Temple of Enlightenment

Kaohsiung


The largest temple in Lotus Pond area began as an ancestral hall for the followers of Koxinga. It was restored and considerably expanded in 1980. The two Chinese stone lions guarding its doors – each hugging a ball the size of their bodies – are quite formidable-looking.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kaohsiung attractions

1. Xuantian Shang-di

0.24 MILES

This gigantic statue at Lotus Pond is of a powerful Taoist deity whose name means God Almighty of the Mysterious Heavens. He is also known as Xuan Wu (玄武;…

2. Lotus Pond

0.27 MILES

The scenic pond in the north of the city has been a popular destination since the Qing dynasty and is well known for the 20 or so temples dotting the…

3. Spring & Autumn Pavilions

0.32 MILES

At Lotus Pond, about 180m to the north of the Dragon & Tiger Pagodas are the fun and gaudy Spring & Autumn Pavilions. The two octagonal towers in green…

4. Confucius Temple

0.33 MILES

Taiwan's largest Confucius temple complex (167 sq m) is a stately 1970s replica of a Song-dynasty temple and the famous Qufu Confucius Temple in Shandong…

5. City God Temple

0.33 MILES

A contrast to the eccentric religious structures around Lotus Pond, this 18th century temple has intricately carved vaulted ceilings, and sculpted dragons…

6. Dragon & Tiger Pagodas

0.44 MILES

On the southern edge of Lotus Pond are the red-and-yellow seven-storey Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, built in full-blown '70s flamboyance. They're connected…

7. Story House of Naval Base Zuoying

0.57 MILES

In a compound next to Taiwan's largest naval base, this small museum pays tribute to Zuoying's strong military heritage. By means of relics, photos,…

8. Military Dependants' Village Museum

0.58 MILES

Four houses of a military dependants' village have been restored and turned into a quaint museum. Besides exhibits on the KMT retreat from China and the…