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A Travel Guide to Tainan, Taiwan’s Original Capital

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Tainan City (臺南 or “Taiwan South”) is in many ways the best major city in Taiwan for experiencing Taiwanese history and culture.

For over 200 years, Tainan was the capital of Taiwan. To this day, it retains a traditional vibe , with some of the country’s most important historical attractions and temples. Many locals also consider it the food capital of Taiwan. Outside of the city center, there are some quirkier attractions, like Cigu Salt Mountain , Guanziling Mud Hot Springs , and Sicao Green Tunnel .

In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know for visiting Tainan, including the most famous and lesser-known sights, how to reach them, where to stay, how to plan your itinerary, and most important, what to eat in Tainan.

If you prefer a listicle, see these 70+ things to do in Tainan .

Table of Contents

Tainan History

Tainan’s history is so rich that it has been dubbed the Phoenix City (鳳凰城), after the mythological bird known to kill itself and rise from the ashes time and time again.

Tainan is the part of Taiwan where both Chinese and European settlers first arrived . The name Taiwan may come from the Taivoan aboriginal people who lived there at the time, or it may have come from the name “Tayouan” used by another local tribe, the Siraya.

Whichever theory is true , the word Taiwan eventually came to be used for the whole island, and the variation “Tainan” came to be used for that area. The Chinese chose the characters 臺南 or “Taiwan South”, which differentiates it from Taipei (Taiwan North), Taichung (Taiwan Middle), and Taitung (Taiwan East).

In 1622, the Dutch established Fort Zeelandia in today’s Anping District of Tainan. Dutch presence only lasted until Koxinga , a half-Chinese, half-Japanese pirate and Ming Dynasty loyalist, showed up and kicked them out.

While Koxinga’s Kingtom of Tungning based in Tainan only lasted 22 years, it would have long-lasting impact. Even today Koxinga is revered in Tainan and there are several temples dedicated to him. (As a fun side note, my wife’s family has the same surname as Koxinga (鄭), and they come from the Chiayi -Tainan area, so my father-in-law often jokes that he is a descendent of the pirate king.)

Koxinga’s rule ended dramatically when the Qing Dynasty took over – one Ming prince and his five concubines famously committed suicide in what is now the Grand Matsu temple in Tainan.

The following centuries saw waves of Chinese migration to Tainan and Taiwan. In 1858, the Qing rulers opened up Anping Port to foreign trade. Opium flowed in, while tea, sugar, and camphor flowed out. Today’s hot attraction, Anping Treehouse , is in one of those trading houses.

Tainan also became known for its salt production , with several salt-related attractions remaining today. This would last until 2002, when cheap salt flooded in after Taiwan joined the WTO.

When Taiwan was opened for trade, Taipei developed as the preferred port, thus the capital was moved from Tainan to Taichung (briefly) then to Taipei in 1887.

The Japanese kept Taipei as the capital during their colonial rule of Taiwan (1895 to 1945), but they also transformed Tainan. Several great examples remain and are tourist attractions, including Hayashi Department Store .

After the Japanese left and KMT arrived, Kaohsiung overtook Tainan as the main financial center in Southern Taiwan. Tainan of today is a medium-sized city with refreshingly few skyrises.

In 2010, Tainan City was merged with Tainan County (just like Taoyuan , Taichung, and Kaohsiung), so the whole area is now called Tainan City.

Tainan’s City Center is rich in historic temples and buildings. Anping District in the city’s northwest is known for Anping Fort (Fort Zeelandia), Aping Treehouse, and Anping Old Street.

Getting to Tainan

Tainan is well connected to other major cities on the west coast of Taiwan. The closest international airport is in Kaohsiung – Tainan Airport only has domestic flights. Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is 1.5 hours away by High Speed Rail.

If you come to Tainan by regular (TRA) train , you’ll fin Tainan Station is conveniently located in the city center, where many old temples and sights are. If you want to visit Anping District, you’ll need to take a bus from there (45 minutes). Travel time from Taipei to Tainan by TRA is 3 to 4.5 hours. Find out how to buy tickets for these trains here .

Tainan’s High Speed Rail (HSR) station is located here , southeast of the city center. If you come by HSR , the travel time from Taipei will be faster (1 hr 45 min). Here’s how to book HSR tickets .

But then you’ll need to take a taxi (20 min) or local train (20 min) from Shalun Station on the TRA (regular train) line to the city center. Shalun station is connected to the HSR station. Buy discount HSR tickets here .

Kaohsiung is even closer, at only 30 min to 1 hr (TRA) or 15 minutes (HSR). Just keep in mind that Kaohsiung’s HSR station is also not in the city center of Kaohsiung but in Zuoying district.

There’s no MRT in Tainan. Make use of bicycles (Tainan has YouBike but also their own local T Bike system), taxis, or local buses to get around, as the city’s main attractions are rather spread out. You can see quite a bit on foot, but the occasional bus or taxi will help. GoogleMaps is fairly reliable for bus times and stop locations.

To visit places outside of the city center, you’re going to need more time. Buses tend to be slow. Consider hiring a driver for a day if you want to visit multiple places outside the city. Guanziling Mud Hot Spring is easier to reach from Chiayi city than from Tainan’s city center, even though it”s technically in Tainan.

Where to Stay in Tainan

For the Tainan city center, Huzi Room Guesthouse (see on Booking / Agoda ) is conveniently located near Tainan Station. For a hostel, U.I.J. Hostel (see on Booking / Agoda ) is one of the nicest ones I’ve ever seen.

For visitors with kids, Hotel Cozzi (see on Booking / Agoda ) is excellent, with family-themed rooms plus indoor and outdoor play areas.

If you decide to spend a night in Anping District , for visiting the many attractions there, I highly recommend Anping Inn Here (see on Booking / Agoda ).

If you want to spend a night in a hot spring hotel, the best one at Guanziling Mud Hot Spring is King’s Garden Villa (景大渡假莊園) (see on Klook / Agoda ). Read more about it in the “Things to Do” section below.

Top Things to Do in Tainan

I’ll separate the below into the top attractions in Tainan City Center, Anping District, and Outside the City Center. You can see even more pictures and details about each of these places in my guide to the best things to do in Tainan .

Tainan City Center

The Tainan city center, especially the area west of Tainan train station, is rich in historical attractions. There’s a long list of temples in Tainan , several of which are the oldest or most important of their kind in Taiwan.

The Confucius Temple stands out as the most popular, but others worth visiting are Koxinga’s Shrine (延平郡王祠), Lady Linshui’s Temple (臨水夫人媽廟), Wufei (五妃廟 or Five Concubines Temple), Grand Matsu Temple (臺南祀典大天后宮), and God of War Temple (臺灣祀典武廟).

Hayashi Department Store (台南林百貨) is a really cool Japanese-era art deco department store where the elite used to go shopping. Today its shops still sell luxury teas, crafts, jewelry, souvenirs, and so on. Don’t miss the original Shinto shrine on the roof!

Other interesting attractions in the Tainan city center include Chikhan Tower (赤崁樓), Tainan Park (臺南公園), Tainan Wu Garden (吳園藝文中心), Blueprint Culture & Creative Park (藍晒圖文創園區), Tainan Art Museum 1 & 2 (臺南市美術館1館/2館) and Black Bridge Sausage Museum (黑橋牌香腸博物館).

For atmospheric streets, check out Snail Alley (蝸牛巷) and Shennong Street (神農街). You can even rent a qipao to take photos on Shennong Street at night, when the lanterns are lit (see more places to rent qipaos in Taiwan here ).

For visitors with kids, or anyone who feels too hot, cool off in The Spring (河樂廣場), when it has water in it, that is! It’s closed on Tuesdays, during water shortages, or when they decide it isn’t hot enough out.

321 Art Alley Settlement (321巷 藝術聚落), once a very cool attraction, is unfortunately closed for at least a few years.

Anping District

Anping is the area originally settled by the Dutch. Although it may not feel like it, it’s actually an island formed by Anping Canal (read about other fascinating Taiwanese islands here ).

Anping can be reached in about 45 minutes by bus from Tainan city center. It is a very traditional area with some fascinating attractions.

Anping Fort (安平古堡 or Fort Zeelandia) is the top attraction. Right next to it, Anping Old Street (安平老街, see my guide) is a very traditional street specializing in prawn crackers and dried fruits.

Also right next to the fort, Anping Matsu Temple (安平開台天后宮 or Anping Kaitai Tianhou Temple) is truly impressive, especially the roof details.

A short walk from Anping Fort, Anping Treehouse (安平樹屋) is a unique attraction. There, banyan tree roots have been left to take over a former trading company’s warehouse.

Besides the above must-sees, some smaller attractions in Anping District include Eternal Golden Castle (二鯤鯓砲臺), Deyang Ship Destroyer (安平定情碼頭德陽艦園區), a parked US Navy Ship, Lin Mo-niang Park (林默娘公園臺) with its giant Matsu Statue, Anping Salt Beach White God (安平鹽神白沙灘公園), and Big Fish’s Blessing (大魚的祝福, a whale art installation).

For beautiful sunsets, head to Sunset Platform (觀夕平臺) or Yuguang Beach (漁光島沙灘) on Yuguang Island.

Outside the City Center

Outside the Tainan City Center, but still technically in “Tainan City” the attractions become less about history and more varied.

South of the Tainan City Center, Chimei Museum (奇美博物館) is one of the most interesting, if unexpected, museums in Taiwan. The museum looks like the White House in Washington D.C. with the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, complete with the Fountain of Apollo from Versailles in front.

The museum houses the extensive private collection of a local billionaire, include an amazing display of violins and ancient weapons. Buy your tickets online here .

Right next to Chimei, Ten Drum Cultural Village (十鼓文創園區) occupies a former sugar refinery. You could spend a whole day exploring its skywalk, rides, art installations, cafés, second-hand bookstore, and more. It was created by the 10 Drum Percussion Group. Get your tickets here or visit it as a part of this tour .

Just north of Anping District in Annan District, Sicao Green Tunnel (四草綠色隧道) is the best way to experience the coastal wetlands of Taijiang National Park (台江國家公園). Although the green canopy of trees over canal is a little artificial, it’s undeniably beautiful.

Also in Annan, Luerhmen Mazu Temple (正統鹿耳門聖母廟) is the world’s largest temple dedicated to Matsu, goddess of fishermen and the sea. National Museum of Taiwan History (國立臺灣歷史博物館) is excellent but out-of-the-way.

Continuing north from Anan District will bring you to a few salt-related attractions on the coast. Cigu Salt Mountain (七股鹽山 or Qigu Yanshan ) is a literal mountain of salt that you can climb. You can also taste salt ice cream, salt douhua , and other snacks. Learn more about Tainan’s salt history at the Salt Museum (七股遊客中心) nearby.

Further up the coast, almost in Chiayi, Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields (井仔腳瓦盤鹽田) is an extremely photogenic collection of salt fields on the coast. You can even try raking some salt or climb the tower for an especially good view. It’s free to visit and included on this tour .

If you’re in the area, might as well add Beimen Crystal Church (水晶教堂), reminiscent of the High Heeled Shoe Church in neighborhing Chiayi .

In the north, Laohutang Art Village (老塘湖藝術村) is an atmospheric art village, although not super easy to get to.

Guanziling (關子嶺溫泉) in the northeast is where you’ll find Taiwan’s best mud hot spring. There you can soak in silty hot spring water or even rub the mud on your body, which is good for the skin. King’s Garden Villa (景大渡假莊園) is the best place to try it.

Also in the hills of northeastern Tainan, Dongshan Coffee Road (175咖啡公路) is a great place to coffee plantations and cafés with beautiful surroundings. Just a few examples are here , here , and here . It’s a popular road for cycling. If you’re interested in Taiwanese coffee regions, also don’t miss Gukeng area in Yunlin .

Find a way to remote Erliao Sunrise Pavilion (台南二寮觀日亭) for sunrise. Head to Caoshan Moon World Grand Canyon (草山月世界大峽谷) for cool landscapes. Last but not least, families will enjoy Zhuozhen Fossil Museum (臺南左鎮化石園區).

Best Tainan Tours and Deals

The Klook Tainan Pass can save you a little money. It lets you choose 2-4 attractions in the city and you have 30 days to use it.

You can visit Tainan’s top attractions on this day tour from Kaohsiung . To see the salt attractions plus Ten Drum Cultural Village , try this tour . You can also hire a private driver to make a custom schedule for your Tainan trip.

Discounted tickets for Sicao Green Tunnel , Ten Drum Cultural Village , Chimei Museum , and more are available on Klook.

How to Plan Your Tainan Itinerary

When checking travelers’ Taiwan itinerary in my Taiwan Travel Planning group , I usually recommend that they spend one night in the Tainan city center and one night in Anping District to best enjoy this city.

For Chimei Museum and/or Ten Drum Village , it makes sense to visit them either on the way to or from the Tainan HSR station, which they are close to. Otherwise, you could visit these two attractions together as a day trip from Tainan city center .

If you are want to visit off-the-beaten track spots like the salt attractions north of the city, you’ll need to the better part of a day to reach them by bus – consider to hire a driver for the day to speed things up.

If you want to visit Guanziling Hot Spring , it’s easiest to do it as a day trip or overnight trip from Chiayi City, perhaps before of after going to Alishan.

What to Eat in Tainan

Tainan has its own distinctive cuisine, which has earned it a reputation as the culinary capital of Taiwan. Some classic Taiwanese dishes started in Tainan and spread around the island, but others are still largely only found in Tainan and neighboring areas like Chiayi and Kaohsiung.

Tainan has a reputation for putting sugar in everything. Sugar was a hot commodity and status symbol in the early days of colonial Tainan. To this day, you will find that most dishes have some sweetness to them.

Some classic and modern Tainan dishes to watch out for include eel noodles (鱔魚意麵), fried shrimp/oyster rolls (蝦 / 蚵捲), danzai noodles (擔仔麵), coffin bread (棺材板), rice pudding (碗粿), milkfish soup (虱目魚湯), milkfish congee (虱目粥), and Spanish mackerel stew (土魠魚羹).

To find any of the above while exploring Tainan, I suggest that you copy-paste their Mandarin name to GoogleMaps to find vendors near you.

If you’re vegetarian or vegan, here’s my guide to finding vegetarian foods .

Tainan’s night markets are a great place to try the above, and the full gamut of Taiwanese street foods. But there’s something important to know: unlike most night markets in Taiwan , each night market is open on a different night of the week.

Go to Ta-Tung Night Market on Mon/Tues/Fri, Wusheng Night Market on Wed and Garden Night Market on Thus/Sat/Sun. All are a little outside the city center. See my guide to Tainan’s night markets for all the details.

In the daytime, check out the traditional Shuixian Gong Market (水仙宮市場) in the morning and the connected Yongle Market (永樂市場), which has lots of food stalls on its east side, and excellent sushi shop right next to the temple inside Shuixian Market.

For amazing ice cream, don’t miss these two shops on the same street. Tai Cheng Fruit Shop (泰成水果店) does amazing ice cream and fruit combinations. Quan Wei Jia Ice Cream (蜷尾家甘味處散步甜食) has interesting Japanese flavors of soft serve, like oolong tea and genmaicha (brown rice green tea).

Near Tainan Station, Xu Feng Hao (旭峯號) does ice cream and fruit juices in a very Instagrammable and iconic old building. For something more peculiar, there’s even a capybara café in Tainan, called Mogu Kabi – here are other places to see capybaras in Taiwan .

At night, check out Speakeasy Bar (赤崁中藥行), which is set up to look like a traditional Chinese medicine shop, and is housed in what used to actually be one.

On Anping Old Street, try the oyster rolls here and buy some prawn crackers and dried fruits to take home.

If you visit Cigu Salt Mountain, you can try salty douhua (豆花 or dessert tofu) and ice cream, while the Salt Museum has salty coffee in its café.

When traveling to Guanziling, no local visitor would miss stopping for a whole urn-roasted chicken (甕缸雞) on the way. Just a few possible ones are here and here . They’ll give you plastic gloves to rip the chicken apart yourself.

Tainan Events

In 2024, Tainan is hosting the 400-year anniversary of the arrival of the Dutch and founding of the city.

This will start with the 2024 Lantern Festival National Event , with festivities taking place in Anping district and around Tainan HSR station. See my Lantern Festival guide for all the details.

In other years, when it isn’t hosting the national event, Tainan will still have several lantern displays throughout the city, including the Yuejin Harbor Lantern Festival .

On the same day as the Lantern Festival, the annual Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival also takes place in Yanshui District of Tainan city. It is considered one of the most dangerous festivals in the world, with fireworks and bottle rocks being shot directly at crowds of people.

The Tainan Arts Festival usually falls in spring (March, April, May). Music lovers can watch for the Tainan May Jam and Tainan Summer Music Festival. For Dragon Boat Festival, Tainan’s races are usually help in Anping Canal. On Confucius’ birthday (September 28), expect festivities at the Confucius Temple in Tainan.

Winter is the best time to visit Sicao Green Tunnel and Taijiang National Park, where the rare migratory black faced spoonbill and other birds are best seen.

Last but not least, there are countless small temple fairs and parades throughout the year in Tainan, often in celebration of various gods’ birthdays. Don’t be surprised if you happen to stumble upon one. Follow the sound of firecrackers!

Read about other holidays and festivals in Taiwan here .

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The 20 best night markets in taiwan, from north to south, 6 thoughts on “a travel guide to tainan, taiwan’s original capital”.

Hi. I enjoyed this post of yours! I’ll be visiting Tainan, for the first time, on 26-28 April. Would you have any suggestions on which places I should check out?

All my suggestions are in the article above.

Thanks Nick for this amazing article. We are planning to come in December with a 9 year old. We are just wondering which place would be more kid friendly Kaohsiung or Tainan? We would be in Taiwan for almost 9 days.

Kaohsiung is a larger city and has more kid-friendly attractions than Tainan. Kaohsiung has a zoo, some theme parks, etc. It also has better public transportation. Tainan’s main attractions are old temples and historic buildings, which kids mostly don’t care about.

Thank you so much for your detailed Tainan guide! We just got back this past weekend from a 10 day trip which included Tainan, and we definitely took your recommendations. We stayed in Anping in an AirBnB for our large family, which was great because it included a kitchen to prepare all the amazing local fruit that was in season. The June weather in Tainan was very hot and humid, A/C was definitely needed. The Anping Matsu Temple was really cool to visit- the temple had great local guides who are very knowledgeable and passionate about the temple. They know all the back stories of the temple, but they do not speak english well so you need a bilingual person in your group to get the most out of the tour. The Deyang Destroyer was a hit for the teenage males in the family. The other ship attraction just 5 min walk north, which was a reproduction Koxinga-era warship, was unfortunately closed. Apparently the humidity and heat encourages rot and termites, and these destroyed the ship. Thank you again!!

Thanks for your feedback. So glad you enjoyed the trip!

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Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, tainan travel guide: things to do, what to eat and where to stay in tainan.

On my last visit to Taipei , I found myself with a few extra days that I could use to explore places outside of Taipei. Aside from Jiufen and Beitou, I haven’t been anywhere else in Taiwan. So I decided to go to the extreme and visit Tainan, at the southern end of Taiwan!

Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan, first established during the Dutch colonization era in the 1600s. From then on, it was known as the ancient capital city of Taiwan. It continues to hold the title of the capital city for over 200 years, until the 18th century when the capital was moved to Taichung and then to Taipei , where the capital city currently sits.

• Travel Tips for First-time Visitors

How many days should I spend in Tainan?

