Things to do in Tainan

About Tainan

As the oldest city in Taiwan and its former capital, Tainan serves as the island's primary center for traditional cuisine and historical preservation. The city distinguishes itself through a dense collection of Dutch colonial heritage sites like Anping Fort and an extensive network of temples integrated into everyday urban life. Visitors can explore contemporary transformations at the Blueprint Culture & Creative Park or experience the unique blend of Western-inspired architecture at the Chimei Museum. Its streetscapes are defined by low-rise traditional shopfronts, particularly around areas like Shennong Street, contrasting with the refined aesthetic of the Tainan Art Museum.

Good to know

1. 1

   Tainan has the highest density of temples per capita in Taiwan, with over 1,600 registered places of worship.

2. 2

   The city is widely considered the culinary capital of Taiwan, famously utilizing 'milkfish' and various sugar-forward recipes inherited from its agricultural history.

3. 3

   Tainan was the primary hub of Dutch East India Company operations in Taiwan during the 17th century, leading to the construction of the island's first fortresses.

4. 4

   Despite being a major metropolitan center, the city lacks a conventional mass-rapid transit (MRT) subway system, relying instead on buses and private vehicles.

5. 5

   The local dialect spoken in Tainan is often considered the 'standard' or most traditional version of Hokkien (Taiwanese) due to its historical status as the center of regional administration.