Explore ancient alleys and feast on local delicacies — a super happy one-day trip in Tainan

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots compiled and reported
 
Tainan, with its deep cultural heritage and delicious food and scenic spots, has always been a great travel destination. Step away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, take a relaxing stroll through Tainan’s backstreets, savor authentic local snacks, and fill your holiday with happiness.

Head to the seaside early in the morning.Taijiang National Park boasts numerous internationally recognized wetlands and rich ecological resources. Here, you can explore the intertidal zone to see fiddler crabs, mangroves, oyster racks, and fixed fishing nets, experiencing how Tainan’s unique ecological conservation efforts coexist with fishermen who rely on lagoon fishing for their livelihoods. It's not only a great spot for photos but also offers the fun of enjoying freshly grilled oysters and shrimp.

For lunch, head to “Sheng,” located at Tainan University of Applied Technology. The space features simple and clean decor with a slight Japanese touch, offering a comfortable environment with air conditioning. It is a rice bowl specialty shop that also sells raw seafood such as sashimi and nigiri sushi, including both raw and cooked dishes. The ingredients are primarily seafood and fish, served fresh and prepared to order. With a wide variety of toppings, you can enjoy both raw and cooked elements in the same rice bowl. You can also order additional sashimi or grilled nigiri sushi separately—extremely satisfying.

After the main meal, it’s time for dessert. The recently hottest treat on Guohua Street in Tainan is the ultra-affordable soufflé shop “Prince Shengu” — people often line up before it even opens due to its immense popularity. The fluffy soufflé paired with rich Earl Grey tea sauce and chewy tapioca pearls creates an irresistible flavor that makes any wait worthwhile, bringing a full-on happiness overload.

After filling up, it’s time for a walk. Check out Snail Alley, a must-visit for hipsters, featuring nostalgic installations and colorful painted walls. Explore this old city at a leisurely pace, wandering through its maze-like alleys where you can discover hidden coffee shops, boutique stores, and specialty shops.