CihEn Pagoda Introduction
The Cien Pagoda is a famous landmark at Sun Moon Lake, located on Provincial Highway 21甲. The entrance is about 300 meters from Xuanzang Temple, and the path from the parking lot to the trail's end is approximately 570 meters. Along the way, ancient trees tower overhead, and the greenery is lush, making it feel cool even on hot summer days. The design of the stone path adheres to ergonomic principles, allowing visitors to walk leisurely as if on flat ground without feeling fatigued. Additionally, every 100 meters, numbers are engraved on the stone steps, providing a thoughtful indication of how much further to go. The sound of cicadas along the way seems to cheer on visitors. As you look up while sweating, you are greeted by clusters of vibrant red hibiscus flowers at the end. At the bend, you can see a pagoda soaring into the clouds, with a large area of fine white pebbles below, creating a surreal feeling of being in a fairyland. The Cien Pagoda is located on Mount Shabalang (also known as Erlong Mountain) at an elevation of 954 meters, standing 46 meters tall, with its peak precisely at 1,000 meters. It was built by Chiang Kai-shek in 1969 in memory of his mother, Madam Wang, and was completed in 1971. From the top of the pagoda, the view is expansive; looking toward the lake, Lalu Island serves as a boundary, with the northeastern side appearing wider like the sun, and the southwestern side being narrower like a crescent moon, thus explaining the origin of the name Sun Moon Lake. After doing a 360-degree visual tour along the railing and facing west to find Lalu Island on the lake's surface, you may notice a pavilion on the opposite shore at Hanbi Peninsula, which, along with Lalu Island, Xuanguang Temple, Xuanzang Temple, and the Cien Pagoda forms a "happiness connection" along the same axis. It is said that making a wish for happiness on this axis often results in wishes coming true. Opposite the Cien Pagoda is a two-story memorial hall dedicated to Madam Wang, where the first floor is Chiang Kai-shek’s lounge, featuring her portrait and simple furniture. The basement contains photos of the Cien Pagoda construction, design drafts, and Chiang Kai-shek's handwritten amendments, reflecting his emphasis on this project. The area around the hall is filled with plum trees, and every year, at the end of the year, the garden blooms with plum blossoms, filling the air with their fragrance. Taking a walk along the Cien Pagoda trail brings you close to nature, provides exercise, allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Sun Moon Lake, and shares the origins and legends of the Cien Pagoda, making for a fulfilling experience.
