Embrace a Century of Romance at Tropical Park: A Mini Journey Through Tainan Park’s Historic Sites, Ecology, and Ancient Trees

Text by Anna | Photos by MOOK

Special thanks to Tainan Community College, Tainan City Government Public Works Bureau, and Traveler’s Monthly Magazine

A grand city always has a public garden that welcomes all. Open year-round and 24 hours a day, it’s the best way for urban dwellers to connect with nature without venturing far. The ancient capital of Tainan also has such a lovely urban garden—Tainan Park, which this year celebrates its 100th anniversary. This vast expanse of greenery is now home to many adorable “park residents.” With a rich variety of birds, you can easily hear the songs of three or more species chirping from the treetops with your eyes closed. It teems with insects, squirrels, bats, aquatic plants and animals, as well as century-old precious trees—all extending warm arms to invite us to explore with them.
 

A Mini Journey Among Giant Trees

Step into the old provincial capital, where you’ll find not only historic sites, old streets and alleys, and traditional snacks, but also an old-tree park nurtured slowly over time. Though located near the train station and bus terminal, Tainan Park has long been a place that most visitors overlook. Upon arriving in Tainan, people often rush to famous attractions and sample local delicacies. They may know Tainan has many old trees, but usually associate them with historic landmarks or school campuses, unaware that Tainan Park actually harbors numerous precious ancient trees.

Adorable urban “park residents.” With a rich variety of birds, you can easily hear the songs of three or more species chirping from the treetops with your eyes closed. It teems with insects, squirrels, bats, aquatic plants and animals, as well as century-old precious trees—all extending warm arms to invite us to explore with them.
 

An Intimate Encounter with Tropical Flora

The site of Tainan Park was once a scenic attraction known for Yan Pond. In 1917, during the Japanese colonial period, it was developed into “Taisho Park,” which also served as a tropical experimental forest. Staff from Tainan City Government’s Agriculture Bureau, Forest and Nature Conservation Section, who are responsible for maintaining these old trees, told us that because the Japanese, coming from a temperate climate, were fascinated by subtropical plants, they established this experimental forest to observe their growth. Of the 200 old trees registered in Tainan City, 72 are located in Tainan Park.

Towering Century-Old Rain Trees and Bodhi Trees

Walking along the wooden boardwalk beside Park South Road, you can’t miss the towering century-old rain tree nearby, known as the “Rain Tree Second Brother” of Tainan Park, while the taller “Rain Tree First Brother” stands on the hillside near Little Yan Pond. The rain tree is a deciduous tree native to tropical America, known for its tall, graceful form, broad canopy, and feathery leaves.
Compound leaves, pink powder-puff flowers bloom in spring and summer, and the fruits are woody pods over ten centimeters long. Coming here, if you quietly observe, you’ll find that this area is part of the tropical plant observation zone set up by the Japanese. Observing their growth status and ecological habits, you can learn about how these trees live. Of the 200 old trees registered in Tainan City, 72 are located in Tainan Park.

The area around the Rain Tree Second Brother is enclosed by railings to maintain a comfortable distance between people and the tree. Staff from the Forest Conservation Section explained that old trees become especially precious due to the emotional bonds formed through human interaction, but getting too close—such as compacting the soil around them—can harden the ground and hinder the tree’s growth. Carving into the tree bark can also make it more susceptible to disease. Everyone is encouraged to avoid actions that could harm these ancient trees.