*Zuoying Yuandi Temple

#chinatravel
**Zuoying Yuandi Temple** (左營元帝廟), one of Kaohsiung’s most striking lakeside temples:

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### **Why Visit?**
1. **Iconic Statue**: The temple is dominated by a **72-meter-tall statue of Xuan Wu**, the Daoist god of the north, standing on a tortoise and serpent—symbolizing cosmic balance .
2. **Unique Architecture**: A **120-meter bridge** leads to the statue, lined with warrior statues and intricate carvings of dragons .
3. **Cultural Immersion**: Experience traditional Taoist rituals, incense offerings, and fortune-telling vending machines (like "gachapon" charms) .

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### **Key Highlights**
- **Xuan Wu Statue**: One of Southeast Asia’s tallest water statues, glowing with embedded "diamonds" at dusk .
- **Arctic Pavilion Walkway**: Cross the bridge adorned with **36 unique warrior statues**, each representing celestial guardians .
- **Lakeside Serenity**: The temple overlooks **Lotus Pond**, offering reflections of the statue at sunrise/sunset .

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### **Visitor Tips**
- **Hours**: 4:30 AM–9:30 PM daily (ideal at sunrise for fewer crowds) .
- **Dress Code**: Modest attire recommended (cover shoulders/knees) .
- **Photography**: Best shots from the **Nine-Bend Bridge** or Lotus Pond’s eastern shore .

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### **How to Get There**
- **From THSR Zuoying Station**:
- **Walk**: 25 mins (follow signs to Lotus Pond) .
- **Bike/UBike**: Rent at the station (~NTD 10/30 mins) .
- **Taxi**: ~5 mins (~NTD 100) .
- **From Kaohsiung MRT**: Take the Red Line to **Ecological District Station**, then walk 15 mins .

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### **Nearby Attractions**
1. **Dragon and Tiger Pagodas**: 5-min walk; enter the dragon’s mouth for luck .
2. **Spring and Autumn Pavilions**: Giant Guanyin statue on a dragon .
3. **Zuoying Night Market**: Try oyster omelets and bubble tea .

**#zuoyingyuanditemple #kaohsiungtravel #taiwantemples**

*Pro Tip*: Engage with temple volunteers like Kai Hsuan Ceng for free cultural insights !