A 2-Day Trip to Tainan ~ Rediscovering the Charm of Historic Houses

Written/Compiled & Reported by Wei Ruyu   Source: Monochrome Editing Team

The issue of urban redevelopment has been a hot topic lately. Is tearing down old buildings and constructing so-called "modern" high-rises truly progress? Does it mean living in better quality? Or is it using modern aesthetic concepts and advanced technology to breathe new life into old houses while preserving the memories and stories woven through generations—the most essential core value of life?

Why not take a trip to Tainan? See how this historic city harmoniously blends the old with the new, allowing old houses to evolve with the times, providing people with a sense of fulfillment, warmth, and solidity—while also shaping them into cultural assets to be proud of.

Day 1: Flying Fish Memory Art Gallery → Feng Cha → Cao Ji Secondhand Bookstore → Little Terrace → Xie Residence

Flying Fish Memory Art Gallery

Located on Minquan Road, one of the earliest bustling streets in Tainan, this approximately 60-year-old street-front building retains some traditional elements but also continues the lifestyle philosophy of Flying Fish. The space is slightly elongated, hiding a deep vertical courtyard, forming a distinctive architectural feature of 1950s street-front buildings. Flying Fish combines a bookstore, exhibition space, bridal services, photography, design, and a unique cinematic journey.

Phone: 06-228-8947

Address: No. 192, Section 2, Minquan Road, West Central District, Tainan City

Business Hours: 10:30–20:00, closed on Wednesdays

Feng Cha

Facing the Tainan Weather Observatory, this half-century-old building not only forms a long-standing historical connection with nearby heritage sites but also offers a taste of the unique local culture of the ancient capital as you sip tea under its arcade. Feng Cha’s owner, Ye Dongtai, is a renowned tea expert in Tainan. With over 20 years in the business, he has built a solid reputation for tea roasting and, with his deep humanistic insight, has also created many fun beverages—including the wildly popular Frost Milk Tea—along with light meals.

Phone: 06-228-4512

Address: 2F, No. 8, Gongyuan Road, Tainan City

Business Hours: 09:00–22:30, 09:00–23:00 on holidays