New Ways to Explore Tainan’s Old Town: Stroll Through Anping in a Cheongsam

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 
Many visitors to Kyoto often rent traditional kimonos, wear geta, and stroll through the ancient temple alleys to capture photos full of Japanese charm as souvenirs. Now, when you come to Anping in Tainan, some local businesses have also launched a cheongsam rental service, offering visitors an unforgettable experience in this ancient city full of old houses and red-brick alleys.

“Anping • Qi Pao” is located within the Anping District. The uniquely charming old house storefront breaks the conventional serious impression of cheongsams by offering a service for renting cheongsams to explore Tainan, attracting many tourists to come and experience it. The idea originated when the owner traveled to Japan earlier this year with a friend and was deeply impressed by how happily her friend took photos in a kimono. This inspired the concept of opening a cheongsam shop in the classic, old-world city of Tainan.

The old-house-renovated store of “Anping • Qi Pao” retains elements such as terrazzo floors, red-brick walls, octagonal windows, and vintage furniture. These are complemented by neatly arranged cheongsams and retro dressing tables. Guests choose their cheongsams in this environment, as if stepping into a time tunnel and becoming characters from an Eileen Chang novel. The store offers a rich variety of cheongsam styles, updated each season to provide different choices. The form-fitting cheongsams are suitable for guests weighing between 30 and 60 kilograms. For those concerned about body shape, the store thoughtfully provides accessories such as shawls and coats to enhance the look, allowing everyone to experience the outfit confidently and comfortably, leaving behind unforgettable memories. In addition to women's cheongsams, the store also offers men’s suspenders for rent and appointments for makeup and hairstyling services.

The unique and fun experience has made “Anping • Qi Pao” very popular since its opening in July, attracting many tourists, including visitors from Hong Kong, China, and beyond. It’s the latest trendy way to experience Tainan. To soak in the old-city atmosphere, strolling through the town in a cheongsam is the best—and most memorable—way to go.