Best Places To Visit In Tainan | Taiwan

Originally built in 1653 during the Dutch colonial period, this structure has witnessed various transformations, serving as a military hub, a residence, and now a museum. The tower stands at approximately 10 meters high and is surrounded by a cultural park that spans several acres, showcasing well-preserved architecture and historical artifacts. The site is open to visitors from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily.

Location: Chihkan Tower is situated in the West Central District of Tainan City, specifically at 212, Section 2, Chengkung Road. It is conveniently located about 2 kilometers from the city center, making it easily accessible for visitors.

How to Get There: To reach Chihkan Tower from Tainan’s main city area, visitors can take a short walk, as it is less than a 30-minute stroll. Alternatively, taxis and public transportation options are readily available, providing a quick and efficient way to arrive.

What Can See: Upon visiting Chihkan Tower, guests are greeted by stunning architecture that blends Dutch and Chinese styles. The intricate carvings and traditional red-tiled roofs are captivating. The surrounding gardens, adorned with koi ponds and stone sculptures, offer a tranquil environment to explore. The Bixi-carrying imperial steles in front of the tower are particularly noteworthy, showcasing Taiwan’s rich history.

What Can Do: At Chihkan Tower, visitors can engage in guided tours that delve into the site’s historical significance. There are also exhibitions that highlight Taiwan’s colonial past and cultural evolution. The gardens provide a perfect spot for relaxation or photography, while the nearby shops offer local snacks and souvenirs.

Conclusion: Chihkan Tower is not just a historical site; it is a vibrant cultural hub that reflects Tainan’s rich heritage. Its unique blend of architecture and serene surroundings makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Taiwan.

This impressive fortress covers an area of approximately 20,000 square meters and features thick walls made from oyster shell cement, a unique material that showcases local resources. The fortress is open to the public from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Location: Located in the Anping District of Tainan City, the Eternal Golden Fortress can be found at 82, Guosheng Road. It is roughly 4 kilometers from Tainan’s city center, making it easily reachable for visitors.

How to Get There: From the main city, visitors can take a taxi or use public transport to reach the fortress. For those who prefer to walk, it is a pleasant 45-minute stroll along the scenic streets of Tainan.

What Can See: The fortress offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including the coastline and nearby historical structures. Visitors can explore the remnants of the fortifications, including bastions and cannons, which provide insight into the military strategies of the past.

What Can Do: At the Eternal Golden Fortress, guests can participate in guided tours that explain the fort’s history and significance. There are also interactive displays and exhibitions that engage visitors of all ages. The surrounding park is ideal for picnics and leisurely walks.

Conclusion: The Eternal Golden Fortress stands as a testament to Tainan’s colonial history and military heritage. Its impressive architecture and scenic views make it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

The fort covers an area of approximately 1.5 hectares and features a distinctive triangular layout. It is open to the public from 9 AM to 5 PM, allowing ample time for exploration.

Location: Anping Fort is located at No. 82, Guosheng Rd, Anping District, Tainan City. It is approximately 4 kilometers from the heart of Tainan, making it a convenient stop for tourists.

How to Get There: Visitors can easily reach Anping Fort by taking a taxi or public transportation from Tainan city center. For those who enjoy walking, the fort is about a 30-minute walk from the nearest bus stop.

What Can See: The fort features well-preserved walls and watchtowers that provide a glimpse into its historical significance. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area from the fort’s elevated positions, as well as explore the museum that details its history.

What Can Do: Anping Fort offers guided tours that provide insights into its construction and the Dutch colonial era. Visitors can also enjoy local street food from vendors nearby, making it a perfect spot to combine history with culinary delights.

Conclusion: Anping Fort is a remarkable historical site that showcases Taiwan’s colonial past. Its strategic location and rich history make it an essential visit for anyone exploring Tainan.

Built in the early 20th century, the theater has a seating capacity of around 1,000 and features a blend of Western and Eastern architectural styles. It operates from 10 AM to 6 PM for visitors interested in exploring its artistic offerings.

Location: The theater is located at 1, Yonghua Rd, Tainan City, approximately 3 kilometers from the city center, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach Yongcheng Theater by taking a taxi or public transport from Tainan’s main city area. It is also within walking distance for those who enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city.

What Can See: The theater boasts stunning interior designs, including intricate woodwork and vintage decor that reflect its historical roots. Attending a performance or simply touring the venue allows visitors to appreciate its artistic atmosphere.

What Can Do: Yongcheng Theater hosts various performances, including traditional Taiwanese opera, concerts, and cultural events. Visitors can also participate in workshops or exhibitions that showcase local arts and crafts.

Conclusion: Yongcheng Theater is a cultural gem in Tainan, offering a unique blend of history and the arts. Its vibrant performances and beautiful architecture make it a must-visit for anyone interested in Taiwanese culture.

