60 Little Sheep Appear at Historic Landmark Chihkan Tower in New Art Installation Highlight

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team, compiled and reported

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the British firm Tait & Co. in Anping, the Tainan City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau invited the distinguished guests “Poetic Sheep Leading the Way” to join visitors in exploring key historic sites in Tainan. The first stop was the national historic site Chihkan Tower. Starting September 2, domestic and international tourists visiting Chihkan Tower can see the adorable “Poetic Sheep Leading the Way” flocking together and resting on the grassy plaza of Chihkan Tower. The “Poetic Sheep Leading the Way” will continue to tour various major historic sites and attractions such as Tait & Co., making it a perfect spot for visitors to take photos.

To enliven historic site operations, enrich exhibition content, and showcase the creative and approachable image of cultural assets, the Tainan City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau has promoted an art installation program in historic areas since September. In collaboration with artists, contemporary artworks are introduced to create a unique atmosphere and generate buzz through the contrast between modern art and traditional historic structures, aiming to attract more visitors for photo opportunities with these new highlights.

The contemporary art installation project kicks off with “Poetic Sheep Leading the Way,” which has officially settled in at Chihkan Tower and is now on display for all to see. It will subsequently appear at various historic attraction sites. “Poetic Sheep Leading the Way” was designed by Cai Kunlin, a Ph.D. candidate at Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK. The work’s title is inspired by the playful Taiwanese Hokkien pronunciation “Sī put līng iông,” incorporating the imagery of a fairy tale that draws from the biblical story of Jesus and the shepherds. It features 60 uniquely designed white sheep. The artwork is full of childlike charm, and the adorable, healing sheep help people forget their worries and bring positive energy.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the British firm Tait & Co. in Anping. The Tainan City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau has recently launched a special “4+1” Historic Pass coupon, combining four major historic ticketed attractions (Chihkan Tower, Anping Fort, Anping Tree House, and Yidejincheng Fortress) along with the Love Lock Harbor Tainan Naval Shipyard Park. Originally priced at NT$250, the pass is now available for just NT$150.