Ci'en Pagoda Introduction
Cien Pagoda is a famous landmark in Sun Moon Lake, located on Provincial Highway 21甲. The entrance is about 300 meters away from Xuanzang Temple, and the walking path from the parking lot to the trail's end is approximately 570 meters. Along the path, ancient trees soar, and greenery is abundant; even in the scorching summer, walking on the wide path doesn't feel hot. The design of the stone slab path follows ergonomic principles, allowing you to ascend gently, feeling as if walking on flat ground without exertion. Every 100 meters, there are numbers carved on the stone steps, conveniently indicating how far you have left to go; the sound of cicadas along the way seems to cheer on the visitors. As you wipe the sweat from your brow, clusters of vibrant red hibiscus flowers greet you at the end. At a turn, you can see a pagoda soaring into the clouds. Beneath the high tower is a large area of fine white gravel, creating an illusion of stepping into a fairyland. Located at an altitude of 954 meters on Shabalan Mountain (also known as Erlong Mountain), Cien Pagoda stands 46 meters tall, reaching exactly 1000 meters at its top. It was constructed by Chiang Kai-shek in 1969 in memory of his mother, Madam Wang, and completed in 1971. From the top of the pagoda, the view is expansive; looking toward the lake surface, Lalu Island serves as a divider, where the northeastern side appears wider like the sun, and the southwestern side is more elongated resembling a crescent moon, illustrating the origin of Sun Moon Lake's name. After doing a 360-degree scenic tour along the railing and facing west to spot Lalu Island on the lake, you can discover a pavilion on the other side on Hanbi Peninsula, perfectly aligned with Lalu Island, Xuanguang Temple, Xuanzang Temple, and Cien Pagoda, forming a "happiness connection." It is said that wishes made along this axis often come true. Opposite Cien Pagoda is a two-story memorial hall for Madam Wang, where the first floor contains a lounge for Mr. Chiang Kai-shek, with Madam Wang's portrait and simple furniture. The basement features photos of the Cien Pagoda construction, design drafts, and Mr. Chiang’s handwritten notes, demonstrating his emphasis on this project. The area around the hall is filled with plum trees, which bloom with fragrant flowers at the end of the year. A walk along the Cien Pagoda trail not only brings you closer to nature but also allows for exercise while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Sun Moon Lake. You'll also learn about the history and legends of Cien Pagoda, making for a fulfilling experience.