When is the best time to visit tainan, how to get to tainan, how to get around in tainan, where to stay in tainan, tainan itinerary example, what to do in tainan.

• What to eat in Tainan

Due to its long history, Tainan is often referred to as Taiwan’s cultural capital. You can see the remnants of Tainan’s history from the time of Dutch colonization to the Japanese era in the 18th century.

In the present day, there are plenty of eating spots, small local shops, and trendy cafes to visit. If you like walking, Tainan is a treat because there are tons of small alleys to explore. Basically, there is something for everyone in Tainan!

Tainan Travel Tips for First-time Visitors

Tainan is safe and easy to travel in, but here are a few pointers that could make your trip even easier:

1. Read my Taipei Travel Tips for First-time Visitors – Many of the travel tips I have for Taipei will apply to Tainan too, such as getting a pre-paid SIM Card that will work in Taiwan, including Tainan, and getting EasyCard , which works on buses in Tainan as well!

2. Buy the High-Speed Rail (HSR) ticket ahead of time – I will elaborate more on taking the HSR in the Getting to Tainan section below, but this is definitely the easiest way to get to Tainan if you are coming from Taipei or other major cities in Taiwan.

3. Buy most of the Tainan attraction tickets via Klook – During my time in Tainan, I bought all of the ticket attractions from Klook. It was super easy because Klook provides direct entry , meaning you don’t need to redeem another ticket – just show the QR code from your voucher!

4. There is a military air base near Tainan – the Tainan airport serves as both military and commercial air base. So occassionally you’ll hear the zooming of military air planes. If noises like this bothers you, you might want to bring an ear plug. Personally it did not bother me at all!

The touristy part of Tainan is actually not a big area. I recommend spending at least 1.5 days in Tainan.

If you’re a fast traveler, one day could even be enough to see most things in Tainan, but it will be very rushed. For those who like to travel slowly, there will be enough things to do in Tainan for 3 days.

Tainan is located in the southern part of Taiwan. The weather here tends to be warmer and more humid than in the northern region.

Like the rest of Taiwan, I would recommend visiting from March to April when the weather is still somewhat cooler and there is not much rain. Starting from mid-May, it gets hot and a little bit rainy in Taiwan. There is also a possibility of typhoons in the region around September or October. November to December might also be a good time to visit when it’s not yet too cold.

I would also recommend visiting Tainan on a weekend if you prefer a more lively atmosphere. There will be more things to do and shops will be open, but it will be more crowded and accommodations could be more expensive. I visited Tainan from Thursday to Friday and was able to visit most of the things on my list without much crowd.

The easiest way to get to Tainan is via the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) from Taipei . But of course, there are a few more ways to get to Tainan. I’ll cover all of them below so you can decide which one is best for you:

1. via the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) from Taipei (BEST WAY!)

The fastest and best way to get to Tainan is no doubt via the HSR trains . These trains are similar to the bullet train in Japan and will take you to Tainan in 1 hour and 45 minutes . The HSR Train departs from Taipei Main Station . There are multiple trains leaving from this station, so make sure to follow the sign that says HSR!

➡️ I highly recommend booking your HSR Ticket from Klook for easy redemption and the cheapest price! PS: Check for Klook promotions! when I was booking my ticket, they had a 1-to-1 promotion.

I found the HSR ticket price to be fairly reasonable. Through Klook, a journey from Taipei to Tainan cost NT$ 1,080 one way . There are multiple HSR trains every hour going from north to south Taiwan and vice versa, making it easy for your to change your plan on the go.

For example, I changed my train ticket to an earlier time in the morning. It took me less time than expected to get ready, so I was already at the station an hour before my train was due to depart. I originally reserved the 9:41 am train, but I was able to get on the 9:01 am train.

Take note changing the timing is still subject to seat availability! I tried to do the same from my Tainan <> Taipei ticket later on, but I was only able to move it to 30 minutes earlier since all the seats on the earlier trains were booked up.

Another bonus point for taking HSR is that there is a free shuttle bus that will take you to Tainan City . I asked the visitor information at Tainan HSR station how I can get to Tainan, and they directed me to take bus H31. Bus H31 dropped me off at Siaosimen , 10 minutes away from my hotel in the West Central district! Super convenient. On the way back, I took Bus H31 to catch the HSR to Taipei as well.

How to redeem your THSR ticket from Klook and reserve a seat

• Purchase the THSR ticket from Klook for the direction you want. PS: Check for Klook promotions! when I was booking my ticket, they had a 1-to-1 promotion.
• Reserve your train timing at the THSR website using the redeem code stated on your Klook voucher. Take note of the deadline to change train timing, in case your plan changes. This is usually 1 hour before your train departure.
• On the day of your reservation, head over to the THSR ticket counter and show your QR Code from the Klook voucher to redeem the physical ticket.
• If you want to make any last-minute changes, you can do so at the ticket counter too, but again, this is subject to seat availability.
• Receive the physical ticket from the THSR ticket counter and use it to board your train!

2. via the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) from Taipei

Another way to travel by train from Taipei to Tainan is using the TRA train. This journey will take 4.5 hours from Taipei, as it is a regular train and much slower than the TSHR train. However, the main draw for them is that TRA tickets cost about half of TSHR, only about NT$ 540-700 one way. So if you’re on a budget and have time to kill, you might want to consider this option.

Book your TRA ticket straight on the website .

3. Fly into Tainan Airport (TNN)

One option you can consider is flying directly to Taiwan Airport (TNN) if you intend to come straight from your home country and skip Taipei. I would only recommend this way if you can fly directly to TNN. Otherwise, I think the train from Taipei is still the best way.

I mostly got around on foot while I was in Tainan, but occasionally you might need to use other methods. Here are a few ways you can explore Tainan:

By Public Bus – Unlike Taipei , there is no convenient metro to get around in Tainan. You’ll have to rely on the bus if you want to go by public transport. The buses are punctual in Tainan but they don’t come very often.

Despite the frequency, I find that it was still pretty easy to navigate. Like Taipei, most of the bus stops in Tainan will tell you when the bus will come. The schedule on Google Maps is pretty accurate too, and the fare is the same as Taipei – NT$ 15 per bus ride.

By Tourist Bus 88 and 99 – On weekends, there are buses catered for tourists which will stop at most tourist attractions. You can buy the tourist bus ticket here .

By Bicycle – This is a popular way to get around in Tainan. Ask your hotel if they can rent you a bicycle. I personally did not use this as I found it pretty easy to just walk around in Tainan. There is also a bike rental system called YouBike you can potentially use while you’re in Tainan.

By Taxi – The yellow taxi is also available in Tainan, if you prefer that. Taxi fares are pretty reasonable in Taiwan so this is not a bad option at all.

When visiting Tainan, you’ll want to stay in the West Central district . This is where most of the food and attractions are going to be in Tainan, which will make it very convenient for you.

Here are some accommodations you can consider:

The Retro Tai-Pan – I stayed here during my visit to Tainan and I HIGHLY recommend this hotel. The hotel is done up with a retro industrial vibe, but it’s actually newly renovated and clean. The location is great, within walking distance of plenty of eateries and bus stops. The rooms are minimalist, but spacious.

They also served the most amazing hotel breakfast I’ve ever had, which was included with the stay! I don’t usually waste stomach space on hotel breakfast, but this was well worth it.

UIJ Hotel & Hostel – This was another accommodation I considered. Don’t let the name fool you – it’s not a dingy hostel, it’s actually a trendy hotel at the heart of the West Central district of Tainan. You can stay in a private room or a bed in a 6-bed dorm. A friend of mine stayed in the private room and she loved it. The private rooms are fitted with Aesop soaps!

Based on where things are located, I recommend dividing your days like so:

Day 1: West Central District

• Arrive in Tainan from Taipei
• Walk around the west central district during the day
• At night, go to Garden Night Market or check out small bars in Tainan

Day 2: Explore Anping District

• Visit Anping Treehouse, Anping Old Fort, and Anping Old Street
• Sicao Green Tunnel
• Return to Taipei

Without further ado, here are things you can do during your visit to Tainan!

1. Walk around the West Central District

The West Central district in Tainan is one of the most popular and busiest districts in Tainan. There are shops, restaurants, and historic sites to visit. There are also small alleys to get lost and walk around in.

Walking around Tainan is pretty cool. You’d be walking on a sidewalk, and it might suddenly turn into a temple, or a wet market, or an extension of a restaurant. You just never know what you’ll see.

Here are a few places I suggest you can visit in the West Central District of Tainan:

1. Check out Tainan’s historic sites

One of the most popular sites in West Central is the Chihkan Tower . Chihkan Tower is the oldest building in Tainan, built in 1653 during the Dutch colonization era as an administration center. Back then, it was called Fort Provintia.

Inside, there is a small garden and a 2-story Sea God Temple, a Chinese-style building that was added later on to the fort. Wenchang Pavilion was under renovation and was closed when I visited.

➡️ You can buy tickets to Chihkan Tower via Klook for direct entry. Just show the Klook QR code at the entrance!

When you are exploring the city on foot, you’ll notice there are so many temples in Tainan. Apparently, there are 12,000+ temples in Taiwan, and Tainan houses 1,600 of them. So let’s visit a few notable ones.

Just a short walk away from Chihkan Tower is Tainan Grand Mazu Temple . Admission is free, but when visiting the temple you’ll see people praying at the temple, so please be quiet and make sure not to linger too long.

Next, you can visit Tainan Confucius Temple , which is famous for students who are about to take an important exam or trying to gain admission to a competitive school.

2. Shopping at Hayashi Department Store

I originally did not include Hayashi Department Store on my list, because I thought it was just a department store. But I happened to pass by while I was walking around the district and… I am really glad I peeked in!

This department store was the first department store in Tainan, dating back to 1932 during the Japanese occupation. It consists of 6 floors of shops filled with unique local designer goodies. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs or even something nice to bring back for yourself.

Most of the interior has been preserved, including the old elevator which will only fit 5 people at a time. These days, the elevator will only take you from the 1st to the 5th floor and back down. It does not stop on the floors in between. You’ll need to take the stairs all the way up and down to see the different floors of the department store unless you are pregnant or elderly.

On the 5th floor, there’s a restaurant and coffee shop you can relax in. From the 5th floor, you could take the stairs up further to the rooftop. While the view up there isn’t much, there is a small Shinto temple!

3. Visit Blueprint Creative Park

Just like in Taipei , there is a creative park in Tainan too, repurposed from old abandoned building. Blueprint Creative Park is built on a former prison dorm.

At Blueprint Creative Park, you can walk around and check out the small shops they have scattered on the ground. My favorite one is the Taiwan Tile Museum . I was surprised to learn that they had Peranakan tiles in Taiwan too, just like in Singapore .

It’s best to visit the park at night or close to sunset so that you can see the light installations too. At the entrance of the park (the one facing Ximen Road), you can see one of the former prison dorms that have been painted deep cerulean blue and turned into 3D light art installations.

4. Explore the small alleys of Tainan

One of the main draws of the West Central district is that there are so many small little streets to explore and get lost in. This is why I prefer walking when I was here, as opposed to taking the bus or taxi.

A few noteworthy places for such walks are:

Shennong Street

Best visited during sundown because there are lanterns that will be lit up and make the street look pretty. Small shops, cafes, and cocktail bars line up the street.

Snail Alley

A small alley for a quiet afternoon walk. There is a cafe and a bar, but it is also residential. Most of the houses here play into the “snail” theme. You can find many snail ornaments, both obvious and hidden, decorating the alley!

2. Explore Anping District

The history of Anping dates back to the 17th century, during the Dutch colonization of Taiwan. In Anping, you can see the historical remnants of the time when it used to be called Fort Zeelandia.

From Tainan West Central District, you can take Bus 2 all the way to Anping, which will only take 20 minutes.

Here’s what you can see in the Anping District of Tainan:

1. Anping Tree House and Tait&Co Merchant House

You can start your Anping exploration by visiting the merchant house, where you can learn the history of Anping as a harbor that plays a key role in opening Taiwan for international trade. It began as a hub for exporting camphor, then during the Japanese occupation, it was taken over by a Japanese salt company.

On the back of the merchant house is its former warehouse, which is now overgrown by Banyan trees. This is now known as Anping Tree House. You can walk around inside the warehouse. It does not have a roof anymore, and you can admire how nature had completely taken over the warehouse.

➡️ You can buy tickets to Anping Tree House via Klook for direct entry. Just show the Klook QR code at the entrance!

2. Anping Old Fort

Anping Old Fort is about a 5-minute walk from the tree house. Throughout your visit to Anping, you’ll see the name “Fort Zeelandia” often. Well, Fort Zeelandia is the old name for Anping Old Fort when the Dutch occupation in the early 1600s. The fort was built by the Dutch in 1624, then renamed “Anping” when Koxinga took the area back in 1662.

Inside the old fort, you can see remnants of the original wall. What was interesting to me was that the wall was made using three very basic ingredients: oyster shells, syrup, and glutinous rice. Pay attention to parts of the wall – you can still see the “scissor wall lock” that was used to reinforce the wall!

You can also climb up the light house for a good 360 view of Anping. There is a set of stairs and it’s not too hard to climb.

➡️ You can buy tickets to Anping Old Fort via Klook for direct entry. Just show the Klook QR code at the entrance!

3. Anping Old Street

The old street is just a short walk from the old fort. Nowadays, you can find snacks and all kinds of goods here, similar to what you can expect from a night market. But you’d be interested to know that this street is the oldest street in Taiwan!

It’s best to visit the old street after 11 am and before 6pm since vendors only open around that time. You can try the famous Tainan snack here – Coffin Bread.

4. Sicao Green Tunnel

Once you are done with the historical area of Anping, you can make your way to Sicao green tunnel. Here, you can take a boat tour of the mangrove tunnel for peaceful and beautiful natural scenery.

➡️ You can buy admission tickets to Sicao Green Tunnel via Klook . You need to redeem the tickets for entry.

3. Explore Tainan’s popular street food scene

You can’t visit Tainan without appreciating their food! I have a whole section on what to eat in Tainan below, but you should also make time to visit their food street and night market.

Guohua Street

Located near the Tainan station, this street is popular with locals for good and cheap eats.

Garden Night Market

This night market is only open on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. You’ll also want to check their Facebook page or Instagram page to make sure they are indeed open since the weather might also affect their opening.

From the West Central District, you can take Bus 0 to reach Garden Night Market.

4. Visit Museums in Tainan

If you like art and the experience of going to a museum, you’ll love Tainan! There are plenty of museums to visit – here are a few:

Tainan Art Museum

Located right in the middle of the West Central district, this is definitely the most convenient museum for tourists.

➡️ You can buy admission tickets to Tainan Art Museum for direct entry. No need to redeem the ticket when you get there!

Chimei Museum

Chimei Museum is located outside of the city, so it will take some effort to get there. However, it is worth it because the museum ground is big and you can explore an outdoor area aside from the exhibition.

You can take Bus 5 or H31 (the same one we take for taking the HSR). It will take about 30 minutes by bus.

➡️ You can buy admission tickets to Chimei Museum . You need to redeem the tickets for entry.

5. Relax at a cool cafe and hang out spots!

You could say parts of Tainan have been gentrified. Many of the old buildings are now turned into trendy bars at night or coffee houses during the day. If you need a break and fancy a cup of coffee or tea, these places are a great option to hang out in!

Here are some of my favorite cafes in Tainan:

Washida Coffee – Located right in the middle of the West Central district, this coffee shop is located inside the UIJ Hotel Lobby , which also doubles as a bookshop.

Nijo Coffee – Located deep inside the alleys in one of the West Central district alleys, and next to one of the many temples in Tainan, Nijo can be a bit hard to find but it is truly a respite in the busy city. If you want a table, there is a minimum spend of NT$200, but you can also just take your drinks to go.

Mudliu Teahouse – A Hong Kong-style tea house with a retro vibe. They are only open at night and in the later part of the week.

What and where to eat in Tainan

With its long history, it makes sense that Tainan is also known for its culinary delights. There are many dishes I enjoyed during my time in Tainan, and I have made a separate post for it!

All about food in Tainan: Check out my Tainan food guide here

Alright, I hope that paints a picture of what Tainan is like and I hope it helped plan your trip to Tainan! As usual, please feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions or anything else you would like to add to the post.

Till next time 👋🏻

13 Comments

• February 4, 2024

Thank you. Very informative. From now on, I will follow your blogs. Have a nice day.

Hey Haydee, thank you for the kind words! Have fun on your travels 😀

• December 17, 2023

Hi, I will be spending 3 days 2 nights in Tainan. Was thinking to get a private charter to get around, do you think it is really needed? Or public transport is good enough? Thanks!

• October 22, 2023

Hi, is Tainan a friendly place for solo travellers?

hey JP, yes i think so. i went by my self.

• November 8, 2023

Hi Melissa, sorry didn’t have notification of your reply. Currently, I am in Tainan already. 😅 I went to Snail Alley and Shennong Street. Both were ghost towns. Including Tainan Cultural & Creative Park.

• October 19, 2023

Thank you! Will use your tips for our trip in few days there!

• October 17, 2023

Hi, I am going to Tainan via HSR on one day trip and what is your advise on the itinerary, We have 6 adults and 2 children. Do you have any recommendation for children food. This is our first time go to Tainan without tour guide. We want to go Old Street, cafe and local food. Please advise. Thank you.

• September 23, 2023

Hi What a comprehensive write out! Will definitely use yours for my upcoming trip in Oct 23 Thank you!!!

• September 24, 2023

Thanks Sharen. Have fun in Tainan!

• June 18, 2023

Thank you for the sharing. Will be visiting Tainan in early Nov 2023. Your sharing is definitely very useful for us.

• June 10, 2023

Such great information. So grateful to stumble upon this while i’m planning for my trip in Oct! Thank you

Thanks Dave! Have fun in Tainan

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Destinations

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Taiwan’s True Capital

Most of you are here to create a Tainan itinerary—and I’ll address you all in a minute. But before I do, I’d like to tell a little story about how I came to find myself in Tainan one weekend in the hottest, wettest part of summer 2019 in the first place.

Indeed, I almost traveled to Tainan—I almost moved there!—a decade ago. Having reached the end of my rope teaching English in Shanghai , I reached out to an American couple I’d met traveling in Cambodia that February. It’s not a fantastic job , she’d been honest. But apart from us , he interjected, you’d be the only teacher there, so it would be a secure one.

The good news, of course, was that I ended up not needing to take them up on their offer: Days later, I got my first-ever online freelance writing gig, which was the springboard into making money online, and to enjoying the life I now lead. A life that eventually saw me relocate from Bangkok to Taipei .

Anyway, let’s get to my Tainan travel guide.

Where to Stay in Tainan

This does not, on its own, explain why I just spent the better part of 3 days in Tainan. For that we need to go back to late April, when I stayed in Taipei for a month to test out what living there would be like. An exhibition at Huashan 1914 Creative Park portrayed Tainan, which was Taiwan ‘s ancient capital, in an extremely flattering light—I was quickly sold; but finding the right opportunity to go took longer.

In fact, it was just about a week ago that my friend Sean (who originally hails from Tainan) said he might want to accompany me to his hometown. At the moment we checked into our stylish (but somewhat non-functional) room at Konkai Inn last Friday afternoon, our trip had been confirmed for less than 48 hours.

A Few of My Favorite Things to Do in Tainan

Tainan confucius temple.

