Selected! 8 Recommended Tourist Spots in Tainan – A Nostalgic Ancient Capital and Gourmet City

Tainan, often called "Taiwan’s Kyoto," is an ancient city that once served as the capital of Taiwan and has prospered since early times. It boasts many charming spots with preserved old streets, and its tropical climate—warm with little rain—makes it an ideal destination for sightseeing. With high-speed rail access from Taipei in about 2 hours, it is easy to visit even on a short trip. From Tainan Grand Matsu Temple, where the last of the Ming dynasty royals once lived, to the retro Shen Nong Street, Tainan is packed with attractions that make it hard to choose where to start your tour. Here are 8 especially recommended tourist spots in Tainan!

1. Chihkan Tower (Sekkanlou)

Also known as Sekkanlou or Ssekkanlou, this red building is striking in appearance and was built by the Dutch in the 1600s as a fortification. Ownership changed over time through the Dutch, Qing Dynasty, and Japanese colonial periods, and today it is designated as a national historic site in Tainan. Visitors can see the red walls from the Dutch period and a bronze statue honoring Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga) for defeating the Dutch. This site is extremely important for understanding Tainan's history.

Inside, you will find a well-maintained garden and pond, and the uniquely red building welcomes visitors with its vivid red and blue contrast. Although the site is not very large, you can also visit the pavilions. It is a must-visit tourist spot.

2. Confucius Temple

Tainan Confucius Temple, built in 1655, is the oldest Confucian temple in Taiwan. Passing through the vermilion gate, you are greeted by a garden bathed in green, with a variety of buildings of different sizes. This temple enshrines Confucius, the founder of Confucianism. There are 15 distinct structures in the complex, and as the temple is also revered as the god of learning, it attracts not only tourists but also many students from Tainan.

Apart from the Confucius Temple, there is no admission fee for the rest of the complex, making it a beloved spot for locals to relax. The historical buildings evoke a nostalgic atmosphere that soothes the soul—a recommended spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

3. Anping Tree House

One of Tainan’s most popular tourist attractions, the Anping Tree House, exudes a magical atmosphere. Originally used as a salt warehouse, the dilapidated building has been overgrown by banyan trees typical of tropical climates, transforming it into what appears to be a maze.

Its appearance is reminiscent of a setting from the Studio Ghibli film "Laputa: Castle in the Sky." The old, brick ruins intermingled with the sprawling banyan trees make for a fantastic photo opportunity. An observation deck and stairs have been set up, allowing you to enjoy the mysterious sight from above. Don’t miss the chance to experience this enchanting blend of natural mystery and decaying architecture.

4. Shen Nong Street

This narrow street is lined on both sides with chic cafés and gift shops housed in old buildings. It is relatively quiet during the day but transforms completely at night when lanterns and lamps light the street, creating a wonderful ambiance.

This area is popular among local couples for dating. Although it is a short walk from Tainan Station, it’s the perfect spot to shop for souvenirs in trendy Tainan by day and enjoy a leisurely stroll at night after visiting the night markets.

5. Chimei Museum

Set on a vast site, the Chimei Museum is an imposing Western-style white building that appears almost out of nowhere. Founded by Mr. Hsu, the founder of the prominent Chimei Group, it is one of Tainan’s leading museums. The museum displays not only paintings and sculptures but also a diverse collection that includes weaponry, musical instruments, and animal specimens.

Famous works by sculptor Rodin, paintings from the 13th to the 20th centuries, are among the many exhibits. Since there is an abundance of displays, you may want to take your time exploring. Special temporary exhibitions are also held, so be sure to check for them. The museum offers an excellent opportunity to find a memorable souvenir from Tainan.

Basically, this museum is completely reservation-based. Although you can buy tickets directly at the museum on the day and be assigned a time slot, depending on the booking situation you may end up waiting or, in the worst case, not being able to enter at all that day. Therefore, it is recommended to make an online reservation in advance. Since you can choose the date and time you wish to visit, booking ahead will make your Tainan sightseeing much more efficient.

6. Hua Yuan Night Market

Tainan is a treasure trove of delicious food, and no visit would be complete without a trip to Hua Yuan Night Market. While Tainan has several night markets, this one is the largest and is renowned for its vast selection of mouthwatering foods.

Upon following the large sign that reads “Hua Yuan Night Market,” you will be greeted by an overwhelming atmosphere of energy and activity. There are food stalls offering everything from meat and seafood to fruits, juices, and sweets. In addition, there are retail shops selling clothing and accessories, as well as game stalls featuring traditional games like ball-throwing and simple pachinko.

With very affordable prices, the market is popular not only with tourists but also with Tainan locals. Note that the market is held in a parking lot, and it is only open on specific days (only on wood, soil, and Sunday); please check before you visit.

7. Guanziling Hot Springs and the Concept of “Water and Fire Are of the Same Origin”

When you’re in Tainan and feeling a bit tired, a visit to Guanziling Hot Springs is a must. Known as one of Taiwan’s most special hot springs, Guanziling Hot Springs is famous for its mud baths, regarded as some of the world’s best. The mud is believed to have excellent effects on skin beauty, and many visitors enjoy slathering it on their faces and bodies.

Additionally, when visiting Guanziling Hot Springs, don’t miss the “Water and Fire Are of the Same Origin” attraction. From a small shrine-like rock formation crowned by a statue of Fudō Myōō, flames emerge while water miraculously flows out from beneath, forming puddles. This phenomenon occurs due to a unique geological formation where natural gas and water coexist vertically.

Guanziling Hot Springs offers both day-use and overnight stays, so you can enjoy a leisurely retreat and also visit “Water and Fire Are of the Same Origin.”

8. Ten Drum Cultural Village

Located a little outside central Tainan, Ten Drum Cultural Village is a theme park created by the famous Taiwanese drumming group, the Ten Drum Art Ensemble. This unique attraction features live drum performances that will resonate deep within your soul. Housed in a renovated former sugar factory, the site retains an atmosphere of ruin while also featuring aerial walkways, souvenir shops, and cafés.

The main attraction is, of course, the drum performances! The powerful rhythms of the drums, which seem to vibrate from your core, are sure to impress. You can also try your hand at drumming yourself or learn about the drum-making process. The spacious grounds also make for a leisurely stroll.

◎ Summary

We have carefully selected 8 recommended tourist spots in Tainan, a nostalgic ancient capital and a gourmet city. Tainan is filled with historical sites and scenic parks where you can truly feel the history. It is also a food lover’s paradise, so you can enjoy delicious local dishes while exploring the city. Enjoy your time sightseeing in Tainan to the fullest!

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Selected! 8 Recommended Tourist Spots in Tainan – A Nostalgic Ancient Capital and Gourmet City