This temple features intricate carvings and vibrant decorations, reflecting traditional Taiwanese architectural styles. It is open to visitors from 8 AM to 5 PM, providing a glimpse into local religious practices.

Location: Situated at 5, Zonghua Rd, Tainan City, the temple is located approximately 2 kilometers from the city center, making it an easily accessible destination.

How to Get There: Visitors can take a taxi or public transport to reach the temple from Tainan’s main city area. It is also a short walk for those staying nearby.

What Can See: The temple is adorned with beautiful sculptures and murals that depict various martial deities. The atmosphere is lively, especially during festivals when the temple is filled with worshippers and traditional performances.

What Can Do: At the Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple, visitors can participate in religious ceremonies and observe local customs. The temple also hosts cultural events and festivals that allow guests to engage with the community.

Conclusion: The Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple is a fascinating site that showcases Taiwan’s rich religious heritage. Its vibrant atmosphere and cultural significance make it a rewarding visit for anyone exploring Tainan.

The museum covers an area of 15,000 square meters and features various exhibitions that explore Taiwan’s history from prehistoric times to the present. It is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Location: The museum is located at 250, Section 1, Changrong Road, Tainan City, approximately 5 kilometers from the city center.

How to Get There: Visitors can easily reach the museum by taxi or public transport. For those who prefer walking, it is about a 30-minute stroll from the nearest bus stop.

What Can See: The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and multimedia displays that tell the story of Taiwan’s diverse cultures. The architecture of the building itself is a blend of modern and traditional styles, making it a visual treat.

What Can Do: Guests can participate in guided tours and educational programs that enhance their understanding of Taiwan’s history. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year.

Conclusion: The National Museum of Taiwan History is an essential destination for anyone interested in learning about Taiwan’s past. Its extensive collections and engaging exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of the island’s rich cultural tapestry.

Located in a historic building that once served as a colonial-era office, the museum features exhibitions that highlight the works of Taiwanese authors and poets. It is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily.

Location: The museum is located at 1, Section 2, Zhongshan Road, Tainan City, about 2 kilometers from the city center.

How to Get There: Visitors can easily access the museum via taxi or public transport. It is also within walking distance for those exploring the city.

What Can See: The museum showcases a variety of literary works, manuscripts, and artifacts that reflect Taiwan’s literary evolution. The building’s architecture adds to the charm, providing a beautiful backdrop for literary exploration.

What Can Do: At the museum, visitors can attend literary events, workshops, and readings that celebrate Taiwanese literature. The museum also offers guided tours to enhance the visitor experience.

Conclusion: The National Museum of Taiwanese Literature is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. Its focus on Taiwan’s literary history and vibrant programming make it a must-visit for anyone interested in the arts.

Spanning over 10,000 square meters, the museum features a stunning architectural design that attracts visitors from around the world. It is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, providing ample time to explore its diverse exhibitions.

Location: The museum is located at 66, Section 2, Zhongshan Road, Tainan City, approximately 8 kilometers from the city center.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach Chimei Museum by taxi or public transport. For those who prefer walking, it is about a 1.5-kilometer walk from the nearest bus stop.

What Can See: The museum’s collection includes European paintings, ancient weapons, and a remarkable array of musical instruments. The beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the museum enhance the overall experience.

What Can Do: At Chimei Museum, guests can participate in guided tours that provide insights into the exhibits. The museum also hosts concerts and cultural events, making it a vibrant hub for the arts.

Conclusion: Chimei Museum is a cultural landmark in Tainan that offers a unique blend of art and history. Its impressive collections and engaging programs make it an essential stop for anyone visiting the area.

is a unique historical site that showcases the engineering marvels of Taiwan’s water supply system during the Japanese colonial era. Constructed between 1902 and 1912, this century-old waterway structure encompasses a 36-hectare park with preserved ecological forests, nurseries, and two main historic buildings – the red brick “rapid filter chamber” and the white “effluent pumping chamber”. The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the past while providing a serene and picturesque setting for leisure and relaxation.

Location: The museum is located at No. 16, Shanshang Village, Shanxi District, Tainan City. It is situated approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Tainan’s city center.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach the museum by car or public transportation. From Tainan Main Station, take bus 8001 or 8002 and get off at the “Mountain Garden” stop. The journey takes around 40 minutes.

What Can See: Explore the historic buildings, including the “rapid filter chamber” with its intact rapid filter system and the “effluent pumping chamber”. Stroll through the lush greenery, admire the Ryukyu pine trees and magnolia flower trail, and enjoy the tranquility of the former water trough, now transformed into a tropical botanical garden.

