Kaohsiung ◦ Zuoying | A Charming Ancient City with Rich Naval Heritage | TAIWAN 368-01

最後更新／Last Updated：2024-12-23

"The Old City of Fengshan County" in Zuoying? What's the story behind this?

During the Qing Dynasty, what is now Kaohsiung City and Pingtung County was once known as Fengshan County. The early administrative center of Fengshan County was located in Zuoying before it was later moved to Fengshan.

In the Kingdom of Tungning, the forces led by Zheng Chenggong not only had to guard key military points but also had the responsibility of cultivating the land to ensure food self-sufficiency. The military units stationed in this area at the time were the "Zuochong Zhen Qianfeng Camp" and "Zuochong Zhen Zuoying Camp," from which the name "Zuoying" originated.

Today, Zuoying not only preserves rich historical relics and cultural landscapes but has also become one of the core areas of development in Kaohsiung City. Whenever we stroll through the streets of Zuoying, it feels as if we can hear the echoes of history and experience the dramatic changes of those times.

◦ History of Zuoying

During the Qing Dynasty, Zuoying served as a vital military stronghold. It played a significant role in establishing its naval importance during the Japanese colonial period. Consequently, the robust naval presence has created a distinctive landscape that is unique to Zuoying.

01｜Naval Academy Spiritual Fortress

In September 1949, the Naval Academy was relocated from Xiamen, Fujian, to Zuoying, Kaohsiung. In November of the same year, the Spiritual Fortress was constructed.

02｜Cultural and Recreational Center and Zhongzheng Hall

In 1962, the navy built a cultural and recreational center on a small hill in the Zuoying military district, which opened in 1963. It included facilities such as a cinema, billiard room, dining area, and barber shop. The cinema (Zhongzheng Hall) offered affordable ticket prices, making it popular among military personnel, their families, and local residents. Although Zhongzheng Hall closed in 2012, the adjacent hot pot restaurant remains bustling, attracting many food enthusiasts.

03｜Guangguang Grand Theater

Due to its proximity to the naval base, Xiling Street in Zuoying District thrived from the 1970s to the 1990s, with flourishing businesses. It was common to see naval officers and soldiers shopping and relaxing during their leave. The Guangguang Grand Theater, located on Xiling Street, opened in 1965 and ceased operations in 2009. The theater building still stands, with shops operating on the ground floor.

➤ Photo credits and textual references:午夜懷舊雜譚

◦ Zuoying Wannian Folklore Festival

Zuoying's ancient name was "Wannian County," which is the origin of the Wannian Festival's name. In 2001, to promote local characteristics, the Zuoying District Office organized the temples around Lotus Pond to jointly plan the Wannian Festival. Over the past 20 years, the Wannian Folklore Festival, held every October, has become one of Taiwan's most famous large-scale events, expanding from its initial religious activities to include historical and cultural elements. During the festival, snacks and retro games also become major highlights.

The most important activity during the Wannian Folklore Festival involves the Fire Lion. To celebrate Baosheng Dadi's birthday（保生大帝）, the folk developed a religious ceremony featuring the Fire Lion. During the festival, people hang blessing cards on the base of the Fire Lion. On the final day, during the deity send-off ceremony, these blessing cards are burned, sending the wishes up to the heaven.

◦ Attractions in Zuoying

01｜Lotus Pond

Lotus Pond is a famous scenic spot in Zuoying, named for the lotus flowers that bloom in the lake. Along the shores of Lotus Pond are several notable attractions, such as the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, making it an ideal place for walking and exercising. In the summer, the blooming lotus flowers create a picturesque scene, earning it the nickname "Fragrant Lotus on the Water."

Lotus Pond

No. 1435, Cuihua Rd., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung

02｜Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

Built in 1976, the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are a well-known attraction located by Lotus Pond. Currently undergoing renovation, they are expected to be completed by the end of 2024 and reopen in the first half of 2025. These two seven-story pagodas are named after the dragon and the tiger, symbolizing good fortune and strength. Visitors must enter through the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger's mouth, a ritual believed to bring good luck.

Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

No. 1435, Cuihua Rd., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung

03｜Zuoying Confucius Temple

Located on the north shore of Lotus Pond, Zuoying Confucius Temple is the largest in Taiwan, with a magnificent and grand appearance. The architectural style is inspired by the Confucius Temple in Qufu, Shandong, and the Hall of Supreme Harmony, fully expressing reverence for the great sage Confucius. Every year on September 28, a grand ceremony is held to honor Confucius, attracting many students and tourists.

