Lotus Lake

The famous Lotus Lake is located on the northern outskirts of Kaohsiung City, in Tsuoying District. The area is noted for its profusion of temples -- at its northern edge is the Confucius Temple, while in the south are the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and the Spring and Autumn Pavilions.

The Lotus Lake is most beautiful in the afternoon, when the setting sun is reflected in the water. Nearby are the ruins of the Fongshan County walls and gates, which have been designated a first-grade historic site.

The Spring and Autumn Pavilions are dedicated to Kuan Kung, the God of War. The two pavilions were completed in 1951. In front of them is a statue of Kuanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, riding a dragon. According to legend, the goddess appeared above the clouds on the back of a dragon and signified to her followers that an image depicting this event should be erected between "pavilions of spring and autumn". The present-day structures are a result of this vision.

The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are located about 700 meters to the south of the Spring and Autumn Pavilions. The dragon's throat is the entrance, while the tiger's mouth is the exit. Indeed, entering a dragon's throat and coming out of a lion's mouth symbolizes turning bad luck into good fortune. Inside the two pagodas are paintings that depict traditional China's 24 most obedient sons as well as scenes of heaven and hell, which are to inspire people to do good deeds during their lifetime and to provide warning examples of retribution for wrongdoing.