By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department
Tainan is a city worth savoring at a leisurely pace on foot. Since July 100 (2011), the Tourism Bureau has promoted various guided tours, including the “Historic Stroll of the Old Town – Chihkan Line and Confucius Temple Line,” “Anping Old Street Tour,” and the “Yanshui Yuze Port Stroll” trial launched in May this year. As of May this year, 931 tours have been held, serving 9,408 visitors. Starting July 4, Tainan’s Michelin Three-Star Journey series of urban tours will introduce the “Old Five Ports City Stroll” – “Starlight Line” and “Sunlight Line,” marking the fifth and sixth walking routes. These will be offered free of charge every Friday and Saturday from 7–9 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 3–5 PM.
The “Old Five Ports City Stroll” launches the “Starlight Line” and “Sunlight Line” (Photo provided by Tainan City Government)
Chen Chun-an, Director of Tainan Tourism Bureau, said this is also Tainan’s first nighttime walking tour route, aiming to let people across the country experience the city’s deep history, rich human touch, and street-side scenery. In the alleys, such as Shennong Street, many unique cultural and creative shops, dining spots, and pubs have set up, transforming the area after nightfall into a romantic artistic streetscape. With open-air tea houses, barbecue joints, and beer pubs adding to the lively atmosphere, strolling here feels like stepping into a time tunnel. It’s a new nightlife destination for young people, making the Old Five Ports area charming both at dusk and night.
Tainan’s first nighttime walking tour route lets you experience the beauty of the ancient city under the night sky (Photo provided by Tainan City Government)
To know Tainan, start with understanding the Old Town. The Old Five Ports were once a vital economic lifeline of the old city district, with countless stories of human connection hidden in its alleys. We hope everyone can help spread the word so that more visitors can get to know Tainan. At the press conference, Huang Jiangshan, Chairman of Tainan Business Association, mentioned that Dongcai Market, Dacai Market, and Shuixian Temple were places often frequented by the wealthy in the past. The Sanjiao (Three Ports) established the “San Yi Tang” within Shuixian Temple as their office, highlighting the area’s significance in Tainan’s economy, religion, and politics. Important folk events, such as the welcoming of Mazu with hundreds of flags and the traditional “Coming-of-Age at 16” ceremonies, are tied to the city’s commercial development. He expressed hope for continued support of these traditions, which in turn will drive urban prosperity.
Located in the westernmost part of the old city district, the Old Five Ports are connected by ancient canals to two historic fortresses—Zeelandia Fort (now Anping Fort) and Provintia Fort (now Chihkan Tower)—serving as a cultural and economic lifeline. The guided tour will take visitors through traditional craft shops, specialty foods, religious architecture, and fascinating sites hidden in the alleys. These elements are integrated to blend old and new, offering an experience where commerce and streets merge, recreating the past prosperity of the five commercial ports and rediscovering the charm of the Old Five Ports’ western city.
The “Old Five Ports City Stroll” – “Starlight Line” and “Sunlight Line” guided tours are conducted every Friday and Saturday from 7–9 PM, and every Saturday and Sunday from 3–5 PM, led by professional guides. Each session accommodates about 20 people and lasts approximately two hours. Visitors to Tainan are welcome to take a “Tainan Michelin Three-Star Journey” during the holidays, experiencing the city’s slow travel and romantic lifestyle.
The “Old Five Ports City Stroll” – “Starlight Line” begins at the intersection of Haian Road and Shennong Street → Shennong Street → Jinhua Temple → Xiluo Temple → Wind God Temple → Guan Ying Ting Stone Archway → Haian Road Installation Art → Zhengxing Street → Asahigaoka Youth New World → Kansi Church, and ends at Shuixian Temple.
The “Sunlight Line” begins at the intersection of Haian Road and Shennong Street → Shuixian Temple → Jingfu Shrine → Jufu Temple → Shennong Street → Jinhua Temple → Xiluo Temple → Wind God Temple → Guan Ying Ting Stone Archway → Haian Temple → Duiyue Gate → Jifu Temple → Laogushi Street, and ends at Yaowang Temple. Come to Tainan and enjoy a delightful stroll through the old streets and alleys.