Tainan Travel Guide – iBeauty Taiwan Travel Guide Blog Itinerary, Taipei Tourist Attractions

When it comes to exploring Taiwan’s deep roots and vibrant traditions, Tainan is the place where it all began. As Taiwan’s oldest city and its former capital during the Qing dynasty, Tainan is a living museum—where centuries-old temples sit beside hip cafés, and historic streets echo with tales of kings, colonists, and revolutionaries.

Often dubbed the “Kyoto of Taiwan,” Tainan offers more than just beauty and history. It’s the soul of the island, with a character shaped by 400 years of cultural fusion—from indigenous tribes and Ming loyalists to Dutch colonizers, Japanese administrators, and modern Taiwanese creators.

Whether you’re here to trace ancient history, wander through temple-dotted alleys, indulge in legendary street food, or simply soak up the city’s relaxed charm, Tainan welcomes you like an old friend—with incense in the air and a bowl of milkfish soup in hand.

Tainan isn’t about rushing through attractions. It’s about slowing down, connecting to tradition, and tasting life at its fullest. In Tainan, you don’t just see history—you feel it. In the creak of temple wood, the aroma of old-school soy sauce, the warm smiles of vendors who’ve cooked the same dish for 50 years. It’s a place where the past and present walk hand-in-hand, and where every street corner tells a story.

Why Visit Tainan

Cultural Capital: With over 1,000 temples, Tainan is Taiwan’s spiritual and historical core.

Street Food Paradise: Tainan is often hailed as Taiwan’s food capital, where classic dishes were born and perfected.

Rich Colonial Heritage: From Dutch forts to Japanese-era architecture, Tainan is layered with history.

Laid-Back Charm: No frantic pace here—Tainan invites you to slow down, wander, and savor.

What to Eat in Tainan

Tainan’s food is famous across Taiwan for being sweet, savory, and deeply rooted in local pride. It’s the birthplace of several iconic dishes.

Must-Try Dishes:
Danzai Noodles – Small bowls of shrimp noodle soup, invented right here

Milkfish Soup – A local favorite with tender fish and clear broth

Coffin bread – a thick toast filled with creamy stew

Shrimp rolls

Savory rice pudding

Mango shaved ice (especially in summer)

Coffin Bread – A creamy chicken stew served in fried toast shaped like a coffin

Oyster Omelet – Chewy, savory, and full of flavor

Sweet Peanut Soup – Perfect after a salty snack

Top Food Spots:
Guohua Street – A foodie’s dream, lined with traditional bites

Shennong Street: A beautifully preserved old street filled with vintage shops, indie bars, and artisan crafts. Visit at night when lanterns glow and music fills the air.

Garden Night Market (Tainan)
Opens only on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

Dadong Night Market (Tainan)
Opens only on Monday, Tuesday and Friday

Wusheng Night Market (Tainan)
Opens only on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

Tip: Visit Guohua Street and Shennong Street for legendary local food vendors and cozy street-side eateries.

Tips for Visiting Tainan

When people think of Taiwan, they often imagine Taipei’s modern skyline or the lush peaks of Alishan. But for a deep dive into the island’s history, culture, and legendary street food, there’s no place quite like Tainan. As Taiwan’s oldest city and former capital, Tainan is a living museum of temples, colonial forts, traditional snacks, and centuries-old stories waiting to be discovered.

If you’re planning a visit to this soulful city, here are some essential tips to make your Tainan trip unforgettable:

Embrace the City’s Historic Spirit

Tainan is packed with temples, forts, and old streets that reflect its rich cultural heritage. Anping is the birthplace of modern Taiwan. Home to the Dutch-built Fort Zeelandia, it’s where settlers first landed in the 1600s and where Taiwan’s colonial story began.

Historical & Cultural Highlights

Anping Old Fort – Explore the ruins and history of Dutch colonization

Anping Old Street – Lined with local snacks, handicrafts, and oyster shucking stalls

Anping Tree House – A mysterious banyan-covered warehouse with jungle vibes

Chihkan Tower – Tainan’s Iconic Landmark. Once a Dutch outpost known as Fort Provintia, this elegant structure is now a symbol of Tainan. Surrounded by koi ponds and stone tablets, it’s ideal for a peaceful afternoon stroll through history.

Visit the Most Temples You’ve Ever Seen

Tainan’s spiritual landscape is second to none. There’s a temple for every wish, every god, and every festival.

Must-Visit Temples:

Confucius Temple – The oldest in Taiwan; serene and scholarly

Grand Mazu Temple – Dedicated to the sea goddess, protector of sailors

City God Temple – Where spirits of the afterlife are honored

Exploring Tainan’s temple alleys is like walking through an open-air museum of faith and folklore. With over 1,500 temples, Tainan has the highest temple density in Taiwan. Explore both big-name temples and small neighborhood shrines tucked away behind buildings.

Tip: Be respectful—remove your hat, don’t point at statues, and observe in silence when possible.

Catch Sunset at Anping and the Salt Fields

Head to Anping District in the late afternoon to:

Visit the Anping Tree House, where banyan roots have overtaken an old warehouse.

Explore Anping Fort, then watch the sunset over Anping Harbor.

Continue to Cigu Salt Fields or Jingzijiao Salt Fields for beautiful mirror-like reflections at dusk.

Tip: Bring a tripod and camera—sunset photography here is next-level.

Check Out Creative Spaces and Old Buildings

Tainan is blending the old with the new in style. Former warehouses and schools have become hip art spaces and boutique shops.

Blueprint Culture & Creative Park – perfect for artsy photos, cafes, and handmade goods.

Ten Drum Cultural Village – a transformed sugar factory featuring musical performances, drumming shows, and even ziplining.

Tip: These spots are best visited mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the lighting.

