SOUTH
台南
 TAINAN

Tainan is sometimes called the Kyoto of Taiwan. And while city parallels can be as flawed as they are helpful, there is a certain historic, traditional charm to the city, and ample temples to warrant the comparison. But in many ways Tainan could be the Osaka of Taiwan, known for its food, particularly the xiaochi, it’s a mecca for whole in the wall unfussy foods that are a source of national pride.

Imperfect city comparisons aside, there are a few objective truths. Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan, so it’s a great place to see and learn about the history. Tainan is also a smaller city, with a population smaller than Taoyuan. And it feels smaller, more quiet, a little slower, a little more local. It has the most temples than any other city in Taiwan. Historic monuments and integrated parts of daily life.

You can see signs of its history throughout the city. There’s heavy Japanese influence. Some of the main attractions of the city are artifacts of past eras of colonization. Dutch forts, British merchants, the mixing of Chinese and western cultures from centuries ago still standing in the present.

But today’s Tainan is so much more than its history. It’s a small city that has a strong identity. That holds so much pride in its culinary heritage. That is investing in local crafts and industries and the arts, and inspiring new generations of creators and makers and founders to thrive.

getting here

Tainan is easily accessible from the major cities of Taiwan. Connected to the west side efficiently by high speed rail, it’s less than two hours from Taipei, and just minutes from Kaohsiung. It is also well connected by the train network, with express and local trains offering extensive coverage into the more rural surroundings of the county. There are also long distance buses from other city hubs, the most affordable (but also most time consuming) option.

Is there an airport? Technically yes. But does anyone use it? No, just take the train!

HSR Website

Train Website

local transportation

Like other southern cities, Tainan is more of a commuter city, where most people buzz around by motor scooters or cars. Public transportation is limited to local buses, which are not the most tourist friendly if you don’t speak Chinese (or Taiwanese, as many of the bus drivers would). In the city center and around main tourist attractions it’s pretty easy to hail a cab. And there’s increasingly more ride share options as well. They are as of 2023 integrating You Bike (the same system from Taipei) to replace the former T-bike for local bike share.

Local Buses

where to stay

A majority of hotels in Tainan are in the city center. If you’re coming or going by train, it’s always nice to stay close to the train station. But generally for shorter trips, anything in the West Central District should be pretty convenient to be able to walk around a lot of the main areas and take quick cabs to certain attractions. There are some hotels by the water and in Anping as well. Generally hotels are cheaper here than in other main cities, and there’s a good range from affordable hostels and business hotels to newer luxury hotels.

Tainan Tourism Website

THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS

Originally built by the Dutch during their colonial rule, this well-preserved fort offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s history. Explore the grounds and walk along the fortress walls, and catch panoramic views of the surrounding area. While in Anping be sure to stop by the other historic sites like the Anping Tree House and Eternal Golden Castle.
Also known as Fort Provintia, this historic building dates back to the Dutch colonial period and showcases a unique blend of European and Taiwanese architectural styles. It’s centrally located in the city and features a small museum that explore’s the city’s history over the centuries.
This iconic building was once the most prominent shopping destinations in the city during the Japanese era. Today, it stands as a cultural landmark and heritage center, filled with floor upon floor of quality Taiwanese goods and crafts, as well as pop ups and galleries. It’s a great place to peruse for souvenirs and gifts.
This beautiful temple dates back to the Ming Dynasty and has been preserved and honored over many generations. The architecture is notably less ornate than other Buddhist Taoist temples but the red walls, stone carvings and embellished traditional rooftops make for a glorious complex. The grounds are peaceful for walking through, and the surrounding area is filled with shops and cafes with unique goods and crafts.
Tainan has several great night markets and you should go to whichever happens to be open when you are there, but if you can make it a point to plan your trip when Garden Night Market is open you absolutely should. Hundreds of stalls and endless options for street food and entertainment, it’s different from the night markets of Taipei that have become more commercialized over the years, the ones in Tainan still have that nostalgic feeling of excitement as carts and signs and giant flags fill an empty lot and glow against the night sky.
Yes, the food of Tainan is an attraction in itself. Most places in Taiwan have their signature dish or specialty they are known for, but Tainan has many. It’s like a subcuisine within Taiwanese cuisine (which, one may argue is itself a subcuisine and amalgamation of several cultures). Be sure to try the danzai noodles, the beef soup, shrimp rice and many other “small eats” — you won’t have to try hard to find yourself on a spontaneous food crawl around the many shopping and market streets.

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