Tainan, Taiwan

🏛️ Discover Tainan: Taiwan’s Ancient Cultural Heart

🌟 Overview

Tainan, often called Taiwan’s oldest city, is a vibrant blend of ancient temples, historic forts, colorful markets, and legendary street food.
As the former capital of Taiwan during the Qing Dynasty, Tainan offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage.
It’s a city of traditions where history lives in every alley and street corner.

🏯 Top Things to See and Do in Tainan

🛕 Chihkan Tower (Fort Provintia)

One of Tainan’s most famous historical sites, built by the Dutch in the 17th century.
Chihkan Tower combines traditional Chinese architecture with the remains of Dutch colonial buildings and offers beautiful gardens, koi ponds, and a peaceful atmosphere.

🛡️ Anping Fort (Fort Zeelandia)

Built by the Dutch East India Company, Anping Fort is a symbol of Tainan's colonial past.
Climb to the top of the fort for panoramic views of Anping District and wander through the old streets filled with shops selling local crafts and snacks.

🏮 Confucius Temple

Built in 1665, Tainan’s Confucius Temple is Taiwan’s oldest Confucian temple.
It’s a serene place to explore and appreciate the traditional red architecture and scholarly atmosphere that still thrives today.

🌿 Anping Tree House

A former salt warehouse that nature has taken over — now, giant banyan trees have completely enveloped the building, creating an eerie and beautiful sight that feels straight out of a fantasy novel.

🏙️ Shennong Street

A perfectly preserved old street where red-brick houses, artisan shops, and traditional tea houses line a narrow pathway.
At night, the street comes alive with colorful lanterns and cozy cafes.

🍢 Food Experiences in Tainan

Tainan is known as the culinary capital of Taiwan. You simply cannot visit without indulging in its amazing food scene:

Danzai Noodles: A flavorful noodle soup topped with minced pork, shrimp, and a rich broth.
Milkfish Soup: A local specialty featuring tender fish served in a light, savory broth.
Coffin Bread: A unique Tainan street food — a thick piece of toast hollowed out and filled with creamy stew.
Oyster Omelette: Fresh oysters cooked into a sticky, savory pancake with a sweet and spicy sauce.

Pro Tip: Visit the Tainan Flower Night Market — one of Taiwan’s best night markets — for the ultimate street food experience!

🌿 Nature and Relaxation

Taijiang National Park: Explore Taiwan’s largest mangrove wetlands by boat or bike.
Sicao Green Tunnel: A lush, narrow river surrounded by dense mangroves — often called Taiwan’s "Little Amazon."

🏨 Where to Stay

Luxury Hotels: The Silks Place Tainan offers top-notch service and a central location.
Boutique Guesthouses: Stay in restored old homes in Anping or the old city district for an authentic and charming experience.

🚗 How to Get There

From Taipei: Take the High-Speed Rail (HSR) to Tainan Station, then transfer to a local train or taxi into the city center.
Travel time: about 1.5–2 hours.
By car: A drive from Taipei takes about 4–5 hours via the highway.

🌞 Best Time to Visit

Autumn (October–December): Cooler temperatures and less rain, perfect for walking tours.
Spring (March–May): Warm, pleasant weather with flowers blooming across the city.
Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, but lively with festivals and events.

🎭 Festivals in Tainan

Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival (February): One of the world's most intense fireworks displays — a wild and unforgettable experience!
Confucius Birthday Ceremony (September): A beautiful, solemn event held at the Confucius Temple.
Matsu Pilgrimages: Tainan is a key stop during these religious processions honoring the sea goddess Matsu.