What Can Do: Visitors can take a leisurely walk through the park, visit the museum’s exhibits, and learn about the history of Taiwan’s water supply system. The museum also offers educational programs and workshops for children and families.

Conclusion: The Hilltop Garden Watercourse Museum is a unique blend of history, nature, and culture. It serves as a testament to Taiwan’s engineering prowess and a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life. The museum’s dedication to preserving and showcasing this important aspect of Taiwan’s heritage makes it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the country’s history and culture.

Opened in 2012, the museum features a wide range of exhibits and activities that cover various scientific disciplines, including physics, biology, and technology. With its hands-on approach and engaging displays, the museum aims to make learning fun and accessible for children of all ages.

Location: The museum is situated at No. 66, Ximen Rd., West Central District, Tainan City. It is conveniently located in the heart of Tainan’s city center, just a short walk from the Tainan Train Station.

How to Get There: Visitors can easily reach the museum on foot from Tainan Train Station, which is approximately 500 meters away. Alternatively, they can take a taxi or use public transportation, such as the Tainan City Bus or the Tainan MRT.

What Can See: Explore the museum’s interactive exhibits, which include a giant kaleidoscope, a water table that demonstrates the principles of buoyancy, and a giant soap bubble station. Children can also learn about the human body, experiment with light and sound, and discover the wonders of the natural world.

What Can Do: Visitors can participate in hands-on activities, attend science workshops and demonstrations, and explore the museum’s themed zones, such as the “Eco Garden” and the “Invention Workshop”. The museum also organizes special events and exhibitions throughout the year.

Conclusion: The Tainan Children’s Science Museum is a fantastic destination for families and children interested in science and learning. With its engaging exhibits and interactive activities, the museum provides a fun and educational experience that encourages curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a love for science. It is a great way to spend a day exploring the wonders of the world through the eyes of a child.

Discovered in 1971, the park is home to a vast array of well-preserved fossils, including trilobites, brachiopods, and crinoids, dating back to the Paleozoic Era (541-252 million years ago). The park’s visitor center features exhibits that explain the geological history of the area and the significance of the fossils found there.

Location: The Zuojhen Fossil Park is located in Zuojhen District, Tainan City, approximately 30 kilometers northeast of the city center. The park’s visitor center is situated at No. 1, Zuojhen Fossil Park, Zuojhen District, Tainan City.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach the park by car or by taking a combination of public transportation. From Tainan Main Station, take bus 8001 or 8002 to the “Zuojhen Fossil Park” stop. The journey takes around 50 minutes.

What Can See: Explore the park’s outdoor fossil exhibition area, where visitors can see the fossils in their natural setting. The visitor center features interactive exhibits that showcase the different types of fossils found in the park and explain the geological processes that led to their formation.

What Can Do: Visitors can participate in guided tours, attend educational programs and workshops, and learn about the importance of fossil preservation. The park also offers picnic areas and hiking trails for visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Conclusion: The Tainan City Zuojhen Fossil Park is a unique and fascinating destination for anyone interested in paleontology and the history of life on Earth. The well-preserved fossils found in the park provide a glimpse into the distant past and offer valuable insights into the evolution of life on our planet. The park’s educational programs and interactive exhibits make it an engaging and informative experience for visitors of all ages.

Founded by the renowned Ten Drum Art Percussion Group, the village features a variety of exhibits, performances, and workshops that showcase the history and evolution of drumming in Taiwan. The village’s main attraction is the “Drum Alley,” a 300-meter-long street lined with various drum-making workshops and interactive displays.

Location: The Ten Drum Culture Village is located at No. 326, Sec. 2, Wenhua Rd., Rende District, Tainan City. It is situated approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Tainan’s city center.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach the village by car or by taking a combination of public transportation. From Tainan Main Station, take bus 8001 or 8002 to the “Ten Drum Culture Village” stop. The journey takes around 30 minutes.

What Can See: Explore the “Drum Alley,” where visitors can watch drum-making demonstrations, participate in interactive exhibits, and learn about the different types of drums used in Taiwanese music. The village also features a performance hall, where visitors can enjoy live drum performances and concerts.

What Can Do: Visitors can participate in drum-making workshops, learn about the history and cultural significance of drumming in Taiwan, and even try their hand at playing various types of drums. The village also offers guided tours, educational programs, and special events throughout the year.

Conclusion: The Ten Drum Culture Village is a unique and engaging destination that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Taiwan’s percussion music. With its interactive exhibits, educational programs, and live performances, the village offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the world of drumming and gain a deeper appreciation for this important aspect of Taiwanese culture. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and educational experience, the Ten Drum Culture Village is a must-visit destination in Tainan.