As (bad) luck would have it, Sean’s mother suddenly fell ill around this time, so he headed to a nearby hospital to check on her as I began exploring alone. My first stop, Wu Garden , was so disappointing and bland I forgot I visited until I was going through my notes. The second, Tainan Confucius Temple , was beautiful enough, though it was undergoing extensive renovations, to say nothing of the downpour that began falling as I approached its main pagoda.

Hayashi Department Store

The heaviest rain tapered off, but the drizzle was steady enough that I decided to hold off visiting more Tainan attractions until Sean returned from the hospital. At that time, it was still a bit damp, so we headed first to 卓家汕頭魚麵 ( Zhuō jiā shàntóu yú miàn ) and dined noodles made from pounded fish right in front of a temple no less. Afterwards, we made our way to Hayashi Department Store , which was built when Taiwan was under the control of Imperial Japan and, appropriately, looks like it was transported directly from Ginza . We got lot in several picturesque temples and alleyways (as one does in Tainan) on our way back to the hotel, where Sean received news that his mother’s illness was significantly less serious than she had feared.

Chihkan Tower

I can’t lie: The rain of Friday afternoon and evening put me in a terrible mood, not unlike how I’d felt during the first several days of my melodramatic Taiwan road trip last October . As I went for my morning run Saturday, however, a blue sky revealed itself in the encroaching daylight. Sean wanted to sleep in a bit, so I retraced some of my footsteps from the previous day, stopping at the Confucius Temple (which looked much more beautiful in full sunlight), Quanmei Theater with its hand-drawn movie posters and Chihkan Tower , the most famous when it comes to what to do in Tainan, which originally dates back to the Dutch-colonial period of the mid-17th century.

Sicao Green Tunnel and Anping Old Town

Sean had woken up by the time I returned and, after a delicious breakfast in the cerulean-toned dining room of Konkai Inn, we made our way westward to the aptly-named Sicao Green Tunnel . I’d expected our boat ride through the mangrove swamp to be a hot mess, but while it was definitely hot it was often enjoyable, from the scenic views of Dazhong Temple , to wildlife like the vermillion fiddler crab and snowy black-faced spoonbill. Unfortunately, Sean started to feel a bit sick himself around this time, though he pushed on as long as he could. We managed to see about half the attractions in Dutch-colonial Anping ( Anping Old Fort , Anping Tree House and Anping Old Street ) and even eat both Chou’s famous shrimp rolls and dou hua tofu pudding before Sean finally cried uncle.

Garden Night Market

After Sean left, I ascended to the top of Fort Zeelandia , where the view (and the smeared windows through which I viewed it) ever so slightly let me down. I stopped in at a local coffee shop, where I enjoyed a delicious cocktail that mixed espresso and whiskey, and the local “coffin toast” specialty before making my way to to Eternal Golden Castle, where a black swan was swimming in the moat (surrounded, ironically, by white swan boats). Overheated and exhausted, I decided not to wait four hours at the nearby Sunset Platform , and instead headed back to the city center to meet Sean, who told me he felt a lot better. After a quick dinner of fried egg noodle ( yi mian ) soup at Xiǎodòu Dòuguō Shāo restaurant, we headed to one of Sean’s least favorite Tainan night markets, Garden Night Market ( Da Dong , his favorite, was closed).

Chimei Museum

Sunday morning, as our local train headed from Tainan Station toward the distant high speed rail hub that also bears the name “Tainan,” I realized I’d made a terrible omission during my Tainan itinerary: I hadn’t eaten dan zhai noodles, which are perhaps the city’s most famous dish, once. Sean, who’d taken this train to and from his rural home to his city high school, felt wistful as we entered the vehicle. As we stepped off and began our long march toward the European-looking Chimei Museum , which is owned by Tainan’s richest man Shi Wen-long, the heat of the day zapped us as quickly as the F-15s flying overhead, no doubt performing a drill to try and send a message to the thugs on the mainland . Inside, the exhibition raised my estimation of Shi’s wealth, and of Tainan’s, figuratively speaking: Tainan might not be Taiwan’s political capital anymore, but Chimei Museum is certainly the island’s most conspicuous display of culture.

When to Visit Tainan

It rained for at least the first 12 hours I spent in Tainan, which led me to believe that by traveling there on the second of August, I’d come during the bleakest part of the rainy season. In reality, both Saturday and Sunday ended up being clear (if scorching), so I’m happy to report that if you too plan to travel during the months of July and August, you should have at least a couple of clear days.

On the other hand, while many of the Tainan things to do are rather evergreen, even in the case of rain, I do wish I’d come during a slightly cooler time. Sean tells me that months like April and October are more pleasant and relatively dry, though if you’re already in Taiwan (living here like me or just chill in Taipei for a while, as one does), you might consult a weather forecast before taking a trip of the relatively last-minute sort (as one also does) and choose the sunniest weekend you can.

Tainan vs Kaohsiung

I originally thought to entitle this section Tainan vs Taipei, since it seems obvious to compare Taiwan’s original capital with its former one. However, provincial Tainan has little else in common with cosmopolitan Taipei, apart from how abjectly sunshine (or a lack thereof) transforms the mood of both cities.

Rather, I see more parallels between Tainan and Kaohsiung , the largest city of southern Taiwan. Although I grew to like Tainan more as my trip wore on, and in equal measure with how far off the tourist trail (which is rather minimally trodden, anyway) I wandered, I do think Kaohsiung is more satisfying during a comprehensive Taiwan itinerary than Tainan. Tainan’s slow-burn sights and fickle charm are better for Taiwan travelers (or residents, as the case may be) who are comfortable enough on this island to see—and dig—deeper.

FAQ About What to Do in Tainan

Is tainan worth visiting.

Absolutely! If my list of things to do in Tainan doesn’t convince you of that, I encourage you to speak to any Taiwanese person. Even northerners who hail from Taipei or Taichung love Tainan, for reasons I think are clear by this point.

What is Tainan famous for?

Taiwan is primarily famous for A) its culinary culture and B) the fact that it was once the capital of Taiwan. These reasons are well reflected in the list of Tainan things to do I’ve presented in this article, and are unavoidable when you visit.

How many days should I spend in Tainan?

This Tainan itinerary is based on the assumption that you will spend 2-3 days in Tainan. However, you can enjoy Taiwan’s true capital in as little as a day (a very long day!); you can easily spend a week in Tainan or longer without getting bored. The topic of how many days in Tainan is important, but it’s not essential—you can always come back, after all!

The Bottom Line

Once the weather (and my mood) became favorable to exploring Tainan, I quickly went from being ambivalent about (maybe even disappointed with) Taiwan’s original capital to being slowly but surely charmed by it. From the eclectic mix of Chinese temples and pre-war Japanese architecture in its immediate center, to the Dutch-colonial flair (but decidedly Taiwanese flavors) of seaside Anping, Tainan Taiwan is a city that demands time—and patience. Still not sure where it fits into your Tainan trip? Hire me as your Taiwan Travel Coach! Once you suss out things to do, whether in this Tainan travel guide or some other way, Tainan is a breeze of a city to explore!

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What to eat in Tainan: Best local food and Michelin Guide  

Tainan is the first ancient capital of Taiwan and the oldest city on the island. Boasting a long illustrious history, vibrant cultures, and food traditions, Tainan is Taiwan’s culinary centre where you can savour the exciting flavours of iconic Taiwanese food. Famed for local snacks or “little eats” (小吃), Tainan is perfect for a foodie excursion of non-stop eating and snacking through the day.

In 2024, Tainan will celebrate its quadricentennial–400 years since the city was established by the Dutch under the name of Fort Zeelandia. The best way to mark this special occasion is to visit Tainan! To kickstart the Tainan’s 400 th birthday celebrations, I visited Tainan in October 2023 to do a food recce and prepare this food guide. Thanks to local food blogger and chef Claudia Chen (林太做什麼) , I learnt so much about Tainan’s food and culture. This Tainan food guide is filled with her local insider’s recommendations.

2024 is a great time to visit Tainan as the Taiwan Lantern Festival (3 February – 10 March 2024) will return to Tainan after 16 years and the theme this year to celebrate Tainan’s 400 th anniversary is Glorious Tainan 光耀臺南. Find out more about 2024 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Tainan !

Get ready for a gastronomical tour of Tainan! This food guide introduces the best places and Michelin Bib Gourmand eateries to try these Tainan delicacies. I didn’t manage to eat everything listed in this Tainan food guide so I am definitely returning to Tainan soon. Have fun planning your food trip to Tainan!

Table of Contents

How to get to Tainan?

Located in the southwestern part of Taiwan, Tainan is the first city developed in Tainan because of its strategic location. Tainan has a vibrant history as the city evolved through important historical milestones from the Dutch rule to the Ming-zhen period, Qing Dynasty, and the Japanese colonial period.

Tainan was the political, economic, and cultural centre of Taiwan for many years and played an important role in Taiwan’s growth and trade. Today, Tainan has 34 districts and there is so much to see and experience in Tainan. Blessed with a warm subtropical climate with a small amount of rainfall though the year, Tainan enjoys more sunshine than any other places in Taiwan.

Tainan is surrounded by the sea and lush nature and this means the people of Tainan enjoy gifts from the nature: amazing seafood, vegetables, fruits, and more.

You can get to Tainan easily from most cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.

Method 1: Train

The fastest way to travel to Tainan is by taking the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR).

By High Speed Train (Taiwan High Speed Rail THSR)

Taipei THSR Station (台北高鐵站) → Tainan THSR Station (台南高鐵站) (about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours)

Travel tip : You can purchase high speed train tickets from Taiwan High Speed Rail website  or discounted tickets (20% off) on  Klook . Use my special Klook promo code  WENDYKLOOK   to enjoy 5% any  Klook purchases  (no min. spend; capped at USD $10).

By Local Trains (Taiwan Railway Administration TRA)

Taipei Main Station (台北火車站) → Tainan Railway Station (台南車站) (about 3 hours)

Please take note : Tainan THSR Station is situated in the south-eastern part of Tainan City and it takes about 20 minutes to travel to the city centre.

On the other hand, Tainan Railway Station (台南車站) is in the city centre so you will arrive right in the heart of the city if you take the local train (TRA).

If you like to save time and do not mind paying more for high speed train tickets, you can take THSR from Taipei.

Shopping tip : Mitsui Outlet Park is located just outside the THSR Tainan Station so you can have a shopping break before you catch your train to Taipei or other parts of Taiwan. There are lockers in the THSR Tainan Station and inside the Mitsui Outlet Park where you can leave your luggage while you shop. I found that the prices of international products in the outlet mall are not much cheaper than prices in Singapore. The Taiwanese brands are cheaper so I spent about 2 hours zooming through the shops and grabbed some items.  

How to get to Tainan city centre from Tainan High Speed Train Station?

Public transportation : You can take local train from Shalun station (沙崙車站), which is located conveniently beside the Tainan THSR Station), to the city centre.

Taxi : You can take a taxi if you have luggage. The cost is about 200-250 NT.

Method 2: Bus

If you prefer slow and economical travel, you can take bus to Tainan.

Taipei → Tainan: About 4.5-6 hours

Kaohsiung → Tainan: About 70 minutes

What do eat in Tainan?

As a result of its rich history and confluences of culture, Tainan has the reputation of being the food capital of Taiwan. Tainan rightly deserves this culinary distinction as it is the Taiwanese food destination where you can taste quintessential and traditional Taiwanese food.

When I visited Tainan on a backpacking trip in 2011, I was clueless about Tainan’s food offerings and I just ate the famous shrimp rolls and coffin bread. More than 10 years later, I found myself In Tainan as a more “enlightened” traveller thanks to Claudia, my local food guide.

I spent an exhilarating day with her and I learnt so much about the world of Tainan’s food. To start the food tour, let’s debunk this “coffin bread” food myth. Coffin bread, guan cai ban 棺材板, is squarish deep fried bread snack with a hollowed centre filled with creamy chowder. While it is quite yummy, locals don’t really eat this anymore. I didn’t even see this snack sold anywhere in the places I visited in Tainan.

Tainan is famous for a wide variety of local snacks or “little eats” (小吃). Eating in Tainan is a cultural journey as you taste food that has been passed from through generations. The names of most Tainan’s snacks are different to be translated to English and this show how authentic Tainan is as food and cultural traditions are respected and preserved.

36 eateries in Tainan are rewarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide in 2023. Tainan has the most new entries–a whooping 10 this year.

In this food guide, I will share the must-eat Tainan food recommended by locals and listed in the Michelin Bib Gourmand Guide. Tainan is full of amazing food so don’t worry too much about hunting down the Michelin Bib Gourmand stores as you can find good danzai noodles and beef soup easily. Here are some eating tips:

• The popular stores tend to have long lines so try to visit during off-peak hours (e.g. not during main meal times like lunchtime ). You can also ask the shop owners about their off-peak hours and return when there is smaller crowd.
• Check the opening days/hours of the shops before heading down. Google maps show the usual opening days but it is safer to check the shops’ social media page (click on the shop names below for links to their website or Facebook pages) for updated opening hours before you make a trip down.  
• Head to Guohua Road 國華路 and Yong Le Market 永樂市場 to start your food feast as this main food artery in the city has many food stalls selling classic Taiwanese food.

Wa guei or wagui or wha guey 碗糕 or translated as bowl rice cake is a Taiwanese staple snack. This savoury rice cake can be found in traditional eateries all over Taiwan but Tainan’s bowl rice cake is the most well known.

Yi Pin Wei is selected to be on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list in 2022. This is a local’s favourite and the owner split from a relative-run Fu Sheng Hao, another popular bowl rice cake shop, to set up the store in 2013.

Their signature dish is homemade bowl rice cake using the family’s secret recipe. Their family’s bowl rice cake was originally sold from push carts and now two family teams run two separate stores on the same street.

What is bowl rice cake? It is a savoury cake, pudding-like snack, made from local rice milk, fresh pork, shrimps, and dark pork sauce. The locals enjoy this snack topped with “3-coloured sauces”–the yellow garlic puree, red chilli sauce, and bright green wasabi sauce.

Foodie tip : Head to the back of the store to see the behind-the-scenes of the making of traditional wagui. Watch the hard work that goes into creating these bowls of goodness–the mixing of filling and paste, manual pouring of the ingredients into small bowls, and the steaming process.

Fu Sheng Hao 富盛號

Fu Sheng Hao attracts crowds as well. Their store looks more modern and appeals to youths and international tourists. The locals I met said Yi Pin Wei’s bowl rice cake tastes better. But I have not tried Fu Sheng Hao so if you manage to try both, let me know which one you prefer!

Yi Pin Wei 一味品

• Address: No. 177, Section 3, Guohua St, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 5:00am-5:00pm (closed on Tuesday)
• Address: No. 11, Section 3, Minzu Rd, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 70004 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 7:00am- 5:00pm or until sold out (closed on Thursday)

Shrimp Rolls

Shrimp rolls 蝦捲 is a Tainan’s specialty. Tainan is famous for its seafood dishes and their shrimp rolls are irresistible snacks to munch on. The secret to Tainan’s shrimp rolls are the fresh ingredients—fresh shrimps, fish paste, vegetables, and how they are stuffed into the pig’s belly membrane and deep fried. The pig’s belly membrane, called bāng-se in Taiwanese dialect,  makes the shrimp rolls ultra crispy.

Shrimp rolls are eaten with soy sauce, mustard, and radish slices. Locals usually pair the shrimp rolls with a bowl of soup or noodles like danzai noodles or milkfish soup.

I tried Chou’s Shrimp Rolls as its outlets are conveniently in the Anping area. The history of Chou’s Shrimp Rolls started in 1965 when the founder, Mr Chou Jing En, sold seafood snacks like fish balls and shrimp rolls. His shrimp rolls became so popular that the business started to focus on selling shrimp rolls made from fresh grilled shrimps 火燒蝦.

Another long-running shop, Huang Chia Shrimp Rolls is awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand and locals queue to buy their famous shrimp rolls.

Chou’s Shrimp Rolls 周氏蝦捲

Addresses: They have a number of outlets in the Anping area.

• No. 408-1, Anping Rd, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708 (main store) ( Google map )
• No. 125, Anping Rd, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 10:00am-9:30pm (open every day)

Huang Chia Shrimp Rolls 黃家蝦捲 (Michelin Bib)

• Address: No. 268號, Xihe Rd, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 2:30-7:00pm (closed on Friday and Saturday)

Danzai Noodles

Danzai noodles 擔仔麵 is a classic Tainan dish. Initially, when I saw danzai noodles in many stores in Taiwan, I didn’t really understand why this simple noodles is so well-loved. Then I learnt about the historical and cultural significance of this bowl of noodles.

Also called “Peddler’s pole noodles” or “slack season noodles” or ta a mi in Taiwanese dialect, danzai noodles in the past was sold by noodle sellers who peddled their food using bamboo poles where the noodles and soup pots hung from. Eating danzai noodles is more than filling your stomach as it is also enjoying the nostalgia of a traditional Taiwanese meal that used to provide sustenance for the forefathers who built Taiwan.

Danzai noodles is eaten as a snack. The small bowl of greased egg noodles are served in  shrimp-based soup, bean sprouts, minced meat, and topped with shrimps.

Tainan has many stores selling danzai noodles. Du Xiao Yue is a household name and it has domestic and international stores in Taipei and China. The founder, Hong Yu To, was a fisherman who sold noodles with a shoulder, bamboo pole, during the off-peak months (or slack season months) to supplement his earnings.

Small Park Danzai Noodles has been serving piping hot bowls of noodles for over 70 years. The owner used to sit on a tiny stool to cook the noodles in a small park. The shop is recently awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand.

Du Xiao Yue 度小月

• Address: They have outlets in Tainan, Taipei, and even in China. The Tainan original shop is at: No. 16, Jhongjheng Rd, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
• Opening hours: 11:00am-8:00pm

Small Park Danzai Noodles 小公園擔仔麵 (Michelin Bib)

• Address: No. 321, Section 2, Ximen Rd, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 4:30-10:00pm (closed on Wednesday and Thursday)

Hung Yutou Danzai Noodles 洪祖師擔仔麵

• Address: They have many shops all over Taiwan.
• In Anping area: No. 35, Yanping St, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 10:00am-6:30pm (weekdays); 10:00am-8:00pm (weekends Saturday to Sunday)

Calamari Rice Noodles

I have not tasted calamari rice noodles or squid rice noodles 小卷米粉 in Taiwan until I visited Tainan. My food quest was made easy by following a local to the Michelin Bib Gourmand listed Ye Jia Calamari Rice Noodles. I was lucky to skip the usual long lines as I visited on a post-typhoon day.

This third-generation noodle shop was founded in 1935 and is currently managed by female boss, Tu Jin Feng (凃金鳳). They use the freshest calamari from Indonesia. The noodle broth is fragrant and flavourful with subtle sweetness. The fresh calamari combined with the rice noodles makes a hearty meal. You can also try calamari eggs here!

There are many other stalls selling this local delicacy in Tainan like Qiu Jia calamari rice noodles.

Ye Jia Calamari Rice Noodles 葉家小卷米粉 (Michelin Bib)

• Address: No. 142, Section 2, Guohua St, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 8:30am-2:00/3:00pm (closed on Monday and Tuesday)

Qiu Jia calamari rice noodles 邱家小卷米粉

• Address: No. 251, Section 3, Guohua St, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 11:00am-5:00pm (closed on Monday)

Beef noodles and soup is a popular dish in Taiwan and you can find stores selling them all around the island. When I heard that Tainan is famous for beef soup, I wondered why… until I found out that Tainan serves the freshest beef soup in Taiwan because fresh beef, not frozen meat, is the star of this dish. Fresh beef from recently slaughtered cows is prepared and blanched in the hot soup. The beef with its natural flavour is so tasty that no additional seasoning is needed.

