Spring and Autumn Pavilions

Overview

The Spring and Autumn Pavilions are a pair of ornate Chinese towers linked by a bridge on Lotus Pond's western shore. Built in 1953, they guard a statue of Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, standing atop a dragon's back—one of Kaohsiung's most photographed scenes.

Highlights

• Guanyin Riding a Dragon: The iconic bridge-side statue depicts the goddess astride a dragon emerging from the lake surface.
• Interior Murals: Inside the pavilions, wall paintings illustrate scenes from Journey to the West and the 24 Filial Exemplars.
• Lotus Backdrop: In summer, the pavilions are framed by pink lotus blossoms covering the surrounding water.

History

The pavilions were funded by a Taoist temple association in 1953 to honour the deity Xuan Tian Shang Di. Legend holds that a deity appeared on a cloud above the site, riding a dragon, inspiring the famous statue. They were restored in 1992 and again in 2015.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Enter through the dragon's mouth tunnel on the bridge for the traditional path—murals line the interior.
• Tip 2: Combine with the nearby Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and Confucius Temple for a full morning around the lake.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.