Written/Compiled and Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel Life Network
In recent years, Tainan’s old houses have become a new favorite in local tourism. Whether it's staying in an ancient home, dining in a historic building, or exploring within these vintage structures, many of Fucheng’s historical sites and traditional snacks tend to be overshadowed. Recently, former Major League pitcher Kuo Hong-chih has confirmed his return to Taiwan to join the Uni-President Lions. The team will also launch a series of retro-themed events on October 5th, during their regular-season game. Fans who wear retro Uni-President Lions jerseys or T-shirts and take photos at historical sites or food spots in Tainan that day, then upload them to the official Uni-President Lions Facebook fan page and visit the on-site service booth at Tainan Baseball Stadium, can receive limited-edition retro player cards. This initiative has also given fans another chance to explore Tainan’s historical landmarks and local delicacies. Below is a guide to Tainan’s historic sites and cuisine, taking a look back at the glorious days of Fucheng.
The Imperial Stele of the Nine-Stone Turtle stands at the base of the wall near the pavilion of Chihkan Tower. (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
Chihkan Tower
Located at the intersection of Chihkan Street and Minzu Road in Tainan City, Chihkan Tower was originally built by the Dutch. Early Han Chinese referred to the Dutch as “red-haired people,” hence the tower was also called the Red-Haired Tower. The current Chihkan Tower consists of the garden on the southern side, the pavilion on the northern side, and the Penghu Academy on the western side. The garden is lush with plants and features a statue of Koxinga accepting surrender. At the base of the wall near the pavilion stands the Imperial Stele of the Nine-Stone Turtle, which was relocated from near the Great South Gate.
Address: No. 212, Minzu Road, West Central District, Tainan City
Chihkan Tower is one of Tainan’s renowned historical landmarks. (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
Anping Small Fort
Anping Small Fort is located on the west side of the remnants of Taiwan City. Built during the Qing Dynasty, it served as one of the defensive measures against the British and includes the main fort structure as well as the protective stone embankment to the north. Adjacent to the Pool Park is the main body of the fort, constructed from granite and pebbles, with an oil-brick surface. An underground ammunition storage area is also part of the design. Unlike the modern Western-style design of Yide Jincheng, Anping Small Fort is the most intact and significant representation of China’s traditional late-style forts. Before the completion of Yide Jincheng, it played the role of the most crucial defensive bastion in the southwest sea area of Anping and was also tasked with defending Fucheng.
During the Qing Dynasty, Anping Small Fort bore the important duty of resisting British forces. (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
Yide Jincheng
Yide Jincheng, also known as the “Erkunshen Fort,” takes its name from Erkunshen, the former name of a sandbar island that once lined the west bank of the Taiwan River. At that time, Anping Fort was located on Yikunshen, while Yide Jincheng stood on Erkunshen. However, due to sedimentation at the harbor, the sandbars gradually merged. Yide Jincheng originated from the Japanese incursion into Taiwan triggered by the Mudan Incident. At that time, Imperial Commissioner Shen Baozhen petitioned the imperial court to construct a Western-style fort, which was approved. A French designer was commissioned, and the fort was completed in the second year of the Guangxu reign (1876), making it Taiwan’s first Western-style fort.
Address: No. 3, Guangzhou Road, Anping District, Tainan City
Yide Jincheng’s Western-style fort was Taiwan’s first of its kind. (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
Anping Fort
The officially listed historical site is named the Remnants of Taiwan City (Remnants of Anping Fort). Taiwan City was also known as Wangcheng, Chihkan City, and Anping City. Originally built by the Dutch in 1624 and completed in 1634 (the seventh year of the Ming Chongzhen reign), it was initially named Fort Orange and later renamed Zeelandia. Early Han Chinese called the Dutch “red-haired people,” hence this towering fortress was known as the “Red-Haired City.” After Taiwan’s retrocession, it became known as “Anping Fort,” a name that has been used ever since.
Address: No. 82, Guosheng Road, Anping District, Tainan City
Anping Fort was formerly called the “Red-Haired City.” (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
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