There are many good beef soup stores in Tainan. There’s a list of the Michelin Bib Gourmand stores. 

Kangle Street Beef Soup 康樂街牛肉湯 (Michelin Bib)

• Address: No. 325, Kangle St, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 5:30am-3:00pm (closed on Tuesday)

Shang Hao Chih Beef Soup 尚好吃牛肉湯 (Michelin Bib)

• Address: No. 6, Section 1, Beian Rd, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 3:00am-11:30am (closed on Tuesday)

Xiluodian (Hsi Lo Tien) Beef Soup 西羅殿牛肉湯 (Michelin Bib)

• Address: No. 98, Gongyuan S Rd, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 5:00am-1:00pm (4:30am-1:00pm on Thursday) (closed on Tuesday)

Stir-fried Eel Noodles

Stir-fried eel noodles 鱔魚意麵 is a special local delicacy that you must have in Tainan. I was very surprised by the texture and taste of the stir-fried eel. The eels were chewy and coated with wok hei-infused sauce. I did not expect the eels to taste so firm and “substantial” as this taste profile is so unlike the Japanese unagi dishes that I am used to.

Most Tainan shops cook with farm-raised eels and the fresh eels are stir-fried with vegetables and noodles. You can also enjoy the stir-fried eels without noodles and in soup form.

A Jiang Stir-Fried Eel Yi Noodles 阿江鱔魚意麵 (Michelin Bib)

• Address: No. 89, Section 3, Minzu Rd, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 5:00pm-12:00am (closed on Monday)

Fu Sheng Small Food 福昇小食鱔魚意麵

• Address: No. 161, Section 3, Guohua St, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 11:30am-8:00pm

Eastern Castle Noodles 城邊真味鱔魚意麵 (Michelin Bib)

• Address: No. 235, Section 1, Dongmen Rd, East District, Tainan City, Taiwan 701 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 11:30am-2:00pm, 4:30-10:00pm (closed on Monday)

Mi gao 米糕 or glutinous rice cake or sticky rice is a popular soul food in Tainan. This dish may not look like a delectable food but you will not forget the taste and texture after a few mouthfuls of it. Sticky and soft glutinous cake topped with braised pork, pork or fish floss, peanuts, and slices of cucumber–take in the multi-dimensional taste of this local snack. Locals like to pair mi gao with four herbs soup, si shen tang 四神汤.

Bao An Lu Migao 保安路米糕 (Michelin Bib)

Address: No. 16, Bao’an Rd, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 ( Google map )

Opening hours: 10:00am-7:00pm (closed on Wednesday)

Lo Cheng Migao 落成米糕 (Michelin Bib)

Address: No. 241, Section 2, Minzu Rd, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 ( Google map )

Opening hours: 10:30am-6:30pm (closed on Wednesday)

Hao Nung Chia Migao 好農家米糕 (Michelin Bib)

Address: No. 66, Section 2, Jiankang Rd, South District, Tainan City, Taiwan 702 ( Google map )

Opening hours: 11:00am-2:00pm, 4:00-8:30pm (closed on Sunday)

Rice Dumplings

Tainan folks are very proud of their rice dumpling, zongzi or rou zong 粽子/肉粽, and believe that their rice dumplings are superior to Taipei’s and other parts of Taiwan. Rice dumplings is a festive food to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival. In Tainan, you can find rice dumplings sold everywhere all-year-round.

Tainan’s rice dumplings are boiled and the glutinous rice dumpling is stuffed with sumptuous ingredients like meat, mushrooms, dried shrimp, salted egg yolk, peanuts, and more. Most shops also send vegetable rice dumplings, cai zong 菜粽. One interesting aspect of rice dumplings from Tainan is that, unlike rice dumplings in Singapore, they are served with sweet soy sauce and grated peanut powder.

Yuan Huan Ding Ruo Zong Cai Zong 圓環頂肉粽菜粽

• Address: No. 40, Section 1, Fuqian Rd, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 5:30am-2:00pm

Tainan Old Shop 台南老店肉粽菜粽

• Address: No. 23, Section 3, Ximen Rd, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 5:30am-3:00pm

Milkfish, shi mu yu 虱目魚, is used extensively in Tainan dishes. Milkfish is so well-liked in Tainan that there’s a museum, The Milkfish Palace (Saba Milk fish Theme Museum) 虱目魚主題館, dedicated to this fish.

Milkfish is enjoyed in congee and soup and even as fish balls. Some shops prepare milkfish in various ways and you can try milkfish fatty, skin, and even intestines.   

A Xing Shi Mu Yu 阿興虱目魚 (Michelin Bib)

• Address: No. 252, Wenxian Rd, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 7:30am-7:30pm

Kaiyuan Road No Name Milkfish 開元路無名虱目魚 (Michelin Bib)

• Address: No. 313, Kaiyuan Rd, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 5:20am-1:30pm

Yung Tung Milkfish 永通虱目魚粥 (Michelin Bib)

• Address: No. 60, Minquan Rd, Xuejia District, Tainan City, Taiwan 726 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 5:10am-1:10pm, 3:30-8:30pm (3:30-8:30pm on Wednesday)

Tofu Pudding

Tainan’s tofu pudding, dou hua 豆花, is reputed to be silky soft. Tainan’s tofu pudding, also called bean jelly, is like the beancurd from Singapore but with more toppings and flavours. Locals enjoy this local dessert with fun toppings ranging from peanuts, yam/taro, red and green bean, glass jelly, tapioca pearls, and more.

You can find tofu pudding shops easily in Tainan. The Anping district is the place to try tofu pudding as many popular shops lined the streets. Here are some local’s favourites.

Tongji Anping Bean Curd / Anping Bean Jelly 同記安平豆花 (Main store)

• Address: No. 433, Anbei Rd, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 9:00am-11:00pm

Xiu-an / Chiau-an Douhua 修安扁擔豆花

• Address: No. 157, Section 3, Guohua St, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 8:30am-9:30am

White Sugar Cake

White sugar cake, bai tang guo 白糖糕, or peh thng kue/beh teung guai in Taiwanese dialect, is a sugary snack that bring back childhood memories. These irresistible snack is made by rolling sticky rice flour dough into bite-sized shapes, frying them in hot oil, and coating the fried snacks in sugar.

I wish I could eat more of this yummy snack in Taiwan. It tastes like a combo of fried donut, mochi, and churros! Most stalls selling white sugar cake also sell other fried stuff like fried sweet potato balls, fang shu peng 蕃薯.椪.

Lin Family White Sugar Cake 林家茂子白糖粿

Address: No. 213之2號, You’ai St, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 ( Google map )

Opening hours: 11:30am-6:30pm

You Pa Pa White Sugar Cake and Sweet Potato Balls 游爸爸 白糖糕 蕃薯椪

Address: No. 170, You’ai St, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 ( Google map )

Opening hours: 12:00-7:00pm

Candied and Dried Fruits

Tainan is known for fruits and candied and dried fruits, mi jian 蜜餞 is a popular snack and a must-buy souvenir. There are many traditional shops selling an assortment of candied, dried, and preserved fruits like pitted prunes, Chinese olives, dried papaya, and more.

Chycutayshing or Lin Yong Tai Mi Jian is a mi jian establishment in the Anping area. This traditional shop is a Tainan treasure and it has been called an “excellent century-old shop” (優良百年老店) by the Tainan City Government.

Another popular shop is Yi Sheng Xing Mi Jian. The historical shop started in 1882 and they sell a variety of delicious and nutritious candied and dried fruits mixed with medicinal herbs. If you are unable to visit these shops, you can order their products and deliver them to your hotel.    

Chycutayshing 林永泰興蜜餞行

• Address: No. 84, Yanping St, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 11:30am-7:00pm (closed on Tuesday and Wednesday)

Yi Sheng Xing Mi Jian  益生興蜜餞

• Address: No. 87, Yanping St, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 70842 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 9:00am-7:00pm (9:00am-6:30pm on Saturday and Sunday)

Leng Tih Tong

Leng Tih Tong 連德堂餅家 is four-generation-old traditional bakery shop. The biscuits from this shop is so exclusive that each visitor can only buy 2️ packets a day.

It must be destiny that brought me Leng Tih Tong! When I asked Claudia if she could recommend a good souvenir from Tainan for Singaporeans, she gave me their address. In the end, the visit to their shop was a top highlight of my Tainan trip. I spent a long time in the shop and lugged bags of biscuits back to Singapore.

Leng Tih Tong was set up by the Tsai family in 1800s during the Japanese colonial period. They learnt how to make biscuits from the Japanese and they have been refining their secret recipes and making their signature biscuits for over 300 years.

It was so serendipitous to chat with the current fourth-generation owner, Tsai We-chung and his wife Chiang Yi-ting on a post-typhoon evening and hear about their shop’s history and stories. I was moved by their passion and perseverance to continue the family shop and legacy.

The most striking thing about the shop is the rotating biscuit-making machine. Sitting in the middle of the shop, the machine is fuelled by a gas oven and all biscuits are handmade using the traditional technique. It is amazing how much skills and work have gone into producing the biscuits. Watch the video below to learn more about Leng Tih Tong!

Leng Tih Tong 連德堂餅家

• Address: No. 54, Chongan St, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 8:00am-8:00pm (8:00am-6:00pm on Saturday) (closed on Sunday)

Pu Jei Bakery

Pu Jei Bakery 葡吉麵包店 is such a heavenly place. Visiting Pu Jei Bakery is like stepping into a wonderland of bread and pastry. They only have 1 shop in Tainan, in the whole of Taiwan, and the shop attracts long lines of bread lovers.  

There is a dazzling variety of baked goods and I just wished I could buy and eat them all! Their four signature breads are:

• Borscht bread 羅宋麵包
• Milk bread or caterpillar bread 奶露/毛毛蟲麵包
• Eastern style cheese bread 東風芝士堡
• Cranberry cheese bread 蔓越梅乳酪堡

Their famous borscht bread, luo song bread 羅宋麵包 is freshly released at 2:00pm and they are quickly snapped up.  

Pu Jei is also a great shop to buy souvenirs as they have boxes of cookies and palmiers.  They also have a cake shop that sells cakes for all occasions.

Pu Jei Bakery 葡吉麵包店

• Address: No. 200, Chenggong Rd, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 8:00am-8:00pm

Pu Jei Cake Shop 葡吉喜餅蛋糕店

• Address : No. 253, Chenggong Rd, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 ( Google map )

Chuai Cha Tea Room

Chuai Cha Tea Room 揣茶 is a local’s secret. If not for Claudia, I would never have the chance to try one of the best milk tea in my life. Chuai Cha is the labour of love of tea expert, Po Chen. This popular tea shop brews quality tea leaves to make delectable tea beverages. They are so committed to the taste of the tea that the ice cubes are made of tea so that you can enjoy consistent tea flavours with every slurp. To taste their tea, you have to make reservations (via Facebook or Instagram ) in advance. Their tea is highly sought after and they sell out fast!

Chuai Cha Tea Room 揣茶

• Address:  No. 66, Zhangbei St, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704 ( Google map )
• Opening hours: 10:00am-5:00pm (closed on Wednesday and Thursday)

Night markets in Tainan

After eating your way through all the Tainan delicacies, xiao chi 小吃, save some stomach space for night markets! Tainan has an interesting night market scene. There are three major night markets and they are open on designated days of the week. Remember this night market mantra to know which night market to go to: 大大武花大花花 ! 大 refers to Dadong Night Market 大東夜市; 武 is Wusheng Night Market 武聖夜市, and 花 is Garden Night Market, or Tainan Flower Night Market 花園夜市.

• Monday: Dadong Night Market
• Tuesday: Dadong Night Market
• Wednesday: Wusheng Night Market
• Thursday: Garden Night Market
• Friday: Dadong Night Market
• Saturday: Garden Night Market and Wusheng Night Market
• Sunday: Garden Night Market

Most of the stalls are found in each of the night market as the vendors move to a different location every night. Garden Night Market is the largest night market in Tainan. I was in Tainan on a Friday evening so I headed to Dadong Night Market.

I was very impressed by the food offerings in Dadong Night Market. This may be my favourite night market in Taiwan so far. The market has a relaxing local vibe and it is not overly crowded like night markets in Taipei. I really like the diversity of food stalls in the night market and most of the stalls sell a specific dish that is different from and ot repeated in other stalls.

The night markets generally open from 5:00pm and close around midnight. To avoid lines, you can visit just before the dinner crowd comes in from 7:00-9:00pm.

• Dadong Night Market 大東夜市: No. 276, Section 1, Linsen Rd, East District, Tainan City, Taiwan 701 ( Google map )
• Wusheng Night Market 武聖夜市: Lane 69, Wusheng Rd, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 ( Google map )
• Garden Night Market, Tainan Flower Night Market 花園夜市: No. 533, Section 3, Hai’an Rd, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704 ( Google map )

Hope this Tainan food guide will fill your tummy with all the goodness of Tainan’s food scene. Check out my Taiwan travel page for more travel guides.

Travel Resources

Travel video.

Watch this video “ Guide to Tainan: Taiwan’s oldest city and capital of food ” to experience! This guide is a supplement to the virtual travel session organised by  Taiwan Tourism Administration Singapore and whywendywrites.

Tainan Websites

Tourism Bureau of Tainan City Government : Tainan City Government’s official Travel Tainan website. You can lots of information from transportation, attractions, food recommendations, and events in this comprehensive website. Download travel brochures, maps, and books here .  

Michelin Guide : Check out the full list of Michelin Bib Gourmand eateries in Tainan here.

My trip to Tainan was supported by Taiwan Tourism Administration Singapore .

I strongly believe in empowering travellers to know better, travel better! I value privacy and transparency. The article contains affiliate links so I may be compensated to run the website and continue to create content if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

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10 Best Things To Do In Tainan (3 Day Tainan Itinerary)

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: July 24, 2024

Categories Taiwan

Tainan was the 2nd city we visited in Taiwan and I liked it even more than Kaohsiung. Tainan is Taiwan’s oldest and the former capital (from 1683 until 1887).

That's why there are many interesting things to see and lots of historic sites to explore. Most of the things to do in Tainan are located in the very walkable city center.

Or, do as we did and cycle your way around town!

10 best things to do in Tainan

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

3 day Tainan itinerary: map and highlights

We traveled to Tainan from Kenting National Park and spent 3 days in this lovely city.

Tainan was a particularly interesting city for us to visit, because of the Dutch history. I'm Dutch myself, so it's always interesting to visit places with a bit of Dutch history, though sadly, our history isn't always something to be proud of…

The city of Tainan is also famous for its many ancient temples, but there are many other worthwhile places to visit as well in this relatively small city. Check out the map below to see what to do in Tainan.

Click here for the interactive map.

3 days in Tainan: summary

• Tainan day 1:  visit the City God Temple, Koxinga's shrine, the great South gate, and the Tainan Confucious temple.
• Tainan day 2:  visit the Hayashi Department Store, the Land Bank of Taiwan, the Grand Mazu Temple and Chihkan Tower, Anping Old Fort, and the (Anping) Grand Mazu Temple.
• Tainan day 3:  visit the National Museum of Taiwan.

Plan your Taiwan trip like a pro with these tools: ? Pick up an EasyCard for cashless payments and to use public transport. ? Book discounted tickets for Taiwan's high-speed rail. ? Stay connected with a  Taiwan Wifi router . ? Plan your journey with the  T aiwan Lonely Planet . ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours via Klook or Get Your Guide . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

What to do in Tainan: itinerary day 1

After our excellent biking experience in Kaohsiung, we decided to continue our explorations by bike in Tainan as well (read more about the bike rental system in Tainan in the transport section below).

City God Temple

We cycled past the colorful City God Temple but didn't go inside as it was very busy with local people. I never want to intrude too much when people are worshiping, whichever religion it may be.

Koxinga's Shrine

Up next was Koxinga's Shrine, I particularly liked the beautiful garden.

An interesting piece of history: Koxinga conquered the Dutch who had established several outposts in Taiwan and subsequently founded his own dynasty (the Kingdom of Tungning).

Great South Gate

We continued to the Great South Gate. While the gate itself was quite nice, I loved the tree (pictured on the right) which is slowly but surely taking over the wall!

Confucius Temple

Our last stop of the day was the Confucius Temple, we strolled around the gardens and admired the beautifully decorated buildings, don't you love those doors!

The complex was built in 1665 and it's impressive how well-preserved the buildings and intricate carvings are.

Things to see in Tainan: itinerary day 2

Hayashi department store.

Tainan has a reasonably walkable historical centre so we started our second day on foot. It was just a short walk from our hotel  to the famous Hayashi Department Store, built during the Japanese rule of Taiwan.

When the store had just opened, people used to queue up to ride the elevator, a novelty for that time (1932)!

Across Hayashi Department Store is the Land Bank, an impressive-looking building that's modeled after a Greek temple.

Grand Mazu Temple

From the Land Bank, we walked to the Grand Matsu Temple (also known as Datianhou or Grand Mazu Temple).

This beautiful and colorful temple was built in 1684 for Mazu, Goddess of the Sea. The Mazu Temple is a very popular attraction in Tainan and a national monument.

Chikan Tower

Across the temple is the Chikan Tower, another interesting tourist attraction and rumored to have a secret tunnel leading all the way to Fort Zeelandia…

Next to the Chikan tower was a bike rental station and we hopped on a bike and cycled to the Anping area, the other district in Tainan you can't miss!

We cycled along the channel which offered some great city views.

It's around 5 kilometers from the Chikan Towers to Fort Zeelandia, you could walk as well but we preferred our bikes.

Fort Zeelandia (also known as Anping Fort)

For me, Fort Zeelandia was the highlight of our Tainan itinerary because I find it fascinating to imagine how people explored the world centuries ago.

Long before the arrival of planes, TV, and social media… Sailing into the unknown, not knowing if you would ever return to your home country…

It takes real courage and an adventurous spirit to sign up for such a journey!

Anyway, I digress. Fort Zeelandia was built by the V.O.C. (Dutch East India Company) on the shores of Southwest Taiwan in the early 17th century.

The fort was used as a trading outpost for several years, but eventually the Dutch were defeated and left Taiwan.

The fort was our final stop of the day, from the Anping district we cycled back to our hotel.

If you plan to visit multiple historical sites in Tainan, such as Anping Old Fort, Anping Tree House, Chihkan Tower, and the Eternal Golden Castle, you can save money with the Tainan Historic Sites Pass .

Places to visit in Tainan: itinerary day 3

National museum of taiwan history.

On our third day in Tainan, we visited the National Museum of Taiwan History. We cycled there (about 8 kilometers) in the early morning and spent the majority of the day learning about the history of Taiwan.

Did you know this little island has been occupied by the Portuguese, the Dutch, the Chinese, and the Japanese?! I did not, I learned that and much more in the museum, a day well spent.

Get the excellent audio guide! We bought a combination ticket for 2 people including entrance fee and 2 audio guides for just 250NT.

The best time to visit Tainan

We visited Tainan in mid-May and had nice weather. It was quite humid and hot, but we didn't have any rain.

Monsoon season starts at the end of May and continues until September. During monsoon season it's very humid and rainy so these months are not the best for a trip to Tainan.

Keep in mind that the winter months (December – February) can get relatively cold (around 10 degrees Celsius).

Altogether, the best months to visit Tainan are March/April and October/November . During these months temperatures are comfortable (around 25 degrees) and the chances of rain are the lowest.

