Chengcing Lake

Chengcing Lake is located in Niaosong District, Kaohsiung City. It is Kaohsiung's largest lake, formerly known as "Dapi Lake" or "Dabei Lake." Comparable to China's West Lake, it serves as an important water source and scenic area. Upon entering the majestic tourist gate, one immediately sees two red Chinese palace-style buildings. The one on the left is the Freshwater Pavilion, and the one on the right is the Seawater Pavilion. Rare fish from around the world are displayed inside the pavilions. Famous attractions include the Three Bridges, Six Scenic Spots, and Eight Views. The Three Bridges are the Jiugu Bridge (Nine-Bend Bridge), Magpie Bridge, and Suspension Bridge. The Six Scenic Spots are Ziyou Pavilion, Gengshang Platform, Fengyuan Pavilion, Baihua Ridge, Fuguo Island, and Qianshu Woods. The Eight Views are Meilong Spring Dawn, Winding Bridge Hooking the Moon, Willow Shore Viewing Lotus, High Hill Gazing at the Sea, Deep Woods Birdsong, Lake Mountain's Delightful Atmosphere, Three Pavilions Overlooking the Scenery, and Penglai Island's Golden Spring. Among these, the Jiugu Bridge is the most famous, particularly within the "Winding Bridge Hooking the Moon" scene. It was built in 1960 (the 49th year of the Republic of China). The bridge is 230 meters long, 2.5 meters wide, has 72 pillars, and its deck twists through nine turns, hence its name, Jiugu Bridge. Niaosong Wetland Park is located east of the Chengcing Lake main gate. It is Taiwan's first artificial wetland park, featuring rich vegetation and pond ecosystems. Besides providing habitat for wildlife, it also offers a recreational space for families and a natural ecological education area. The park also includes barbecue and tea-drinking areas, making it suitable for a family outing. To enjoy a panoramic view of Chengcing Lake, one must ascend the Zhongxing Pagoda. It is the tallest building in Chengcing Lake, approximately 43 meters high, with 7 stories. Inside the pagoda, a spiral staircase leads directly to the top, where the distant view of the lush green golf course is invigorating. Chengcing Lake is renowned for its winding bridges, serene lakes, and elegant pavilions, including the famous Three Pavilions (Youru, Qingru, and Danru Pavilions), Deyue Tower, and Zhengqi Pavilion. All these various rustic and elegant architectural structures are widely known.