Tainan

Best Shopping

Tainan offers a mix of shopping experiences, from modern shopping malls to traditional markets and unique boutiques. Here's a glimpse into the best shopping options in Tainan:

• Hayashi Department Store: Located in the heart of Tainan, Hayashi Department Store is a historic building that has been transformed into a cultural and creative hub. It houses a variety of boutique shops, handicrafts, and unique souvenirs.

• Shennong Street: This charming street is lined with traditional houses that have been converted into boutique shops, galleries, and cafes. You can find local crafts, handmade goods, and specialty items that showcase Tainan's artistic and creative scene.

• Department Stores: Tainan is home to several department stores, such as Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, Far Eastern Department Store, and the Shinkong Mitsukoshi Hanshin Department Store, where you can find a wide range of international and local brands, fashion, accessories, and more.

• Fuzhong Shopping Street: Located near Tainan Train Station, Fuzhong Shopping Street is a bustling area with shops offering clothing, accessories, and trendy fashion items at affordable prices.

• Tainan Second Market: Dive into the local culture by visiting Tainan Second Market, a traditional market where you can find a wide array of fresh produce, seafood, meats, snacks, and local ingredients.

• Cultural and Creative Markets: Explore the city's artistic and creative markets, such as Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park and Ten Drum Creative Village, where you can find unique handmade crafts, design products, and art pieces.

• Mall Culture: Tainan has several modern shopping malls, including Focus Square, Tainan Dadong Lifestyle Plaza, and Tainan K Mall, which offer a mix of retail shops, entertainment options, and dining experiences.

• Night Markets: Tainan's night markets, such as Tainan Flower Night Market, Wusheng Night Market, and Garden Night Market, are not only great for sampling delicious street food but also offer a variety of shopping stalls selling clothing, accessories, toys, and more.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Tainan offers a lively nightlife and a variety of entertainment options that cater to different tastes. Here's an overview of the nightlife and entertainment scene in Tainan:

• Night Markets: Tainan's night markets come alive in the evenings, offering a vibrant atmosphere, delicious street food, and a variety of shopping stalls. Popular night markets include Tainan Flower Night Market, Wusheng Night Market, and Garden Night Market.

• Bars and Pubs: Explore the city's bar scene, particularly around the West Central District and the vicinity of National Cheng Kung University. You'll find a range of bars and pubs offering a relaxed atmosphere, live music, and a selection of drinks.

• Live Music Venues: Tainan has several venues where you can enjoy live music performances by local bands and musicians. Check out places like Bossa Nova Music Square, Factory X, or Taiyuan Corner House for a dose of live entertainment.

• Cinemas: Catch the latest movies at one of Tainan's cinemas, such as Showtime Cinemas or Mega Cinemas, and enjoy a cinematic experience with state-of-the-art facilities.

• Karaoke: Sing your heart out at one of Tainan's karaoke establishments, where you can rent private rooms equipped with karaoke machines and enjoy singing sessions with friends.

• Cultural Performances: Experience traditional Taiwanese culture by attending cultural performances, such as Taiwanese opera or puppet shows, which are occasionally staged at venues like the Chihkan Tower or the National Museum of Taiwan Literature.

• Taichung Cultural and Creative Industries Park: This former winery has been transformed into a creative hub with galleries, design studios, and performance spaces. It hosts various cultural events, exhibitions, and concerts throughout the year.

• Late-Night Cafés: Tainan has a thriving café culture, with many establishments staying open late into the night. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea at a cozy café while unwinding and soaking in the relaxed ambiance.

• Special Events and Festivals: Keep an eye out for special events and festivals happening in Tainan, such as lantern festivals, concerts, and local celebrations. These events offer unique entertainment experiences and a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Local Cuisine

Tainan is renowned for its rich culinary heritage and is often considered the food capital of Taiwan. The city's local cuisine offers a tantalizing array of flavors, influenced by its historical roots and diverse cultural influences. Here are some highlights of Tainan's local cuisine:

• Tainan Danzai Noodles: One of Tainan's signature dishes, Danzai noodles are served in a savory broth with minced pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and a sprinkle of garlic and cilantro.

• Coffin Bread (Guandu Bao): A unique Tainan specialty, coffin bread features a thick slice of deep-fried bread filled with a creamy stew, often made with seafood, chicken, or mushrooms.

• Oyster Vermicelli (O-Ah-Mee Sua): This iconic dish consists of vermicelli noodles served in a flavorful oyster broth, topped with fresh oysters, minced garlic, cilantro, and vinegar.

• Shrimp Rolls (Ha-Moo): Tainan is famous for its crispy and succulent shrimp rolls, made by wrapping minced shrimp and other ingredients in a thin tofu sheet and deep-frying until golden brown.

