by Catherine Chiang
As an ancient city with a history of almost 400 years, Tainan is definitely one of the must-visit cities in Taiwan. Once the most prosperous center for trade and cultural development, the city holds historical and cultural value that can only be understood by visiting in person. There is a huge variety of available sites and activities in Tainan, ranging from historical sites and shopping areas to museums and bookstores. Furthermore, Tainan is famous for its local delicacies. Since the pandemic, the government has been actively promoting revitalization of its “old town” regions, and thus a trip to Tainan may bring you a refreshing experience different from other typical sightseeing tours.
Shennong Street, photograph by Catherine Chiang
Anping
Located in southwest Tainan, Anping with its historical sites and specialty dishes is the place for visitors to experience the long history of the city. The oldest fort in Taiwan, Anping Fort, was built by the Dutch during the 17th century. The marks on its ancient red brick walls show its weathering, both literally by the climate and figuratively by the people, over the past centuries. Visitors should also take a close look at the cannons of the Qing dynasty and climb up the lookout for the whole view of the Anping port. Nearby at Tait & Co., sightseers will be captivated instantly by the exquisite western-style trade house built by the British in 1867. Behind the trade houses is an old storehouse called the Anping Tree House, now overgrown by banyans. The Eternal Golden Castle is also a classic monument built in the 19th century, the first western-style bastion in Taiwan for defending against Japanese soldiers.
After visiting the historic buildings, a nice walk in the Anping Old Street, the first street to be built in Taiwan by the Dutch and one of the earliest places to be developed, is full of century-old architecture and souvenir shops. The street is known for its traditional snacks such as preserved fruits, brown sugar cakes, and hand-made shrimp crackers. What’s more, Anping Old Street leads to small paths like "Jasmine Alley'' and “Rouge Alley,” where the old-style architecture of the buildings are nostalgic. More classic dishes such as “Chou’s shrimp roll,” “Tongji Anping bean jelly,” and “Wen Chang beef soup” are just a short walk away from the old street in famous nearby restaurants.
Located in southwest Tainan, Anping with its historical sites and specialty dishes is the place for visitors to experience the long history of the city. The oldest fort in Taiwan, Anping Fort, was built by the Dutch during the 17th century. The marks on its ancient red brick walls show its weathering, both literally by the climate and figuratively by the people, over the past centuries. Visitors should also take a close look at the cannons of the Qing dynasty and climb up the lookout for the whole view of the Anping port. Nearby at Tait & Co., sightseers will be captivated instantly by the exquisite western-style trade house built by the British in 1867. Behind the trade houses is an old storehouse called the Anping Tree House, now overgrown by banyans. The Eternal Golden Castle is also a classic monument built in the 19th century, the first western-style bastion in Taiwan for defending against Japanese soldiers.
After visiting the historic buildings, a nice walk in the Anping Old Street, the first street to be built in Taiwan by the Dutch and one of the earliest places to be developed, is full of century-old architecture and souvenir shops. The street is known for its traditional snacks such as preserved fruits, brown sugar cakes, and hand-made shrimp crackers. What’s more, Anping Old Street leads to small paths like "Jasmine Alley'' and “Rouge Alley,” where the old-style architecture of the buildings are nostalgic. More classic dishes such as “Chou’s shrimp roll,” “Tongji Anping bean jelly,” and “Wen Chang beef soup” are just a short walk away from the old street in famous nearby restaurants.
Hai’an Road Art Street (West Central Dist.)
The Hai’an area is considered to be the center of art and culture in Tainan. From the Qing dynasty to the period of Japanese colonial rule, this place served as the primary residential area for early Han immigrants and one of the most prosperous business districts. Today, the neighborhood has been revitalized as a cultural and artistic tourist site, but still retains its nostalgic style.
Shennong Street with its vintage buildings and a variety of traditional craft shops attract many young artists to join this area’s renewal. Shennong Street accommodates shops that sell unique customized products and decor. One shop called “Five Channels Studio,” sells a wide selection of creative products that draw from Tainan’s local cultures and tales. Stepping into the entrance of "Shennong Cultural and Creative Market,” an array of colorful handicrafts and innovative products fill the booths. “This market was established for creators and artists to sell their own creations,” said Ms. Yu, one of the booth owners. "It allows creators to combine our interest with our career, and provides us a place for development.”
Not far from Shennong Street, all sorts of delicious delicacies can be found on Guohua Street. Many of the shops there have been in business for thirty to forty years, and traditional flavors are guaranteed. Here, a feast of local Tainan delicacies can be found by visiting restaurants such as “Fu Sheng Hao Rice Pudding,” “Chiu Jia Squid Rice Noodles," and “Jiang Shui Hao.”
