Tainan’s Anping Old Street is becoming more and more unique. Since the implementation of the Anping Harbor Historical Scenic Area Plan in 2002, attractions such as the Anping Tree House, Harbor Loop Path, Historic Waterscape Park, Waterfowl Park, and Deji Foreign Firm have been restored one after another. Local treats like Chen Family Oyster Rolls, Zhenghexing Preserved Fruits, and Xijing Village Braised Snacks continue to draw crowds. The newest highlight is the ongoing restoration of traditional residential buildings.
■Revitalizing Old Houses, Creating Anping’s New Look
Starting several years ago, as long as residents in the Anping area applied and passed the review, the government would assist in renovating and restoring their homes. This isn’t a single large-scale construction project, but the effect has been surprisingly good. Now, when you walk into the alleys beside Anping Old Street, there are fewer tin roofs, less dilapidation and mess, and instead, rows of old houses have been restored to their former appearance with traditional Minnan bricks and tiles.
Du Zhaoxian, curator of the “Haian Road Art Street,” said that this has transformed Anping from just being known as a street into a whole district. If more quality cultural elements continue to be added, Anping could become like a historic European town, full of surprises around every corner.
■Open Sword Lions: A New Tourist Attraction
Currently, 28 restored traditional houses have been completed, with more in the pipeline, mainly concentrated on Zhongxing Street and Xiaozhong Street near Anping Old Street. For families visiting Tainan during summer vacation, in addition to exploring Anping Old Street, Yide Jin Cheng, Anping Fortress, and sampling local snacks, it is also recommended to venture into these alleys, admire the residences, and look for sword lions — making your Anping trip even more fun.
The unified Open Jiang character has recently become extremely popular.In addition to opening themed restaurants, the 7-Eleven “Wangcheng Branch” on Anping Old Street features the only Open Jiang sign in Taiwan dressed up as a Sword Lion.The store also sells exclusive merchandise such as Sword Lion Open General phone charms, making it a must-visit 7-Eleven for tourists.
■Admiring Waterfowl in the Water Green Tunnel
Tainan trips can be divided into seven major themes: “Harbor, Waterfowl, Sunset, Fortress, Foreign Firm, Old Street, and Snacks.” As long as you stroll leisurely, all seven themes will naturally unfold before you — no need to search specifically. That’s the most charming aspect of a walking tour in Anping. But for a change of perspective, taking a boat is best.
There are two boat tours operated by Sicao Public Temple. One takes you around Sicao Lake and the Taijiang Inland Sea, where you can enjoy views of the historical district, oyster farming, and waterfowl in flight — seeing the beauty of the old city from the sea, with the round-trip journey lasting about 1.5 hours. The other sails through the canopy of mangroves that shade the sky, with the round trip taking about 30 minutes. Along the way, it feels like traveling through a water green tunnel, with sunlight reflecting off the waves and dense greenery creating an impressionist scene reminiscent of a Monet painting.