Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team

Tainan is a city worth savoring and strolling through. Since July 100 (2011), the Tourism Bureau has promoted various guided walking tours, such as the “Historical Walk of the Old City – Chihkan Line, Confucius Temple Line,” the “Anping Old Street Tour,” and the “Yanshui Moon Harbor Stroll,” which began trial operations in May this year. As of May this year, 931 sessions have been held, serving 9,408 visitors. Starting July 4, the Tainan Michelin Three-Star City Tour Series will introduce two new guided city walks: the “Five Channels Old City Stroll” – “Starlight Route” and “Sunlight Route.” These are the fifth and sixth walking routes, offered every Friday and Saturday evening from 7–9 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 3–5 PM, providing free guided tours.

Chen Chun-an, Director of Tainan Tourism Bureau, stated that this is also Tainan’s first nighttime walking tour route, aiming to let people across the country experience the city’s profound history, rich human touch, and street scenery. In the alleys, such as Shennong Street, many unique cultural and creative shops, restaurants, and pubs have set up shop. When night falls, the area reveals another face – the romance of artistic streetscapes, combined with the cheer of open-air tea houses, barbecue spots, and beer joints, creates a colorful nightlife. Strolling here feels like stepping into a time tunnel, making the Five Channels area a new hub for young people’s nightlife. Whether at dusk or night, the Five Channels district showcases its enchanting charm.

To get to know Tainan, start with understanding the Old City. The Five Channels were once a vital economic lifeline of the old town, with countless human stories hidden in its lanes. We hope everyone can help promote this, allowing more visitors to learn about Tainan. At the press conference, Huang Jiangshan, Chairman of Tainan City Chamber of Commerce, mentioned that Dongcai Market, Dacai Market, and Shuixian Temple were places frequently visited by the affluent in the past. The Three Ports (Sanjiao) even established the “San Yi Tang” within Shuixian Temple as their office, highlighting the area’s significance in Tainan’s economy, religion, and politics. Important folk events such as the welcoming of Mazu with hundreds of flags and the “Coming of Age at 16” tradition continue to this day, closely tied to the city’s commercial development. He expressed hope for continued support of these traditional activities to further boost urban prosperity.

Located in the westernmost part of the old city, the Five Channels are connected by ancient canals to the two historic forts – Fort Zeelandia (now Anping Fort) and Fort Provintia (now Chihkan Tower), serving as both a cultural and economic lifeline. The guided tour will lead visitors through craft shops, specialty foods, religious architecture, and charming sights hidden in the alleys, integrating old and new elements. It offers an experience of the convergence of five commercial harbors and streets, allowing visitors to relive the former commercial prosperity and rediscover the charm of the old western city of the Five Channels.

The “Five Channels Old City Stroll” – “Starlight Route” and “Sunlight Route” guided tours are conducted every Friday and Saturday evening from 7–9 PM, and every Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 3–5 PM. Professional guides lead small groups of around 20 people on approximately two-hour walks. Visitors to Tainan are welcome to take a “Tainan Michelin Three-Star Journey” during the holidays, experiencing the city’s slow travel and romantic lifestyle.

The “Starlight Route” of the “Five Channels Old City Stroll” begins at the intersection of Haian Road and Shennong Street → Shennong Street → Jinhua Temple → Xiluo Temple → Fengshen Temple → Guanjiating Stone Arch → Haian Road Installation Art → Zhengxing Street → Asakusa Youth New World → Kansi Church, and ends at Shuixian Temple.

The “Sunlight Route” starts at the intersection of Haian Road and Shennong Street → Shuixian Temple → Jingfu Shrine → Jufu Temple → Shennong Street → Jinhua Temple → Xiluo Temple → Fengshen Temple → Guanjiating Stone Arch → Haian Temple → Duiyue Gate → Jifu Temple → Laogushi Street, and ends at Yaowang Temple. Come to Tainan and enjoy a stroll through the old alleys.

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