< Visited in Aug 2018 >
Tainan continues to captivate me, with its uncountable gems, old and new. Eirakucho Drum Teahouse 永乐町鼓茶楼 was one of the new establishments, opened in mid 2018, and conceived by the same team behind Ten Drum Ren De Creative Park 十鼓仁糖文创园区 (which has been on my to-visit list).
< Visited in Aug 2018 >
Madou 麻豆 is a Tainan district approximately 25km north of the city proper. Like Yujing 玉井 district in eastern Tainan is synonymous with mango (definitely on my to-visit list), Madou 麻豆 is known for its pomelo (文旦 - commonly referred to as 柚子, though it's more accurately a type of the latter). Admittedly, my day trip was not so much inspired by the fruit (which was not in season at my time of visit), but by my continual interest in off-city towns and from local blogs, sufficient attractions to make a day trip.
< Visited in Aug 2018 >
To say that Taiwan has as many temples as convenience stores should be an understatement. Big and small, many built from donations from the local community, and some as opulent as they can get. I often include temples in my itinerary, for sightseeing from a cultural and historical perspective. Nonetheless, Madou Daitian Temple 麻豆代天府 (十八层地狱) is probably the first to attract me with the ticketed attraction onsite.
< Visited in Aug 2018 >
< Visited in Aug 2018 | May 2017 | Dec 2016 | Aug 2016 >
*LONG POST! Photos are from different visits and tenants have changed over time*
Zheng Xing Street 正兴街, in the West Central district, collectively makes up a much larger and very vibrant zone with neighbouring Hai An Road 海安路, Guo Hua Street 国华街, You Ai Street 友爱街, Yong Le Market 永乐市场 and Shen Nong Street 神农街. Banding together residents, retailers, B&B and F&B establishments, the precinct was rejuvenated, making it a must-go district worthy of multiple visits, and a great location to stay at!
< Visited in Aug 2018 & May 2017 >
In southern Taiwan where it's perpetually hot throughout the year, beating the heat with shaved ice dessert must be a wildly popular activity. At least judging from how customers won't stop walking into kokoni kakigori, a Japanese shaved ice shop with just about 10 items on their menu.
< Visited in Aug 2018 | May 2017 | Dec 2016 | Aug 2016 >
Tainan is commonly considered as Taiwan's culinary capital, and any traveller who has been to the city will concur. The ancient capital's cuisine has a personality of its own, boasting a rich variety (comparable to what I feel is the other highlight here - accommodation) and a distinctive (some say sweet) flavour. From streetside stalls, humble eateries, traditional markets, to cafes and restaurants, you name it, they have it.
If you are into the colours and scents of traditional markets - a disappearing sight in many cities (definitely in mine) - you will not be disappointed here at Yong Le Market 永乐市场.
< Visited in Aug 2018 >
Situated near Tainan Park 台南公园, 321 Arts Village (321 巷艺术聚落) used to be dormitories (apparently, for high ranking officials) of the Japanese Army Infantry Second Regiment, back in the 1930s. Unoccupied and left to dilapidate from the mid 90s, the government took ownership, and declared it a city monument in 2003. Eventually refurbished to house artists and performance groups, the old settlement reborn in 2013 is now an IG-friendly attraction, one of the many historical, cultural and architectural relics in Taiwan.
< Visited in Aug 2018 & May 2017 >
A gem I found from Taiwanese blogs, this small eatery comes with a name that could be easily overlooked (or misunderstood) - Chinese Herbal Medicine Po-Jen Store 博仁堂中药铺. Currently managed by the fifth generation of a TCM family, the humble looking eatery whips up nourishing soups with rice or noodle sets, at very affordable prices.