Tainan travel budget

As you can see in the itinerary above, we did a lot of sightseeing in Tainan. However, this doesn't mean a visit to Tainan will break the bank.

In fact, it's very easy to visit Tainan on a budget, during our 3 days in Tainan we spent approximately €50 per day (for us as a couple, so just €25 per person!).

We ate delicious local food, drank bubble tea, and tried stinky tofu (not my favorite). Below you can find more information about our accommodation and how to get around Tainan city.

Where to stay in Tainan – Tie Dao Hotel

We felt Tie Dao Hotel was excellent value for money: we only paid €17 per night for a small, but newly renovated, room.

The location of the hotel is great, across Tainan train station and next to a T-bike station (Tainan's public bike rental).

We stayed in a spotless room with a comfortable bed. The bathroom was modern and the shower had good water pressure and a constant temperature.

Towels and toiletries were provided, and there were hot and cold water dispensers in the hallway. WiFi wasn't great but overall it was much more than we expected for the price we paid.

Important note: we first got room 1319 on the 13th floor, which was being renovated at the time of our stay. However, I asked for a different room because the room smelled strongly of cigarette smoke. We got a renovated room on the 2nd floor (219) instead, which was very clean and didn't smell at all.

How to get around Tainan: transportation

Cycling is very popular in Taiwan, there are great public bike rental systems in place in Kaohsiung, Taipei , Taichung , and, to our delight, in Tainan as well.

Since we're from the Netherlands, we're used to cycling everywhere.

So for us, this was the perfect way to explore these Taiwanese cities while getting some (much-needed) exercise in the process (because of all the delicious food we ate in Taiwan).

In Tainan the public bike rental service is called T-Bike, you can find more information on this website . There is an app available (in Chinese) that you can use to locate a bike rental station.

You can use an EasyCard to register ( read more about the EasyCard here and in my Kaohsiung post ) or pay with a credit card.

In order to register your EasyCard at a T-bike station, you'll need a Taiwanese number.

Unfortunately, you can only register one EasyCard per Taiwanese phone number in Tainan. We wanted to rent two bikes, so we used one EasyCard to rent a bike and our credit card for the second one.

Tainan things to do: in conclusion

That’s everything about our 3-day trip to Tainan, the old capital! It ended up being one of our favorite places in Taiwan and I hope this article has given you an idea of which places to visit in Tainan.

If you've got more time to spend in Tainan, here are some other popular places to add to your itinerary:

• Anping Treehouse: this is a former warehouse that's been covered by a huge banyan tree.
• Tainan Park: this is a lovely green park and a very pleasant space to relax or have a picnic.
• Tainan Art Museum: situated in the West Central District, this interesting museum features local artwork.

You can download the list of all the Tainan attractions mentioned in the post below.

Do you want to read more about traveling in Taiwan ? Also check out these posts:

• 10 amazing beaches in Taiwan
• 15 great Taipei day trips
• Taiwan travel budget
• Taiwan travel itinerary
• Things to do in Hualien
• Things to do in Kenting
• Things to do in Taitung
• Where to stay in Taiwan on a budget

This post was updated in February 2023.

Saturday 28th of October 2017

Will be heading to Tainan in December! Thanks for sharing this wonderful guide Lotte.

Very welcome! Enjoy Tainan and don't forget to eat lots of delicious food while you are there;-)

Wednesday 28th of June 2017

Excellent, informative post. So interesting to hear about the Dutch history in Taiwan, I wonder if any influence on the language or culture was left behind. I also had a curious experience exploring Hong Kong, which is an old British colony - its a wonderful, fascinating culture but I still stumbled across a traditional British afternoon tea, which was an offer I couldn't refuse.

Thursday 29th of June 2017

Thank you Mark! I don't think much of the Dutch culture was left behind, but definitely some architecture and Dutch names. Haha, British afternoon teas are the best:-). Do you have the name of the place? Would love to check it out next time I'm in Hong Kong!

Ryan Biddulph

Saturday 24th of June 2017

Hi Lotte, I never knew Taiwan had any Dutch influence? Fascinating. Your countrymen were great explorers though. I did know of the Dutch influence in Bali for many years before the Balinese became independent. Loving the pics. Tainan looks like a fun place to visit. Thanks for sharing :) Ryan

Monday 26th of June 2017

Thank you Ryan! Haha, yes the Dutch love to explore... Indonesia was a colony back in the days, as was Suriname (which we traded for New York, in hindsight that wasn't the smartest decision;-).

What To Do In Tainan – The Best Spots, The Local Dishes & More

Tainan, a city that emits seaside charm, historical beauty, and modern hipster vibes is as stunning as it is full of surprises. From chic cafes to ancient heritage sites, this is the place to go when you just want to explore – explore – explore.

Whilst education is usually not high on the priority when travelling, you’ll be pleasantly astounded by the information you gain simply by walking around and taking in the sights in Tainan. Whilst the nightlife and city hustle bustle here leaves a lot to be desired (so if you’re a night crawler, this may not be for you), this city stuns in every other way. If you’ve got a few days to spare, hit up Tainan!

How To Get To Tainan?

Tainan sits along the west coast close to Kaohsiung City , making it very easy to travel to. However, for those wanting to visit from Taipei City, there are options for you as well.

How To Get To Tainan From Hualien

Take the High Speed Rail from Zuoying Station to Tainan Station (15-minutes). Otherwise, you can catch a regular train from Kaohsiung Railway Station to Tainan Station (40-50 minutes).

How To Get To Tainan From Taipei

Take the High Speed Rail from Taipei Main Station to Tainan Station (105 minutes). Otherwise you can catch a regular train from Taipei Main Station to Tainan Railway Station (4-6 hours).  

Where To Stay In Tainan

Tainan guesthouse – chung fu inn.

Low cost, convenient location, clean, comfortable, cosy. Chung Fu Inn is exactly what you’d expect from a guesthouse, and yet it’ll seem as though they give a lot more. Located within walking distance to many popular tourist’s sites, you can be sure that you’ll get all the assistance you need to explore the area properly via the tour desk operating within the guesthouse.

For a no frills stay, you can rest in the quaint main lobby, however, there are suites that provide you with all the space you need to eat, sleep and rest in your own private quarters. At the very least, all rooms come with a flat-screen TV and private bathroom.

Why Guests Love It : “My girlfriend and I both thought the property was very clean and comfortable. It was nicely located about a 10-minute drive from most attractions. Most importantly, the staff were incredibly nice and helpful.”, “The room was stylish and comfortable. Staff was prompt in meeting our requests (even though our room was separately located from the rest of the rooms) and helpful in providing directions. There is also a 7-11 nearby”.  

Book It Now : Chung Fu Inn

Tainan Hotel – Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Tainan

Luxury and comfort have made a love child and it comes in the form of this impeccable Shangri-La hotel . Located in the downtown district, only two-minutes away from Tainan Railway Station, it’s an accommodation fit for a king.

With all the amenities that you could ever ask for (including a massive outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, four different onsite cuisines, and even a pillow menu), you’d be hard-pressed to even want to leave this palace to explore the wider city. All rooms have been furnished exquisitely and everything is in mint condition.  

Why Guests Love It : “Stunning pool – really awesome and it’s open very late! Super good selection at breakfast. Comfortable beds.”, “The meals in the café had extraordinary variety and quality with a breakfast buffet that defied belief. But more than that, what we appreciated was the great attitude of the staff. The ground floor bar was also an excellent place for a drink and snacks with cordial service. While everything was great…the staff were even better than that!”.  

Book It Now : Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel

What To Eat In Tainan?

They’re a staple to the Taiwanese diet, but Tainan City thrives off the seafood that comes from its coast so you can bet that any shell you lay your lips on will be incredibly fresh. To this point, you should probably make the most of it and eat anything and everything oyster here: fresh, grilled, pancakes, even soup.  

Tainan Fried Shrimp Spring Rolls

This is quite the delicacy here! Seen at many restaurants and night food markets, the shrimp rolls have made their mark in the culinary scene of Tainan. Fresh shrimps mixed with sticky rice, rolled in pastry and deep-fried. As you can imagine, they’re simply amazing.  

Shrimp Crackers

If you visit Anping Old Street (and we mention this later), there are street vendors flinging out shrimp crackers like no tomorrow. These are a must try in Tainan!  

Milk Fish Belly Soup

This delicacy can be found almost everything in Tainan, but if you’re after a simple, no-frills version, head to the night markets and find vendors slinging these out like clay dishes. It’s made of milkfish and does contain bones, however, the smell and fresh is not too ‘fresh ocean’. It’s usually got fried green onion and garlic.

The 8 Best Things To Do In Tainan

• Anping Old Street
• Anping Tree House
• Hayashi Department Store
• Fairy Lake Leisure Farm
• Jingzaijiao Tile-paved Salt Fields
• Dadong Night Market
• Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
• Chihkan Towers (Fort Provintia)

1. Anping Old Street  

If you love aimlessly perusing busy streets that offer anything from tiny electronic fans which you hang around your neck to freshly grilled quail egg takoyaki balls, then Anping Old Street should be your first stop. Stretches of roads that wind through the city, offering stalls and stalls of food and entertainment and souvenirs – you’ll have a grand time. Set aside maybe 1-2 hours and an empty belly to walk around and sample the wares of the area, because there is a lot to try.

We recommend stopping by the prawn crackers shop at the intersection where you’ll find employees popping off fresh crackers like they were born to do it. Grab a bag and munch on them as you continue along the route.

If you’re lucky, you might spot the crowd of youngers trying to learn how to skateboard from the famous local men, or see magic monkey do a performance. There are games that children can place such as pop the ball in the clown’s mouth, and, as always, fresh juice if you’re feeling a little parched. This is just a great street to explore.  

• Address : Yanping Street, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708
• Access : From Tainan Station, take either Bus 2, 88 or 99 and alight at Anping Old Fort.  

2. Anping Tree House  

Search up pictures of Anping and you’ll most certainly come across pictures of the Tree House that almost defines the intricacies of the history of this city. What started off as a warehouse then became a base for salt company, after which it was abandoned sometime in the 1940s.

From then on, a large banyan tree grounded its roots and eventually took over the entire property, stretching its branches all over the walls, roof, and floor. It’s quite a sight to behold. Nowadays, you can visit this once-thought-to-be-haunted house for free. It makes for a great place to take alluring pictures, and its unique disposition is something you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

• Address : No. 108, Gubao Street, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708
• Access : You will be able to catch public transport here, but we highly recommend taking a taxi because it’s relatively inexpensive and much quicker. From Tainan Station, just let them know you’d like to visit Anping Tree House. It should be a 9-minute car ride.
• Hours : 8:30am – 5:30pm  
• Cost : Free  

3. Hayashi Department Store

Fondly referred to by locals as the “Five-Stories-House”, this department store in Tainan hails from all the way in 1932, and is the absolute oldest department store in all of Taiwan. If it’s some chic shopping experience you’re after, or if you’re looking for some unique souvenirs, or even if you just want to escape the heat in summer and are looking for a nice cool place to amble around that’s both relaxing and exciting, then head here for a few hours.

From stylish local designer brands to local delicacies, delicate trinkets to traditional desserts, this place is surprisingly well-stocked and more fun than you can imagine. Retaining most of the old-school Japanese Colonial Era décor and charm, you’ll be fascinated the moment you lay eyes inside the store.  

• Address : No. 63號, Section 2, Zhongyi Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
• Access : From Tainan Railway Station, take the Red line towards Anping Industrial Park, and alight at Hayashi Department Store.  
• Hours : 11:00am – 9:00pm  

4. Fairy Lake Leisure Farm  

Taiwan and infinity pools – a highly unlikely match made in heaven, but not completely unrealistic. If you want to experience something truly spectacular and unique, head over to the Fairy Lake Leisure Farm for an overnight stay, and completely relax in the countryside whilst participating in leisurely activities such as farm tours, coffee appreciation tours, and ‘ang ku kueh’ (red tortoise cake) making classes.

Whilst you do the farm tours, keep an eye out for lychees, coffee beans, and even longans (depending on what season you’re visiting).

Whilst this is all fun, the true star of the show is the infinity pool that overlooks the surrounded mountains ranges and farms. Being this high up, the mist and fog that almost always accompany the mountains makes for a surreal sight, especially if you’re soaking in the cool water with nothing but silence (or maybe birds chirping away) as your companion. If you’re game enough, wake up early and head here to watch the sunrise – truly spectacular.  

• Address : 733, Taiwan, Tainan City, Dongshan District, 南勢里賀老寮一鄰6-2號
• Access : From Tainan City, it is a 60-minute drive.  
• Book here : Fairy Lake Leisure Farm

5. Jingzaijiao Tile-paved Salt Fields

This may seem like an incredibly random activity to do, but if you’re the type to appreciate all elements of culture, then pay this place a visit. Whilst these days, it may be filled with more tourists visiting than actual salt farmers, it’s still quite a sight to behold. Located within the Beimen District, this sight shows how salt is mined from evaporation ponds.

Once you get there, you can snap a few pictures, but the real fun starts when you actually hop on over to one of the fields (you’re allowed to, just make sure you’re wearing proper shoes) and can practice mining with the brooms and equipment left there.

There’s even an area where you can dig some salt and take it home with you as a souvenir. This place caters for tourists, so you’ll find food stalls and toilets around. Stick around for the sunset because it’s one of the best in the area.

• Address : 727, Taiwan, Tainan City, Beimen District, 64號
• Access : If you’re taking public transport, you will need to take the Blue bus line from Tainan Train Station to Jiali. At Jiali, wait for the Blue 2 line to Nan Kun Shen. If you’re driving, it is only 45-60 minutes from the city.
• Hours : 9:00am – 5:30pm
• Cost : Free

6. Dadong Night Market   

Dadong Night Market definitely deserves a shout out. As one of the biggest night markets in all of Tainan, it’s everything you dream a Taiwanese night market is.

It’s basically a foodie’s galore (as are most food markets in Taiwan) but you can never really compare one oyster pancake from southern Taiwan to another in Northern Taiwan because they’re not all one and the same – the simplicities and complexities of each traditional Taiwanese street dish are taken on by each vendor and spun into their own tale – thus, theoretically you may be just having an oyster omelette, but it’s Dadong Night Market’s oyster omelette.

Some special mentions include the deep fried sweet potato balls, jianbing, fried cuttlefish, and papaya milk. We can rave on about the food here all day long, but you get the gist. After some souvenirs or random gadgets? If you have time to explore the entire market, you’ll see that they not only serve delicious food, but it’s also an electronics, accessories and clothing galore.  

• Address : No. 276號, Section 1, Linsen Road, East District, Tainan City, Taiwan 701
• Access : From Tainan Station, it is either a 25-minute walk, or you can catch a taxi which will take 8-minutes.
• Hours : Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays from 6:00pm – 12:00am  

7. Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum  

This 100-hectare Buddhist site is, well, quite a sight to behold. The first thing you notice when you get here are the asymmetric pagodas that line the main grounds. They play a role in almost all visitors’ pictures because they’re so absolutely stunning. Visit during sunset and it’ll actually take your breath away.

It was established in 2011, and its aim was to provide prosperity of all visitors. If you’re a culture buff and enjoy places where you can really immerse yourself and learn as you explore, this is a great place to be. There are restaurants and cafes if you want to take a rest, and believe it or not, there’s even a Starbucks onsite if you’re craving that caffeine hit.

• Address : No. 1號, Tongling Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 84049
• Access : From Tainan, the easiest way to get there would be by rental car or taxi. The ride itself will take approximately 1 hour.  
• Hours : Monday – Friday ( closed Tuesdays) : 9:00am – 7:00pm, Saturday – Sunday: 9:00am – 8:00pm  
• Cost : Free for the public grounds.  

8. Chihkan Towers (Fort Provintia)

History buffs, this one’s for you; but also, if you’re after a short but sweet activity where you’ll feel like you’ve travelled back in a time a little, this is one’s also for you. Actually, to be honest, this fort is one that everyone will feel fascinated to see. Originally built in the 17 th century by Dutch colonists, this tower’s foundation is the only thing left that’s original. Over the years, the wear and tear has been replaced multiple times, however, its stark ancient structural beauty is still its most captivating feature. Almost all visitors here have been pleasantly surprised – it’s a great place to quietly spend 1-2 hours roaming around, and there is even entertainment here on the weekends.  

• Address : No. 212, Section 2, Minzu Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
• Access : From Tainan Train Station, take Bus 17 towards Chihkan Tower.  
• Hours : 8:30am – 9:30pm  
• Cost : $50 NT (1.5USD)

From the outside, Tainan may look like any other city in Taiwan with its food markets and numerous shopfronts and abundance of cafes and restaurants, but if you have the time and truly invest in exploring this underrated coastal city, you’ll understand why the locals have been keeping it a secret for so long.

Nowadays, more and more foreigners are making their way through this humble region, so you should get in quick before it becomes a major tourist hub (and no doubt it will!).

PS : More informations about Taiwan are waiting for your here: Taiwan Travel Blog .

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Taiwanese Secrets Travel Guide

Tainan City Travel Guide

Welcome to Taiwan’s old capital city!

Tainan is the place to go if you want to experience the classical side of Formosa . It’s a living museum where every alley can show you a slice of history. Established in the 17th century, it was the capital of Taiwan during the Qing Dynasty .

To this day, the city retains ancient architecture, old religious festivals, and temples, stores that were opened a hundred year ago, and locals who practice arts and crafts passed down by ancestors. No doubt it’s referred to as the Kyoto of Taiwan!

Table of Contents

We’re here for the food, of course!

“Why are you here?” is a question I always ask travelers when I meet them on the road. “We’re here to eat, why else” is the typical answer I get from tourists in Tainan. The city is not only considered to be the cradle of traditions of the country – it’s also a highly popular food destination!

Asian and local tourists line up at popular restaurants and night market stalls ANY time of the day. The ratio of places to eat per capita has to be one of the highest in the world. The amount of tea shops, street food venues, stalls, sidewalk-eateries, and food alleys is mind-blowing.

Facts About Tainan City

• Tainan was Taiwan’s capital from 1683 to 1885.
• The city is Taiwan’s fourth largest.
• It has a population of 1.8 million people.
• It has an abundance of historic temples.
• The Taiwanese language is more popular than Mandarin.
• Most tourist attractions such as temples, museums, and historical sites are located in the West Central District 中西區 , west of the train station.

Best Attractions in Tainan – Things to Do

Tainan is packed with touristic sights such as temples, museums, night markets, and even a fort where you can learn about Taiwan and China’s military past. There are enough things to do to keep you busy for at least 2-3 days. Here are some places you’ll want to include on your Tainan travel itinerary:

Confucius Temple 孔廟

Welcome to Taiwan’s oldest Confucian Shrine! Of all the Confucius temples around the island, this one is my favorite. The halls are set in front of a vast park filled with huge banyan trees where people chat, fly kites, paint or just walk around. There’s no better place to be on a sunny day when the temple’s pink walls contrast against a deep blue sky.

Tainan’s Confucius Temple is right in the heart of the busy West Central District. If possible, try to get a room in the vicinity, as most attractions are within walking distance from here.

Great South Gate of Tainan 大南門城

Remain of Tainan’s old defences.   From the Confucius Temple, it’s only a short walk along Nanmen Rd. to get to the Great South Gate. The massive double gate was completed in 1835. Set in yet another pleasant park, the giant structure is a reminder of Tainan’s military past as well as one of the most photogenic attraction in town.

