Things to Do in Tainan
Popular things to do
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Tainan.
Top Attractions in Tainan
Historic Sites
Anping District/ Annan District
Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas
West Central District/ North District
Historic Walking Areas • Military Bases & Facilities
Anping District/ Annan District
Religious Sites
West Central District/ North District
Speciality Museums
Anping District/ Annan District
Speciality Museums
West Central District/ North District
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
West Central District/ North District
Educational sites
East District/ Yongkang District
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Nanguan Area
Hot Springs & Geysers
Siraya National Scenic Area
Historic Walking Areas
West Central District/ North District
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What travelers are saying
- Ocenneuogh4 contributionsI enjoyed my visit on 5th of March 2023. The building looks majestic in a huge park that surround it. I didn't have enough time to walk around it unfortunately . My favourite will be the Natural History & Fossils as it's very educational, with stuffed animals like mammoth and modern elephant placed together for comparison. Gave me the idea that these probably let people learn more about animals than those in the zoo. Another favourite is the Fine Arts areas with so many beautiful paintings you forget you're in taiwan. The Arms & Armour area is also interesting for history buffs. There is also Rodin Gallery of sculptures and an area for musical instuments. Overall it is a very good place to go for families.Written March 13, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jesse VFallbrook, CA111 contributionsThe tree house is part of the grounds that include the former Tait and co. Merchant House, a building dedicated to a famous calligrapher and a little cafe for tourists. The tree house is very pretty and fun to explore especially for kids with plenty of places to get a fun picture of the overgrown foliage. If you’re 6 foot or over just watch your head there are a lot of doorways with low head clearance. If you like nature this is a great spot.Written May 18, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- graceSingapore, Singapore6 contributionsIf u got time, you probably can go in for a quick visit. Now part of the tower is under renovation , so you can just go visit the main towerWritten March 11, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jesse VFallbrook, CA111 contributionsThe grounds of the fort are nice with a museum, excavation site, sitting area with trees and then the fort/tower itself. The walk to the fort is quite a few stairs with no real options up for those who can’t use stairs (to be expected with a ~400 year old structure). Overall it is well kept with a tower at the top that has a great view of Anping (just be prepared for more stairs!). If you’re interested in history I would certainly recommend a visit.Written May 18, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- wireless_in_CAUnited States4,829 contributionsI recommend visiting this temple as a way to learn about the various ways in which Confucius was celebrated.
There was a small admission of 40NTD.
The main courtyard contained one structure with plaques commemorating the temple from the various dynasties.
In the back there was some type of event so that area was closed.
Rooms off to the side of the courtyard were filled with lots of artifacts and good information about the Confucius rituals.
Before I left there was a table where visitors could stamp a piece of paper and write up their wishes and post on the gate before they left.Written September 25, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jesse VFallbrook, CA111 contributionsThe museum was 3 floors, 2 of which were open the whole time with the top floor temporary exhibits (modern digital art, history of Christian healthcare missions, a VR exhibit and a history of Taiwan railways. The 2nd floor was Taiwan history from pre-European to modern times. Overall the museum was a nice experience especially for the price and the exhibits were interesting. The audio tour, while cheesy at times was very informative.Written May 18, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- GlobalGypsy_13San Diego, CA2,688 contributionsThis grand building is a delight -- both inside and out. It stands on a main traffic circle in Tainan and has some displays on the outside as well as special exhibits in the inside. Although I do not know Chinese, this grand structure attests to the high esteen with which literature and literary life is held.Written July 9, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- OrderintheHouseBrisbane2,800 contributionsIn January 2020 my wife and I included a 6 night Wendy Wu private tour of Taiwan as part of our 18 day Asian trip we arranged to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Our tour took in Taipei, Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, Tainan and Kaohaiung.
While in Tainan we visited notable attractions such as a walking tour around Anping Old Fort, a visit to Chihkan Tower and a look at the Grand Matsu Temple. We also included a most enjoyable visit to the Hayashi Department Store, very iconic and worth visiting just for its history.
On our 10 minute walk to the Department Store after visiting the Grand Matsu Temple there was a very pleasant diversion along the way. It was the grand 70 year old Chin Men Theatre with its façade completely covered with four 20 square metre movie posters carefully hand painted by 67-year-old artist Yan Jhen-fa who has been painting film posters since he was 16 years of age. Yan is the last movie poster artist still actively painting in Taiwan, and the Chin Men Theatre is the last cinema displaying such posters in the country. What is truly remarkable here is that Yan is partially blind and vows to continue painting until he can no longer see. The quality of the posters is truly amazing. It is well worth stopping for a look and well worth taking a photo.
