Southern Taiwan - Taiwan - page 487

Extending out onto the pond itself are the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas MAP (Lónghǔ
Tǎ;) , built in the '60s as an extension of the Ciji Temple opposite. Enter the dragon and
exit the tiger for good luck.
Next along are the Spring and Autumn Pavilions MAP (Chūnqiū Gé;) , dedicated to
Guandi, the God of War, and featuring Guanyin riding a dragon.
Standing right across the road, the Temple of Enlightenment (Tiānfǔ Gōng) is the
largest temple in the area. It is worth a visit to see the two giant temple lions draped over
equally giant stone balls.
Most temples around the lake are modern and fairly garish but this temple
(Chénghuáng Miào) is truly a delight. In the entrance hall look up to admire the detailed
plafond; the traditional woodcarvings are filled with symbolism, such as the fish repres-
enting Yin and Yang, and the crabs representing official promotion. The roof has some
fine examples of dragons and phoenixes in jiǎnniàn (mosaic-like temple decoration).
Back at the pond, follow the pier to the walkway out to the imposing 24m statue of
Xuantian Shang-di MAP (Xúantiān Shàngdì;) , the Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven,
and guardian of the north.
The final temple of note is the Confucius Temple MAP GOOGLE MAP on the lake's
northern end. Completed in 1976, it's the largest Confucius temple in Taiwan.
To get to the lake, take bus R51 or 301 from Tsoying (Zuoying) MRT station (Exit 2).