Steeped in history, Taiwan’s oldest city, Tainan, promises its guests a unique travel experience with its night markets as well as temples and museums. You can have a pleasant cultural tour by spending at least 1-2 days in Tainan, which is among the top cities to see in Taiwan with its deep-rooted history. Places to Visit in Tainan There are countless places to visit in Tainan, one of the most special cities in the southwest of Taiwan. Starting your trip from the old city area, you can discover the historical riches of Tainan and go on a pleasant journey back centuries. There are many buildings from the colonial period in the city. Among these, Fort Zeelandia and Chihkan Towers are worth seeing. Anping Tree House, surrounded by the baleen tree, which is considered sacred by Asians, is another spot we recommend you to add to your travel list. Tainan, which is also very rich in places of worship, is the city with the most temples in the country. Confucius Temple and Matsu Temple are among the most visited temples in the city. If you like visiting museums, you can see the Taiwan National Literature Museum and Chimei Museum. Guanzihling Hot Springs and Yuguang Island are among the must-see places in Tainan, where you can enjoy your evenings with sparkling night markets. You can find detailed information about these places below. We recommend that you start your Tainan trip first from Anping, which is considered the heart of the city. In the region, which is very interesting for tourists visiting the city, you can see the ruins of Fort Zeelandia, which was built by the Dutch in 1653 and is the oldest castle in the country. In the early 17th century, European sailors came to Asia for colonialism and trade, and the Anping region was occupied by the Dutch. Fort Zeelandia, which took ten years to build, was also called the King’s Castle because it hosted King Koxinga and his son. Only a few city walls remain from the historical castle, which has undergone various restorations over the years. You can visit Fort Zeelandia every day of the week between 8.30-17.30. One of the interesting spots you can visit in the historical Anping area is the house surrounded by the banyan tree, also known as the banyan tree. The house, which was used for commercial purposes by the Scots in the past, became the office and warehouse of the Japanese salt company in the 1940s. The house, which was abandoned after the Second World War as the salt industry began to decline in Anping, was surrounded by the roots and branches of the banyan tree over time. The tree, which has been growing for 70 years by covering the walls, roof and floor, has created an unusual view and has become a center of attraction for tourists. We recommend you to see the breathtaking view of the balyan tree, whose roots grow from top to bottom and is described as the tree of immortality by Asians with its unique root structure. The entrance fee to Anping Tree House is 50 Thai Dollars per person. Another place you can add to your list in Tainan, which is surrounded by historical buildings on all sides, is Chihkan Towers. The towers, built by the Dutch under the name Fort Provedentia in 1653, were called the Red-Haired Barbarians Tower by the Chinese. The building, officially known as Chihkan Towers today, impresses with its elegant architecture. Don’t just look at the towers adorned with statues from the outside, be sure to go up to the upper floors as well. Chihkan Towers, which offer peaceful views amidst greenery, are also very interesting with their night lighting. The entrance fee to Chihkan Towers, which is open to visitors every day of the week between 08.30 and 21.00, is 50 Taiwan Dollars per person. Places to visit in Tainan are not limited to buildings built during the colonial years. Each of the temples in the old city area is worth seeing. With 1613 temples, Tainan is the city with the most temples in the country. Confucius Temple is one of the magnificent places of worship you can visit in Tainan. Confucius Temple, which has a long historical past, is on the Nanmen road, reflecting all the charm of the ancient city of Tainan. A big event is held every year on September 28 to commemorate Confucius’ birthday in the temple, which connects the old blocks with the Great Southern Gate, Fuzhong Street and Koxinga Temple. During the event, which is held with the participation of thousands of people, the temple is colorfully decorated and hosts fascinating views. Surrounded by a small park, Confucius Temple is open to visitors every day of the week between 08.30 and 17.30. Matsu Temple, also known as Datianhou Temple, is another of the most famous temples in the city, dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Matsu. The temple, which was originally the mansion of Ming King Ning Jing, is known for being the first temple established by the state in Taiwan. While there is a huge golden statue of Matsu at the entrance of the temple, the altar of Yue Lao, known as the god of marriage, is one of the most visited parts of the temple. The temple, where single couples who want to get married make various vows, is flooded with visitors not only from Taiwan but also from Japan and China. The temple, which was severely damaged in the earthquake that occurred in 1946, was renovated and regained its current appearance and was taken under protection as a monument in 1985. Entrance to the temple, which is open to visitors every day of the week, is free. Those who want to get more detailed information about Taiwan’s history and culture can add the Taiwan National Literature Museum to their list. The museum, which contains a rich collection of books not only in Taiwan but also in Japanese, Chinese and Mandarin languages, sheds light on the history of the country. Located in the Tainan Government Building, the museum opened its doors to visitors in 2003. The entire interior and exterior of the museum, built on the shores of the Taijang Lagoon, is worth seeing. You can visit the National Taiwan Literature Museum, which includes temporary and permanent exhibitions, between 09.00-18.00 every