Tainan
in the southwest of Taiwan is its oldest city and erstwhile capital. Bursting with history, Tainan's architecture, food and people tell a fascinating story and visitors are enthralled by its charm. Known affectionately as the Phoenix City, Tainan has been through a number of iterations and comebacks. Originally built as a Dutch colony, much of which is still in evidence through towers and fortresses, it was taken back by the Taiwanese in 1661. And while Taipei assumed the title of capital in 1887, Tainan is still regarded as a cultural capital, famous for its unique snack foods, preservation of Taoist and Confucian buildings and ancient folklore. Visitors will enjoy exploring Tainan's rich heritage from Buddhist to colonial architecture, quiet, peaceful temples, Japanese houses and crumbling Dutch defence towers. Meanwhile, modern Tainan is alive and well with bustling department stores, night markets and sporting events, filled with young, vibrant people. Surrounded by nature, the city boasts a beautiful park within, as well as mangroves, hot springs and national parks in close proximity.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Anping Fort
A visit to the ruins of this 17th century fortress built by the Dutch is well worth it. Having changed hands to house Taiwanese royalty and later rebuilt by the Japanese, it’s an architectural reminder of the city’s history and its views of the ocean are stunning.
Baseball
An unlikely place to find so American a sport, Tainan is the proud home of The Lions baseball team and a Taiwanese professional baseball game is an unmissable experience. Rowdy and raucous, the fans keep up a constant hubbub throughout the game, supporting their team.
Eating
Throughout the city at every turn are opportunities to find out why Tainan is known as the city of snacks. Street-side and night markets stalls are heaving with local delicacies including shrimp rolls, fried and stuffed bread, cakes and treats.
Guanziling Hot Spring
One of the most popular hot springs in the country, Guanziling’s bubbles are created by methane gas under the ground, which has been burning for centuries. Visitors flock to take a relaxing and healing dip in the waters.
Shopping
Visitors flock to downtown Tainan for a bit of retail therapy. Beimen Road is popular for its sporting goods, Japanese fashion outlets and electrical stores. Nearby, on Chung-san Road, the Shinkong Mitsukoshi department store is packed with locals and tourists alike, searching for bargains.
Tainan Park
In the center of the city lies a beautiful and peaceful green space. Local flowers and trees line the pathways and overhang the pond, and couples stroll arm-in-arm, enjoying a relaxing afternoon.
Taiwan Regions
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Why Remote Lands?
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Tainan: A Journey Through Taiwan’s Oldest City
- Author
- Ronan O'Connell
For travelers who want to experience Taiwan away from the rush of Taipei, Tainan is a slower, more historic city – some might even say the island’s oldest.
Taipei to Taroko Gorge: How to Explore Taiwan in Style
- Author
- Travelogues
As the world slowly reopens to international travel, Remote Lands is putting a spotlight on underappreciated Taiwan, an island of natural beauty, urban splendor, and traditional culture.
Honeymoon in Taiwan
- Author
- Remote Lands
It is the perfect destination for newlyweds, whether you are seeking the fascinations of city life or the adventure of the great outdoors. Meanwhile, infused into everything is the ancient and modern history and culture of this beautiful little country.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
A couple from Toronto
We wanted to visit hospitals, a nursing class, and a school classroom to interact with the local people, and Remote Lands was able to arrange all of this for us.
Friends from Washington DC and New York
The guides they selected were very good and, in three cases (Seoul, Hoi An/Hue, and Angkor Wat) simply outstanding.
