KAOHSIUNG — Taiwan. Kaohsiung’s Lotus Pond (蓮池潭) has lost what was considered by some to be a landmark. As of Sept. 17, 2025, the “turtle pond” (龜池) at the Spring and Autumn Pavilions (春秋閣), is gone – after more than 70 years – to make way for the final link of the lake’s circular bike and walking trail. Officials said the upgraded trail now fully links the Spring and Autumn Pavilions with the rest of the 360-degree Lotus Pond path, balancing improved safety and mobility with the preservation of iconic cultural and ecological landmarks.
For decades, the pond was home to hundreds of turtles of all sizes and a favorite stop for visitors, families, and children. Early this year, the structure was removed as part of the city’s cycling path upgrade. After six months of work, the site has been rebuilt into a flat pedestrian walkway and dedicated bike lane, giving visitors a safer, more seamless route around the lake without detouring onto car-clogged streets.
One feature spared from removal, however, is the “Castle in the Sky Tree” (天空之城樹), a waterfront tree that went viral on Japanese social media after being nicknamed for its resemblance to a Studio Ghibli film setting. Originally slated to be cleared for a boardwalk expansion, the tree was preserved following a grassroots campaign led by city councilors, local groups, and netizens.
To address public concerns about the turtles, the Tourism Bureau has created two new ecological “turtle islands” on the north and south sides of the pavilions. Designed with native grasses and natural landscaping, the islets are meant to attract turtles to rest and extend their stay, ensuring that the animals remain visible to the public.