Fahua Temple 法華寺

300-year-old Fahua Temple is also worth a detour. The monk on this picture told me he spent his entire life at the temple. “ I was born to be a monk,”  he said.  “When I was a kid, I used to come here to recite sutras while my friends would stay home to work and play .” Although he doesn’t speak English, he’s always happy to take visitors around the shrine. Fahua is a quiet tourist attraction that doesn’t get as busy as Confucius Temple, so it’s a great spot to soak in the culture without the crowds.

Koxinga’s Shrine

Extremely popular with Chinese tourists from the mainland, this memorial is dedicated to Koxinga – the Ming Dynasty general who kicked the Dutch out of Taiwan in 1662. You can see a statue of the man in the main hall as well as tablets commemorating his army along the side corridors. A small museum by the shrine has traditional Taiwanese puppets on display.

City God Temple

While I was visiting the temple, a devotee explained to me: “ City God is the afterlife judge. He keeps account of people’s moral behavior and decides how one should be rewarded or punished. ”

The large abacus in the main hall is said to help City God calculate people’s good or bad deeds. The torture instruments and graphic images of hell are also quite interesting sights.

National Museum of Taiwanese Literature

Set in an attractive neoclassical building that used to be Tainan’s City Hall, this museum showcases exhibitions that detail the progression of Taiwanese literature since the Japanese occupation. For most, the building’s architecture is the main interest. It was built by the Japanese in 1916. Most displays have English descriptions. It’s just a short walk north of Confucius Temple.

Chihkan Towers

Due to its central location and its proximity to lots of good restaurants, this popular landmark seems to attract more tourists than any other attraction in town. Even if you don’t like crowds, you should still put Chihkan Towers on your travel itinerary.

When you enter the site, take a right to make your way to the pavilions. You’ll see a statue of a helpless Dutch bowing his head in front of a powerful Koxinga.

Climb up the two Fujianese-style pavilions to get good views over the city. The nine tablets lined up on the back of stone turtles at the base of the first pavilion date back as far as 1786. They were sent by the Chinese Emperor of that era.

God of War Temple

You simply can’t miss this striking temple with its pink-colored walls as you walk on Minzu Rd. The original shrine, dedicated to Guan Di, was built in 1690.

After taking this picture, the man in the blue shirt asked me:  “Do you have places like this in America?”  I said:  “I’m not from America. How about you, do you have places like this in China?” He quickly and nervously snapped back:  “This is China!”

Matsu Temple

Established in 1662, this is the  oldest Matsu Temple in Taiwan . And it’s such a lively place. It seems that every time I visit it, there’s a ritual that’s being held where giant Chinese puppets dance, gongs are beaten and joss money is thrown up in the air amidst the sound of exploding firecrackers and traditional Taiwanese music.

Being a coastal city that used to be dependent on fishing it’s understandable that Tainan should have a special liking for Matsu, the Goddess of the Sea. The city has no less than 17 temples dedicated to the deity.

Anping Fort

Also called Fort Zeelandia, this impressive bastion was originally  build by the Dutch in 1653 . All that remains from the original structure are a few crumbling walls that used to make up the foundation. The streets around the fort turn into a lively market on weekends and the entire area enjoys a carnival atmosphere as hundreds of Taiwanese tourists show up to buy snacks and play games.

Matsu Temple in Anping

Yet another temple dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. This one is right by Anping Fort and is always packed with devotees.

Look for the  fortune teller  by the main altar – he’s quite a funny character. Point your camera at him and watch his reaction. Don’t worry, he won’t get angry –  he likes attention!

Taiwanese opera  performances are often held on the parking lot in front of the temple. Careful if you see the performers walking on the stage with bottles. They sometimes throw alcohol in the crowd. It’s supposed to ward off evil spirits.

Eternal Golden Castle

The fortress is set in the biggest and most beautiful  park  I’ve seen in Taiwan. Unsurprisingly, tons of Taiwanese flock here on weekends to stroll around the fortifications.

It used to be an important piece of Taiwan’s defense against the Japanese. Military buffs will enjoy the  cannons  on top of the citadel. Photographers will want to shoot the  front gate  early morning. I highly recommend to walk between this site and Anping Fort.

Tainan Accommodation

I recommend to every traveler to stay in the core of the old district downtown, which is called the West Central District 中西區. This area has got everything to keep you busy for an entire week of exploration, eating, drinking, and shopping.

Lakeshore Hotel

This is where I’ve been staying the past few years, as one of my Pizza Rock restaurants is right next door. Lakeshore Hotel is central, modern, clean, and quite luxurious. The rooms are well designed and practical. The beds and pillows are amazingly comfortable.

The buffet for breakfast is the highlight of a stay here. It’s got absolutely everything you can imagine, bacon and eggs, Asian, steak, pasta, salads, cold cuts, huge variety of cheese and bread… Lakeshore is not cheap, but it offers a super great experience and I highly recommend it!

Tainan Transportation, Getting There and Away

By train:  Tainan’s train station is located in the northeastern part of the city, about 1km away from the Confucius Temple and Chihkan Tower.

The following fares and time travel are for the fast trains (also called Tze-Chiang).

Taipei  – NT750 – 4.5 hours Taichung  – NT380 – 2 hours Kaohsiung  – NT110 – 30 minutes

By Bus:  UBus has a station right next to the train station at #2 Beinan Rd. Buses for Taipei cost NT500 and take between 5 to 6 hours depending on the traffic situation.

Tainan  Airport  is only 5km away from the city center and has regular flights to Taipei and Kinmen. The  High Speed Railway Station  (HSR) is a very frustrating 30 minutes south of the city.

Tainan Restaurants / Places to Eat

One of the most popular areas to find traditional food in Tainan City is around Chihkan Towers. There you’ll find everything from fried rice to dumplings sold at street stalls, as well as other local specialties such as Dan Zai Noodle. If you walk around the city, you’ll pass dozens of Taiwanese, Chinese, and even Japanese restaurants that offer in BBQ, hot pot, quick stir-fries, and even western food like pizza, burgers, and steak.

Bars in Tainan

I don’t even know where to begin. There’s a shitload of bars and drinking holes in this city. If you want to hangout at one of the expat places, then you should check Trip Advisor. If you want to see where the locals drink after work, or on Saturday night for a solid Sunday hangover, check out these places:

Cosby Saloon & Bar Alley

I found this place by pure luck (or bad luck)? I had booked a room at the Premier Hotel, because it was one of the only places to stay available downtown that Saturday night. Cosby Saloon happens to be in an alley next to the hotel. As I went back to my room, after walking around town, around 1am, I could see people completely hammered, by the road, so I decided to walk down the alley to investigate. That’s when I found Cosby Saloon. Walked inside, felt at home right away. Old style wooden bar, rock music, bunch of local dudes chatting and smoking on stools.

On the way to Cosby Bar, you will pass about 5 little dinking holes, in what I have now officially coined as the Bar Alley. I can promise you only one thing: you will never see a single foreigner / expat in any of those places. This is local Tainanese territory, and that’s exactly why you’re wanting to get your ass there for a drink.

Address :  704, Tainan City, North District, Gongyuan Road, 128-20號1F

More Pictures of Taiwan’s Ancient Capital

Tainan Photo Gallery – 50 Travel Pictures:   That’s right… More pictures! There’s simply no better way to get describe this amazing city. Check pictures of temples, landscape, people, parks…

Map of Tainan

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The Perfect Itinerary for Kaohsiung and Tainan (2024 Update)

March 11, 2024 by Bino 12 Comments

Kaoshiung and Tainan, the main cities in the southern region of Taiwan, have been getting quite a bit of attention lately thanks to government efforts to promote the region to overseas tourists. The historic heart of the island has seen plenty of new hotels as well as redevelopment of existing tourist infrastructure in recent years.

Being slightly more than a 3-hour high speed train ride from Taipei, it makes sense to spend a couple of days in the southern cities. This is after all where Taiwan’s capital used to be. Those who make the effort to come here are ultimately rewarded with a different side to Taiwanese culture. People tend to speak Minnan (Hokkien) here compared to Mandarin and the tropical climate also means plenty of sunshine as compared to the usually dreary weather up north. If you are thinking of visiting Kaohsiung and Tainan and have no idea where to go, this suggested itinerary can hopefully help you.

Tip: If you are heading to Kaohsiung / Tainan by Taiwan’s high speed rail, check out this current promotion where tickets are cheaper for Non-Taiwanese passengers. Limited time only. Book here

If you are also heading up north, check out this Taipei itinerary

Table of Contents

Day 1 – Kaohsiung

dome of light at formosa boulevard station

The most common entry points to Kaohsiung are either via the Kaohsiung International Airport which is only 15 minutes from town or the Zuo Ying High Speed Rail Station. If you are arriving by the latter, you may be pleased to note that one of Kaohsiung’s top attractions – the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas – are situated close by. Chances are you’ll have your luggage in tow so it may be wise to check-in to your hotel first (check out my recommended lodging below).

Tip: If you are arriving via Kaohsiung International Airport, you may wish to purchase your 4G sim card beforehand in order to avoid potential queues and just collect once you arrive at the airport. Prices are also cheaper if you buy online. Check prices here .

Cijin / Qijin

After obtaining your bearings, start your day at Cijin (Qijin) District. Touted as one of the city’s tourism hotspots, the elongated island by Kaohsiung harbour is great for outdoor pursuits such as cycling. While here, you can check out the shops by the beach or head to Chihou Fort and Chihou Lighthouse. Both were constructed by the British in the 19th century and marked the beginnings of the city as a port. Entrance is free for both attractions.

Former British Consulate at Takow

Afterwards, head back to the mainland and make a short stop at the Former British Consulate at Takow (daily except Wed, 10AM to 7PM; opens at 9AM on Sat and Sun). It’s perched on top of a hill and is one of the oldest colonial mansions in Taiwan. Inside, visitors can find a museum as well as a cafe. The view over the city and the harbor is also fantastic.

Lunch at Duck Zhen

delicious duck at Duck Zhen – be prepared to queue!

Take an early lunch at Duck Zhen (鴨肉珍) at 258 Wufu 4th Road in Yanzheng District which is known for its excellent duck rice. What makes the dish special is the sauce so make sure to order the duck rice which comes soaked in sauce rather than have the duck separately. Do note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Pier 2 Art Center

After grabbing a bite, it’s just the right time to make the short stroll to Pier 2 Art Center (daily, 10AM to 6PM; until 8PM from Fri to Sun). The shops will start opening by this time. Taiwan has plenty of cultural and creative zones around the major cities and this is Kaohsiung’s answer to that. Inside, you’ll find plenty of small shops selling knick-knacks, the occasional art gallery as well as plenty of outdoor art works. If you are looking for a spot from where to take nice selfies, this place offers plenty of possibilities. Live Warehouse , a live music venue, provides a reason to return to Pier 2 Art Center at night. You can check their website for schedules of concerts and other live events here .

Be Dazzled at Formosa Boulevard MRT

Take the MRT and stop at the Formosa Boulevard Station to see the Dome of Light installation. This particular station frequently makes it to various lists of the most beautiful subway stations in the world. The stained glass fixture is counted as among the largest in the world. The dome comes in 4 sections representing the various elements: water, fire, earth and light.

Dragon and Tiger Pagodas 

dragon and tiger pagodas in kaohsiung

Afterwards, head out to the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas (daily, 8AM to 6PM) in the city outskirts. Kaohsiung’s most recognizable attraction is best visited in the afternoon just when the sun is shining on the frontage.

To get here from Formosa Boulevard MRT Station, ride 4 stops along the red line and alight at Kaohsiung Arena Station. From there, take shuttle bus #301 which will drop you off right by the lotus pond where the pagodas are. 

Day 2 – Kaohsiung to Tainan

Fo guang shan monastery.

fo guang shan monastery in kaohsiung

Start the morning with an optional excursion to the gigantic Fo Guang Shang Monastery in the outskirts of Kaohsiung. There is no shortage of temples in Taiwan but to be frank, this is one of the grandest modern temples I have ever seen. The most impressive portion of the temple is the grand pathway with pagodas on either side that leads to a giant Buddha statue. The reason why I call this an optional trip is because unless you have your own car or book a private tour , it may take you a bit of time to get there and back. The fastest way via public transport still takes 1.5 hours each way. The #8501 bus which departs from the Zuoying THSR station gets you there. Alternatively, it’s 40 minutes away by car from Kaohsiung’s city center. If you have your own car, it would make sense to head to Tainan after visiting Fo Guang Shan due to its location in the northern outskirts of Kaohsiung.

Should you decide not to do the trip to Fo Guang Shan, your morning should be spent traveling to Tainan after having your fill of Kaohsiung. You can take the high speed train to get to Tainan from Kaohsiung . You can buy discounted tickets HERE . Taiwan’s 4th largest city and former capital, Tainan lies immediately north of Kaohsiung and because or urbanization, the two cities are almost contiguous to each other. Tainan is Taiwan’s cultural heart with plenty of age-old forts, temples, museums, historic alleys as well as good eats. As such, I recommend spending around 1.5 to 2 days in this city to fully explore what it has to offer.

Chihkan Tower

chihkan tower

The main station in the city, Tainan Station, is conveniently located in the heart of town and is around 15 minutes walk to the tourist attractions. It makes sense to stay around the area. I stayed at the Shangri-la’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel Tainan which offers a free shuttle bus to the sights nearby. You can start off at the Chihkan Tower (also known as Fort Provintia, Admission: 70 TWD). The site originates as a Dutch fort built in 1653. It was later destroyed by an earthquake and had to be rebuilt. This explains the Chinese facade. Inside, you’ll find a museum as well as a viewing deck which gives you an overview of the surrounding gardens.

Koxinga Shrine

koxinga shrine

Afterwards, head out to the Confucius Temple which is a short cab ride or a 13 minute walk away from Chihkan Tower. The center of learning dates back to the 17th century. Travelers around East and Southeast Asia can note similarities in places like Hanoi with its Temple of Literature. From here, it’s also a short walk to the Koxinga Shrine a few blocks away. It’s a small family shrine erected to commemorate the ancestors of a noble man in the 17th century. It offers a good glimpse at the architecture of the time.

Hayashi Department Store to Blueprint Cultural and Creative Park

It might be searing hot by this time in the afternoon, a perfect excuse to head over to the Hayashi Department Store . Much more than a shopping center, this commercial establishment dates back from the colonial Japanese era and has a distinct old world charm. From the tiled chessboard floors to a perceptible art deco interiors, this department store today caters to well-heeled travelers and you can find plenty of knick knacks inside as well as a restaurant on the topmost floor.

If you haven’t had enough of Taiwan’s “art districts,” you can end your day at Blueprint Cultural and Creative Park – Tainan’s very own. It’s a shopping hub of quaint indie stores, art galleries as well as plenty of street art. It’s worth a stroll even for just an hour and is at its liveliest at night.

Tainan’s Night Markets & Other Nightlife Options

End the day at one of Tainan’s lively night markets. The Garden Night Market is the biggest and is open on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays while Dadong Night Market is open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

Those looking for nightlife options will be pleased to note that one of the local watering holes, TCRC (located near the Matsu Temple) frequently makes it to the list of Asia’s top bars. It’s a bit difficult to get a seat from 10pm onwards as was my experience so do come earlier or at least leave your name and number (waiting time can be 2+ hours).

Day 3 – Tainan

Anping old fort and tree house.

anping fort

Spend the day exploring Tainan’s equally historic Anping District. While here, the Anping Old Fort is a must-see. It’s a Dutch fortress that has been turned into a museum. It also boasts of nice views of the city especially on clear days. Admission is TWD 70 (you can buy discounted tickets here ). The dilapidated Anping Tree House nearby has become somewhat of an attraction due to social media. The site is filled with the overgrowth coming from the banyan tree and has plenty of “instagrammable” spots.

If you are having lunch in the area, I would recommend trying 周氏蝦捲 (#125 Anping Road) for its battered shrimp dish – akin to a Taiwanese style tempura.

Sicao Green Tunnel

sicao green tunnel

One of the more unexpected activities in Tainan is the mangrove swamp tour which can be done on a boat. One ride on the Sicao Green Tunnel costs around TWD 200 per person. You’ll be on a raft along with approximately 14 other people with the ride lasting 30 minutes. Although the river is quite short, it’s highly scenic and in certain segments, you’ll see the mangroves from both sides joining together to form an arch and create a natural shelter from the sunlight. Do note that the location is a bit out of town so you’ll need your own transport to get here.

Chimei Museum

chimei museum in the outskirts of tainan

Another optional excursion you can do is visit the grandoise Chimei Museum (hours: 9:30AM to 5:30PM daily except Wednesdays) located in the city outskirts. Even if you have no interest in art exhibits, the exteriors are pretty impressive and is not dissimilar to the royal palaces in Europe with a large fountain and a bridge flanked by statues on both sides lining the entrance to the museum.

To get to Chimei Museum from downtown Tainan, take the train from Tainan Station and alight at Bao’an Station. From Bao’an Station, the museum is a 10-minute walk away.

Spend your last evening in Tainan strolling through atmospheric Shennong Street . Here, you’ll find quirky establishments such as a namesake bar where there are no standard operating hours, a cafe filled with dolls and vintage sofas brushing elbows with trendy restaurants. Add in the neighborhood shrine and temple and you’ve got yourself a perfect hangout for Taiwan’s hipsters.

How to Get From Kaohsiung Airport to Kaohsiung City Center and Tainan

From Kaohsiung Airport to Kaohsiung City Center – The Kaohsiung Airport MRT Station connects you to downtown via the red line. Alternatively, cab rides to town cost about TWD 350 and take 10 to 15 minutes or you can book a private car transfer .

From Kaohsiung Airport to Tainan – Allow a 45 minute to 1 hour ride. You can either hail a taxi when you arrive or book pre-arranged airport transfers .

Where to Stay in Kaohsiung and Tainan

In Tainan, I stayed in Shangri-la’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel Tainan for its free shuttle bus to several tourist attractions and location close to Tainan Station. For families, this hotel offers family rooms that can easily fit 4 people. This is also among the most affordable Shangri-la properties in the world.

In Kaohsiung, I stayed in the ultra-chic Silks Club Kaohsiung . I particularly loved its Japanese sensibilities and its designer artwork in the rooms and throughout the public areas. You can check out my full review here . For a more affordable option, you can also check out FX Inn Kaohsiung – Zhonghua Road which is very close to the night market and MRT station.

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Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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February 8, 2018 at 3:18 pm

Awesome article!!!

As a Tainan citizen, I would like to recommend to have a walk along Guohua St and Zhengxing Street to grab some local delicacies. Better go there and share food with friends , you definitely want to try as more as you can.

Besides Tainan city center, Guanziling (關子嶺) is another must go tourist attraction. It is located in north Tainan and is famous for mud spring. The area is well developed for tourists with many hot spring hotels and restaurants. ( I recommend chicken dishes!)

Thank you for writing this article! It is a perfect travel guild for foreigners.

July 9, 2019 at 9:37 pm

I am planning to visit Taipei been there couple of times but haven’t gone back for like 9 years. I am only available in August to visit Taipei and wish to take the high speed train from Taipei to Kaoshiung. But understand it is typhoon in Taiwan so is it still good to go? Thanks.

July 10, 2019 at 11:14 am

August is a hit or miss. Yes there are typhoons but not all the time. Also, ironically, August is actually the month with the highest number of sunshine hours in the year for Taipei.

July 12, 2018 at 12:37 pm

hi Loved raeding your Blog.Quick question can we stay in Tainan & do both Tainan & Khaoshiung.2d1N?Thnks

July 16, 2018 at 1:09 pm

It is certainly possible but too rushed. Do you have a private car?

