{"id":4986,"date":"2024-08-14T17:00:55","date_gmt":"2024-08-14T09:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/?p=4986"},"modified":"2025-12-13T21:23:48","modified_gmt":"2025-12-13T13:23:48","slug":"zuoying","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/en\/zuoying\/","title":{"rendered":"Kaohsiung \u25e6 Zuoying | A Charming Ancient City with Rich Naval Heritage | TAIWAN 368-01"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The Old City of Fengshan County\" in Zuoying? What's the story behind this?<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u25e6 Kaohsiung Travel Guide<\/span><\/h6>\n

01\uff5cTransportation in Kaohsiung<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83d\ude84 Taiwan High Speed Rail<\/a>
\n\ud83d\ude84 Kaohsiung Metro (MRT) Unlimited Travel Pass<\/a>
\n\ud83d\udef5 Kaohsiung Scooter Rental - Zuoying High Speed Rail Station Pickup<\/a>
\n\ud83d\udef5 Kaohsiung Scooter Rental\uff5c<\/strong>Kaohsiung Railway Station Pickup<\/a><\/p>\n

02\uff5cPopular Attractions in Kaohsiung<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfab Kaohsiung Fun Pass<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab E-DA Theme Park Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Suzuka Circuit Park Ticket in Kaohsiung<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Shoushan Zoo Tickets<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway Ticket in Kaohsiung<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab British Consulate in Kaohsiung: Tickets and Discount Packages<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab National Science And Technology Museum Ticket in Kaohsiung<\/a><\/p>\n

03\uff5cThings To Do in Kaohsiung<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udea2 Kaohsiung Love River Love Boat Ticket & Cruise Guide<\/a>
\n\ud83d\udea3\ud83c\udffb Water skiing experience at Lotus Lake Water Skiing Theme Park<\/a>
\n\u2668\ufe0f Zheng Qing Song Korean Sauna in Kaohsiung<\/a><\/p>\n

\u25e6 History of Zuoying<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n

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.<\/p>\n

01\uff5cNaval Academy Spiritual Fortress<\/h6>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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02\uff5cCultural and Recreational Center and Zhongzheng Hall<\/h6>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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03\uff5cGuangguang Grand Theater<\/h6>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u27a4 Photo credits and textual references:\u5348\u591c\u61f7\u820a\u96dc\u8b5a<\/a><\/p>\n

\u25e6 Zuoying Wannian Folklore Festival<\/span><\/h6>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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The most important activity during the Wannian Folklore Festival involves the Fire Lion. To celebrate Baosheng Dadi's birthday\uff08\u4fdd\u751f\u5927\u5e1d\uff09, 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.<\/p>\n

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\u25e6 Attractions in Zuoying<\/span><\/h6>\n
01\uff5cLotus Pond<\/h6>\n

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.\"<\/p>\n

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Lotus Pond<\/strong>\r\n\r\nNo. 1435, Cuihua Rd., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung<\/pre>\n
02\uff5cDragon and Tiger Pagodas<\/h6>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Dragon and Tiger Pagodas<\/strong>\r\n\r\nNo. 1435, Cuihua Rd., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung<\/pre>\n
03\uff5cZuoying Confucius Temple<\/h6>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Zuoying Confucius Temple<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0900-1700, closed on Monday.\nNo. 400, Liantan Rd., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung<\/pre>\n
04\uff5cThe Old City of Fengshan County<\/h6>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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05\uff5cGuomao Community<\/h6>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Looking up, you\u2019ll 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!<\/p>\n
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Guomao Community<\/strong>\r\n\r\nLn. 3, Guofeng St., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung<\/pre>\n
06\uff5cZiyou Traditional Market<\/h6>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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I love visiting around 6 PM to catch the fantastic deals offered by vendors keen to wrap up their day.<\/p>\n
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Ziyou Traditional Market<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1400-2100\nNo. 261, Ziyou 3rd Rd., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung<\/pre>\n
\u25e6 Restaurants and Snacks in Zuoying<\/span><\/h6>\n
01\uff5cYouli Crispy Pork<\/h6>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Youli Crispy Pork<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1130-1800\nNo. 261, Ziyou 3rd Rd., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung (Ziyou Traditional Market-F 16)<\/pre>\n
02\uff5cHong Kong-Style Braised Dishes<\/h6>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Hong Kong-Style Braised Dishes<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1430, closed on Wednesday.\nNo. 261, Ziyou 3rd Rd., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung (Ziyou Traditional Market No. 37)<\/pre>\n
03\uff5cRom'antica Pizza<\/h6>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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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!<\/p>\n
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Rom'antica Pizza <\/strong>\u7f85\u99ac\u62ab\u85a9<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1130-1400, 1730-2100, closed on Monday.\nNo. 237, Zhisheng Rd., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung<\/pre>\n
04\uff5cFour Seas One Family<\/h6>\n
Founded in 1950, Four Seas One Family has been in operation for 75 years. It is the only unit within the Navy system open to the public and has long been a popular gathering place for officers and service members. The restaurant will remain open until the end of this year and will shift to outsourced management starting next year. As a result, the restaurant division of Four Seas One Family\u2014well known for its Jiang-Zhe and military dependents\u2019 village cuisine\u2014will soon become part of history.<\/p>\n
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Before the change in management, my friends and I made a special trip to enjoy one last meal. We ordered Hunan-style rolled pork hock, Sihai-style soy sauce chicken, garlic pork slices, scallion stir-fried beef, stir-fried Chinese kale, and seaweed and whitebait soup. Five dishes and one soup came to under NT$400 per person\u2014an incredible value. The standout for me was the Hunan-style rolled pork hock. You can tell at a glance how much effort goes into it: springy skin, tender meat, and bold, well-balanced flavors. It\u2019s a cold dish that impresses from the very first bite. For those who love Jiang-Zhe cuisine and military dependents\u2019 village dishes, be sure to take advantage of these final two weeks. Business has been very brisk lately, so calling ahead to make a reservation is highly recommended.<\/p>\n
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Four Seas One Family\r\n\r\n<\/strong>Opening Hours: 1130-1330\u30011730-2030, closed on Monday.\nNo. 211, Shijian Rd., Zuoying Dist., Kaohsiung<\/pre>\n
\u25e6 Flying Over Taiwan<\/span><\/h6>\n