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Tainan

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People in front of the gate of the Confucius Temple, Tainan, Republic of China, Taiwan, Asia

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Overview

You’ll almost certainly receive looks of jealousy from any Taiwanese person if you mention you’re going to Tainan (台南), and it’s not hard to see why. Traditional culture continues to thrive here, in the oldest city in Taiwan. The name 'Taiwan' was once used to refer to Dayuan (大員), the former name of Anping where the Dutch fort is located. Inside temples, bwah bwey (moon blocks, 搏杯) are cast to determine the best course of action, as it was done hundreds of years ago. Outside, young Tainanese show off their art and make coffee in former canalside houses. Tainanese are fastidious about their food, and a number of dishes are exclusive to the region (but renowned all over the island).

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Smoke of joss sticks.

    Grand Mazu Temple

    Tainan

    This lively temple once served as the palace of Ning Jin, the last king of the Ming dynasty. If you wish to confirm visually that a king's status is lower…

  • City God Temple

    City God Temple

    Tainan

    When you enter the temple, look up for the two large abacuses used to calculate whether you have done more good than bad in life; check out the most…

  • Thousand Fields Seed Museum

    Thousand Fields Seed Museum

    Tainan

    This horticultural Eden is a home with a fantastical garden overrun with plants, and seeds, seeds, seeds – some 500 species, most endemic to southern…

  • National Museum of Taiwan Literature

    National Museum of Taiwan Literature

    Tainan

    This serious and excellent museum details the development of Taiwanese literature from the time of the pre-Han indigenous peoples to the modern era…

  • Shennong Street

    Shennong Street

    Tainan

    Cafes, art galleries, fashion boutiques and B&Bs have flowered in the hub of Tainan's former Five Canals area, taking full advantage of the long, narrow,…

  • Ciji Temple Museum

    Ciji Temple Museum

    Tainan

    In focus here is Koji pottery that is used to embellish roof ridges and walls by sculptor Ye Wang (1826–87). The first such artist to be born in Taiwan …

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    Taijiang National Park

    Tainan

    Taiwan's eighth national park, Taijiang covers a patchwork of coastal lands north of Anping Harbour. The 50 sq km of land and 340 sq km of sea include…

  • People in front of the gate of the Confucius Temple, Tainan, Republic of China, Taiwan, Asia

    Confucius Temple

    Tainan

    Built in 1666 by the son of Ming loyalist Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga),Taiwan's first Confucian temple and official school is quiet, dignified and coloured…

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