The Lotus Pond Temples are an eclectic blend of beauty, spirituality and quirky kitsch. Let’s just say, the Disney Land of Spiritual Temples. However, you describe them, this area is a must-see attraction of Taiwan. Overall, there are 20 unique fairy-tale-like temples, statues and pagodas among Lotus flowers on the perimeter of Lotus Pond. I enjoyed a half-day exploring these temples and love sharing my photos and experience. So, read on to learn about the highlights of Taiwan’s Lotus Pond Temples.
Lotus Pond and Temples Background
Lotus Pond is a manmade lake established in 1951 in Kaohsiung City. About 20 colorful temples surround its perimeter honoring beliefs, such as, Taoism, Confucianism, Chinese mysticism, nature and culture. Furthermore, there is a walking path around the pond with accessible ways to the numerous temples and monuments. The pond is named after the blanket of green lotus plants across its surface. Additionally, there are vendors and markets selling souvenirs and food nearby. This is a photographer’s playground here with colorful and picturesque scenes.
Taiwan’s Lotus Pond Temples and Pagodas
While there are about 20 temples around the pond, I highlight my favorites that are also some of the most popular temples and pagodas here.
Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
This is a star attraction of Lotus Pond and fun to explore. The twin pagodas are both seven stories high. One has the fanciful dragon statue in front and the other, the Tiger. Visitors enter the pagodas through the statues’ mouth and bodies.
Furthermore, inside their bodies Chinese stories and myths are animated with illustrations and figures. For example, in the Dragon are illustrations of Filial Piety. Moreover, in Confucian and Taoist ethics, filial piety is respect for one’s parents, elders, and ancestors. Additionally, the Tiger has illustrations of the Jade Emperor’s 30 palaces and 12 Magi.
Chi Ming Palace
This incredible temple is a rebuilt 3-story, palace of worship for both Sages, Confucius and Lord Guan. Originally built in 1628 by the ancestors of Chi Ming its history is fascinating. Moreover, they actually constructed according to God’s will by tossing divination blocks. Overall, it’s meant to help sustain traditional virtues and customs. Also, in front of the palace is the Spring and Autumn Pavilions complex on the Pond.
Spring and Autumn Pavilions
This Taoist temple complex was built in front of the Chi Ming Palace right on the pond. It commemorates the martial saint, Lord Kuan. The towers are both four stories high and animated with colorful and fanciful motifs. Both are connected by a bridge with lush lotus leaves on the water and thousands of turtles.
Additionally, the giant statue of Guanjin, the Goddess of Mercy, riding a dragon stands between the 2 pavilions. Furthermore, the legend goes that Guanyin riding a dragon appeared in the clouds, instructing to build a mirror of this scene between the pavilions.
Cih Ji Palace
This was one of my favorites because it is the temple for worshipping Baosheng Dadi, the Chinese God of Medicine. I found this temple beautiful and very close to the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas.
Overall, Taiwan’s Lotus Pond Temples
This pond and temples are like a dream world out of a fairy-tale. Moreover, there are many opportunities for the imagination to run wild here. Whatever you do, leave your expectations behind and enjoy the fun and exploration of this historic and colorful site.
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