< 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.
A sunny morning before breakfast, I made my way there - glad I had my hat, sunscreen and water - in exercise outfit and walking shoes.
About ten minutes walking past these streets and shops (and admiring old architecture amid the modern ones), I arrived at one of the "unofficial entrances" to the alley - unofficial because you can enter from several lanes, depending on where you walk from. Even for someone like myself not great with directions, I usually grasp a general route on Google Map, brace myself to be adventurous (and get lost), and keep an open mind to explore. Snail Alley 蜗牛巷 was easy to navigate though, because 1, the neighbourhood is not big; 2, the small alleys are so well inter-connected that you are bound to land here somehow; and 3, you can always approach a friendly local to direct you if you really end up lost.
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There are many maps like this below, interspersed through Snail Alley 蜗牛巷, so you can always try to orientate yourself out to the main street.
Snails in various forms appear in nooks and corners. Do remember this is a residential neighbourhood, so be considerate and keep your volume down. There are also small shops and cafes, though closed when I went that early morning. (Note: it's a norm in rustic and laidback Tainan to open for the day past noon, in the late afternoon or take random breaks - always check operating hours and adhoc rest days of places on their official site if available.)
▼ The centrepiece at Snail Alley 蜗牛巷 that should not be missed.
After quite an enjoyable stroll, I finally made my exit to a main street, past these cafes that were surprisingly open early (by local standards).
This section's street graffiti, enroute my accommodation, reminded me of Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park 蓝晒图文创园区.
Related reading:
[Tainan 台南] Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park ♦ 蓝晒图文创园区
If you are in the mood for a morning walk and staying in the vicinity, do keep Snail Alley 蜗牛巷 in your pocket list.
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Snail Alley | 蜗牛巷
Address --- Yong Fu Road, Section 2, Lane 97, no. 1, West Central District, Tainan City 台南市,中西区,永福路二段97巷1号
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