The mountain is composed of salt deposits that have accumulated over thousands of years due to the evaporation of seawater in the nearby salt pans. The mountain’s striking white color and unique shape have made it a popular tourist attraction, with visitors often comparing it to a miniature version of the famous White Cliffs of Dover in England.

Location: Qigu Salt Mountain is situated in Qigu District, Tainan City, approximately 25 kilometers southwest of the city center. The mountain is located near the Qigu Salt Fields, another popular tourist destination in the area.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach the mountain by car or by taking a combination of public transportation. From Tainan Main Station, take bus 8501 or 8502 to the “Qigu Salt Mountain” stop. The journey takes around 40 minutes.

What Can See: Explore the mountain’s unique salt deposits, which have been sculpted by wind and rain into a variety of shapes and formations. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding salt fields and the nearby coastline from the top of the mountain.

What Can Do: Visitors can hike to the top of the mountain, take photos of the unique salt formations, and learn about the history and cultural significance of salt production in Taiwan. The mountain also offers picnic areas and hiking trails for visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Conclusion: Qigu Salt Mountain is a unique and fascinating destination that showcases the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Taiwan’s salt production industry. The mountain’s striking white color and unique shape make it a popular tourist attraction, while its educational exhibits and hiking trails offer visitors a chance to learn about the history and importance of salt in Taiwanese culture. Whether you’re interested in geology, history, or simply looking for a beautiful natural setting to explore, Qigu Salt Mountain is a must-visit destination in Tainan.

The salt fields are characterized by their distinctive tile-paved surface, which was designed to increase the efficiency of salt production by allowing the seawater to evaporate more quickly. The fields are also known for their stunning reflections, which create a mirror-like effect on the water’s surface, especially during the golden hour at sunrise and sunset.

Location: The Jingzaijiao Tile-paved Salt Fields are situated in Beimen District, Tainan City, approximately 35 kilometers southwest of the city center. The salt fields are located near the Jingzaijiao Fishing Harbor, another popular tourist destination in the area.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach the salt fields by car or by taking a combination of public transportation. From Tainan Main Station, take bus 8501 or 8502 to the “Jingzaijiao Salt Fields” stop. The journey takes around 50 minutes.

What Can See: Explore the tile-paved salt fields, which cover an area of approximately 60 hectares. Visitors can walk along the raised paths between the fields and observe the salt production process, which involves the evaporation of seawater and the harvesting of salt crystals. The fields are particularly stunning during the golden hour, when the reflections on the water’s surface create a magical and otherworldly atmosphere.

What Can Do: Visitors can take photos of the stunning reflections, learn about the history and cultural significance of salt production in Taiwan, and enjoy the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the salt fields. The nearby Jingzaijiao Fishing Harbor also offers opportunities for seafood dining and leisure activities.

Conclusion: The Jingzaijiao Tile-paved Salt Fields are a unique and picturesque destination that showcases the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Taiwan’s salt production industry. The tile-paved surface and stunning reflections make the fields a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers alike, while the educational exhibits and nearby fishing harbor offer visitors a chance to learn about and experience the local culture. Whether you’re interested in photography, history, or simply looking for a beautiful and peaceful setting to explore, the Jingzaijiao Tile-paved Salt Fields are a must-visit destination in Tainan.

The area is characterized by its striking lunar-like landscape, which features deep ravines, steep cliffs, and a variety of erosional features formed by the weathering of the underlying sandstone and shale. The Moon World is a popular destination for hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts who come to explore its otherworldly terrain and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Location: Caoshan Moon World is situated in Nanhua District, Tainan City, approximately 25 kilometers northeast of the city center. The area is located near the Caoshan Scenic Area, which offers additional hiking trails and natural attractions.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach the Moon World by car or by taking a combination of public transportation. From Tainan Main Station, take bus 8001 or 8002 to the “Caoshan Moon World” stop. The journey takes around 40 minutes.

What Can See: Explore the unique lunar-like landscape of the Moon World, which features deep ravines, steep cliffs, and a variety of erosional features formed by the weathering of the underlying sandstone and shale. Visitors can hike along the trails that wind through the area, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the striking geological formations.

What Can Do: Visitors can hike along the trails, take photos of the unique geological formations, and learn about the history and formation of the Moon World. The area also offers opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation, as it is home to a variety of plant and animal species adapted to the harsh environment.

Conclusion: Caoshan Moon World is a unique and fascinating destination that showcases the natural beauty and geological wonders of Taiwan’s landscape. The striking lunar-like landscape and stunning views make it a popular spot for hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts, while the educational exhibits and hiking trails offer visitors a chance to learn about the history and formation of this unique geological feature. Whether you’re interested in geology, photography, or simply looking for a beautiful and peaceful setting to explore, Caoshan Moon World is a must-visit destination in Tainan.