Draft:Soaring Dragon Fish Statue
Public sculpture in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Soaring Dragon Fish Statue (Chinese: 鰲躍龍翔; pinyin: áo yuè lóng xiáng; literally “the ao leaps and the dragon soars”), also romanised as Ao Yue Long Xiang, is a large public sculpture located along the Love River in Cianjin District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It was designed by Taiwanese sculptor 楊奉琛 (Arthur Yang; 1955–2015). Originally created as the main lantern of the Kaohsiung Lantern Festival in 2001, it has since become a permanent landmark, symbolising the city’s development as a maritime centre.[1][2]
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| Soaring Dragon Fish Statue | |
|---|---|
 The Soaring Dragon Fish Statue along the Love River in Kaohsiung | |
 | |
| Artist | 楊奉琛 (Arthur Yang) |
| Year | 2001 |
| Type | Public sculpture |
| Medium | Stainless steel |
| Location | Cianjin District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan |
| 22.623633°N 120.290277°E | |
Description
The sculpture depicts a mythical creature known as an ao fish (Chinese: 鰲魚; pinyin: áo yú), combining elements of a dragon and a fish.[3] In Chinese mythology, the ao is associated with the legend of Nüwa repairing the heavens, in which a giant ao supports the sky. The form also reflects the traditional motif of a fish transforming into a dragon, symbolising perseverance, transformation, and aspiration.[2]
The structure stands approximately 25 m (82 ft) tall, weighs approximately 30 tonnes, and is constructed entirely from stainless steel.[4] Its reflective surface and integrated illumination make it a prominent feature of the riverside landscape, particularly at night.[1]
History
The sculpture was created in 2001 as the main lantern (Chinese: 主燈; pinyin: zhǔ dēng) of the Kaohsiung Lantern Festival, marking the relocation of the Taiwan Lantern Festival to Kaohsiung as part of a rotation policy.[1] The design departed from the traditional use of the Chinese zodiac for lantern themes, instead adopting a maritime motif reflecting Kaohsiung’s identity as a port city.[1]
Following the festival, the structure was preserved in situ along the Love River and designated as a permanent public artwork. The installation formed part of broader efforts to promote Kaohsiung as a maritime city and to revitalise the riverfront area. Recent restoration work has been carried out to maintain the structure as a prominent riverside landmark.[4]
Location
Cultural significance
The dragon fish form represents transformation and aspiration, symbolising Kaohsiung’s transition from an industrial port to a modern, internationally oriented city.[3] As a preserved lantern festival installation, the sculpture also reflects the role of public art and cultural events in shaping the city’s contemporary identity.[2][1]
The statue has become one of the most recognisable landmarks along the Love River and is illuminated as part of the city’s night-time landscape.[1]
Gallery
Base of the statue, featuring glass and steel elements
Viewed from the riverside promenade along the Love River
The statue and its surrounding waterfront setting
The statue illuminated at night
Closer night view of the illuminated statue
