Visit the Zuoying District of Kaohsiung City to see the many cultural attractions and shrines around Lotus Pond and try the delicious fresh seafood, Taiwanese noodle soup and fried snacks at the local night markets.

Zuoying was the location of a military fortress in the 17th century. It was part of the Japanese“Port of Sa-ei” and known as Fengshan, or Fongshan, then. Most of Old Fengshan has been replaced by a new harbor, but the big city gates of the old defense wall are still there.

The U.S. Navy officers stationed here pronounced Zuoying as “Tsoying,” which became the official name of the local harbor where the naval bases are.

At the heart of the Zuoying District sits the Lotus Pond. This huge artificial lake full of floating lotus plants was created in 1951. While walking around the Lotus Pond, admire the colorful Taoist Spring and Autumn Pavilions and the seven-story Tiger and Dragon Pagodas.

Stroll along the jetty that has the Zuoying Yuandi Temple at its end. You can’t miss it, because it sports a huge Chinese god statue. Another highlight is the big Confucian Temple on the North Shore. The temple dates back to the 17th century but was rebuilt here in 1977 and is the biggest of its kind in Taiwan.

The lake sits between Panpingshan, nicknamed “Half-screen Mountain” and Gueishan, or “Turtle Mountain,” and you can see both peaks on a sunny day.

After a day of exploring Zuoying, visit the district’s huge Ruifeng Night Market to try the local cuisine in a traditional setting. Or come here to shop for cheap clothing or souvenirs and try out the games in the many recreation booths. The night market sits between Yucheng and Nanping Roads and is held 5 nights per week.

Conveniently, the Taiwan High Speed Rail has a stop in Zuoying, so it is easy to get there from Taipei. Use the KaohsiungMRT to get around the district.