Lotus Pond and other attractions in Kaohsiung's Zuoying District

 


Zuoying District in Kaohsiung is best known for Lotus Pond, a scenic lake surrounded by temples, pagodas, and piers adorned with gigantic statues. However, the district offers more than just its famous waterfront attractions. One particularly interesting site is the Guomao Community, a neighborhood originally built to house Kuomintang veterans who fled to Taiwan after the Chinese Civil War. With its distinct architectural style, it is an interesting site that offers a glimpse into a unique part of Taiwan’s modern history. 

Zuoying is also home to remnants of the old city wall, with three intact gates still standing. A walkway connects these historic gates, allowing visitors to trace the area's ancient defenses. For those seeking panoramic views, the Shoushan National Nature Park offers elevated vantage points where you can admire Lotus Pond from above. The park is also home to several old fortifications, remnants of Kaohsiung’s military past. But, of course, the highlight of the district remains Lotus Pond, with its many iconic landmarks, including the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, Zuoying Yuandi Temple, the Kaohsiung City Temple of Confucius, and Chingshui Temple. 

Map of Zuoying District


1. High Speed Rail Zuoying Station; 2. Guomao Community; 3. South Gate; 4. East Gate; 5. Shoushan National Nature Park, viewpoint; 6. Ruins of fortification; 7. North Gate; 8. Chiji Temple; 9. Dragon and Tiger Pagodas; 10. Zuoying Chiming Temple; 11. Spring and Autumn Pavilions; 12. Wuliting; 13. Hu An Temple; 14. Zuoying Yuandi Temple; 15. Giant Xuantian Shangdi Statue; 16. Zuoying Tianfu Palace; 17. Kaohsiung City Temple of Confucius; 18. Wenchang Temple; 19. Chingshui Temple.

Note: Starting the walk, I made a mistake and got out on the western side of the Zuoying Station, and couldn't get over the rail tracks to the lake for a good while. So at the station, make sure to exit on the eastern side, and thus you can start at the Chingshui Temple (19) and save some walk and time.

Other walks in Kaohsiung: Kaohsiung center, Kaohsiung waterfront, Sizihwan and Cijin Scenic Areas, and Weiwuying.


Guomao Community. 



















South Gate (Qimen Gate). 







Old city wall and East Gate (Fengyi Gate). 














Walkway starting near the East Gate. 








Shoushan National Nature Park. 































Old city wall and North Gate (Doumen Gate). 












Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and Chiji Temple. 











Spring and Autumn Pavilions, Wuliting, and Zuoying Chiming Temple. 














Zuoying Yuandi Temple, Giant Xuantian Shangdi Statue, and Hu An Temple. 




































Chingshui Temple, across the lake. 



Zuoying Tianfu Palace. 



Kaohsiung City Temple of Confucius. 










Wenchang Temple. 



Bridge. 


Lake view with the Giant Xuantian Shangdi Statue. 


Chingshui Temple. 







Lake views. 




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