Taiwan’s First Nighttime Walking Tour Route – A Stroll Through the Old Town of Five Channels Under Starlight

Reported by You T-Ru / Comprehensive Reporting

The Michelin Three-Star City Tour Series in Tainan, “A Stroll Through the Old Town of Five Channels,” was officially launched today (25th) at a press conference attended by Chen Chun-an, Director of Tainan City Government’s Tourism Bureau, and Li Yan-yu, District Chief of West Central District. The guided tour “A Stroll Through the Old Town of Five Channels” will commence next Friday (July 4) at 7:00 PM. The meeting point is at the intersection of Haian Road and Shennong Street. Members of the public can start registering online via the reservation system from this Thursday (June 26) at 8:00 AM.


▲ Launch of Tainan’s first nighttime walking tour route. (Photo / Provided by Tainan Tourism Bureau)

Tainan is a city best explored and savored on foot. Since the Tourism Bureau launched the initiative in July 2011, there are now guided tours such as “Historical Strolls of the Ancient City – Chihkan Line and Confucius Temple Line,” “Anping Old Street Tour,” and the recently trial-operated “Yanshui Moon Harbor Stroll” launched in May this year. As of May this year, 931 tours have been conducted, serving 9,408 visitors. Starting July 4, the new “Stroll Through the Old Town of Five Channels” – “Starlight Route” and “Sunlight Route” – will be the fifth and sixth walking routes, offering free guided tours every Friday and Saturday evening from 7–9 PM, and every Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 3–5 PM.

Chen Chun-an, Director of the Tourism Bureau, stated that this is alsoTainan’sfirst nighttime walking tour route,aiming to allow people across the country to experience the city’s deep history, rich human touch, and charming street scenes. The Five Channels are located in the westernmost part of the old city area, historically connected by an ancient canal linking two historic cities—Fort Zeelandia (now Anping Fort) and Fort Provintia (now Chihkan Tower)—serving as a cultural lifeline. The guided tours will lead visitors through traditional craft shops, specialty foods, religious architecture, and hidden gems among the alleys, integrating both old and new elements. Participants will experience the fusion of five commercial port waterways and streets, relive the past prosperity of trade, and rediscover the charm of the western city of the Five Channels.


▲ Tainan is a city best explored and savored on foot. (Photo / Provided by Tainan Tourism Bureau)

The guided tours for “Stroll Through the Old Town of Five Channels” – “Starlight Route” and “Sunlight Route” – will be led by professional guides, taking participants on a walking journey. Each session accommodates around 20 people and lasts approximately two hours. The tours are held every Friday and Saturday evening from 7–9 PM, and every Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 3–5 PM. Visitors to Tainan are welcome to embark on a “Michelin Three-Star City Tour” during the holidays, experiencing Tainan’s slow travel and romantic lifestyle. Those interested can visit the Tainan Tourism official website under the “Michelin Three-Star City Tour” section to make online reservations.

The “Starlight Route” of “Stroll Through the Old Town of Five Channels” begins at the intersection of Haian Road and Shennong Street → Shennong Street → Jinhua Temple → Xiluo Temple → Wind God Temple → Guan Ying Ting Stone Archway → Haian Road Art Installations → Zhengxing Street → Asahikawa Youth New World → Kanshi Church, and ends at Shuixian Temple. Meanwhile, the “Sunlight Route” starts at the intersection of Haian Road and Shennong Street → Shuixian Temple → Jingfu Temple → Jufu Temple → Shennong Street → Jinhua Temple → Xiluo Temple → Wind God Temple → Guan Ying Ting Stone Archway → Haian Temple → Duiyue Gate → Jifu Temple → Laogushi Street, and concludes at Yaowang Temple. We sincerely invite you to join us for a delightful stroll through the old alleys and lanes.