day of the week except Mondays. The museum, which has no entrance fee, is a 15-minute walk from Tainan train station. If you prefer the city bus to come to the museum, which is very close to the Confucius Temple, you can take bus number 2 and get off at the Confucius Temple stop. Another museum that art lovers should not leave without seeing in Tainan is the Chimei Museum. Offering special collections in five different categories, the museum has been welcoming its guests since 1992. The Western Art Room, where paintings, sculptures, decorative arts and period furniture are exhibited, the Musical Instruments Room, the Weapons and Armor Room, the Antiques Room, and the History Room are the sections you can visit in the museum. You can have the chance to see rare collections of Western painting and sculpture from the 18th and 19th centuries at the Cheimi Museum, which has one of the largest violin collections in the world. You can visit Cheimi Museum, which is closed on Wednesdays, free of charge on other days between 09.30-17.30. The museum is located in the Rende district, within walking distance of Bao’an train station. One of the authentic spots of the city where you can experience the traditional atmosphere of Tainan to the fullest is the night markets. There are nearly 20 night markets in and around the center of Tainan. Night markets, where local food and drinks, especially clothes, shoes, bags and accessories are sold, are held on certain days of the week. The largest and most famous night market in Tainan is the Flower night market. Flower night market, held on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, is a meeting and socializing place for Taiwanese people. Wusheng night market, held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, is another night market worth seeing. You can add Ta-Tung, Yongda, Ben Yuan Liao night markets to your list of places to visit and add color and fun to your Tainan evenings. After finishing the places to visit in Tainan center, you should definitely explore its surroundings. Guanzihling area, famous for its hot springs, is one of the most popular places in Tainan, welcoming thousands of visitors every year. It is believed that the hot waters in Guanzihling, which is famous for its mud hot springs, which are rare in the world, cure skin problems. The hot spring is about an hour away from the city centre. The easiest way to get to Guanzihling from Tainan is to reach Sinying train station by taking a 30-minute train ride from TRA train station. There are also bus services to Guanzihling, which you can reach by taxi from Sinying station in approximately 25 minutes. You can go to the spa for a day, or if you want to spend a few days full of peace and health, you can also consider the accommodation options in the region. Another place you can see during your visit to Tainan is Yuguang Island. If you are tired of the crowd of Anping region, you will like the calm atmosphere of Yuguang Island. Yuguang Island, which resembles an undeveloped fishing town even though it is close to the city, is decorated with sculptures carefully made by local artists. You can browse the stalls where you can find handmade art products at very affordable prices, have a meal by the beach, or take a tea break. There are also many historical temples on the island. If you want to get away from the chaos of the city, you can choose the hostels on the island and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Yuguang Island, where a delightful view awaits you near sunset, is one of the most ideal addresses for photography enthusiasts. Mavimore Turizm is a travel agency registered with TÜRSAB. Document number: A-8307 Fort Zeelandia We recommend that you start your Tainan trip from Anping, which is considered the heart of the city. In the region, which is very interesting for tourists visiting the city, you can see the ruins of Fort Zeelandia, which was built by the Dutch in 1653 and is the oldest castle in the country. In the early 17th century, European sailors came to Asia for colonialism and trade, and the Anping region was occupied by the Dutch. Fort Zeelandia, which took ten years to build, was also called the King’s Castle because it hosted King Koxinga and his son. Only a few city walls remain from the historical castle, which has undergone various restorations over the years. You can visit Fort Zeelandia every day of the week between 8.30-17.30. Anping Tree House One of the interesting spots you can visit in the historical Anping region is the house surrounded by the banyan tree, also known as the banyan tree. The house, which was used for commercial purposes by the Scots in the past, became the office and warehouse of the Japanese salt company in the 1940s. The house, which was abandoned after the Second World War as the salt industry began to decline in Anping, was surrounded by the roots and branches of the banyan tree over time. The tree, which has been growing for 70 years by covering the walls, roof and floor, has created an unusual view and has become a center of attraction for tourists. We recommend you to see the breathtaking view of the balyan tree, whose roots grow from top to bottom and is described as the tree of immortality by Asians with its unique root structure. The entrance fee to Anping Tree House is 50 Thai Dollars per person. Chihkan Towers Another place you can add to your list in Tainan, which is surrounded by historical buildings on all sides, is Chihkan Towers. The towers, built by the Dutch under the name Fort Provedentia in 1653, were called the Red-Haired Barbarians Tower by the Chinese. The building, officially known as Chihkan Towers today, impresses with its elegant architecture. Don’t just look at the towers adorned with statues from the outside, be sure to go up to the upper floors as well. Chihkan Towers, which offer peaceful views amidst greenery, are also very interesting with their night lighting. The entrance fee to Chihkan Towers, which is open to visitors every day of the week between 08.30 and 21.00, is 50 Taiwan Dollars per person. Confucius Temple The