writen by Constantine Tsarkos
translated by 張翰笙
Zuoying Old City of Fengshan
The old city of Fengshan in Zuoying is famous for various cultural sights such as towering pagodas, colourful temples, imposing statues of gods and deities, small souvenir shops, an ancient wall and even a water activity center, all surrounding the Lotus pond of Zuoying’s old town of Fengshan. Blinking once or twice, while looking over the expansion of the pond, someone might notice a peculiar structure that seems to be almost floating over the pond that so happens to be the Wuliting Small Pagoda.
Wuliting Small Pagoda
From afar it might resemble a tiny board piece you'd find in some intricately carved and perhaps time-lost board game, some nobles would play in ancient times, or even as the mirage of an island oasis you think would disappear once you get close enough to see it clearly but that all depends on how well one gets along with their own imagination. Fear not for this little gem is there to stay.
Upon entering the territory of the Spring and Autumn pavilions, you can walk through the aforementioned constructs to find yourself in front of an approximately 120 meters-long bridge, paving the way for visitors to access the wonders of Wuliting small pagoda. What are these wonders one might wonder and the author surely assumes that's the reason to read thus far in the first place.
Constructed around 1755, during the Qing Dynasty’s rule of Taiwan, the purpose of the over-pond Wuliting pagoda is not extensively documented. After some conversations with local historians and some chit-chats with some senior locals, it became clear that the pagoda has historically served as a spiritual structure for Buddhist and Taoist religious activities, such as prayer, meditation and even religious ceremonies. Additionally, it has symbolic significance in religion and culture, representing enlightenment, spiritual ascent, or protection against negative forces.
Despite not being directly into the heart of Lotus Pond, it is situated a considerable distance from the shore allowing for a great view and serenity. In modern times the little pagoda of Wuliting is a place to enjoy peace, wonderful views of the sunrise, sunset and enjoy some distant bird watching or even some up close encounters with some friendly feathery friends.
On the first level, right above the water, you can find locals enjoying that peace, sometimes even taking a nap, perhaps some kids playing, while the second level is where one would like to go to see the "faces of sun", the surrounding area including all the sights and, depending on the season, even the blooming lotuses covering a bit part of the Lotus Pond.
Considering all these, Wuliting little pagoda is an easy-to-miss gem that is more than worth the visit, whether you wish to experience local culture, enjoy the view, simply take a break from the noisy streets of the city over even just to use the vantage point to pinpoint your next target location.
Summary of a cultural explorer’s delights in the Old City of Fengshan
The ancient wall that was rebuilt in 1826, the local markets, the Zuoying Yuandi Temple that is famous for the gigantic statue of the god it honors, the Dragon and Tiger pagodas, the temple of Confucius, the children's park, as well as an aquatic activity center are all famous sights surrounding the Lotus Pond of Zuoying’s Old City of Fengshan. With all these wonderful things someone could experience on a sunny and relaxed weekend, it's easy to miss the one sight that despite being halfway, from one end of the lake (Dragon and Tiger pagodas) to the other (Temple of Confucius) gets the least photons from the spotlight of suggestions. The Spring and Autumn pavilions guard the door to Wuliting small pagoda and it is open to visitors, during the hours that the doors of the Spring and Autumn pavilions are open.