Stay in a Historic Guesthouse or Boutique Hotel

Skip the standard hotel and opt for a stay in a renovated heritage building or traditional guesthouse.

Many lodgings near Shennong Street, Anping, or the Confucius Temple area offer vintage vibes with modern comforts.

Look for places with tea service, bike rentals, or rooftop views.

Tip: Book ahead during weekends or holidays—Tainan is a popular weekend getaway for locals.

Nature & Seaside Escapes

Sicao Green Tunnel – A mangrove tunnel you can explore by boat, nicknamed “Taiwan’s Amazon River”

Yuguang Island – Quiet beaches and sunsets just minutes from Anping

Taijiang National Park – For birdwatching, wetlands, and environmental education

Visit During Festival Season

Tainan is home to some of Taiwan’s biggest traditional festivals, especially:

Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival (crazy, loud, and thrilling)

Lunar New Year temple fairs

Mid-Autumn and Ghost Month processions

Caution: The Yanshui Fireworks Festival involves actual firecrackers flying at you—wear thick clothing and a helmet if you plan to participate!

How to Get to Tainan from Taipei

The Ultimate Travel Guide
Tainan, often referred to as the cultural capital of Taiwan, is a must-visit for travelers interested in history, temples, traditional snacks, and heritage architecture. As Taiwan’s oldest city and former capital, it offers a unique contrast to the modern buzz of Taipei.

If you’re starting in Taipei, getting to Tainan is straightforward and offers multiple options, depending on your time, budget, and travel style. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about traveling from Taipei to Tainan, including high-speed rail (HSR), conventional trains (TRA), bus, car, and flight options.

Option 1: Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) – Fastest & Most Convenient

This is the quickest and most popular way to get from Taipei to Tainan.

Route: Taipei HSR Station → Tainan HSR Station (Rende District)
Duration: ~1 hour 45 minutes
Cost: NT$1,350 (standard reserved seat)
Train Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes

Tainan’s HSR Station is located in Rende District, about 20–30 minutes from downtown Tainan by local train, bus, or taxi.

Transfer to downtown Tainan:
TRA Shuttle Train (10 mins): From Tainan HSR to Tainan TRA Station
Taxi: ~NT$300–400 to city center
Bus: Less frequent but available

Pros:
Fast, reliable, comfortable
Perfect for a day trip or short stay
Discounted tickets available via Klook or KKday

Tip: Use the Taiwan HSR app or website to book tickets in advance and check train schedules.

Option 2: Taiwan Railways (TRA) – Budget-Friendly and Central

The TRA train system offers direct service from Taipei to Tainan City Center, making it a great option for budget travelers or those wanting to arrive directly in the heart of the city.

Route: Taipei Main Station → Tainan TRA Station
Duration:
Tze-Chiang Express: ~4.5–5 hours
Chu-Kuang Express: ~5.5–6.5 hours
Cost: NT$738–843
Train Frequency: ~Every 30–60 minutes

Pros:
No need to transfer—arrives in the center of Tainan
Great for those with time and a tight budget
Comfortable seats and scenic countryside views

Tip: Book Tze-Chiang Express trains for the best value in terms of time vs. cost.

Option 3: Intercity Bus – Budget but Slow

Long-distance buses run from Taipei to Tainan, offering a cheaper option but with a longer journey time.

Route: Taipei Bus Stations → Tainan (various stops)
Duration: ~5.5–6.5 hours (traffic-dependent)
Cost: NT$350–500
Bus Companies: UBus (統聯), Kuo-Kuang (國光), Ho-Hsin (和欣), Aloha

Pros:
Lowest-cost option
Comfortable, with reclining seats and free Wi-Fi
Night buses available for red-eye travel

Tip: Take a night bus to sleep through the ride and arrive in Tainan early morning.

Option 4: Driving – Great for Road Trips

If you want to stop at places like Lukang, Chiayi, or Taichung on the way, consider driving from Taipei to Tainan.

Route: National Freeway No. 1 (Sun Yat-Sen Freeway)
Duration: ~4.5–5.5 hours
Costs: Car Rental: ~NT$1,800–2,500/day
Toll Fees: ~NT$250–300
Fuel: ~NT$500–800

Pros:
Maximum flexibility
Ideal for groups or family travel
Opportunities for scenic detours

Tip: Avoid peak weekend traffic and use apps like Google Maps or Waze for live traffic updates.

Option 5: Flights – Not Practical

Although Tainan has an airport, flights between Taipei and Tainan are limited and often more expensive and time-consuming than the train or bus.

Airports:
From Taipei Songshan (TSA) or Taoyuan (TPE)
To Tainan Airport (TNN)
Flight Duration: ~1 hour
Cost: NT$1,500–2,500
Total Travel Time: 3–4 hours (with check-in and airport transfers)

Not Recommended Unless:
You’re connecting to another domestic flight
You live close to the airport
You’re using frequent flyer miles

Final Travel Tips

Book HSR or TRA tickets early during weekends and holidays.
EasyCard or iPASS can be used on local transport and shuttle buses.
Consider staying in the Confucius Temple or Shennong Street area for easy access to attractions.
Download apps like Taiwan HSR, TRA eBooking, or Bus+ for schedules and tickets.

Suggested 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Old Town Tainan

Visit Confucius Temple, Chihkan Tower, and City God Temple

Lunch on Guohua Street

Evening at Shennong Street with a craft beer

Day 2: Anping & Coast

Explore Fort Zeelandia, Tree House, and Anping Old Street

Take a boat through Sicao Green Tunnel

Sunset at Yuguang Island

Day 3: Food, Art & Nature

Coffee and shops at Blueprint Creative Park

Try a milkfish breakfast

Head to Taijiang National Park for an eco-tour or cycling adventure