places to visit in Tainan are not limited to the buildings built during the colonial years. Each of the temples in the old city area is worth seeing. With 1613 temples, Tainan is the city with the most temples in the country. Confucius Temple is one of the magnificent places of worship you can visit in Tainan. Confucius Temple, which has a long historical past, is on the Nanmen road, reflecting all the charm of the ancient city of Tainan. A big event is held every year on September 28 to commemorate Confucius’ birthday in the temple, which connects the old blocks with the Great Southern Gate, Fuzhong Street and Koxinga Temple. During the event, which is held with the participation of thousands of people, the temple is colorfully decorated and hosts fascinating views. Surrounded by a small park, Confucius Temple is open to visitors every day of the week between 08.30 and 17.30. Matsu Temple, also known as Datianhou Temple, is another of the most famous temples in the city, dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Matsu. The temple, which was originally the mansion of Ming King Ning Jing, is known for being the first temple established by the state in Taiwan. While there is a huge golden statue of Matsu at the entrance of the temple, the altar of Yue Lao, known as the god of marriage, is one of the most visited parts of the temple. The temple, where single couples who want to get married make various vows, is flooded with visitors not only from Taiwan but also from Japan and China. The temple, which was severely damaged in the earthquake that occurred in 1946, was renovated and regained its current appearance and was taken under protection as a monument in 1985. Entrance to the temple, which is open to visitors every day of the week, is free. Taiwan National Literature Museum Those who want to get more detailed information about Taiwan’s history and culture can add the Taiwan National Literature Museum to their list. The museum, which contains a rich collection of books not only in Taiwan but also in Japanese, Chinese and Mandarin languages, sheds light on the history of the country. Located in the Tainan Government Building, the museum opened its doors to visitors in 2003. The entire interior and exterior of the museum, built on the shores of the Taijang Lagoon, is worth seeing. You can visit the National Taiwan Literature Museum, which includes temporary and permanent exhibitions, between 09.00-18.00 every day of the week except Mondays. The museum, which has no entrance fee, is a 15-minute walk from Tainan train station. If you prefer the city bus to come to the museum, which is very close to the Confucius Temple, you can take bus number 2 and get off at the Confucius Temple stop. Chimei Museum Another museum in Tainan that art lovers should not leave without seeing is the Chimei Museum. Offering special collections in five different categories, the museum has been welcoming its guests since 1992. The Western Art Room, where paintings, sculptures, decorative arts and period furniture are exhibited, the Musical Instruments Room, the Weapons and Armor Room, the Antiques Room, and the History Room are the sections you can visit in the museum. You can have the chance to see rare collections of Western painting and sculpture from the 18th and 19th centuries at the Cheimi Museum, which has one of the largest violin collections in the world. You can visit Cheimi Museum, which is closed on Wednesdays, free of charge on other days between 09.30-17.30. The museum is located in the Rende district, within walking distance of Bao’an train station. Night Markets One of the authentic spots of the city where you can experience the traditional atmosphere of Tainan to the fullest is the night markets. There are nearly 20 night markets in and around the center of Tainan. Night markets, where local food and drinks, especially clothes, shoes, bags and accessories are sold, are held on certain days of the week. The largest and most famous night market in Tainan is the Flower night market. Flower night market, held on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, is a meeting and socializing place for Taiwanese people. Wusheng night market, held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, is another night market worth seeing. You can add Ta-Tung, Yongda, Ben Yuan Liao night markets to your list of places to visit and add color and fun to your Tainan evenings. After finishing the places to visit in Guanzihling Tainan center, you should definitely explore its surroundings. Guanzihling area, famous for its hot springs, is one of the most popular places in Tainan, welcoming thousands of visitors every year. It is believed that the hot waters in Guanzihling, which is famous for its mud hot springs, which are rare in the world, cure skin problems. The hot spring is about an hour away from the city centre. The easiest way to get to Guanzihling from Tainan is to reach Sinying train station by taking a 30-minute train ride from TRA train station. There are also bus services to Guanzihling, which you can reach by taxi from Sinying station in approximately 25 minutes. You can go to the spa for a day, or if you want to spend a few days full of peace and health, you can also consider the accommodation options in the region. Yuguang Island Another place you can see during your visit to Tainan is Yuguang Island. If you are tired of the crowd of Anping region, you will like the calm atmosphere of Yuguang Island. Yuguang Island, which resembles an undeveloped fishing town even though it is close to the city, is decorated with sculptures carefully made by local artists. You can browse the stalls where you can find handmade art products at very affordable prices, have a meal by the beach, or take a tea break. There are also many historical temples on the island. If you want to get away from the chaos of the city, you can choose the hostels on the island and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Yuguang Island, where a delightful view awaits you near sunset, is one of the most ideal addresses for photography enthusiasts.