Cijin Tower Introduction
The Cien Pagoda is a famous landmark of Sun Moon Lake, located on County Highway 21甲, approximately 300 meters from the entrance near Xuanzang Temple. The walk from the parking lot to the trail's end is about 570 meters, with ancient trees lining the path, creating a lush green environment. Even on hot summer days, walking on the wide path feels comfortable. The design of the stone path follows ergonomic principles, allowing visitors to ascend effortlessly as if walking on level ground. Every 100 meters, numbers are engraved on the stone steps, providing a thoughtful indication of how far one needs to go. The sounds of cicadas along the way seem to cheer on visitors; as you look up and sweat, clusters of vibrant red hibiscus flowers greet you at the end. At a bend, a towering pagoda rises into the clouds, with a large area of fine white pebbles below, creating an illusion of entering a fairyland. The Cien Pagoda is situated on Mount Shabalan (also known as Erlong Mountain) at an altitude of 954 meters, standing 46 meters tall, with its peak exactly 1,000 meters high. It was built by Chiang Kai-shek in 1969 to honor his mother, Madame Wang, and completed in 1971. The view from the top is expansive, allowing one to see the lake, where Lalu Island defines the scenery—wider in the northeast like the sun and longer in the southwest like a crescent moon, explaining the origin of Sun Moon Lake's name. After a 360-degree tour along the railing, facing west to find Lalu Island, you can spot a pavilion on the opposite bank of the Hanbi Peninsula, which aligns with Lalu Island, Xuanguang Temple, Xuanzang Temple, and the Cien Pagoda, forming a "happiness connection." It is said that making wishes for happiness along this axis often leads to their fulfillment. Opposite the Cien Pagoda is a two-story memorial hall for Madame Wang. The first floor serves as a resting area for Mr. Chiang Kai-shek, displaying a portrait of Madame Wang and simple furniture. The basement features photographs of the Cien Pagoda's construction, design drafts, and Mr. Chiang's hand-written corrections, indicating his importance placed on this project. The area around the hall is planted with plum trees, which bloom beautifully at the end of the year, filling the air with the fragrance of winter plums. Walking the Cien Pagoda trail not only brings you closer to nature and exercises your body but also provides stunning views of Sun Moon Lake and its surrounding mountains, along with stories and legends about the Cien Pagoda, making for a truly rewarding experience.