• Taiwanese Beef Soup: Savor the rich and hearty Taiwanese-style beef soup, featuring tender beef slices, beef broth, vegetables, and aromatic spices.

• Sliced Milkfish Congee (Muaji Geng): A traditional breakfast dish, this creamy congee is made with sliced milkfish, rice, and ginger, resulting in a comforting and flavorsome meal.

• Tainan Sweet Potato Balls: These delightful deep-fried sweet potato balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, providing a delicious snack or dessert option.

• Pineapple Cakes: Tainan is known for its delectable pineapple cakes, featuring a buttery pastry filled with tangy pineapple filling—a popular souvenir option.

• Tainan Satay: Tainan-style satay consists of skewered and grilled meat or seafood, marinated in a flavorful sauce and served with peanut sauce for dipping.

• Tainan Herbal Soup: Indulge in a nourishing bowl of Tainan-style herbal soup, made with a combination of Chinese herbs, meat, and vegetables for a comforting and healthful meal.

Accommodations

Tainan offers a range of accommodation options in different areas, allowing visitors to choose based on their preferences and interests. Here are some of the best areas to stay in Tainan:

• West Central District: Located in the heart of the city, the West Central District is a convenient and popular area for tourists. It is close to many attractions, such as Chihkan Tower and the National Museum of Taiwan Literature. The district offers a variety of hotels, guesthouses, and boutique accommodations to suit different budgets.

• Anping District: Known for its historical significance, Anping District is home to attractions like Anping Old Street, Fort Zeelandia, and Anping Tree House. Staying in this district allows you to immerse yourself in Tainan's rich heritage. You can find guesthouses, boutique hotels, and bed and breakfasts in the area.

• Eastern District: The Eastern District is a more modern area of Tainan with shopping centers, entertainment venues, and a vibrant atmosphere. It offers a range of hotel options, including luxury and business hotels, making it a suitable choice for those seeking convenience and access to shopping and dining experiences.

• Shennong Street: This charming street in the West Central District has seen a revitalization in recent years. It features boutique hotels, traditional courtyard-style accommodations, and unique guesthouses that offer a blend of history and modern comfort. Staying in this area allows you to be immersed in Tainan's rich cultural atmosphere.

• Yongkang District: Located just east of the West Central District, Yongkang District is known for its local food scene and lively atmosphere. It offers a range of accommodations, including budget hotels and guesthouses, making it a good choice for food enthusiasts looking to explore the local culinary delights.

• Guohua Street: Guohua Street is a popular area with a mix of trendy cafes, boutique shops, and local eateries. It has a youthful and vibrant ambiance, making it a suitable choice for travelers looking for a hip and modern atmosphere.

Itinerary

Tainan Treasures: Unveiling the Historic Charms in 48 Hours

Day 1: Exploring the Heritage of Old Tainan

• Morning:

  • Start your day with a visit to Chihkan Tower (Fort Provintia), an iconic landmark showcasing the city's rich history and cultural heritage.

  • Take a stroll through the nearby Confucius Temple, admiring its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere.

• Afternoon:

  • Indulge in a Tainan specialty for lunch: Danzai noodles. Head to a local eatery to savor the delicious combination of noodles, minced pork, and shrimp.

  • Explore the quaint streets of Anping Old Street, immersing yourself in the history of Tainan's earliest settlement.

  • Visit Anping Tree House, a unique attraction where a banyan tree has grown over an old warehouse, creating a captivating and photogenic setting.

• Evening:

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and delectable street food at Tainan Flower Night Market. Sample local delicacies like oyster vermicelli, shrimp rolls, and pineapple cakes.

  • Take a leisurely walk along Shennong Street, lined with charming shops, cafes, and traditional houses converted into boutique stores.

Day 2: Cultural Gems and Culinary Delights

• Morning:

  • Start your day by visiting the National Museum of Taiwan Literature, immersing yourself in the world of Taiwanese literature and cultural artifacts.

  • Explore the vibrant Fuzhong Shopping Street, where you can find fashionable clothing, accessories, and local souvenirs.

• Afternoon:

  • Discover the fascinating history of Fort Zeelandia, originally built by the Dutch, and learn about its strategic significance in Tainan's past.

  • Treat yourself to a delightful lunch of coffin bread, a unique Tainan delicacy, at a local eatery.

  • Visit the Hayashi Department Store, transformed into a cultural and creative hub, and browse through its unique shops and artistic offerings.

• Evening:

  • Wander through the charming alleys of Guohua Street, known for its trendy cafes, boutique shops, and bustling atmosphere.

  • Relish a sumptuous dinner of Tainan-style seafood or other local specialties at a restaurant in the vicinity.

  • Wrap up your Tainan adventure with a leisurely stroll along Tainan Canal, enjoying the evening ambiance and the shimmering reflections of the city lights.