Ci'en Pagoda Introduction
Ci'en 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 end of the trail is approximately 570 meters. Along the way, ancient trees soar above, adding lush greenery, making it feel cool even during the scorching summer days while walking on the spacious path. The design of the stone-paved trail follows ergonomic principles, allowing for a gentle ascent that feels effortless. Every 100 meters, there are numbers carved into the stone steps, providing a thoughtful indication of how far you have left to go. The sounds of cicadas along the path seem to cheer on visitors, and as you lift your head and sweat, clusters of vibrant red hibiscus flowers greet you at the end. At a turning point, you can see a towering pagoda reaching into the clouds, with a vast area of fine white pebbles below creating an illusion of entering a fairyland. Standing at an elevation of 954 meters on Shabalan Mountain (also known as Erlong Mountain), Ci'en Pagoda is 46 meters tall, with the pinnacle exactly at 1000 meters. It was built by Chiang Kai-shek in 1969 in memory of his mother, Wan Tai-fu Ren, and completed in 1971. From the top of the pagoda, the view is vast as you look towards the lake, with Lalu Island marking the boundary; the northeastern side appears wider, resembling a sun, while the southwestern side is narrower, like a crescent moon, illustrating the origin of Sun Moon Lake's name. After a 360-degree scenic tour along the railings, facing west to find Lalu Island on the lake's surface, you can discover a pavilion on the other side of the peninsula, which, along with Lalu Island, Xuanguang Temple, Xuanzang Temple, and Ci'en Pagoda, is perfectly aligned on the same axis, creating a "Happiness Connection." It is said that making a wish for happiness on this axis often leads to it coming true. Opposite Ci'en Pagoda is a two-story memorial hall for Wan Tai-fu Ren, with the first floor serving as Chiang Kai-shek's lounge, displaying a portrait of Wan Tai-fu Ren and simple furnishings. The basement showcases photos of the Ci'en Pagoda project, design drafts, and Chiang Kai-shek's handwritten corrections, demonstrating his emphasis on this project. The area around the hall is planted with plum trees, blooming with fragrant flowers at year-end. A stroll along the Ci'en Pagoda trail not only brings you closer to nature and allows for physical activity but also offers a panoramic view of Sun Moon Lake's scenery, while sharing in the origins and legends of Ci'en Pagoda—truly a rewarding experience.
