Travel off the beaten path during Chinese New Year – an IG hotspot guide to four must-visit spots in Tainan

▲ Inside Taijiang National Park, the Taijiang Academy was built over fishponds, creating an alternative habitat where flocks of waterbirds gather, forming a scene of “mist over the waters and reeds in between.” (Photo courtesy of Instagram user @b.23___, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

It’s all about beautiful views and great photoshoots here. Known as the “Capital of History and Culture,” Tainan often gives off a strong historical vibe—as if there’s nothing but ancient ruins to see. But ETtoday EBC News has specially rounded up a lazy guide to four ultra-popular Instagram-worthy spots in Tainan that have been trending lately. Whether it’s a dreamy location that feels like you’re abroad or a cultural creative park given new life, each stunning photo will totally change your old impression of Tainan—and you’ll be itching to visit the city during the Lunar New Year holiday.

▲ Against a backdrop of blue skies and white clouds, taking photos on the platform at the Qigu Visitor Center is truly spectacular. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user @gjin_ying, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

1. Qigu Visitor Center
The Qigu Visitor Center in Tainan, built with an investment of NT$100 million, is still under construction and has not officially opened yet. However, its massive 5,000+ ping structure and minimalist design have already attracted many netizens to check it out early. The two buildings of the center are connected by a corridor, featuring a pure white cement exterior. Inside, the architecture is full of windows and unique intersecting lines that cast ever-changing light and shadow effects depending on the time of day.

Additionally, located between the Qigu Salt Mountain and the Taiwan Salt Museum, the visitor center also offers a large platform with views of the surrounding salt fields, where you might even spot an adorable little train passing by from time to time. With the smell of salty sea air in the air, visitors can take a break at any favorite step or corner under the azure sky and enjoy the beautiful seascape in comfort. Please note that the Qigu Visitor Center is not yet open—stay safe during your visit and avoid disturbing the staff.

Read more:Tainan’s New Minimalist Spot: Vast Blue Skies and White Architecture Feel Like Snow Country

▲ Taijiang National Park has become a must-visit destination for couples. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user @jing0627, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

2. Taijiang National Park

Awarded the 2016 Taiwan Architecture Award and Taiwan’s first Diamond-rated green building in a southern government agency, Taijiang National Park has sparked an IG pilgrimage trend thanks to its “Taijiang Academy” visitor center, which features a never-before-seen stilt-house design within the park. Currently, only the administrative center’s Taijiang Academy is open to the public—the main visitor center is expected to be completed and operational by the end of 2017. Although the park isn’t fully built yet, the stilt houses, floating houses, and checkered floors inside are enough to keep visitors snapping photos all day.

Want to see Taiwan’s first-ever stilt house over a fishpond and experience floating house design for yourself? Be sure to plan a trip to the Taijiang National Park visitor center. It’s not only a great way to learn more about Taijiang’s culture and ecology, but also to snap vacation-worthy photos that could pass for being taken abroad.

Read more:Taiwan’s Only Stilt House at Taijiang National Park—Just as Photogenic as a Foreign Resort

▲ The red walls exude a strong military dependents’ village vibe, offering a unique charm. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user @plusyang, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

3. 321 Alley Art Village
Hidden near Tainan Railway Station and the transit hub, the “321 Alley Art Village” was originally a Japanese military officers’ dormitory built in 1931 (Showa 6), making it over 80 years old. It was initially slated for demolition along with a nearby arms factory, but under the municipal government’s initiative, 18 dormitories were preserved. After planning by a creative team, seven art groups now reside here. It’s a Tainan City-designated historical site.

Though the old dependents’ village may seem small, surprises await everywhere—from the walls and grassy areas to the old trees nearby. A thorough exploration can easily take one or two hours. In addition to cute installations, there are often cultural and creative exhibitions, guided tours, the 321 Little Theater Festival, and pop-up flea markets that breathe new life into the area, turning it into a fresh urban stage. Please mind your steps and watch where you walk, as many buildings are decades old.

Read more:Like a Story of Time: Tainan’s “Mysterious Old Military Village” Transforms into a Cultural Park

▲ Taking photos at the castle-like former Tainan Waterworks feels incredibly atmospheric. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user @judyzhou841125, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

4. Former Tainan Waterworks

Experience life like royalty in Taiwan too. The national historic site “Shanshan Purification Reservoir Area” of the former Tainan Waterworks, with its castle-like architecture, serene environment, and hidden location, makes you feel like you’re in a European castle. It’s become a pilgrimage spot for couples on dates and draws many tourists. The distinctive architectural style looks spectacular whether shot up close or from afar.

Built during the Japanese colonial period, the former Tainan Waterworks is located on a road in Shanshan District, Tainan City, divided into the purification reservoir and the water source area. The water source area is currently closed for renovation, but the “purification reservoir” accessible via a path across the street is open. To see the castle-style purification reservoir building and the impressive ventilation valve, however, you’ll need to climb nearly 200 steps on both the large and small staircases.

Read more:Ultra-Photogenic “European Castle” Landmark—Tainan’s Historic Waterworks Becomes a Photo Hotspot