When traveling to Tainan, what’s most captivating are the ancient sites scattered throughout the city. Chihkan Tower, Confucius Temple, Koxinga’s Shrine… you can encounter a piece of history with just a few steps, as if the city itself is a storybook waiting to be opened. What’s even more special is how these historical sites are deeply intertwined with daily life: people chat leisurely by red brick walls, and snack stalls pop up next to temples. Along your journey, you’ll always unexpectedly discover a slice of authentic local life.
This article compiles 35+ must-visit attractions in Tainan, from historical site tours and family-friendly fun to Instagrammable photo spots. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a leisurely two-day stay, you’ll find your own unique Tainan experience.
Historical & Cultural Attractions | Must-Visit Ancient Sites in Tainan
Tainan is known as the “Ancient Capital” and boasts numerous well-preserved historical sites and cultural buildings.
Chihkan Tower: A famous historical site in Tainan city, witnessing the historical changes from the Dutch era to the present.
Shengmu Temple: The first official temple in Taiwan dedicated to Guan Sheng Dijun, featuring simple and elegant architecture that symbolizes loyalty and righteousness.
Grand Matsu Temple: Taiwan’s first official Matsu temple, boasting thriving incense offerings.
Koxinga Ancestral Temple: Taiwan’s first temple primarily dedicated to Koxinga, embodying the culture of Taiwan’s founding.
Tainan Confucius Temple (First Academy of Taiwan): The first Confucius Temple in Taiwan, a vital center for education and rituals for over three hundred years.
Image source: Kuroba Natsuhiko Photography
Anping Fort (Fort Zeelandia): A Western-style fortress built by the Dutch, with banyan tree roots intertwining around the ruins, exuding a sense of weathered history.
Siyou Anping Police Station: A well-preserved Japanese colonial era police station building, reflecting the public security system and local administrative development of the time.
Deji Foreign Firm: The most representative foreign trading house building in Anping Port, a key trade hub in the 19th century, blending Western red brick with colonial style.
Natural Scenery Attractions | Tainan Outdoor Getaways & Seaside Spots
If you want to breathe fresh air and enjoy natural beauty, Tainan’s coastal and mountainous areas are worth a visit.
Sihcao Green Tunnel: Known as the “Taiwanese Amazon River,” a small boat ride through the mangrove forest creates reflections on the water, as beautiful as a painting.
Cigu Salt Mountain: A magnificent white salt pile resembling a small mountain, where you can experience salt making, play in the sand, and take photos, a popular family destination.
Yuguang Island: Featuring romantic sandy beaches and sunset sea views, a leisurely stroll here in the afternoon offers a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, perfect for couples.
Wushantou Reservoir: Surrounded by picturesque lakes and mountains, you can go boating, cycling, and enjoy a family picnic on weekends.
Guanziling Hot Spring: Taiwan’s only mud hot spring, where a warm soak in autumn and winter washes away the day’s fatigue.
Longhai Sightseeing Boat: To admire the beauty of Cigu Lagoon up close, take the Longhai sightseeing boat! In addition to cruising past oyster farms and mangroves, you can also enjoy an all-you-can-eat grilled oyster experience, a truly satisfying combination of fun and food.
Instagrammable Spots | Popular Tainan IG Check-in Points & Artsy Must-Visits
For travelers who love photography and an artsy vibe, Tainan hides many popular Instagram check-in spots, with every corner telling a story.
Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park: A gathering of 3D painted walls and unique cultural and creative shops. Whether the sun shines during the day or the lights twinkle at night, you can capture high-quality photos.
Cigu Visitor Center (No. 6 Island): The pure white geometric architecture is full of design, making it a favorite for architecture enthusiasts and photography lovers.
Jingzaijiao Tile-Paved Salt Fields: When the sunset shines on the salt fields, the shimmering salt surface is like a natural canvas, offering excellent light for photography.
Qingkunshēn Fan-Shaped Salt Fields (Tree of Life): The fan-shaped salt field landscape, combined with the Tree of Life art installation, has great visual impact, making it irresistible for photos.
Shennong Street: Red brick old houses paired with red lanterns create a particularly romantic atmosphere after dark, making it a great spot for artsy strolls and photos.
Image source: Nearby Attractions Travel Shorts Blog
Hidden Bat Cave Waterfall: A hidden gem nestled in the mountains, where the sound of the waterfall and mossy rock walls intertwine to form a natural backdrop, making photos look like movie scenes.
Luerhmen Historical Costume Experience: If you want to put on ancient costumes and travel through time, Luerhmen allows you to instantly transform into a historical character. Taking photos here is not just checking in, but a fun immersive experience.