August 6, 2018 at 3:46 pm

Very informative blog. Will be of great help in planning my trip to Kaoshiung & Tainan. Thanks!

August 22, 2018 at 5:32 pm

Your blog is very informative. My friends and i would like to travel to Kaoshiung in end oct, is 6 day 5 nights to long to stay? Is there any other location where we can travel near Kaoshiung? If yes, please give some recommendation. Thanks

August 22, 2018 at 6:11 pm

Thanks for reading! With 5 nights you can do Kaohsiung, Tainan and maybe even Kenting.

September 3, 2018 at 11:36 pm

Planning to go kaoshiung on 26-30 sep.any place to recomend?

December 15, 2018 at 5:40 pm

Hi, I’m flying to Kaohsiong from 27/12 till 1/1. Please advise how many places at each place and noted u reconmended for 6D5N can choose to go kaohsiong, Tainan and kending? Would greatly appreciate if you could advice us on how many nights at each places so that it’s not too hectic nor rush. Thanks in advance!

December 15, 2018 at 7:18 pm

Hello! You can look at doing the following:

2 nights – Kaohsiung 2 nights – Tainan 1 night – Kenting

April 10, 2019 at 2:59 am

Your article is very informative. We plan to go to Taiwan in the summer and need your help. Do you think the below itinerary is good? – spend 2 nights at Fo Guang San day 3 – Dragon & Tiger pagoda, Dome of Light, Lotus pond, “Love” art installation. Ruifeng night market day 4 – Pier-2 Art center, Cijin Island. Luihe night market day 5 – Fishermans’ Wharf day 6 – train to Taipei

can you please suggest a place to stay. We want to use AirBnB but not sure of the area/district that is convenient for the above activities. Also, what is the best mode of transportation from Kaoshiung to Taipei.

thanks much in advance 7/6 – Train to Taipei

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Tainan Tourism

• Chihkan Tower
• Anping Old Fort
• National Museum of Taiwanese Literature
• Anping Tree House
• Confucius Temple
• Shennong Street
• Hayashi Department Store
• Tainan Flower Night Market
• Blueprint Cultural and Creative Park
• Anping Canal
• View all 10 places
• Things to do
• Best time to visit
• How to Reach
• Tourist Map

Other Suggested Reads for Tainan

• Places To Visit in Tainan
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• How to Reach Tainan
• Best time to Visit in Tainan
• Tainan Tourism History
• Food in Tainan
• FAQS about Tainan
• Tainan Tourist Map

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The Tourism Administration has worked hard to highlight Taiwan to the world amid increasing international competition during the current post-pandemic revival in global tourism. In 2023, Taiwan was once again ranked among the world’s top-three non-OIC tourist destinations in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), and was named as a 2023 “Favorite Adventure Destination” by US-based web publisher Trazee Travel. In addition, stories from six of Taiwan’s national scenic area administration (NSAA) offices were recognized among the Top 100 at the Global Green Destination Day Conference. In March 2024, two NSAA offices received “Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards” at the International Travel Fair Berlin (ITB).

Taiwan is a unique alpine island with a diversity of topographies, ecologies and cultures. Its people are friendly and enthusiastic. Taiwan’s island-circling railway lines and bicycle trails, as well as the national greenways traversed by its ancestral peoples, are all important tourism resources. The Tourism Administration has attracted the attention of international tourists with its "Mountains, Waters, and Fun Around the Island" campaign. In addition, it is promoting 2024 as the year of “Round-Island Fun in Taiwan” to welcome tourists from near and far to Taiwan through all four seasons.

In line with international trends, the Tourism Administration is also promoting themes such as 1) implementing “Sustainable Taiwan” in its scenic area management, 2) enhancing tourism software and hardware, 3) building and shaping the Taiwan tourism brand, and 4) developing Taiwan into a unique tourism destination.

Taiwan's natural features, culture and technical development all support inbound tourism. Visitors can experience a wide variety of traditional celebrations, religious practices and ethnic cultures. Taiwan welcomes friends from all over the world. Regardless of age or interests, an attractive itinerary awaits. Discover Taiwan and enjoy a new and interesting travel experience!

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Tainan travel blog — the fullest tainan travel guide for first-timers.

Tainan is a small city located in southern Taiwan and also the oldest city, is the old capital of Taiwan with a rich and long-standing culture, cool climate, excellent cuisine, suitable for who want to explore the ancient cultural traditions, rituals and Taoism of the island nation. Initially, when the Dutch ruled, Tainan was established as a ruling and trading base. After that, in the 17th century, General Koxinga defeated the Dutch, regained Tainan and turned it into the capital for a long time. There is still a Confucius Temple built in the 17th century, and Tainan people are always proud because they still retain more ancient temples than anywhere in Taiwan. So when visiting Tainan, covering the city is a quiet nostalgic feeling, easy to see ancient and old architecture in everywhere, the mossy street corners, peaceful, vintage, slowly lifestyle, gentle life.

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So, is Tainan worth visiting, what to do in Tainan and how to plan a budget trip to Tainan for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Tainan travel blog (Tainan blog) with the fullest Tainan travel guide (guide to Tainan, Tainan tourist guide, Tainan city guide, Tainan guide) from how to get Tainan, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Tainan to help you maximize your trip as follows!

Tainan blog — When is the best time to visit Tainan?

Tainan weather is relatively warm, the summer is often heavy rain, the best time to visit this city is in fall or spring.

In the Spring (February to April), the temperature is usually around 20 degrees Celsius, with little rain, dry, suitable for visiting tourist destinations such as national parks or museums. And this is also the time of the traditional New Year, and the Spring Festival, so the city scenery is more colors, more beautiful and more fun.

Autumn (September – November) with dry weather and cool climate so it is very convenient to travel, sightseeing. Autumn has beautiful scene, green color gradually change to yellow and red of Maple leaves.

Winter weather is colder, not favorable for traveling. But if you are a snow lover and winter activities, this is not a bad time.

Tainan travel blog — How to get to Tainan?

From Vietnam you can fly directly to Tainan or from other provinces of Taiwan to Tainan by train or by HSR high speed train. Normally in cities, train stations, high-speed trains and main bus stations are close together, so you can buy tickets at the central stations of cities/provinces. (In Taipei will be Taipei Main Station; Taichung station is Taichung station, Kaohsiung will be Zuoying station).

Tainan travel guide — Getting from Tainan Airport to the city

To getting from Tainan Airport to the city center, visitors have two public transportation options: bus and taxi.

Bus: There are two bus routes that visitors can travel from Tainan Airport to the city center: NO.5 Tainan City Bus and R3 Bus (Go through the Tainan Train Station – HSR train station – Tainan Airport). This is a type of city bus so travelers need to determined the area of their hotel located near the stop point to reach and down. Ticket price is around 20 TWD ($0.65)/trip.

Taxi: Taxis are available 24/24 at the airport so you can catch one at anytime to go to the city center. However, picking up the car at night will cost more than 20% more daytime.

Tainan blog — Getting around Tainan

Most of Tainan’s main tourist attractions are located near an area around the city center so you can walk to explore. Visitors who do not want to walk can contact and ask their hotel staff for a bicycle rental service or ask for a nearby bicycle rental. You can rent a bike from T-Bike: Phone: 0800-527527 (Local) / 06-2436668 (Mobile). Email: [email protected] . Website: http://tbike.tainan.gov.tw/Portal/en-US.

Tainan blog — Where to stay in Tainan?

Here are some good hotels in Tainan you can refer to:

Silks Place Tainan

Silks Place Tainan is the perfect place to feel Tainan and its surroundings. Only 58.6 km from Tainan Airport, so this 5-star hotel can be easily accessed from the airport. With the good location, from hotel you can easily to reach the popular attractions of the city. Whether you are a fun person or just want to relax after a busy day, you will feel comfortable when using the hotel facilities such as fitness room, outdoor swimming pool, children’s playground, kids club. Silks Place Tainan is an ideal place for who want to stay and seeking charm, comfort and convenience in Tainan. Room rates from $131. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: No. 1號, Heyi Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 Phone: +886 6 213 6290

Hotel Tainan

When visiting Tainan, you will feel at home at Hotel Tainan, where excellent quality and thoughtful service. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. Guests can take a stroll around the city’s top tourist attractions such as: Tainan HSR station, Focus Square, Si Hua Tang…Rates from $57.83. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: 1 Cheng Gong Road, West Central Dist, Tainan 70050, Taiwan R.O.C., Tainan City, Tainan, Taiwan, 70050 Phone: +886 6 228 9101

Kindness Hotel – Tainan Chihkan Tower

Kindness Hotel Tainan , located in the Tainan City area, is a popular choice for travelers. From the hotel you can quickly and easily reach many local points of interest of Tainan city such as: Confucius Temple is only 400 meter away, National Museum and Chikan Tower are only a 5- minute walk away, 6-minute walking from Fuzhong Underground Station where you only take 12 minutes to Tainan Airport. ‎Price range: $55 – $122. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: No. 97, Section 2, Minquan Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 Phone: +886 6 225 3377

You can also refer to the mid-range, budget hostels, homestays with good ratings and reviews below:

Dynasty Hotel : 3-star hotel with room rates from $31. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No. 46號, Chenggong Road, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704 Phone: +886 6 225 8121

FX Hotel Tainan Minsheng Rd : 4-star hotel with room rates from $38. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No. 76, Section 2, Minsheng Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 Phone: +886 6 511 6977

Fuward Hotel : 4-star hotel with room rates from $45. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No. 28號, Section 2, Zhongyi Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 Phone: +886 6 225 1000

Tie Dao Hotel : 3-star hotel with room rates from $11. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No.2, Chenggong Rd., North Dist, Tainan City, Tainan, Taiwan, 70443 Phone: +886 6 221 3200

Premier Hotel : 3-star hotel with room rates from $45. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No. 128, Gongyuan Road, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704 Phone: +886 6 225 2141

At Tainan Inn : 3-star hotel with room rates from $29. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No.292 Rongyu Street, Tainan 70167, Taiwan Phone: +886 6 290 5388

Edinburgh Motel : A good motel with room rates from $44. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No. 77號, Yonghua 5th Street, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708 Phone: +886 6 297 0116

Fuqi Hostel – ZhongZheng : A very good hostel with room rates from $14. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No.70, Zhongzheng Rd, Tainan City, Tainan, Taiwan Phone: +886 6 703 4543

Yi Pin Yuan Hotel : A good hotel with room rates from $19. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No.182, Baoan Rd., Tainan City, Taiwan Phone: +886 6 221 2666

Rainbow Island B&B : A good hotel with room rates from $29. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No. 94, Chenggong Road, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704 Phone: +886 982 050 400

Good Ground Hotel : 3-star hotel with room rates from $42. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No. 18, Zunwang Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 Phone: +886 6 222 1105

Leo Ho Hostel : 2-star hostel with room rates from $24. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: Weimin St., West Central Dist.,Tainan Train Station,, Tainan City, Tainan, Taiwan Phone: +886 981 236 957

Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel : A luxury hotel with room rates from $231. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No. 201號, Section 2, Dunhua South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106 Phone: +886 2 2378 8888

You can find, check rates, availability & booking for Tainan hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com or Airbnb.com.

Tainan blog — Best places to visit and top things to do in Tainan

Anping Old street – Anping Tree House – Anping Fort (#tainan travel blog)

These 3 places are close together, so if you visiting here, you should visit all three places.

Anping Old Street

Visiting Taiwan, you definitely have to visit Tainan’s Anping Old Street, which is an old, narrow, but still airy street, along the street are high brick houses, a bit old. Along the two sides of the street are dense shops but still very orderly. There are many unique items sold in this street such as: Tainan’s typical fruits, famous peanut candy, pig’s blood, Tainan sausage .. or you can find the unique souvenirs and gifts such as cloth dolls, wooden dolls which only sell in this market.

Anping Fort (Fort Zeelandia)

Fort Zeelandia, originally is a fortress was built by the Dutch, dating from the 17th century, so it is a valued historic landmark. Entrance ticket is very cheap only 50 NT, inside the fort is a small museum which exhibits the artifacts and information of the fort and Tainan history. The outside, the traces of the walls was built by red bricks stills remain, look so catch-eyes and vintage. Walking around a minute, you will meet the observation tower, but only to stand at the bottom and looking up. In the fort campus has the statue of General Koxinga, a Chinese talent general in the 17th century, who was regained Tainan from the Dutch.

Anping Tree House

Exactly this place is more like a garden, you can walk under the trees, walk a little more will encounter a small lake. Visitors who self-sufficient travel can spend an hour for strolling in the garden, breathe the fresh air of Tainan and watch the bizarre architecture of the unique house. Originally, Anping Tree House is an old warehouse of a factory, next to this storehouse is a huge banyan tree, the banyan tree grows, grows up, until one day its huge roots swallow up the storehouse. The root branches cling to and tighten the walls, even rising through the roof. From there, they abandon the warehouse and keep that unique feature so that people can come to visit.

Address: No. 50-2, Yanping St, Anping District, Tainan City, 708. How to get there: Take the bus No. 2, 88 or 99 from Tainan Train Station. Ticket price: 50 NT/place of sightseeing.

Confucius Temple

It was built around the 17th century. At that time, the place that built the Confucius Temple was a hill, with the Confucius Temple on the right and the National School on the left. In the East is the Hall of Morality, which is easily understood as a place of the preaching of the masters (like the university lecture hall today), the West is the Hall of the Great, is the worship Confucius and the disciples.

Now the Confucius Temple is preserved and respected. Although the temple is located in the middle of the street, but steps through the red gate (East Dacheng Gate) to enter the temple campus, completely like a world in another, sanctified, solemn but serene, peaceful, people are returning to the nature of each human being: man is innately good; human nature is basically good.

Continued reading…

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3-Day Tainan Travel Itinerary: Must-Visit Attractions And Hidden Gems

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Jason F. Way

Table of contents.

Tainan, located in the southern region of Taiwan, is a city that is rich in history, culture, and delicious food. It is known as the oldest city in Taiwan and served as the island’s capital during the Qing Dynasty. Tainan’s streets are lined with traditional architecture and temples, making it a popular destination for those who are interested in Taiwan’s past.

A 3-day trip to Tainan offers visitors a chance to explore the city’s must-visit attractions and hidden gems. This itinerary aims to provide a comprehensive guide to help travelers make the most of their trip. With a mix of historical sites, culinary delights, and hidden gems, this itinerary is designed to give visitors a taste of Tainan’s unique charm and character.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Tainan will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on you.

Key Takeaways

• Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and is known for its history, culture, and food.
• The 3-day itinerary includes exploring historical sites, indulging in culinary delights, and discovering hidden gems.
• Accommodation options range from budget hostels to hotels with more amenities.
• Visitors must try Tainan’s popular food items such as pineapple cakes, oyster omelets, and milkfish soup, and visit the Flower Night Market.

Day 1: Explore Tainan’s Historical Sites

The first day of touring Tainan is dedicated to exploring the city’s rich historical sites, providing a comprehensive and educational experience for visitors interested in the area’s cultural heritage.

Tainan is known as the ‘ancient capital’of Taiwan, and this title is well-deserved with the city’s wealth of historical and cultural landmarks.

Visitors can start their day by visiting the Chihkan Tower, which was originally built by the Dutch in the 17th century and later served as the residence of the Qing Dynasty’s governor-general in Taiwan. The tower is now a popular tourist attraction and has been designated as a national historic site.

Another must-see historical landmark is the Anping Tree House, located in the Anping district. This unique site is the result of a banyan tree growing over and around an old warehouse, creating a stunning and eerie atmosphere that is perfect for photo opportunities.

Visitors can also explore the nearby Anping Old Fort, which was built by the Dutch in 1624 and played an important role in Taiwan’s history.

These are just a few of the many historical sites that Tainan has to offer, and visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Day 2: Indulge in Tainan’s Culinary Delights

On the second day of exploring Tainan, indulge in the city’s culinary delights.

Head to the Tainan Flower Night Market and try local specialties such as oyster omelets and milkfish soup.

Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with Tainan’s famous pineapple cakes, a must-try for any food lover visiting the city.

Try Local Specialties at the Tainan Flower Night Market

Indulging in the local delicacies is a must-do activity when visiting Tainan, and the Flower Night Market is the perfect place to sample a variety of traditional dishes.

Located in the center of the city, the market is a popular attraction that draws both locals and tourists.

Visitors can find a wide range of food options, including seafood, noodles, dumplings, and snacks.

Some of the must-try dishes include the oyster omelet, coffin bread, and milkfish soup.

In addition to the food, the market also offers a lively atmosphere with vendors selling souvenirs, games, and other items.

The Flower Night Market is open every day from 6 pm to midnight, but it is especially bustling on weekends.

The market is located near the Tainan Confucius Temple and other historic sites, making it a convenient stop for tourists.

It is also easily accessible by public transportation, with a bus stop and a train station nearby.

Overall, the Flower Night Market is a great place to experience Tainan’s food culture and immerse oneself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Sample Oyster Omelets and Milkfish Soup

To fully appreciate Tainan’s culinary offerings, one should not miss the chance to savor the flavorful oyster omelets and milkfish soup. These two dishes have become synonymous with the city’s food culture and are a must-try for any foodie visiting Tainan.

Oyster omelets, or "oh-a-chian"in Taiwanese, consist of a mixture of eggs, starchy potatoes, and succulent oysters, fried to perfection. This popular street food is often served with a sweet and sour sauce and a sprinkle of cilantro. On the other hand, milkfish soup, or "nem-a-chi"in Taiwanese, is a comforting bowl of clear broth made with fresh milkfish, ginger, and green onions. The soup is light and savory, perfect for a hot day or as a starter for a full meal. To truly experience the best of Tainan’s oyster omelets and milkfish soup, a visit to the city’s local eateries and night markets is highly recommended.

This table provides a quick comparison between the two dishes, highlighting their key ingredients, texture, and flavor. While both dishes may seem simple, their unique combinations of ingredients and cooking techniques create a complex and delicious taste that has made them staples in Tainan’s food scene. Whether enjoyed as a snack or as part of a full meal, oyster omelets and milkfish soup are a must-try for anyone looking to explore the flavors of Tainan.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Pineapple Cakes

Pineapple cakes are a popular Taiwanese pastry that visitors should consider trying to satisfy their sweet tooth while exploring Tainan’s culinary scene.

These small, rectangular-shaped cakes are made with a buttery and crumbly pastry filled with a sweet and tangy pineapple jam.

The pineapple jam is made by simmering fresh pineapples with sugar until it reaches a thick and jam-like consistency.

The history of pineapple cakes in Taiwan can be traced back to the 1920s when pineapples were one of the major agricultural products in the country.

Initially, the cakes were only available during the Chinese New Year as they were considered a luxury item.

However, the popularity of the cakes grew, and they are now a staple souvenir that tourists bring back home from Taiwan.

Many bakeries in Tainan offer pineapple cakes, but some of the most famous brands include Chia Te Bakery, Shiang Shiang Fong Yuan, and Sunny Hills.

Day 3: Discover Tainan’s Hidden Gems

Exploring Tainan’s lesser-known attractions on Day 3 provides a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the city’s rich cultural heritage and hidden gems.

One of the hidden gems that should be on every traveler’s itinerary is the Hayashi Department Store. This historic building dates back to the Japanese colonial era and is one of the few remaining examples of Western-style architecture in Tainan. The Hayashi Department Store offers a glimpse into the glamorous lifestyle of the wealthy elite during the early 20th century.

