Taiwan also has a waterway museum—this national heritage site has been restored into a new attraction
Last updated 2026-09-24 — The national heritage site “Former Tainan Waterway” is one of Taiwan’s rare cultural assets that combines natural ecology and history. The entire site includes the “Water Source Area” and the “Purification Pool Area.” In addition to the already restored and open Purification Pool Area, the Water Source Area is also...
By MOOK Travel Editor Team / Compiled and Reported
The national heritage site “Former Tainan Waterway” is one of Taiwan’s rare cultural assets that combines natural ecology and history. The entire site includes the “Water Source Area” and the “Purification Pool Area.” In addition to the already restored and open Purification Pool Area, the Water Source Area is also being integrated with the nearby Mountain Nursery to develop into the “Mountain Garden Waterway Museum,” which is expected to be completed and open for trial operation by the end of the year.
The national heritage site “Former Tainan Waterway” is one of Taiwan’s rare cultural assets that combines natural ecology and history. The entire site includes the “Water Source Area” and the “Purification Pool Area.” In addition to the already restored and open Purification Pool Area, the Water Source Area is also being integrated with the nearby Mountain Nursery to develop into the “Mountain Garden Waterway Museum,” which is expected to be completed and open for trial operation by the end of the year.
Stunning artisanship sends water through the Pumping Room. (Photo/Tainan City Government)
The Tainan Waterway Purification Pool Area boasts a rich ecological environment, covering a total of 56 hectares and serving as an excellent habitat for flora, fauna, and insects. Among them, the endemic Taiwanese leaf-nosed bat had already made its home here before the purification pool area was restored.
After climbing nearly 200 steps, you’ll see the purification pool building with its European castle-like exterior. (Photo provided by Rhoda)
The Former Tainan Waterway was built in 1912. In the early days of Taiwan, due to a lack of clean drinking water and drainage facilities, infectious diseases were rampant. During the Japanese colonial period, Tainan’s water sources and water quality were investigated by W. K. Burton, the health advisor to the Governor-General of Taiwan, along with his student and assistant Hamano Yosaburo. Based on their field investigations, they proposed the construction of a rapid filtration system waterway and began the project.
In 2014, Taiwan Water Corporation donated the Tainan Waterway buildings and related equipment to Tainan City Government.
In 2014, Taiwan Water Corporation donated the Tainan Waterway buildings and related equipment to Tainan City Government.
Fourteen rapid filter cylinders inside the filter room. (Photo/Tainan City Government)
The so-called waterway refers to a municipal water supply pipeline system. There are five main facilities: water intake facilities, sedimentation basins, filter chambers, pumping rooms, and purification pools. The historical value of the heritage-listed site includes various architectural structures—Western-style reinforced concrete, red-brick buildings, and stone-built bungalows.
Rows of individual metal air vents. (Photo provided by Rhoda)
There are also well-preserved sets of machinery, including 14 British rapid filter cylinders and components, overhead traveling cranes, and vertical shaft electric motor units. These pieces are rare antiques in Taiwan’s water supply industry.
The Water Source Area of the “Former Tainan Waterway.” (Photo/Tainan City Government)
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