By MOOK Scenic Spots Home Travel Life Network Editorial Team

Tainan is a city worth savoring at a leisurely pace on foot. Since its launch in July 2011 by the Tourism Bureau, there are now tours such as “Historic Stroll of the Ancient Capital – Chihkan Line & Confucius Temple Line,” “Anping Old Street Tour,” and the “Yanshui Yuze Port Stroll” trial operation launched in May this year. As of May this year, 931 tours have been held, serving 9,408 visitors. Starting July 4, Tainan’s Michelin Three-Star Journey series of urban tours will introduce the “Old Five Ports City Stroll” – “Starlight Route” and “Sunlight Route,” marking the 5th and 6th walking routes. These offer free guided tours every Friday and Saturday from 7–9 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 3–5 PM.

Chen Chun-an, Director of Tainan Tourism Bureau, said this is also Tainan’s first nighttime walking tour route, aiming to let people across the country experience the city’s deep history, rich human touch, and street-scene charm. In the alleys, such as Shennong Street, many unique cultural and creative shops, eateries, and pubs have set up shop. When night falls, a different face emerges — the romance of artistic streetscapes, plus the liveliness of open-air tea houses, barbecue spots, and beer joints, compose a colorful nightlife. Strolling here feels like stepping into a time tunnel, making the Five Ports area a new playground for young people’s nightlife, enchanting at both dusk and night.

To know Tainan, start with knowing the Ancient Capital. The Five Ports were once a vital economic lifeline of the old city, with countless stories of human warmth hidden in its alleys. We hope everyone can help spread the word, so more visitors can get to know Tainan. At the press conference, Huang Jiangshan, Chairman of Tainan Business Association, said that Dongcai Market, Dacai Market, and Shuixian Temple were places often frequented by the wealthy in those days. The Three Ports established “San Yi Tang” within Shuixian Temple as their office, further highlighting its status in Tainan’s economy, religion, and politics. Important folk events such as the welcoming of Mazu with hundreds of flags and the “Sixteen-Year-Old Ceremony” continue to this day, closely tied to the city’s commercial development. He hopes for continued support of these traditional activities, which in turn will drive urban prosperity.

Located in the westernmost part of the old city, the Five Ports were connected via ancient canals to two historic fortresses — Fort Zeelandia (now Anping Fort) and Fort Provintia (now Chihkan Tower), serving as a cultural umbilical cord and an economic lifeline. The tour service will take visitors through craft shops, specialty foods, religious buildings, and charming spots hidden in the alleys, integrating them into a blend of old and new. It offers a chance to experience the fusion of five commercial port routes and streets, relive the past commercial prosperity, and rediscover the charm of the Five Ports’ western city.

The “Old Five Ports City Stroll” – “Starlight Route” and “Sunlight Route” guided tour services are held every Friday and Saturday from 7–9 PM, and every Saturday and Sunday from 3–5 PM, led by professional guides. Each session accommodates about 20 people and lasts approximately two hours. Visitors to Tainan are welcome to take a “Tainan Michelin Three-Star Journey” during the holidays, and experience Tainan’s slow travel and romantic lifestyle.

The “Starlight Route” of the “Old Five Ports City Stroll” begins at the intersection of Haian Road and Shennong Street → Shennong Street → Jinhua Temple → Xiluo Temple → Fengshen Temple → Guanjingting Stone Archway → Haian Road Installations → Zhengxing Street → Asakusa Youth New World → Kanshi Street Church, and ends at Shuixian Temple.

The “Sunlight Route” begins at the intersection of Haian Road and Shennong Street → Shuixian Temple → Jingfu Shrine → Jufu Temple → Shennong Street → Jinhua Temple → Xiluo Temple → Fengshen Temple → Guanjingting Stone Archway → Haian Temple → Duiyue Gate → Jifu Temple → Laogushi Street, and ends at Yaowang Temple. Come to Tainan to enjoy a stroll and wander through the old streets and alleys.

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