Take a Tour of Tainan, Taiwan - Historic Buildings, Temples & More

When traveling without a guidebook, one relies on the advice of strangers and new friends to decide where to go next.

For instance, while staying in a hostel in Chiayi, the owners recommended that I stop by Tainan to explore traditional Taiwanese architecture. That sounded good to me; so off I went!

The Old Tainan Japanese Martial Arts House is now a part of the Tainan Municipal Jhongyi Elementary School

Chihkan Tower – Old Fort Provintia

Since its establishment as a Dutch fort in 1653, the site of Chihkan Tower has played an integral role in Tainan’s history.

Initially, Fort Provintia served as a military base and trading post. In the centuries that followed, it fell under Chinese and Japanese control and spent time as a gunpowder storage facility, governor’s mansion, temple and museum.

Today, a pair of Chinese-style towers have been built on the remains of the old fort and are the most popular attraction in Tainan, Taiwan. Inside, visitors can view historical artifacts and learn more about the site.

A view of Chihkan Tower from the balcony of one of the two main buildings

Nine turtle statues line the fish pond in front of Chihkan Tower

Fort Zeelandia

While under Dutch control, Fort Zeelandia and Fort Provintia were on the same coastline. However, over the years, natural silting and man-made landfills have left Zeelandia as the only fort still close to the ocean.

Today, little remains of the original structures. On top of a reconstructed brick foundation, visitors can explore the site’s watchtower, statue of General Koxinga, Japanese customs house and replicas of canons used to defend the fort in the 1600s.

Fort Zeelandia is located in Anping, Tainan, Taiwan

A traditional Chinese guardian lion sits outside the entrance to Fort Zeelandia

Visitors can climb to the top of Fort Zeelandia's watchtower — Visitors can climb to the top of Fort Zeelandia’s watchtower

Confucius Temple

Founded more than 300 years ago, Tainan’s Confucius Temple was the first of its kind in all Taiwan. During the Qing Dynasty, it also was the highest educational institute on the island. For that reason, the temple is sometimes referred to as “The Foremost School in Taiwan.”

Located in downtown Tainan, the Confucius Temple is surrounded by beautiful trees and gardens

There are numerous traditional gates within Tainan's Confucius Temple — There are numerous traditional gates within Tainan’s Confucius Temple

Anping Tree House

Perhaps my favorite site in all of Tainan; the Anping Tree House is an stunning showcase of how quickly nature can overtake humanity when left unchecked.

Originally a warehouse, the building was abandoned after World War II. In the decades since, Banyan trees have weaved their way through every corner of the structure and created a wondrous fairytale playground that captivates visitors of all ages.

Walkways guide visitors through the Anping Tree House in Tainan, Taiwan

Branches and roots have overtaken the old warehouse

If you happen to visit the Anping Tree House, don't forget to look up — If you happen to visit the Anping Tree House, don’t forget to look up

Anping Cemetery

In between my visit to Fort Zeelandia and Anping Tree House, I found myself captivated by a traditional Chinese cemetery on the outskirts of town.

From the ornate monuments marking each grave to the gentle beauty of the offering left by family and friends, the entire place was a feast for the eyes: especially with the golden late-afternoon sun illuminating the scene.

I wonder if the development companies have their eye on this cemetery in Anping

Offerings like this were left on graves all over the cemetery

Other Historical Buildings in Tainan

It seems like there is a beautiful old building lurking around every corner in Tainan, Taiwan. Below are a few more favorites from my day wandering around the city.