Zuoying Confucius Temple

Opening Hours: 0900-1700, closed on Monday.
No. 400, Liantan Rd., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung

04｜The Old City of Fengshan County

During the Qing Dynasty, Zuoying was under the jurisdiction of Fengshan County, hence the name Fengshan County Old City. It is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Taiwan. The old city mainly includes the East Gate, North Gate, West Gate, South Gate, and the interior space of the city. The East Gate, also known as the "Fengyi Gate," symbolizes the hope for the arrival of the phoenix, a sign of good fortune.

Ancient people believed that the south was associated with literary success, symbolized by the South Gate, also known as the "Qiwen Gate." In 1920, the South Gate wall was demolished to construct a road and was replaced with a roundabout. Today, people can still view the South Gate from the edge of the roundabout.

05｜Guomao Community

Located near Zuoying Naval Port, Guomao Community was formerly the naval dependents' village known as Guomao Third Village, the largest of its kind in southern Taiwan. Due to the aging buildings, it was redeveloped into high-rise residential complexes. Each building’s ground floor is filled with shops, providing daily necessities such as markets, restaurants, hair salons, and electronics stores, making it a highly convenient place to live.

Looking up, you’ll see unique curved buildings that closely resemble the beehive-like high-rises in Hong Kong, hence the nickname "Little Hong Kong of Kaohsiung." It is recommended to visit before noon so you can also enjoy the popular breakfast of the military dependents' village!

Guomao Community

Ln. 3, Guofeng St., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung

06｜Ziyou Traditional Market

Ziyou Traditional Market is famous for its variety of food offerings and excellent location. With a wide selection of both raw and cooked foods, well-planned spaces, clean surroundings, and free parking for both cars and scooters, it has become Kaohsiung's largest and most talked-about dusk market.

I love visiting around 6 PM to catch the fantastic deals offered by vendors keen to wrap up their day.

Ziyou Traditional Market

Opening Hours: 1400-2100
No. 261, Ziyou 3rd Rd., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung

◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Zuoying

01｜Youli Crispy Pork

At the bustling Ziyou Traditional Market, Youli Crispy Pork attracts a steady stream of customers. Amidst the market's vibrant atmosphere, you can distinctly hear the crunch as the pork is freshly cut, a testament to its incredibly crispy skin! They use fresh Taiwanese pork, marinate it with a secret blend of spices, and air-dry it for 30 hours before roasting it for another 2 hours to achieve the perfect balance of crispiness and juiciness. Each serving comes with onions and garlic, making it a delightful combination of meat and fresh flavors that cut through the richness.

Youli Crispy Pork

Opening Hours: 1130-1800
No. 261, Ziyou 3rd Rd., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung (Ziyou Traditional Market-F 16)

02｜Hong Kong-Style Braised Dishes

Every visit to Ziyou Traditional Market ends with me bringing home a bag of braised dishes from Hong Kong-Style Braised Dishes. Just looking at the sauce's rich color, you can tell how flavorful the braised food is! Their standout feature is the scallion salt sauce, a salty, aromatic, slightly spicy oil that elevates the already delicious snacks, making them perfect accompaniments to drinks.

Hong Kong-Style Braised Dishes

Opening Hours: 1430, closed on Wednesday.
No. 261, Ziyou 3rd Rd., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung (Ziyou Traditional Market No. 37)

03｜Rom'antica Pizza

One of the must-try spots in the Kaohsiung Arena Shopping District is Rom'antica Pizza on Zisheng Road in Zuoying! As soon as you enter the restaurant, the sight of pizzas covered in cheese and toppings is a feast for the eyes.

Unlike the more common Neapolitan pizza, Rom'antica Pizza offers Roman-style pizza. The dough has a fluffy yet crispy texture similar to ciabatta, perfectly balancing the richness of the abundant toppings. Our unanimous favorite is the truffle ham pizza, while the orange chocolate pizza was a surprising delight for me!

Rom'antica Pizza 羅馬披薩

Opening Hours: 1130-1400, 1730-2100, closed on Monday.
No. 237, Zhisheng Rd., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung

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