Oh Hai~!

Here are a few places of interests that I have been to in Tainan.

ANPING DISTRICT 安平区 (4-5hrs of leisure stroll)

Since I stayed in the West Central District, I took a cab to Anping which cost me less than SGD$8. The main attractions of Anping are the Anping Fort 安平古堡 (50twd), Yanping/Anping Old Street 延平街 and the Anping Treehouse 安平樹屋 (50twd). I gave the Treehouse a miss as I was pressed for time but if you have time to spare then do have a look and learn a little about its origins.

TIP: Apparently student cards get 50% off!!!

Opens daily from 08:30 - 17:30

Anping/ Yanping Old Street: Right next to Anping Fort. 

In the day you can enjoy the various artworks designed by local artists along this art street, and in the evening you can chill at the numerous beer gardens and restaurants that line the street. This is the most popular area for local nightlife. The adjoining Zheng Xing Street, Guo Hua Street, Fu Qian Street and Zhong Zheng Street are worth exploring if you have time.

This is a very popular spot for couples to take wedding photos. Note that most shops do not open early here, pretty much like most of the cafes in Tainan. I do like visiting this area at night as it gives off a very romantic old-school vibe. Do take your time to wander into the little shops, you never know what ancient treasures you may find.

Wu's Garden 吳園

Section 3, Minquan Rd, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan

A rather nice public park dating back to 1829. Chill here with an ice cream or two if you fancy some quiet time.

 Part of Wu's Garden

The Willow House Japanese Restaurant 鶯料理

No.30, Minquan Road,, Sec. 2, West Central District, Tainan City

I am sorry to say that this is no longer a restaurant but a tourist information center. The preservation of this building aims to showcase Japanese architecture at its prime. Something very rare in this age.

Lin's Department Store 林百貨

No.63, Section 2, Zhongyi Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

A Japanese era department store that still preserves the old-school 'cage' elevator. Take it all the way to the top to get a view of the city.

 View from the top level

Hayashi Hyakkaten meaning Hayashi Department Store

Chihkan Tower / Fort Provintia 赤崁樓 50TWD

Section 2, Minzu Rd, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

Opens daily 08:00 - 17:30 (Sat extended until 21:30)

A rather important historical site of Taiwan. Chinese style towers are built above Dutch forts, giving it an interesting architecture style.

National Museum of Taiwan Literature 國立臺灣文學館

No.1 Zhongzheng Road, West Central District, Tainan City

Tuesday – Sunday 10:00AM - 9:00PM; Closed Mondays

Night Markets 夜市

I've only been to these 2 in Tainan which operates on alternate days. I usually stay nearer to Hua Yuan Night Market so I would give Da Dong a miss if I was given a choice.

Hua Yuan Night Market 花園夜市 
Haian Road, Section 3, between Lixian Rd. and Hewei Rd., North District

Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Da Dong Night Market 大東夜市  

Linsen Road, Section 1, near Chongde Rd., East District

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

Bookeater Cafe

I LOVE LOVE LOVE STROLLING DOWN THIS STREET. 

A huge stone arch marks the start of this street and the Confucian Temple is just right across it. The temple gave off a very "old-capital" vibe and I really quite enjoyed roaming around the grounds of the temple. Anyways... This street is an absolute joy to stroll down, lined with the most whimsical cafes, ice-cream parlor, tea house, oden stall, ZAKKA SHOP etc etc... please please, take your time and savor the experience.

Local shopping district of Tainan. They have a range of fashion products here, but don't expect big brands and what-not. After-all, Tainan does not have the same glitz and glam that the city-scaped Taipei has.

Places out of the main city that I have yet to go.

Qi Gu Lagoon 七股潟湖 & Qi Gu Salt Mountain 七股鹽山

Take Xinnan Bus (興南客運) towards Jiali (佳里) from Tainan Train Station (台南火車站). From Jiali (佳里), take another Xinnan Bus(興南客運) towards Qigu (七股) to Salt Mountain stop (鹽山站)

If you have time to spare and would REALLY REALLY like to try salty ice cream and see a salt pyramid, take a half day's trip to Qi Gu Salt Mountain and learn about the makings of salt. There is also a fishing raft tour at the lagoon for a fee.

Bei Men Crystal Church 北門水晶教堂

I have always always wanted to pay this church a visit each time I head to Tainan but I always find myself too stretched for time to ever go there. It is just a really pretty crystal church that is a little out of the way for travelers without transport. I will just leave this here and (hopefully) get a chance to update this space in the future.

THE END

Some of these places I happen to chance upon while walking around aimlessly, getting lost in a foreign land. So, get off-course and wander a little and have your own adventure. More often than not you will find yourself experiencing new things and creating memories that last beyond the usual tourist experience.