Entering the dragon's mouth and exiting the tiger's throat is symbolic of turning misfortune into auspicious luck.
The interior of the pagodas is adorned with murals illustrating the Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars.
The zig-zagging bridge is intentionally built with turns to prevent malevolent spirits from reaching the pagodas.
The pagodas were constructed in 1976 and represent the most famous of the many temples surrounding Lotus Pond.
The seven-story design reflects the significance of the number seven in Buddhist cosmology.
The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are seven-story towers situated on the edge of Lotus Pond in Kaohsiung. Visitors enter through the dragon's throat and exit through the tiger's mouth, a ritual believed to transform bad luck into good fortune. The interior walls feature elaborate paintings depicting Chinese folk tales, Buddhist principles, and moral lessons. The structures are connected to the shore by a zig-zag bridge designed to confuse evil spirits. Each pagoda is topped with a distinct roof design influenced by traditional Chinese architecture. The site serves as a prominent landmark within the Lotus Pond scenic area.
From the zig-zag bridge looking back toward the pagodas to capture the full reflection in the pond.
Walk through the dragon first and the tiger second to follow the traditional luck-turning ritual.
Climb the narrow, steep staircases inside the pagodas for elevated views of the pond.
Combine your visit with a walk around the rest of Lotus Pond to see nearby temples.
Do not enter through the tiger's mouth, as this is traditionally considered unlucky.
Dress modestly as this is a religious site; maintain a quiet and respectful tone inside the towers.
