Holiday Tour of Historic Tainan: Journey Through a Taiwanese Amazon & Experience the Beauty of Time Travel

Reported by You t
ru / Comprehensive Report

Where can you go on a weekend getaway to best immerse yourself in history? The beautiful ancient city of Tainan, rich in cultural heritage, boasts many of Taiwan’s “oldest” historic sites and monuments to explore. Why not spend a two-day weekend trip in the ancient capital of Tainan and get up close to the enduring beauty passed down through Taiwan’s generations.


▲ Tainan is currently hosting the Golden Shower Tree Flower Festival. (Photo / Provided by Tainan City Tourism Bureau)

The focus of this two-day, one-night trip is to experience the genuine historic ambiance of Tainan. On the first morning, depart from home and upon arriving at Tainan Railway Station, head to the Confucius Temple Cultural Zone. Nearby, visit Michelin-starred attractionsConfucius Temple,National Museum of Taiwan Literature, as well as the Literary Memorial Hall of Taiwanese literary masterYeh Shih-tao, soaking in the unique sense of time and space that is uniquely Tainan, and setting a contemplative tone for the first day of your journey. Take your time and slow your pace. Tainan’s ongoing Golden Shower Tree Flower Festival can also be enjoyed along the way.

After visiting these literary and historical sites, there are also many charming old-house cafés around the Confucius Temple area. You can choose to visit “NovelCafé Gathering Space” and “Caogji Secondhand Bookstore”, both owned by Mr. Tsai Han-chung and housed in renovated historic buildings. These spots offer visitors not only a place to read and enjoy coffee but also a chance to admire the unique beauty of aged architecture.


▲ Caogji Secondhand Bookstore. (Photo / Reported by You t
ru)
Step out of the time tunnel and explore the much-loved “Shennong Street”, where every corner exudes delicate and gentle historical charm waiting to be savored. Along Haian Road, old walls, low-rise houses, and art illuminated by night lights create an illusion that feels like stepping into a foreign land, offering a uniquely romantic atmosphere under the night sky. After dark, consider stopping by a small bar housed in a refurbished historic building, ordering a beer, and savoring every detail of Taiwan’s old-world architecture to the sound of soft music.


▲ Salt fields. (Photo / From Yunlin-Kaohsiung-Tainan Facebook)
On the second day, wake up early and embark on a temple and west-coast fishing-and-salt heritage tour. Begin with Taiwan’s oldest temple dedicated to the King of the Sea, the “Nankunshen Daitian Temple”, then head to the Beimen Visitor Center to admire the world’s fourth-largest sperm whale specimen, experiencing the depth and mystery of the ocean. In Tainan’s coastal areas, you’ll also find Taiwan’s oldest “salt fields”. You can visit the Zua-A-Kha Tile-Pan Salt Fields to try your hand at salt-making, or explore the Salt Museum to learn how natural resources are transformed into essential daily commodities.

Finally, after being immersed in culture and history, why not visit the “Sicao Green TunnelThe mysterious and exploratory Green Tunnel of Sicao lets you experience the refreshing thrill of cruising through a lush green tunnel, immersing yourself in nature, shaking off summer fatigue, and creating beautiful memories for your journey.

▲ Taiwan’s version of the Amazon River – the Green Tunnel of Sicao. (Photo provided by Eastern TV News)

【Attraction Information】
Confucius Temple, Tainan
Address: No. 2, Nanmen Rd., West Central District, Tainan City
Phone: (06)228-9013
Opening Hours: Dacheng Hall – 8:00–17:30
                 Yicheng Academy – 9:00–12:00; 14:00–17:00 (closed Mondays)
                 Wenchang Pavilion –Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00–12:001:30-17:30


National Museum of Taiwan Literature
Address: No. 1, Zhongzheng Rd., West Central District, Tainan City 700
Phone: (06)221-7201
Opening Hours: 9:00–21:00

Ye Shitao Literary Memorial Hall
Address: No. 8-3, You'ai St., West Central District, Tainan City
Phone: (06)221-5065
Opening Hours: 9:00 – 17:00

Novel Cafe
Address: No. 69, Nanmen Rd., Tainan City
Phone: 06-2211655
Business Hours: 12:00–20:00

Caojie Secondhand Bookstore
Address: No. 71, Nanmen Rd., West Central District, Tainan City
Phone: (06) 221-6872

Shennong Street
Address: Shennong St., West Central District, Tainan City
Business Hours: Open all day
Nankunshen Daitian Temple
Address: No. 976, Kunjiang Li, Beimen District, Tainan City
Phone: (06)786-3711
Service Hours: 7:30-21:00

Beimen Jingzijiao Tile-pan Salt Fields
Address: Jingzijiao, Yonghua Village, Beimen District, Tainan City
Phone: (06)786-1629
Business Hours: 08:30-18:00

Sicao Green Tunnel
Address: No. 360, Dazhong Street, Annan District, Tainan City
Phone: (06)284-1610