By MOOK Scenic Spots Chen Wenlin | Photos provided by Tainan City Government Tourism Bureau
As the Lunar New Year approaches, besides the recent hotspots in Tainan such as the Chimei Museum, Lint Department Store, Guanziling Mud Hot Springs, and leisure farms that are perfect for spring outings, there are also many other holiday travel destinations. These offer not only diverse themed activities, but also opportunities to explore outdoor spots, photo-friendly hotspots, and new ways to celebrate. You can also enjoy the unique festive atmosphere of this ancient cultural capital. For those visiting Tainan for the New Year, be sure to check out these great travel itineraries to create an unforgettable new Spring Festival experience.
The 2018 Moon Lake Lantern Festival will kick off during the holiday season and is one of the most anticipated New Year events.
1.Traditional Festive Events – Moon Lake Lantern Festival, Yanshui Beehive Rockets, Puji Temple Lantern Display, Spring Flower Viewing & Bat Blessing Ceremony on the Mountain
The internationally renowned “2018 Moon Lake Lantern Festival” will take place during the holiday season. This year’s creative theme is “A Meeting,” where illuminated installations showcase the charm of Yanshui under the moonlight. The sparkling water surface reflects the river and harbor, making the local artistic lantern displays truly spectacular and worth looking forward to.
At the 2018 Moon Lake Lantern Festival, illuminated installations shine brightly under the moonlight, with water reflections of the river and harbor creating a mesmerizing scene.
The highlight of the Lantern Festival, the “Yanshui Beehive Rockets,” has been selected by Australia’s Get Lost magazine as one of the “Top 10 Best Festivals in the World.” The launching of the rockets is a powerful and thrilling experience – not only is it an event you should try at least once in your life, but it’s also believed to bring increasing good fortune for the coming year. It’s a thrilling and rare experience.
The Puji Temple Spring Lantern Display will light up the temple and Guohua Street shopping district skies starting February 10, with thousands of colorful painted lanterns lining the streets and creating a highlight for a spring outing in the ancient capital. During the Spring Festival, Guohua Street will become a pedestrian-only zone, featuring retro toys, traditional puppet shows performed in the temple square, allowing visitors to pray for peace while strolling and enjoying the lanterns – a truly delightful experience.
The recently internet-famous photo spot “Former Tainan Waterworks” is not only a national historic site in Shanshang District, but also offers a castle-like old building, tranquil surroundings, a hidden location, and rich bat ecology – giving visitors the feeling of being in a European castle.
Tainan’s old streets and alleys are full of distinctive character, exuding the nostalgic charm of the old city.
From February 10 to 19 this year, Tainan will also host the exciting “Spring Flower Viewing & Bat Blessing Ceremony on the Mountain,” featuring a carefully curated National Orchid Exhibition, dog-year-themed installation art, springtime ancient site visits combined with cherry blossom viewing and bat blessings, thematic flower fields, and more. There will also be lively street performances, making it perfect for family trips during the holiday season.
2.IGPhoto Spots – Snail Alley, Governor's Residence, Judicial Museum, Canal Cruise
Snail Alley, a must-visit photo spot for hipsters, is tucked away in the alleys near Zhongzheng Road and Minsheng Road in the old town. It was created by a group of friends who love cultural creativity. With its slow-moving snail motif, combined with vintage-style installations and colorful painted walls, it is truly unique. This maze-like alley also hides many cafes and specialty shops, making it a top destination for travelers who love taking photos.
Snail Alley, a gathering spot for hipsters, is a modern cultural creative enclave beloved by many.
The Governor's Residence is a historic building from the Japanese colonial era, once home to the head of Tainan Prefecture. Now managed by Kaiching Development, the same company behind Lint Department Store, it has been transformed into a concert hall, and also houses a bookstore and cultural and creative shops. Every corner is photogenic, making it the latest hot travel spot in Tainan.
The Governor's Residence, a historic building from the Japanese colonial era, was once the residence of the head of Tainan Prefecture and holds significant historical value.
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