Chihkan Tower is one of the must-see attractions for tourists visiting the West Central District of Tainan City. It is close to Tainan Railway Station and transportation is very convenient. There are also many interesting attractions near Chihkan Tower, such as the “Si Dian Wu Temple” and the “Da Tianhou Temple”. This article will share the attractions, food and accommodation recommendations near Chihkan Tower. Which business hotels are recommended in Tainan’s West Central District? What are the most fun attractions in Tainan’s West Central District? Let Vivi, a local from Tainan, tell you everything.
Introduction to the Features and Uses of Tainan Chihkan Tower
Chihkan Tower, also known as Chihkan Tower, is located in the West Central District of Tainan City. It was built by the Dutch during their rule in Taiwan. After its construction, the Dutch introduced Han Chinese farmers and workers from mainland China and imposed harsh taxes and restrictions on them, which led to dissatisfaction among the Han Chinese and eventually triggered the Guo Huaiyi Incident in 1652. Although the uprising was eventually suppressed, in order to prevent similar incidents from happening again, the Chihkan Province’s provincial capital, Fort Provintia, was built to the north of Chihkan City for defensive purposes. Later, Taiwanese people called the city Chihkan Tower or Red Hair Tower. Most of the Chihkan Towers we see today were built by the Han people on top of the castle, where they successively built Confucian and Taoist temples, including the Temple of the Sea God and the Wenchang Pavilion.
In 1960, nine more Beishi steles were moved from the Great South Gate of the city, and the city finally became what it is today. Therefore, the so-called Chihkan Tower is a mixture of the remains of the European-style Fort Provintia, the Temple of the Sea God and the Wenchang Pavilion. It is now listed as a national monument.
Tainan Chihkan Tower Tickets, Official Website Information
- Tainan West Central District Attraction Name: Chihkan Tower
- address：No. 212, Section 2, Minzu Road, West Central District, Tainan City
- Service Hotline：06-2205647
- Price information: Full ticket: NT$50 Half ticket: NT$25 (Tainan residents can enter for free with ID)
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 08:30~22:00 (ticket sales until 21:30)
- More information on the official website
Attractions near Tainan Chihkan Tower
Wu’s Ancestral Hall
The Wu Clan Ancestral Hall is located in the West Central District of Tainan City and is a designated historic site of the municipality. The ancestral hall enshrines the ancestors of the Wu family, such as Ji Zha, Zhong Yong, Tai Bo, and other ancestors of the Wu family. Even Baosheng Dadi Wu Ben is included in it. It is a Taiwan-wide ancestral hall. Spring and autumn sacrifices are held on the second Sunday of March and October every year.
The architectural features of the Wu Family Ancestral Hall are mainly the main hall, with a courtyard in front and the main gate made of washed stone. The main hall is three rooms wide, with a plaque with the words “Remembering the First Family” hung on the middle lintel. The three ancestors of the Wu family are enshrined in the main hall, along with the Baosheng Emperor Wu Ben and Wu Feng. On the wall nearby are murals of “The Immortal Refining Medicine” and “Wu Feng’s Martyrdom” painted by Pan Lishui. On the middle beam hangs a plaque with the words “Supreme Virtue”, which refers to Confucius’ praise for Taibo’s three relinquishes of the world.
- Tainan West Central District Historic Site: Wu Clan Ancestral Hall
- address：No. 52, Guanting Street, West Central District, Tainan City 700
- Opening hours: Closed on Tuesdays 14:00–16:00
- Telephone：06-221-2710
Tainan West Central District Attractions | Provintia Street
Provincia Street is the first European-style street in Taiwan. In 1624, in order to expand their trade with the East and obtain Taiwan’s sugar resources and food for trade development, the Dutch crossed the Taijiang Inland Sea and came to the inland.
In January 1625, the first Dutch governor of Taiwan, Song Ke, exchanged 15 pieces of Cangan cloth for land from the indigenous people of Chikan Community and officially established a market on the Cangan Terrace. The location is roughly the intersection of Minquan Road Section 2 and Yongfu Road. Go straight east along Dajingtou, and go up the slope along Minquan Road to the top of Jiuling (now Beiji Temple). There, a 340-meter-long European-style avenue that can accommodate six carriages in parallel was built and called Provintia Street.
It is worth stopping at Dajingtou, located at the intersection of Yongfu Road and Minquan Road. Amid the hustle and bustle of people and cars, it is easy to miss this historical site with historical significance if you are not careful.
