The total altitude of the pagoda's top is exactly 1,000 meters above sea level.
The structure is designed so that when the sun shines on it, the shadow of the pagoda appears to point toward Lalu Island.
The building was constructed to commemorate the memory of Madame Wang Cai-yu, the mother of Chiang Kai-shek.
It is built on the highest peak surrounding Sun Moon Lake, providing a 360-degree view of the basin.
The architectural style mimics the ancient pagodas of the Tang Dynasty.
Ci'en Pagoda is a 46-meter tall octagonal structure situated on top of Shabalan Mountain near Sun Moon Lake. Commissioned by President Chiang Kai-shek in 1971 to honor his mother, the tower features nine stories of Chinese-style architecture. Visitors reach the summit via a series of spiral stairs to access an observation deck. From the top, the structure aligns visually with the Lalu Island and the Ci'en Pagoda trail, creating a unique perspective of the lake's topography. The pagoda was built using white granite and follows traditional Buddhist aesthetic principles. It remains one of the highest vantage points in the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area. The surrounding area includes a landscaped park and forest trails maintained by the local management office.
The top-floor observation deck offers the most expansive view of Sun Moon Lake.
Bring a pair of binoculars to view the surrounding mountain ranges and the distant lake surface from the top floor.
Wear comfortable, slip-resistant footwear as the walk from the parking area to the entrance is an incline.
Carry drinking water, as there are no food or beverage vendors available at the pagoda site.
Do not attempt to drive private vehicles directly to the pagoda entrance, as vehicle access is restricted at the trailhead.
May be temporarily inaccessible during extreme weather events such as typhoons or heavy rain due to trail conditions.