West Market (Big Market): A century-old market, blending tradition with creativity, from old fabric shops and dried goods to newly opened coffee shops and artsy boutiques. You can experience local daily life and find unique photo opportunities.
Image source: Old House Face
Family-Friendly Attractions | Tainan Parent-Child Spots & Family Travel Recommendations
Bringing kids to Tainan? These attractions are not only fun but also educational, ensuring children have a blast and parents can relax.
Wanpi World Safari Zoo: Get up close and feed animals like giraffes and capybaras, an interactive experience kids will love.
Nanying Astronomical Museum: Features Taiwan’s largest flat-land telescope and a 3D planetarium, offering educational fun that sparks children’s curiosity about the universe.
Tsou Ma Lai Farm: Combining animal interaction, camping, and seasonal flower activities, it’s an ideal choice for family leisure.
Container House Park: Colorful container installations combined with playground facilities, plus coffee and snack shops, allowing for both photo opportunities and endless fun for kids.
Tainan Zuozhen Fossil Park: Displays various ancient creature fossils and dinosaur specimens, offering interactive excavation experiences. It’s an educational and entertaining way for children to get close to natural history and the mysteries of Earth’s evolution.
Local Feature Experiences | Tainan Night Markets & Must-Visit Local Spots
In addition to historical sites and natural attractions, Tainan's local living culture is equally appealing.
Garden Night Market: Tainan’s largest night market, bustling with snacks and game stalls.
Yamuliao Market: A century-old traditional market, bustling with local snacks in the morning. Must-try savory porridge and sticky rice cakes for a taste of Tainan’s daily charm.
Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park (Night View): The atmosphere is even more unique after dark when the lights are on.
Image source: Traveling with A-Wei
Ten Drum Cultural Park (Night Performance): The night drum music is profoundly moving.
Anping Tree House: A unique sight where old warehouses and banyan trees coexist.
Guohua Street Food Street: A concentration of snacks, offering rich traditional Tainan flavors such as minced pork rice, bowl pudding, and shrimp rolls.
Haian Road Art Street: Street art, murals, and light installations, particularly vibrant and artistic at night.
3 Door Hotel Housekeeper’s Secret Routes | Tainan One-Day & Two-Day Itinerary Recommendations
If you find Tainan’s attractions overwhelming and don’t know where to start, the 3 Door Hotel housekeeper has planned easy and exciting routes for you.
Recommended Tainan One-Day Itinerary
Morning: Yamuliao Market → Chihkan Tower Commercial District → Shengmu Temple → Grand Matsu Temple → Guohua Street Commercial District
Afternoon: Snail Alley → Shennong Street → Haian Road Art Installations
Evening: Garden Night Market
Recommended Tainan One-Day Itinerary
Morning: Longhai Sightseeing Boat → Sihcao Green Tunnel
Afternoon: Qingkunshēn Fan-Shaped Salt Fields (Tree of Life) → Cigu Salt Mountain → Cigu Visitor Center (No. 6 Island) → Jingzaijiao Tile-Paved Salt Fields
Evening: Garden Night Market
Recommended Tainan Two-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Anping Fort → Siyou Anping Police Station → Deji Foreign Firm → Anping Tree House → Anping Old Street → Yuguang Island Sunset → Garden Night Market → Overnight stay at 3 Door Hotel
Day 2: Literature Museum → Tainan Confucius Temple → Fuzhong Street Commercial District → Tainan Art Museum → Hayashi Department Store → Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park
Small tip: Choosing to stay at the 3 Door Hotel Architectural & Cultural Creative Hotel in the city center is not only convenient for transportation but also offers a “home-like warmth.”
If you’re planning a solo trip to Tainan, don’t forget to choose comfortable and convenient accommodation. Located in the city center, 3 Door Hotel Architectural & Cultural Creative Hotel allows you to easily visit major attractions and experience the warmth of “returning home” during your journey. The hotel is only about a 5-minute walk from Tainan Railway Station, making it very convenient whether you arrive by train or high-speed rail; if you want to rent a scooter or bicycle to explore the alleys of Tainan, there are several rental shops near the hotel, making your itinerary more flexible and free.
The surrounding area has complete living facilities, with various restaurants, cafes, and snack bars nearby, allowing you to enjoy Tainan’s local delicacies from morning to night; if you want to experience the charm of Tainan at night, the nearby night markets and cultural and creative parks are also within walking distance, saving you travel time. Staying at 3 Door Hotel is not just a place to sleep, but an excellent starting point for your exploration of Tainan, where every journey begins with the warmth of “returning home.”
Tainan Travel Handy Reminders
- Car Rental Information: There are multiple scooter rental
