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A Guide to Tainan’s Historic Sites and Local Delicacies: Reliving the Glorious Past of the Ancient Capital

Published: 2026-09-24 👁 100 views

Last updated 2026-09-24 — In recent years, Tainan’s old houses have become a new favorite among local tourists. Whether it’s sleeping in a historic home, dining in an old building, or exploring within these traditional structures, many of Tainan’s historic sites and classic street snacks have taken a backseat. Recently, former Major League Baseball pitcher Kuo Hong-chih confirmed...

Written/Compiled and Reported by MOOK Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin

In recent years, Tainan’s old houses have become a new favorite among local tourists. Whether it’s sleeping in a historic home, dining in an old building, or exploring within these traditional structures, many of Tainan’s historic sites and classic street snacks have taken a backseat. Recently, former Major League Baseball pitcher Kuo Hong-chih confirmed his return to Taiwan to join the Uni-President Lions. The team will also launch a series of retro-themed events on October 5th during their regular season game. Fans who wear retro Uni-President Lions jerseys or T-shirts and take photos at historic sites or food spots in Tainan that day, then upload them to the official Uni-President Lions Facebook fan page and visit the on-site service booth at Tainan Baseball Stadium, can receive limited-edition retro player cards. This initiative also helps fans rediscover Tainan’s historic landmarks and local delicacies. Below is a guide to Tainan’s historic sites and food, taking a look back at the glorious past of the ancient capital.

The Imperial Stele of the Nine-Stone Turtle is located at the base of the wall near the pavilion of Chihkan Tower. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)

Chihkan Tower

Located at the intersection of Chihkan Street and Minzu Road in Tainan City, Chihkan Tower was originally built by the Dutch. Early Han Chinese referred to the Dutch as "red-haired people," hence the tower was also called the Red-Haired Tower. The current Chihkan Tower consists of the garden on the south side, the pavilion on the north side, and the Penghu Academy on the west side. The garden is lush with plants and features a statue commemorating Koxinga's surrender acceptance. At the base of the wall near the pavilion stands the Imperial Stele of the Nine-Stone Turtle, which was relocated from near the Great South Gate.

Address: No. 212, Minzu Road, West Central District, Tainan City

Chihkan Tower is one of Tainan’s renowned historic landmarks. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)

Anping Small Fort

The Anping Small Fort is located on the west side of the ruins of Fort Zeelandia. Built during the Qing Dynasty, it served as one of the defensive measures against the British, comprising the main fort structure and a protective stone wall to the north. Adjacent to the Pool Park is the main body of the fort, constructed with granite and pebbles, featuring oil-brick flooring and an underground ammunition storage area. Unlike the modern Western-style design of Yide Jincheng, the Anping Small Fort is the most intact and significant representation of late-period traditional Chinese artillery fortifications. Before the completion of Yide Jincheng, it played a crucial defensive role for the southwest coast of Anping and was vital in protecting the ancient capital.

Address: Corner of Anping Road and Hunei Second Street, Anping District, Tainan City

During the Qing Dynasty, the Anping Small Fort bore the important task of defending against the British. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)

Yide Jincheng (Zeelandia Fort)

Yide Jincheng, also known as the “Erkunshen Fort,” takes its name from Erkunshen, the name of a sandbank that once lined the west bank of the Tamsui River. At that time, Fort Zeelandia was located on the first sandbank (Yikunshen), while Yide Jincheng stood on the second (Erkunshen). However, due to sedimentation, the sandbanks eventually merged. Yide Jincheng originated from the Japanese invasion of Taiwan triggered by the Mudan Incident. At the time, Imperial Commissioner Shen Baozhen petitioned the imperial court to construct a Western-style fort, which was approved. A French designer was commissioned, and the fort was completed in the second year of the Guangxu reign (1876), making it Taiwan’s first Western-style fortification.

Address: No. 3, Guangzhou Road, Anping District, Tainan City

Yide Jincheng’s Western-style fortification was Taiwan’s first of its kind. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)

Anping Fort

The officially designated historic site name is the Remains of Fort Zeelandia (Remains of Anping Fort). Fort Zeelandia, also known as Wangcheng (King’s City), Chihkan City, or Anping City, was originally built by the Dutch in 1624 and completed in 1634 (the seventh year of the Ming Chongzhen reign). Initially named Orange City, it was later renamed Fort Zeelandia. Early Han Chinese referred to the Dutch as "red-haired people," thus calling this grand fortress the “Red-Haired City.” After the retrocession of Taiwan, it became known as “Anping Fort,” the name still used today.

Address: No. 82, Guosheng Road, Anping District, Tainan City

Anping Fort was formerly known as the “Red-Haired City.” (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)

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