Village.
1.1 miNE
Shopping, Shopping centre
Global Mall Xinzuoying Station, Kaohsiung
28 min walk • Global Mall Xinzuoying Station is a shopping mall in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan that opened in April 2013. With a total floor area of 8,700 m2, the mall is located inside Zuoying HSR station.
~680 ftW
Memorial
Old Gate of Fengshang County, Kaohsiung
4 min walk • The northern gate of the old city of Fengshan County, called Gongchenmen, is the northern gate of the old city of Fengshan County, located at the intersection of Shengli Road, Bitouzai Street and the old city lane in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Dragon and Tiger Pagodas?

Nearby attractions include Zuoying Ciji Temple, Kaohsiung (2 min walk), Old Gate of Fengshang County, Kaohsiung (4 min walk), Chi Ming Palace, Kaohsiung (4 min walk), Spring and Autumn Pavilions, Kaohsiung (4 min walk).

How to get to Dragon and Tiger Pagodas by public transport?

The nearest stations to Dragon and Tiger Pagodas:

Bus

Lotus Pond • Lines: 301, 紅35, 紅51A (2 min walk)
Shengli Road • Lines: 301, 紅35 (4 min walk)

Train

Zuoying (29 min walk)
Neiwei (27 min walk)

Metro

Ecological District • Lines: R (25 min walk)
Zuoying • Lines: R (31 min walk)