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Tainan City

Asia

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Taiwan

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Tainan City

Located in southern Taiwan, Tainan, the oldest city in the country, beckons travelers with a rich history, culture, and vibrant urban life. From 1661 until the end of the 19th century, Tainan was the political, economic, and cultural center of Taiwan before Taiwan finally moved its capital city to Taipei.

As Taiwan's oldest city, Tainan has many well-preserved temples, shrines, and historical sites, reflecting its deep-rooted heritage. You can see a glimpse of Taiwan’s past through important landmarks like the Chihkan Tower and the Koxinga Shrine, which stand out with their unique and distinct architecture.

But Tainan’s charms aren’t only limited to its history. In fact, this city is also known for its vibrant culinary scene. Exploring Tainan’s local delicacies is a must, and one of the best ways to do it is by visiting its night markets, such as the famous Garden Night Market. Garden Night Market offers a sensory delight with around 400 stalls offering various products, from local cuisine to clothing and even games. 

With its cultural heritage, culinary delights, and natural beauty, Tainan provides an extraordinary experience for travelers seeking an authentic adventure in Taiwan.

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Getting Around Tainan City

A guide to Tainan City's local transportation

City bus
Tourist Shuttle
Bicycle
Taxi
Walking

Tainan has buses with a series of routes that pass various tourist attractions. You can comfortably go from one place to another. To take the bus, you can wait for the bus at the nearest stop. It will cost you around NT$18 per ride for adults and around NT$9 for children. You can check prices and other complete information about Tainan city buses via the official Tainan City Bus website.

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What to do in Tainan City?

Because Tainan City is known as a center for temples and shrines, visiting some of them should be on the top of your list, such as Koxinga Shrine, Lady Linshui's Temple, Wufei Temple, and Tainan Confucius Temple.

Aside from its rich history, Tainan’s night markets are also not to be missed, as you can enjoy local cuisines or shop all kinds of products. Some of the night markets that you can visit are Garden Night Market, Wusheng Night Market, Xiaobei Night Market, and Xin Yong Hua Night Market.

You can experience Tainan's nature by visiting Caoshan Moon World, Hutoupi Reservoir Scenic Area, Wushantou Reservoir Scenic Area, Taijiang National Park, and Siraya National Scenic Area.

Apart from that, you can visit various museums spread throughout Tainan, some of which are the National Museum of Taiwan History, Tainan Art Museum, Koxinga Museum, Tainan Children's Science Museum, Taiwan Salt Museum, and Anping Fort.

How to get to Tainan City?

Arriving in Tainan City is a seamless journey with multiple transit options based on your arrival airport. For those landing at Songshan International Airport, consider taking the MRT to Taipei Main Station and opting for the economical coach bus or the faster High-Speed Rail to Tainan—albeit pricier.

From Taoyuan International Airport, the most convenient route involves taking the Taoyuan Airport MRT to THSR Taoyuan Station, transferring to High-Speed Rail to THSR Tainan Station, and finally catching a local train to Tainan Railway Station in the downtown area, with a transit time of approximately 3 hours.

Travelers arriving at Kaohsiung International Airport can take Route 111 (Tainan Express) directly to Tainan City, offering a quick transit time of around 70 minutes. Choose the route that suits your preferences and embark on a smooth journey to explore the charms of Tainan.

What is the Tainan City Night Market like?

Tainan, revered as Taiwan's culinary hub, unveils a distinctive night market scene, setting it apart from its counterparts across the island. Notably, due to city regulations, these markets are positioned outside the city center, offering a unique experience away from the urban buzz.

Adding to the charm, each night market operates only on specific days, contributing to the city's culinary rhythm. The saying "大大武花大花花" or Da-Da-Wu-Hua-Da-Hua-Hua guides locals and visitors alike, designating Ta-Tung Night Market for Mondays and Tuesdays, Wusheng Night Market for Wednesdays, and the delightful Garden Night Market for Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Vendors, often seen at different markets on various nights, create a dynamic and ever-changing gastronomic landscape.

What to eat in Tainan City?

Tainan, renowned as Taiwan's culinary capital, has an extensive option of dishes that you simply can't overlook. Taste the authentic flavors of danzai noodles adorned with fresh shrimp and minced pork—a must-try experience.

Among the delectable snacks in Tainan, the oyster omelette stands out, offering a savory delight. Another tempting treat is the ba wan, a dumpling-type snack featuring chopped shiitake, pork, and bamboo sprouts, complemented by a delectable sweet-sour-spicy sauce.

In the realm of desserts, Tainan excels in refreshing drinks, perfect for sweltering days. The baobing, or shaved ice, comes in various delightful versions, making it an ideal sweet escape during your summer vacation in Tainan. Additionally, boba milk tea provides a delightful beverage to savor in the Tainan culinary haven.

What is the best time to visit Tainan City?

Tainan has a subtropical climate characterized by mild and dry winds, with minimal rainfall during the winter season. This makes Tainan an enjoyable destination for holidays year-round. Nevertheless, the best time to visit and experience the city's charm is during the autumn months of November and December.

Additionally, spring, specifically March and April, offers another ideal time to explore Tainan City. It's worth noting, however, that the summer months of September and October are prone to typhoons, and visitors may want to consider alternative times to avoid potential weather disruptions during their trip.

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