All-American Theater (a second-run theater with hand-painted movie signs)
The Quanmei Theater is located in the Second Run Theater in the West Central District of Tainan City. It was formerly the First Quancheng Theater. Internationally renowned film director Ang Lee once mentioned that this was the place he often went to watch movies when he was in high school.
In addition, the most distinctive feature of theaters across the United States is that movie billboards are still hand-painted. National treasure-level hand-painting artist Yan Zhenfa began painting at the age of 17 or 18. He once apprenticed to Chen Fengyong, who won the “South American Award” of the Taiwan South American Association. He started as an apprentice of the movie billboard of Yanping Theater and became a master two years later. However, it took more than 10 years before he became proficient in painting.
There were 4 or 5 other people who apprenticed with him at that time, but very few people can become masters in this field, and he is the only one still working in Taiwan. However, as Yan Zhenfa was getting older, he began to consider retiring. After discussing with theater managers across the United States, he decided to start teaching classes so that this skill could be passed down forever.
- Theater attractions in Tainan’s West Central District: Quanmei Theater (a second-run theater with hand-painted movie billboards)
- address：No. 187, Section 2, Yongfu Road, West Central District, Tainan City 700
- Telephone：06-222-4726
Historic Sites in West Central District, Tainan | Sidian Wu Temple
The Sidianwu Temple, also known as the Tainan Grand Guandi Temple, is located in the West Central District of Tainan City and is dedicated to Guandi. The earliest Guandi Temple built in Taiwan was built in the mid-17th century in the 19th year of the Yongli reign (1665 AD) by Zheng Jing, the son of Zheng Chenggong, in Chengtian Prefecture (now Tainan City). The Wu Temple is today’s Sidian Wu Temple, located in the south of Chihkan Tower, and was expanded from the Guandi Hall. It is the only martial arts temple in Taiwan that has been promoted to a royal temple and has a history of more than 300 years. It is also a national first-class historical site.
There is a century-old plum tree in front of the Liuhe Hall in the Wu Temple. Legend has it that it was planted by Zhu Shugui, the Ningjing King of the Ming Dynasty. Every year, it blooms with tens of thousands of double-petaled white plum flowers. It is an important cultural asset of the prefecture and has been listed as a precious ancient tree in Tainan.
- Tainan West Central District Historic Site: Sidian Wu Temple
- address：No. 229, Section 2, Yongfu Road, West Central District, Tainan City
- Opening hours: 05:30–21:00
- Telephone：06-220-2390
Tainan West Central District Attractions | Datianhou Temple (Residence of the Ming Ningjing Prince)
The Grand Tianhou Temple, formerly known as the Dongning Tianfei Temple, is located in the West Central District of Tainan City. It is dedicated to Mazu and is also a national historic site. Its predecessor was the residence of Ming Ningjing Prince Zhu Shugui, who lived there. Later, before Ningjing Prince hanged himself, the residence was converted into a palace temple. In 1684, after Shi Lang came to Taiwan, it was rebuilt into a Mazu Temple.
- Historic Sites in West Central District, Tainan: Datianhou Temple (Residence of the Ming Dynasty Prince Ningjing)
- address：No. 18, Lane 227, Section 2, Yongfu Road, West Central District, Tainan City
- Opening hours: 06:00–21:00
- Telephone：06-222-7194
Traditional craft shops in West Central District, Tainan | Taiwan Hanxiangfucheng Wu Wanchun Incense Shop
In the 11th year of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty, Gao Biaomei, the founder of Wu Wanchun Xiangpuyuan, crossed the sea from Quanzhou to Taiwan and engaged in cotton cloth and dyeing business. Gao Biaomei opened an incense shop in the 21st year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty. The first store was opened near Baoan Temple and was named “Yumei Incense Shop”. Later, the store was adopted by a good friend named Wu, who moved it to the front of the Sidianwu Temple on Yongfu Road and changed its name to “Wu Wanchun Xianghang”. It has been 123 years since then.
Wu Wanchun Incense Shop has been following the ancient method for hundreds of years, using natural materials and pure handmade traditional incense sticks. It is a precious century-old traditional craft in the city.
- Traditional craft shop in West Central District, Tainan: Wu Wanchun Incense Shop in Taiwan Hanxiangfucheng
- address：No. 6, Lane 227, Section 2, Yongfu Road, West Central District, Tainan City
- Opening hours: Monday and Tuesday closed 10:00–18:00
- Telephone：06-223-8466
Recommended souvenirs near Chihkan Tower in Tainan
Tainan West Central District Food Stores | Ruiyixing
The mung bean dumplings sold at the century-old raw material shop “Rui Yi Xing” in Chihkan Tower, Tainan, are a must-have souvenir for gourmets. It is said that the mung bean filling of the Champion Mung Bean Dumpling is sweet but not greasy, and the skin is crispy. The salted egg yolk mung bean dumplings are also very special. Another featured product is the macaron pancake, which comes in six different colors with six kinds of gods printed on them. The flavors are: plum fragrance, peanut, black sesame, condensed milk, matcha, brown sugar, etc.
