Exploring Tainan : A Journey Through Taiwan’s Ancient Capital

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Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan, is a city of rich history and cultural significance. Located in the southwestern part of Taiwan, Tainan was once the capital of Taiwan during the Qing dynasty and is now a bustling metropolis with a population of over 1.8 million people.

Tainan Overview
Tainan Overview

The city of Tainan has a vibrant atmosphere with a blend of traditional and modern culture. It is home to numerous temples, historical sites, and traditional markets that reflect its ancient past. The city’s long history has been preserved through its many temples, shrines, and historic landmarks that are scattered throughout the city.

One of the most famous landmarks in Tainan is the Chihkan Tower, also known as the Fort Provintia. The tower was built in the 17th century by the Dutch as a fort and was later used as a government building during the Qing dynasty. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the city’s rich history.

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Another famous attraction is the Anping Old Fort, which was built by the Dutch in the 17th century. The fort was used to protect the city from pirates and is now a popular tourist attraction with a museum that displays the history of Tainan’s maritime culture.

(Photos by Mikalina Jurgelevicius)
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Tainan is also known for its numerous temples, some of which date back to the 17th century. One of the most famous is the Confucius Temple, which was built in 1665 and is the oldest Confucian temple in Taiwan. The temple is a place of worship and education and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

(Photos by Mikalina Jurgelevicius)
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Tainan is also known for its traditional markets, such as the Flower Night Market and the Tainan Flower Market. These markets offer a wide range of local products and traditional food, and are a great place to experience the local culture and traditions.

In addition to its cultural attractions, Tainan also has a thriving food scene. The city is famous for its traditional cuisine, which includes dishes such as Danzai noodles, coffin bread, and milkfish porridge. These dishes are a reflection of the city’s history and cultural diversity.

The Chi Mei Museum

(Photos by Mikalina Jurgelevicius)
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Chi Mei Museum is a private museum founded by Mr. Xu Wenlong of Chi Mei Group. It consists of five departments: Western painting and sculpture, musical instruments, ancient weapons, natural history, and ancient cultural relics. The collection is rich and diverse, including Egyptian relics from the 8th century BC, precious and famous pianos in the world, Japanese samurai swords hundreds of years ago, Renaissance and Barbizon and other classic paintings. The distinctive feature is all kinds of world-famous violins, even ancient violins, and even Yo-Yo Ma came here to lend them to perform! It allows the audience to appreciate the essence of cultures from all over the world even if they do not go abroad.

Do Not Forget  to Buy your “Lucky Ticket” at the old train Station.

Lucky Ticket Station
Lucky Ticket Station

Tainan is a city of immense cultural and historical significance that offers visitors a unique glimpse into Taiwan’s past and present. Its vibrant atmosphere, ancient landmarks, and traditional markets make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Taiwanese culture and history.

Bénédicte Lin - Brussels, Paris, London, Seoul, Tokyo, New York, Taipei
Bénédicte Lin – Brussels, Paris, London, Seoul, Tokyo, New York, Taipei