TW
Tainan
Taiwan’s oldest city, with Dutch forts, historic temples and some of the island’s best street food
Taiwan’s oldest city, with Dutch forts, historic temples and some of the island’s best street food
Built on the site of the Dutch Fort Provintia from the 1650s, the present Chinese-style pavilions date from the 19th century.
Photo: Rutger van der Maar, CC BY 2.0
The Dutch built Fort Zeelandia here in the 1620s. Parts of the old brick walls survive beside a later lookout tower and museum.
Photo: Johan Jönsson (Julle), CC BY-SA 4.0
An old trading warehouse has been taken over by the roots of banyan trees, with walkways through and above it.
Photo: Mk2010, CC BY-SA 4.0
Founded in 1665, it was Taiwan’s first Confucian temple and school. Its quiet courtyards are shaded by old trees.
Photo: xiquinhosilva, CC BY 2.0
This narrow lane of old shophouses has cafés, bars and craft shops, and is especially atmospheric at night under lanterns.
Photo: Andrzej Otrębski, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try fresh beef soup in the morning, danzai noodles, coffin bread, milkfish and shrimp rolls.
Night markets such as Garden Night Market open on certain days of the week.
The High Speed Rail takes just under 2 hours from Taipei to HSR Tainan station, outside the centre; a short shuttle train links it to Tainan city station. Ordinary trains are cheaper but slower.
Tainan has no metro. Use buses, taxis, rental scooters or YouBike bicycles.
Taiwan uses the New Taiwan dollar (TWD).
History and food.
See Chihkan Tower, the Confucius Temple and Shennong Street.
Visit Anping Old Fort and the Tree House, and eat at a night market.
Beef soup shops open very early.
HSR Tainan is outside the city; take the shuttle train.
Summer brings heat and typhoon risk.
Use an EasyCard on buses and YouBikes.
Quick answers for planning time in Tainan.
Yes, and it was the capital for over 200 years.
By High Speed Rail in just under 2 hours.
Beef soup, danzai noodles and coffin bread.
Chihkan Tower, Anping Old Fort and the Confucius Temple.
November to March, when it is dry and mild.
Planning a wider trip? Our Taiwan travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.