Mooncakes are also known as “confinement cakes”. They are made of mooncakes, sesame oil and eggs. They were a nutritional supplement for women after giving birth in ancient times.
- Tainan West Central District Food Store: Ruiyi Store
- address：No. 303, Section 2, Minzu Road, West Central District, Tainan City 700
- Opening hours: 08:30–22:00
- Telephone：06-222-4417
Tainan West Central District Food Stores | Wu Wanchun Preserved Fruits
Wu Wanchun Preserved Fruits was founded in 1985. It adheres to the local spirit, integrates tradition and innovation, and sells a variety of traditional preserved fruits. It was selected by the Tainan City Government as a model of “Salty, Sour and Sweet” cuisine, and has participated in Tainan Food Festival exhibitions many times. It was also one of the 100 best restaurants in Tainan in 2013 and 2015!
- Tainan West Central District Food Store: Wu Wanchun Preserved Fruit
- address：No. 10, Lane 227, Section 2, Yongfu Road, West Central District, Tainan City 700
- Opening hours: Closed on Tuesdays 10:00–18:00
- Telephone：06-223-6389
Recommended restaurants near Chihkan Tower in Tainan
Tainan West Central District Food Stores | Chihkan Tower Hot Pot Pasta Food – Traditional Ethnic Hot Pot Restaurant (Recommended Food)
The old ethnic hotpot restaurant was founded by Ms. Li Zhuang Fengzhi in 1963. The soup is made with bonito as the base, and has a slightly sweet fragrance after taking a bite. The traditional hotpot pasta ingredients have a strong Japanese flavor, with handmade tempura ingredients (fried shrimp, fried fish), vegetables, fish cakes, egg buns, etc.
- Tainan West Central District Food Store: Traditional Ethnic Hot Pot Shop
- address：No. 197, Section 2, Zhongyi Road, West Central District, Tainan City
- Business hours: Closed on Thursdays 09:00–22:00
- Telephone：06-222-3738
Tainan West Central District Food Stores | British Fast Food Restaurant-London 10 Downing Street
10 London Downing Street, located on Section 2, Minquan Road, West Central District, is a restaurant that serves cuisine without borders. It has been open for more than 20 years and is also a popular spot for many old Tainan people to have family gatherings, dates, and even afternoon tea. The retro decoration style makes people feel like they have stepped into a time tunnel.
- Tainan West Central District Food Store: 10 Downing Street, London
- address：No. 180, Section 2, Minquan Road, West Central District, Tainan City
- Telephone：06-2203241、06-2203256
- Opening hours: 9:30am to 10:00pm
- Closed: Wednesday
Tainan West Central District Food Stores | Yamuliao Market
The Yamuliao Market is located at the winding part of Deqing River in the past. It was named “Yamuliao” because the surrounding environment is suitable for raising ducks. It was first established in 1918 and has been in business for 104 years. There are many traditional delicacies in the market, the most famous of which is charcoal-fired noodles, commonly known as garbage noodles.
- Tainan West Central District Food: Yamuliao Market
- address：No. 148, Chenggong Road, North District, Tainan City
- Telephone：06 220 1031
Tainan West Central District Food Stores | Charcoal Noodles
The Yamuliao Market is located at the winding part of Deqing River in the past. It was named “Yamuliao” because the surrounding environment is suitable for raising ducks. It was first established in 1918 and has been in business for 104 years. There are many traditional delicacies in the market, the most famous of which is charcoal-fired noodles, commonly known as garbage noodles.
- Tainan West Central District Food: Yamuliao Market
- address：No. 148, Chenggong Road, North District, Tainan City
- Telephone：06 220 1031
Tainan West Central District Food Stores | Charcoal Noodles
The biggest feature of charcoal fire noodles is that they are not cooked with gas, but a large pot is placed on traditional charcoal fire, so the cooked noodles will have a charcoal aroma. The store has no sign and only sells soup noodles and dry noodles. There are no braised dishes, but you can add wontons, fish balls, tribute balls, and meatballs to the noodles. In addition, the store also provides free scalding service for ingredients. You can buy some meat, pork liver, squid, etc. that you like in the market and ask the store to scald them for you.
