Ci'en Pagoda / Ci'en Pagoda Trail

The Ci'en Pagoda in Sun Moon Lake is situated on Shabalan Mountain (also known as Erlong Mountain) at an elevation of 954 meters. The pagoda itself stands approximately 46 meters tall, bringing its peak to precisely 1000 meters above sea level. Construction of Ci'en Pagoda began in 1969 and was completed in 1971. It was built by the late President Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother, Madame Wang, symbolizing the spirit of filial piety and gratitude. From the top of the pagoda, visitors can enjoy panoramic 360-degree views of Sun Moon Lake's stunning scenery. The expansive surface of the lake to the northeast resembles a sun disc, while the long, narrow shape to the southwest looks like a crescent moon, clearly illustrating the origin of the name "Sun Moon Lake." The pagoda's summit offers a vast vista, with distant views of Hanbi Peninsula, Lalu Island, Xuanguang Temple, and Xuanzang Temple. These landmarks, along with Ci'en Pagoda, form a visual axis known as the "Happiness Connection," where many visitors come to make wishes and pray for blessings. Directly opposite the Ci'en Pagoda stands the two-story Madame Wang Memorial Hall. This Chinese-style building once housed Mr. Chiang Kai-shek's lounge on the first floor, where portraits of Madame Wang and simple furnishings are displayed. The basement features engineering photos, original design blueprints, and Chiang Kai-shek's handwritten revisions from the pagoda's construction, fully demonstrating his deep personal attention to the project. The Ci'en Pagoda Trail is approximately 570 meters long. Shaded by trees and lush greenery throughout, the wide path remains pleasant even on hot summer days. The ergonomically designed stone slab path makes the gentle ascent feel effortless, almost like walking on flat ground. Thoughtfully, numbers are carved into the stone steps every 100 meters, indicating the remaining distance to the pagoda. The chirping of cicadas along the way seems to cheer on visitors. Just as you wipe your brow, vibrant red hibiscus flowers greet you at the end of the path. Around a bend, the majestic pagoda soars into the sky, and a large expanse of fine white pebbles below creates an illusion of entering a wonderland. Plum trees are planted around the memorial hall, and each year in late winter, their blossoms fill the air with a delicate fragrance, adding to the serene and solemn atmosphere.