Not just food and historic sites – Top 10 most popular attractions in Tainan

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department

Tainan is considered by most visitors to be the food capital of Taiwan, and it also boasts a rich cultural heritage of historic sites. But beyond night markets, street snacks, Anping Fort, and Chihkan Tower, there are plenty of other worthwhile attractions. A well-known polling website, through discussions among netizens, compiled a list of the top ten most talked-about attractions in Tainan, helping many people discover new spots. Visitors might want to plan a trip to Tainan during their holidays.

No. 10 – Beimen Crystal Church
Since its completion in 2014, the Crystal Church’s minimalist, all-white exotic style and dreamy scenery have made it a popular spot for wedding photography and ceremonies.

No. 9 – Salt Mountain
Qigu Salt Mountain is one of Tainan’s must-visit famous attractions. Every year, different large-scale installations are set up here, competing to be the largest art display in Taiwan and attracting a wave of tourists. This year, a two-story-tall giant owl figure was erected on the salt mountain.

No. 8 – Yuguang Island
Yuguang Island is a small independent island located southwest of Annan District, connected to Anping via the Yuguang Bridge. Aside from watching the sunset, visitors can also explore the area’s other cultural elements, giving off an elegant and simple vibe.
 
No. 7 – Blue Print
The Blue Print Cultural and Creative Park is one of the successful examples of artistic landscaping in Tainan. It repurposed old houses along Hai’an Road, treating the building complex as if it were blueprint paper. The walls were painted entirely blue, and then many white lines were drawn on them to resemble the original layout of the buildings—almost turning the physical structures into drawings—which gradually gave rise to the concept of Blue Print.

No. 6 – Guanxi Platform
Guanxi Platform is a relatively new attraction. The windbreak forests on either side create a lush, beautiful landscape, and stretching out before you is an endless expanse of stunning blue ocean. Guanxi Platform has gradually become a favorite leisure spot for Tainan residents on weekends.
 
No. 5 – Shennong Street
Shennong Street is currently the best-preserved old street in Tainan City and is also the most important site of the “Five Channels Cultural District.” Many of the buildings still retain their architectural styles from the Qing Dynasty and early Japanese colonial period. Walking down the street feels like time has stopped. There are also many studios of art creators, adding a strong artistic atmosphere to the area.
 
No. 4 – Lin Department Store
Located in Tainan City, Lin Department Store is the only department store in Taiwan that has a shrine on its rooftop. During the Japanese colonial period, it was the largest department store in southern Taiwan. Its vintage architectural charm has helped spark a grassroots cultural renaissance in Tainan.