Charcoal-fired noodles are also known as “dirty/garbage noodles”. One theory is that the name was given to them by neighbors who were jealous of their good business; another theory is that they got the name because of the nearby garbage dump. Those who don’t mind can go and try it.
- Tainan West Central District Food Store: Charcoal Noodles
- address：No. 148, Chenggong Road, North District, Tainan City 704 (In the Yamuliao Vegetable Market)
- Opening hours: Closed on Monday 04:00–13:00
- Telephone：06-220-1031
Tainan West Central District Food Stores | Mr. Tang Wu Temple Aiyu
Lord Tang’s Wumiao Aiyu is located next to the Sidian Wumiao. In summer, a cup of refreshing lemon Aiyu is really a heat-removing and refreshing drink. The Aiyu is washed by the owner himself, and even the sugar water is boiled by him.
- Tainan West Central District Food Store: Mr. Tang Wu Temple Aiyu
- address：No. 225, Section 2, Yongfu Road, West Central District, Tainan City 700
- Telephone：06-220-3808
Tainan West Central District Food Stores | Shijingjiu Dim Sum City
The origin of Shijing Mortar, Jing means “chong”, which is the tool for “pounding”, and mortar is the container below. Jing mortar was originally a tool for pounding rice, and Shijing Mortar refers to a mortar made of stone.
It is said that from the Qing Dynasty to the Japanese occupation period, there were many rice mills gathered in Xinmei Street (commonly known as Rice Street) near Chihkan Tower. Each rice mill used a “stone mortar” to grind rice, so a “stone mortar” was placed outside the door. The dining culture and snacks in the surrounding area were created because there were many workers in the rice mills at that time. Over time, Shijingjiu became the name of the market next to Chihkan Tower for the older generation.
There are many local traditional delicacies gathered here, such as the 90-year-old Caijia rice cake, Hutou-style snacks, Shijingjiu mutton…etc., which are all worth visiting and tasting.
- Tainan West Central District Food Store: Shijingjiu Dim Sum City
- address：No. 230, Section 2, Minzu Road, West Central District, Tainan City 700
- Telephone：06-2223455
Tainan West Central District Food Stores | Wuming Tofu Pudding
The 70-year-old Wuming Tofu Pudding uses non-GMO soybeans and follows traditional pure handmade production. From the first generation of the boss who sold it along the road with a shoulder pole, he upgraded to a wooden stall cart, and now he has opened a small store. The delicacy of more than 70 years has now come to the third generation. The boss said that he would never sell to customers anything he dare not eat, so the ingredients in the store are almost all cooked by the boss himself.
- Tainan West Central District Food Store: Wuming Tofu Pudding
- address：No. 176, Beizhong Street, North District, Tainan City 70443
- Business hours: 09:30–17:30 (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
- Telephone：06-224-1474
Parking Information Near Tainan Chihkan Tower
- Chihkan Tower temporary parking lot is located next to Chihkan Tower
- Business hours: 9:00 to 21:30 (only for small cars)
- Ximen Roundabout Roadside Carpark 24 hours
- Taiwan Unicom Parking Lot – Tainan Zhongyi Park
- address：700台南市中西區忠義路二段177號
Recommended hotels near Chihkan Tower in West Central District, Tainan
The recommended accommodation near Chihkan Tower in Tainan is the Sandamen Hotel, which is only a 15-minute walk from Chihkan Tower. The hotel not only provides traditional dim sum, but is also the first hotel in Taiwan that combines a bar and a counter. Although cocktails are no longer sold due to the epidemic, there are craft beers from all over the world to choose from.
There is also a sky garden and a reading room on the top floor where people can relax, read books, drink coffee and watch the stars. What’s more rare is that the air conditioning in the room is not a central air conditioner, but each room is independent, and even the indoor unit is one unit per room. This really makes people feel more at ease during the epidemic. The hotel also provides free bicycle rental and motorcycle rental inquiry services. The motorcycle shop will also tow the motorcycle to the hotel for processing. To return the motorcycle, you only need to leave the motorcycle at the hotel. It is really convenient. It only takes 5 to 8 minutes to walk from the train station. I recommend everyone to stay here~
- Tainan Hotel, Accommodation Name: Three Doors Hotel
- address：No. 77, Chenggong Road, West Central District, Tainan City
- Reservation Hotline: 06-2223088
- Lifetime Member Points Accumulation
- Consumption points: 1 point for every 1 yuan spent
- Consumption points: 1 point for every 1 yuan spent
