The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are twin seven-story towers rising over Lotus Pond in Kaohsiung's Zuoying District, an iconic Taiwanese landmark of yellow walls, red pillars, and a zigzag causeway. Built between 1974 and 1976 by devotees of the nearby Ciji Temple, tradition holds that entering through the dragon's mouth and exiting through the tiger's mouth turns bad luck into good fortune. After a major renovation begun in 2023, the site fully reopened in April 2025 and admission is free.
Follow the ritual route: enter through the dragon's mouth and leave through the tiger's mouth to transform misfortune into blessings
Cross the zigzag bridge over the water and climb the towers for sweeping views of Lotus Pond and its cluster of temple roofs
Interior murals depicting Ksitigarbha, the 24 Filial Exemplars, the Jade Emperor's palaces, and Confucius — Taoist and Confucian storytelling in vivid color
Double spiral staircases (separate up and down routes) let you ascend to the top floors
Pair it on foot with adjacent Lotus Pond sights: the Spring and Autumn Pavilions (Guanyin riding a dragon), Ciji Temple, the Confucius Temple, and Beiji Pavilion
Good to know
MannersAlways enter via the dragon's mouth and exit via the tiger's mouth — doing it the reverse way is considered unlucky. If you go the wrong way, simply walk it again in the correct order.
MannersThis is an active place of worship: keep your voice down, dress modestly, and don't obstruct locals praying or burning incense. Avoid flash and tripods when photographing murals and statues inside.
SafetyThe spiral staircases inside are narrow and steep — hold the rail and don't lean out of the upper-floor windows. There is no air conditioning inside, so guard against heat and dehydration in summer.
SeasonKaohsiung is subtropical: April to September is hot and humid with frequent afternoon downpours and a typhoon season (June to September). Shade is limited, so bring a hat, sun protection, and water; sunset visits reward you with a beautifully lit night view.
CautionBe wary of people offering 'free' charms, fortunes, or blessings and then pressing for donations, or self-appointed parking/guiding helpers who ask for tips — decline politely. Skip unmetered touts and use the MRT or licensed/app taxis.
RulesEntry is free, but opening hours (roughly 6:00 a.m. to about 5:30 p.m.) and whether the interior is open can change for maintenance or events — check the latest before you go.
Practical info
About a 15–20 minute walk from Ecological District Station (R16) or Zuoying Station on the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line. Free admission; interior open roughly 6:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (confirm latest). Easy to combine with the Spring and Autumn Pavilions and Confucius Temple as a half-day loop.
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