< Visited in Aug 2018 & May 2017 >
Cafe Chamber 秘氏咖啡 has been quietly gaining a following among locals and gradually, travellers. With three locations in Taiwan - Taipei, Chiayi and Tainan - I had visited Taipei's Cafe Chamber in March 2017 and was smitten with its decor and coffee. It was only a matter of time I experience Tainan's outlet with its old-Hongkong theme and own style of brewing coffee.
< Visited in Aug 2018 >
Having passed by this vibrant Ximen Road many times when staying in the vicinity, Wonderful Theatre 真善美剧院 was a natural choice when I decided to catch a movie this hot afternoon. (The bliss of a slow and leisurely travel pace, particularly suitable in Tainan~)
<Visited in May 2017 & Aug 2016 >
Ranking high on any Tainan must-dos is Shen Nong Street 神农街, well within walking distance from Yong Le Market 永乐市场, making it a good next stop after a leisurely breakfast or brunch at said marketplace. Most of the shops at Shennong Street open from noon, but do check the official website or FB of your planned destination to avoid unforseen rest days. If you are here for a shutter-happy stroll, a couple of hours should suffice - slightly longer if you plan to chill out at some cafe.
< Visited in May 2017 >
Visiting Tainan for the third time within two years, and on a solo itinerary, this lengthier trip dedicated to the city permitted an even more leisurely pace and inclusion of this off-the-beaten track destination. My accomm's receptionist was surprised to hear that I had ventured as far as Houbi 后壁, as she perceived this to be a lesser known attraction, and visited by primarily locals.
And indeed, Houbi 后壁 is better suited if you are looking for a new zone to cover, don't mind some travelling to the far outskirts and basically enjoy vast landscape.
< Visited in May 2017 >
Tainan makes such a lovely destination for strolling (yes, despite the heat whole year round), that my trips have increasingly included such activities. Ever so often, some new place pops up in local blogs (and I do spend ALOT of time scanning them), speedier than I get to cover them. Snail Alley 蜗牛巷 was one such place for me - essentially a small residential neighbourhood, injected with street art and installations to the theme of snails. Furthermore, its proximity to my Zheng Xing Street accommodation meant easy access via a 10-minute stroll.
< Visited in May 2017 >
One of the cafes that popped up in my research through Taiwanese blogs is Cafe WUDAO 熨斗目花珈琲珈哩 - a play on the Minnan-ese name of iron 熨斗. While looking for interesting and accessible eateries, I was attracted to the ambience, its proximity to my accommodation at Zheng Xing Street 正兴街 and their special curry menu.
< Visited in Dec 2016 >
On this trip to Tainan with four elders, I included a morning of ecological sightseeing at Si Cao (literally translated as "Four Grass") Green Tunnel 四草绿色隧道, located in the outskirts of An Nan 安南 district. From Taiwanese blogs, the key attraction is a boat ride through what the locals have termed a mini Amazon river. That is not all, as there is a second boat ride option, bringing you on a narrated tour of how the rivers here used to serve as key trade routes. (Just in case you are wondering, the two boat rides' timing do not clash, so you can try mini Amazon first.)
< Visited in Dec 2016 >
< Visited in Aug & Dec 2016 >
According to one online article, the look and feel of Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park (BCP) 蓝晒图文创园区 was inspired by street graffati. Transformed from a cluster of old government dormitories, the cultural zone showcases an iconic, trick-art 3D blue and white house right at its entrance, as well as beautiful graffiti walls in various spots. It is no wonder BCP has become a must-go in Tainan for both the young and old.
< Visited in Aug & Dec 2016 >
If you are going to be exploring Tainan, it will be impossible to miss this iconic building, less than 10 minutes drive from the old train station. Hayashi Department Store 林百货 was founded by Japanese businessman Hayashi Houichi in 1932, becoming the largest department store in southern Taiwan. Termed locally as the "Five Stories House", the building survived WWII and was restored by the local government by as recent as 2013. Eventually, a private company took over and re-opened as an avenue to showcase local designers and products, at the same time preserving much of the architecture and interior. Read about its history here.
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