Cijin Pagoda Introduction
The Cien Pagoda is a famous landmark of Sun Moon Lake, located on Provincial Highway 21甲, approximately 300 meters from Xuanzang Temple at the entrance. The trail from the parking lot to the endpoint is about 570 meters, surrounded by ancient trees and lush greenery. Even on a hot summer day, walking along the wide trail feels comfortable. The stone-paved path is designed ergonomically, allowing visitors to ascend easily without feeling fatigued. Along the path, every 100 meters, there are markers engraved with numbers, providing a thoughtful indication of how far it is to the destination. The sound of cicadas along the way seems to cheer on the visitors. As you raise your head and sweat, clusters of vibrant red hibiscus flowers greet you at the end. At a turn, you will see a towering pagoda reaching into the clouds, and below it is a large area of fine white pebbles, creating an illusion of entering a fairyland. Located at an elevation of 954 meters on Mount Shabalan (also known as Erlong Mountain), the Cien Pagoda stands at 46 meters tall, with its pinnacle precisely at 1000 meters. It was built by Chiang Kai-shek in 1969 in memory of his mother, Madame Wang, and completed in 1971. Standing at the summit, the view is expansive; looking towards the surface of the lake, Lalu Island demarcates the view—northeast appears wider like the sun, while southwest is more slender like the crescent moon, explaining the origin of the name Sun Moon Lake. After completing a 360-degree scenic tour along the railing, when facing west and looking for Lalu Island on the lake, one can discover a pavilion on the opposite bank of Hanbi Peninsula, which aligns perfectly with Lalu Island, Xuanguang Temple, Xuanzang Temple, and the Cien Pagoda, forming a "Happiness Connection." It is said that making a wish for happiness on this axis often results in dreams coming true. Across from Cien Pagoda stands a two-story memorial hall for Madame Wang. The first floor features a lounge for Mr. Chiang Kai-shek, furnished with a portrait of Madame Wang and simple furniture. The basement contains photos of the Cien Pagoda project, design drafts, and Mr. Chiang's handwritten revisions, demonstrating his emphasis on the project. The area around the guesthouse is planted with plum trees, and every year at the end of the year, the garden is filled with blooming plum blossoms, exuding a sweet fragrance. A visit to the Cien Pagoda trail not only brings one close to nature but also allows for exercise while enjoying the picturesque scenery of Sun Moon Lake and learning about the origins and legends of Cien Pagoda, making it a richly rewarding experience.