Another must-visit attraction is the Tainan Art Museum. The museum showcases both contemporary and traditional art, providing a unique opportunity to appreciate the city’s artistic heritage. The building itself is also a work of art, with its minimalist design and use of natural light creating a serene atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.

The Tainan Art Museum is located in the cultural district of Anping, making it a perfect stop for those looking to explore the area’s history and culture.

Overall, Day 3 is the perfect opportunity to discover Tainan’s hidden gems and gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Where to Stay in Tainan

When looking for accommodation in Tainan, visitors have a variety of options to choose from. From budget hostels to luxury hotels, Tainan has it all. Visitors can choose to stay in the city center, near popular attractions such as Chihkan Tower and Anping Old Street, or in more secluded areas for a quieter stay.

For those on a budget, there are plenty of affordable hostels and guesthouses available. These options are great for travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the city and only need a place to sleep. For those looking for a more luxurious experience, there are several high-end hotels available, many of which offer stunning views of the city. Ultimately, the choice of accommodation depends on visitors’ personal preferences and budget.

Getting Around Tainan

To navigate Tainan, visitors can utilize the city’s efficient public transportation system, which includes buses, trains, and taxis. The most common mode of transportation in Tainan is the bus system, which is operated by Tainan City Bus Co., Ltd. Buses are available throughout the city and provide a convenient and affordable way to get around. The bus system is divided into different routes, each with its own designated number and color. Visitors can easily identify the route they need by referring to the bus stop map or by asking the bus driver for assistance.

For those who prefer a faster mode of transportation, trains are available through the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA). The TRA offers local and express trains that connect Tainan with other major cities in Taiwan. The train stations in Tainan are conveniently located in the city center, making it easy for visitors to reach their destination.

Taxis are also available in Tainan and are a convenient option for those who prefer a more personalized mode of transportation. Taxis can be hailed on the street or reserved in advance through a taxi service company. Overall, Tainan’s public transportation system is well-developed and offers visitors a variety of options to explore the city.

Best Time to Visit Tainan

The climate in Tainan varies throughout the year, making it important for visitors to carefully consider the best time to plan their trip. Tainan has a subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The city experiences heavy rainfall from June to September, which can make outdoor sightseeing difficult. Therefore, the best time to visit Tainan is during the cooler months of October to February when the weather is more pleasant and rainfall is less frequent.

To provide a clearer picture of Tainan’s climate throughout the year, a table is presented below. The table shows the average temperature, humidity, and rainfall for each month. Visitors can use this information to plan their trip accordingly and make the most of their time in Tainan.

It is important to note that the information presented in the table is based on average values and that weather patterns can vary from year to year. Visitors are advised to check the weather forecast before their trip and pack accordingly. Overall, the best time to visit Tainan is during the cooler months when the weather is more pleasant, and visitors can enjoy the city’s many attractions without the hindrance of heavy rainfall.

Tainan Travel Tips

This section will discuss some useful travel tips for visitors to Tainan.

First, it is recommended to learn some basic Mandarin to help with communication, as English is not widely spoken in the city.

Additionally, visitors should bring cash as many places do not accept credit cards.

Lastly, when visiting temples, it is important to dress appropriately and show respect for the local culture.

Learn Some Basic Mandarin

Acquiring a basic understanding of Mandarin can enhance one’s travel experience in Tainan by facilitating communication with locals and allowing for a greater appreciation of the local culture. While English is commonly spoken in Tainan, especially in tourist areas, Mandarin is still the predominant language used by locals. Having a basic grasp of Mandarin can help travelers navigate through the city more easily, as well as enable them to ask for directions, order food, and interact with locals in a more meaningful way.

To help travelers get started with learning Mandarin, here are some basic phrases that they can use during their visit to Tainan. The table below shows some common Mandarin phrases that can come in handy while exploring the city. By familiarizing themselves with these phrases, travelers can feel more confident and comfortable while communicating with locals, and in turn, have a more enjoyable and enriching travel experience.

One important consideration for travelers visiting Tainan is to ensure they bring sufficient cash, as many local establishments may not accept credit cards or other forms of electronic payment. Although larger chains and tourist hotspots may accept credit cards, smaller shops and food stalls often operate on a cash-only basis. It is therefore essential to carry enough cash to cover daily expenses such as meals, transportation, and admission fees.

To avoid running out of cash during your trip, it is advisable to withdraw money from ATMs located in convenient locations such as shopping malls, train stations, and airports. It is also wise to carry smaller denominations of Taiwanese currency, as some establishments may not have change for larger bills.

Additionally, it may be worth exchanging some foreign currency into Taiwanese dollars before arriving in Tainan, as this can often result in better exchange rates and lower transaction fees. By following these tips, travelers can ensure they have enough cash to fully enjoy all that Tainan has to offer.

Dress Appropriately for Temples

Appropriate attire is crucial when visiting temples in Tainan, as these places of worship hold significant cultural and religious importance to the local community. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and respectfully, covering their shoulders and knees. It is also recommended to avoid wearing revealing clothing and shoes that are difficult to remove, as visitors are required to take off their shoes before entering the temple.

To help visitors prepare for their temple visits, here is a table summarizing the appropriate attire guidelines for the most popular temples in Tainan:

By following these guidelines, visitors can show their respect for the local culture and religion, and also avoid any discomfort or embarrassment during their temple visits. Remember, when in doubt, it is always better to err on the side of caution and dress more conservatively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some other popular attractions in tainan besides the ones mentioned in the itinerary.

Tainan is a city in Taiwan that is rich in history and culture, and there are many popular attractions that visitors can explore. Apart from the ones mentioned in the itinerary, some of the other popular attractions in Tainan include:

The Chimei Museum: a private museum that features an extensive collection of Western art, musical instruments, and natural history exhibits.

The National Museum of Taiwan Literature: a museum that showcases the rich literary heritage of Taiwan, from its early history to the present day.

The Tainan Confucius Temple: a temple dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and is one of the oldest and most well-preserved Confucian temples in Taiwan.

These attractions offer visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of Tainan and are definitely worth a visit.

Are there any must-try local delicacies that are not mentioned in the culinary section of the article?

There are various must-try local delicacies in Tainan that are not mentioned in the culinary section of the article. These include, but are not limited to, coffin bread, a type of deep-fried bread filled with savory ingredients such as seafood or chicken; danzai noodles, a bowl of noodles served with shrimp, minced pork, and vinegar sauce; and oyster omelette, a dish made with eggs, oysters, and vegetables.

Additionally, Tainan is renowned for its street food culture, which offers a wide range of appetizing options, such as grilled squid, mochi, and stinky tofu. The city’s food scene is a reflection of its rich history and cultural diversity, and exploring the local cuisine is an essential part of experiencing Tainan’s unique charm.

What is the best way to get to Tainan from other parts of Taiwan?

The best way to get to Tainan from other parts of Taiwan depends on the individual’s preferences and location.

For those traveling from Taipei, the most convenient option would be to take the high-speed rail, which operates multiple times daily and takes approximately 90 minutes. Alternatively, one can take a bus from Taipei, which takes approximately 4-5 hours.

For those traveling from Kaohsiung, the most convenient option would be to take the local train, which takes approximately 30-40 minutes.

Additionally, Tainan is accessible by bus from various cities in Taiwan, and there are also domestic flights available to Tainan’s airport.

Ultimately, the best way to get to Tainan will depend on factors such as time constraints, budget, and personal preferences.

Are there any events or festivals that take place in Tainan throughout the year?

Tainan, being one of the oldest cities in Taiwan, is steeped in rich cultural heritage and traditions. There are several events and festivals that take place throughout the year, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the local way of life.

One of the most popular events is the Tainan Lantern Festival, which takes place during the Lunar New Year. This festival features hundreds of beautifully crafted lanterns, lighting up the night sky in a vibrant display of color and creativity.

Other notable events include the Tainan International Choral Festival, which attracts choirs from around the world, and the Tainan Flower Festival, which showcases the city’s stunning natural beauty.

Additionally, there are several religious festivals that take place throughout the year, such as the Mazu Pilgrimage, which celebrates the goddess of the sea, and the Ghost Festival, which honors ancestors and spirits.

Overall, Tainan’s events and festivals offer a wonderful opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions.

How much time should I allocate for each attraction in the itinerary?

When planning a travel itinerary, it is important to allocate an appropriate amount of time for each attraction. The amount of time needed can depend on various factors, such as the size of the attraction, the number of activities or exhibits available, and personal preferences.

It is recommended to research each attraction beforehand and determine an estimated time needed to fully experience it. Additionally, it is important to factor in transportation time between attractions and any potential wait times.

Allocating a flexible amount of time for each attraction can allow for spontaneity and the ability to fully enjoy each experience.

In conclusion, Tainan is a city rich in history, culture, and culinary delights. A 3-day itinerary can cover the must-visit attractions and hidden gems that the city has to offer.

Day 1 can be spent exploring Tainan’s historical sites such as the Anping Fort and Chihkan Tower.

Day 2 can be dedicated to indulging in Tainan’s famous culinary delights such as the beef soup and shrimp rolls.

Day 3 can be spent discovering Tainan’s hidden gems such as the Blueprint Cultural and Creative Park.

When planning a trip to Tainan, it is important to consider the best time to visit, which is during the cooler months of October to March. It is also recommended to stay in the city center to easily access the attractions and restaurants. Additionally, getting around Tainan can be easily done through public transportation or by renting a scooter.

With these travel tips in mind, a trip to Tainan can be a fulfilling and enriching experience.

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Top 7 Places to Visit in Taiwan on Your Next Visit

Last Updated on February 15, 2024

Are you planning a trip to Taiwan? This beautiful country is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant city life. From bustling cities to serene natural wonders, Taiwan has something to offer every traveller. In this guide, here is my pick of the 7 top places to visit in Taiwan, ensuring that you make the most of your next adventure. Whether you’re seeking Taiwan tourist attractions, cultural experiences, or breathtaking landscapes, I’ve got you covered.

1. Taipei 101

Taipei 101, previously recognized as the Taipei World Financial Center, stands tall as an iconic tourist attraction in Taiwan that should be on every traveler’s list. Standing at 508 meters (1,667 feet), it held the title of the world’s tallest building until 2010. The panoramic vista from the 89th-floor observation deck presents awe-inspiring views that capture Taipei City and the surrounding mountains. It’s especially enchanting during the evening when the city lights up. Inside, you’ll find a luxurious shopping mall with international brands and a wide array of dining options, making it a fantastic destination for sightseeing and shopping.

2. Taroko Gorge National Park

Taroko Gorge National Park is a natural wonderland in Taiwan that captivates visitors with its stunning marble cliffs, deep canyons, and emerald-green rivers. The park covers an area of over 920 square kilometers (355 square miles), and it’s a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Some must-visit places within the park include the Swallow Grotto, to witness the Liwu River cutting through marble cliffs, and the Eternal Spring Shrine, to pay tribute to the workers who lost their lives during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway. The park’s diverse ecosystems make it a hotspot for biodiversity, making it a haven for nature lovers.

Jiufen is a charming old mining town located in the hills of northeastern Taiwan. Steeped in history and culture, this picturesque town is famous for its narrow winding streets, atmospheric teahouses, and traditional red lanterns that illuminate the evenings. Jiufen’s unique blend of Japanese and Chinese influences is evident in its architecture and cuisine. Visitors can indulge in local street food, including the famous taro balls and sweet potato balls, while enjoying panoramic hillside views. Don’t forget to visit the A-Mei Tea House, an iconic tourist attraction perched on a hilltop that served as an inspiration for the Studio Ghibli movie, “Spirited Away.”

4. Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s largest body of water, is nestled in the lush Nantou County. The lake gets its name from its unique shape, resembling both a sun and a moon. Surrounded by mist-covered mountains, this place offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Visitors can take leisurely boat rides to explore the lake or rent bicycles to cycle around its perimeter, taking in the breathtaking scenery. Additionally, a visit to the nearby Wenwu Temple adds a cultural dimension to your experience, as it is dedicated to Confucius, Yue Fei, and Guan Yu.

5. Kenting National Park

Kenting National Park, located at the southern tip of Taiwan, is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a must-visit place for water sports enthusiasts, offering activities such as surfing, snorkelling, and scuba diving. The park also features lush forests and coral reefs, making it a diverse destination for nature lovers. At night, the Kenting Night Market comes to life with food stalls offering a variety of Taiwanese and international delicacies. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, this place has it all.

Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city, is a treasure trove of historical sites and cultural landmarks. It’s often referred to as the “Capital City of Taiwanese Culture.” Some must-visit places include Chihkan Tower, a Dutch-era fortification that offers insights into Taiwan’s colonial history, and Koxinga Shrine, dedicated to the national hero who resisted foreign rule. Tainan is also famous for its street food, and you can savour local delicacies like oyster omelettes and shrimp rolls at the countless food stalls scattered across the city.

7. Alishan National Scenic Area

Alishan National Scenic Area is a mountainous wonderland that attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Known for its misty forests, ancient trees, and breathtaking sunrise views, Alishan offers a serene retreat from city life. Watching the sunrise from the Alishan Forest Recreation Area is a surreal experience as the sun’s first rays pierce through the sea of clouds. A network of well-maintained trails allows visitors to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region, making it a top place to visit in Taiwan for hiking and photography.

Embrace the Diversity of Taiwan: Your Perfect Itinerary Awaits

Taiwan is a remarkable destination filled with diverse experiences for travelers. From the bustling streets of Taipei to the serene natural wonders of Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, and other incredible destinations, this island nation has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re interested in Taiwan tourist attractions, cultural explorations, outdoor adventures, or simply figuring out where to go in Taiwan , these top places to visit provide a comprehensive itinerary for your next visit. So, pack your bags and embark on a memorable journey to discover the beauty and charm of Taiwan.

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• Tainan Overview

Chinese Name : 台南 English IPA : /tai-næn/ Location : Southwest of Taiwan Province Population (city) : 1.88 million Language : Mandarin, Southern Fujian dialect Zip code : 700 Tel code : +06 Time zone : (UTC+8)

Tainan is one of the most important cities in Taiwan Province, located in the southwest coast of Taiwan. It is a famous historical and cultural city with many natural, cultural, and historical sites in and around it where you never want to leave once you arrived. You can visit Tainan metropolitan park, Tainan Confucian Temple, Fort Zeelandia (安平古堡), Grand Matsu Temple, Temple of the Five Concubines, Qigu Salt Mountain, Anping Tree House, Anping Old Street, etc. What’s more, you can experience the local night markets and taste all kinds of Taiwanese snacks.

Highlights:

• Snacks:  Tainan is famous for its night market culture. You can experience variety Taiwanese snacks such as Fried baozi, Oyster omelet (蚵仔煎), scallions, stinky tofu, Eel Noodles and Tofu Pudding,etc.
• Folk Culture :  You can experience numerous religious festivals in Tainan, such as Mazu Culture Festival, Xigang Sacrifice Festival and Zheng Chenggong Culture Festival.
• Leisure Life :  Leisure is a kind of culture and attitude in this city. Nowadays, rapid changes comes to Tainan and no matter how quick it develops, the consistent relaxed and easy-going style remains in the life of Tainan people. Just go and enjoy our fabulous Tainan Tours .

Other Destinations in Tainan

• Tainan Attractions

Located in southwest coast of Taiwan. Nowadays, as a historical capital and central city in Taiwan, Tainan is famous for its food, coastal ecology and historical places of interest. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful lake view at Swan Lake Water Park and Sicao Wetland Park, see the lotus at Baihe Lotus Park, view unique natural landscapes at Guanziling and Taijiang Park, meanwhile, visit historical cultural landscapes at Anping Tree House, Fort Provintia (赤崁楼), Anping Fort (安平古堡) and National Museum [...]

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• Tainan Tours

As the oldest city in Taiwan, Tainan is possesses with plenty of famous historical sites. Our Tainan tour has not only covered the highlights of Tainan downtown area, but also its surrounding charming attractions. There is a one day tour in Tainan, which can lead you visit Tait (德记洋行), Anping Tree House (安平树屋), Anping Castle and Xinhua Street, etc. The other 2-day-tour will lead you to eat Duxiaoyue Danzi noodles, visit Anping Fort, Tainan Confucian Temple, Sicao Wetland Reserve, Fort Provintia [...]

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Climate & When to Go

Tainan Climate It is situated in the south of the Tropic of Cancer. Like most of Taiwan, it has a subtropical climate, but Tainan borders on a tropical wet-dry sub-climate. The climate is mild over the years, and the average temperature is around 20 °C. Although there are four seasons, the temperature is difference is not too large. Summer is a typhoon period, so the wet season and rains are more frequent. So it can be unbearably humid and hot. Its hottest [...]

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Transportation

Tainan is one of significant traffic tubs and regional logistics centers in Taiwan. It can be available by air, train, high-speed railway and coach to get to other cities, such as Taipei and Kaohsiung. It’s easy to find Tainan Airport, Tainan High Speed Railway Station and Tainan Railway Station. However, the current overseas flights only have Hong Kong-Tainan, Wuhan-Tainan routes. People could arrive at Kaohsiung International Airport which is relatively close from Tainan, then by trains or high-speed trains to [...]

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Festivals and Activities

Tainan is known as the “Cultural Ancient Capital”. There are numerous characteristic festivals and activities left in this ancient place. Such as Tianhou Cultural Festival (Mazu Culture Festival), Xigang Sacrifice Festival and Zheng Chenggong Culture Festival. Festivals in Tainan Besides some Chinese traditional festivals, like New Year's Day(January 1), Spring Festival(The first day of the first lunar month; February 5, 2019), Lantern Festival(The fifteenth day of the first lunar month), Tomb Sweeping Day(15 days after the Spring equinox; April 5, 2019), Dragon [...]

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Travel Tips

VISA There are four types of VISA depending on the purpose and identity of the applicant: VISITOR VISA：for foreign nationals who are going to stay for no more than six months. RESIDENT VISA：for foreign nationals who are going to stay for more than six months. DIPLOMATIC VISA COURTESY VISA The duration of stay includes 14, 30, 60, 90 days and starts from the next day of arrival. For extension, foreign visitors must apply from the Bureau of Consular Affairs or branch offices of MOFA before [...]

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Useful Maps

Our Tainan maps cover different types of useful maps including Tainan location Map, Taiwan Province Map, Tainan City Map, Tainan attractions map, Scenic Spots Around Tainan, and so on to help you better understand about Tainan city and plan your dreamlike Tainan tour. [...]

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• Tainan Accommodation

Tainan is located in the Jianan Plain in southwestern Taiwan, west of the Taiwan Strait, and east of the Alishan Mountains. It is an important agricultural and sugar producing area in Taiwan. Although the accommodation in Tainan cannot be compared with Taipei, the local star hotels and hot spring hotels are good. If you want to choose a homestay, it is recommended to select a legal home stay registered in the Taiwan Travel Network. Coming to Tainan, eating snacks, making [...]

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Tainan Travel Guide

Things to do.

• Tainan Shopping
• Tainan Culture
• Tainan Festivals and Events
• Tainan Entertainment and Nightlife

Travel Information

• Tainan Travel Tips
• Tainan Climate
• Tainan Transportation
• Tainan Maps
• Tainan Photos
• Tainan Dining
• Tainan Education
• Tainan Administrative Divisions

Tips Before Travel

Bring copies of your passport.

Don't assume you're restricted to the main hubs of Beijing and Shanghai, our tours can start from any city.

Register with your embassy

For your safety, please register with the Embassy.

Always have local cash

Exchange some local currency for your trip

Customize a Trip

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once enquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

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