After a satisfying meal, visitors can make their way to Hai’an Road for some provocative installation art. In 2004, a reconstruction project invited Taiwanese artists to draw murals on the walls of the abandoned houses, reviving the deserted street and turning it into one of Tainan’s most popular photography spots today. Within a few minutes’ walk is the Chihkan Tower, the administration center during Taiwan’s Dutch colonial period. As the night falls, yellow lights light up the building and add to its old-fashioned charm. The nearby Hayashi Department Store, built in 1932 during the Japanese colonial period, is the first store with an elevator and the only one in Taiwan with a shrine on the rooftop.
The Hai’an area is considered to be the center of art and culture in Tainan. From the Qing dynasty to the period of Japanese colonial rule, this place served as the primary residential area for early Han immigrants and one of the most prosperous business districts. Today, the neighborhood has been revitalized as a cultural and artistic tourist site, but still retains its nostalgic style.
Shennong Street with its vintage buildings and a variety of traditional craft shops attract many young artists to join this area’s renewal. Shennong Street accommodates shops that sell unique customized products and decor. One shop called “Five Channels Studio,” sells a wide selection of creative products that draw from Tainan’s local cultures and tales. Stepping into the entrance of "Shennong Cultural and Creative Market,” an array of colorful handicrafts and innovative products fill the booths. “This market was established for creators and artists to sell their own creations,” said Ms. Yu, one of the booth owners. "It allows creators to combine our interest with our career, and provides us a place for development.”
Not far from Shennong Street, all sorts of delicious delicacies can be found on Guohua Street. Many of the shops there have been in business for thirty to forty years, and traditional flavors are guaranteed. Here, a feast of local Tainan delicacies can be found by visiting restaurants such as “Fu Sheng Hao Rice Pudding,” “Chiu Jia Squid Rice Noodles," and “Jiang Shui Hao.”
After a satisfying meal, visitors can make their way to Hai’an Road for some provocative installation art. In 2004, a reconstruction project invited Taiwanese artists to draw murals on the walls of the abandoned houses, reviving the deserted street and turning it into one of Tainan’s most popular photography spots today. Within a few minutes’ walk is the Chihkan Tower, the administration center during Taiwan’s Dutch colonial period. As the night falls, yellow lights light up the building and add to its old-fashioned charm. The nearby Hayashi Department Store, built in 1932 during the Japanese colonial period, is the first store with an elevator and the only one in Taiwan with a shrine on the rooftop.
Entrance of Shennong Cultural and Creative Market, photograph by Catherine Chiang
Confucius Temple (West Central Dist.)
For book lovers who enjoy the tranquility of nature, the Confucius Temple and its surrounding area is the place to spend the day. The Confucius Temple built in 1665 enshrines the wise Chinese philosopher who later became an important social and cultural figure in Sinophone cultures. The temple had once been the highest educational institution in Taiwan, and thus many people still pilgrimage there to pray for academic success. There is also the National Museum of Taiwan Literature where exhibitions about Taiwan’s literature development and Taiwanese authors, and libraries for classic book collections can be enjoyed along with a cup of tea in the open-air seats.
Directly across the temple, an antique bookstore named “Heritage Books” sells products with special designs of Tainan’s cultural and geographical images, including old books, postcards, and maps. Last but not least, a journey through Tainan’s revived historical past cannot be complete without visiting Fuzhong Street located next to the bookstore. This street is filled with interesting cafés, snack booths, and handicraft shops. For a quick local snack, take a seat on the wooden benches and savor a bowl of Taiwanese-style oden while enjoying the quaint atmosphere of this blast from the past.
For book lovers who enjoy the tranquility of nature, the Confucius Temple and its surrounding area is the place to spend the day. The Confucius Temple built in 1665 enshrines the wise Chinese philosopher who later became an important social and cultural figure in Sinophone cultures. The temple had once been the highest educational institution in Taiwan, and thus many people still pilgrimage there to pray for academic success. There is also the National Museum of Taiwan Literature where exhibitions about Taiwan’s literature development and Taiwanese authors, and libraries for classic book collections can be enjoyed along with a cup of tea in the open-air seats.
Directly across the temple, an antique bookstore named “Heritage Books” sells products with special designs of Tainan’s cultural and geographical images, including old books, postcards, and maps. Last but not least, a journey through Tainan’s revived historical past cannot be complete without visiting Fuzhong Street located next to the bookstore. This street is filled with interesting cafés, snack booths, and handicraft shops. For a quick local snack, take a seat on the wooden benches and savor a bowl of Taiwanese-style oden while enjoying the quaint atmosphere of this blast from the past.