However, I digress, so back now to the Hayashi Department Store. The Store is located in a busy shopping precinct in the West Central District of Tainan. It is simply bursting with history. Hayashi Department Store was known to the Tainan people as "The Five-Stories-House". It was founded by Japanese businessman Hayashi Houichi and officially opened on 5 December 1932, under Japanese Rule, as the second large Department Store in Taiwan. It was the largest department store in southern Taiwan when it opened and boasted advanced facilities for its day such as a state of the art elevator and flush toilets. It is also the only department store in Taiwan with a Japanese Shintoist shrine (the Suehiro Shrine) on its rooftop completed in 1933 and not open to the public. The Store was badly damaged by US air raids during World War II (WWII) and ceased to be a Department Store soon after the War. It was of great interest that we could observe during our visit to the rooftop the pronounced holes in a wall, timely evidence of the US air raids on the building at the end of WWII.
The Store had been deserted for decades prior to its reopening after restoration in 2014. It now welcomes visitors as the Tainan Cultural Creative Department Store with very distinct and well presented departments on each of its six floors. Each floor adopts a specific themes – floor 1 (Tainan Feast) incorporating a Taiwanese Tea Shop; floor 2 (Innovative Design); floor 3 (Fashion Stylish); floor 4 (Culture Salon); floor 5 (Unique Cuisine) and floor 6 (City Scenery) incorporating the Hayashi Shop, the Observatory and the Shinto Shrine.
We never purchased anything during our one hour visit to the Store; however we enjoyed just walking around taking in the impressive shopping atmosphere of good old fashioned charm on display here – indeed this Store comes across as a throwback to a previous era. The original elevator could take a maximum of 12 passengers. To preserve the original mechanical tracks structure, the elevator has been rebuilt to a smaller size, to only take 6 persons maximum, for safety reasons. We had to wait in queues to use the elevator because of this restriction. On our way down from the top floor we chose to take the ornate steps down to each floor, rather than having to wait to use the elevator again. This proved a very good move because it enabled us to take a peek at every floor in the Store marvelling at the great way in which the goods are presented for sale. Very impressive was the historic floor indicator dial to let customers know which floor the elevator has stopped at. Also, being able to see the remnants of the very first original wooden elevator box on display on one of the floors was worthwhile.
This was a most enjoyable visit to a very novel Department Store. You don’t have to buy anything here unless something appeals to you. However it is worth the effort to visit the place just to soak up its amazing history.Written June 6, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jeffry bEssendon, Australia13,170 contributionsThis university dates from the Japanese colonial era (1895-1945). National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) is known for its picturesque campus, and the iconic banyan tree, which provides shade during the baking summer. The historic campus is open to the public. NCKU is best known for its science and engineering schools, which evolved from NCKU's roots as a technical college in the Japanese era.Written December 27, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- æ˜ æ½” 王1 contributionI like here so much, especially at night. Look down from the top floor, you can see the whole night view. Its really awesome, also you can visit the old sugar factory, which is full of historical atmosphere. There are new equipment these year, like slip rope, rappelling, something like that. Its attract many visitor all the time, so maybe it will be taken more time to line up. But its worth, believe in me. Attending the equipment need not pay out it, it can use rely on entrance ticket. You can take a few picture in it, unless holiday, that will appear a lot of people in your screen. I remember they will close at 9 p.m. After attending ten drum culture, you can visit Tainan museum, its really close. The art museum mush give you a shot.Written December 16, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Marian ALangley City, Canada9 contributionsStayed at Mutsun Springs Resort - fabulous place - they took us here to see the fire/water spring. Amazing natural spot and stay to watch the sunset. It is amazing!Written January 16, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- HengSingapore, Singapore3,736 contributionsStreet flanked by traditional buildings, some commercial and some residential all mixed together. However like a few places in Tainan, we either came to early in the day (mind you, it’s early afternoon) or they only opens during weekends. Lucky for us, we found an interesting souvenir shop which is opened.Written July 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- petersjsimTawau, Malaysia1,987 contributionsA short drive from the main road, Wusanto Reservoir possess a picturesque environment. Visitors can cruise around the reservoir by the solar powered boats; as well as walk along the dam leisurely. Good place for photography.Written January 6, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Zoeylin1006Tainan, Taiwan3 contributionsIt will held a grand sky firework in Lantern Festival for each year. It will attract thousand of people to visit.
In that day, the temple has a parade, and many vendors will come which form a night market, making the night flourishing.
Moreover, there is Beehive firecrackers for celebrating. It must be careful!Written November 7, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - wireless_in_CAUnited States4,829 contributionsThere were quite a lot of visitors during my visit most likely due to some family event. A stage was setup, an MC motivated the crowds before the dance groups went to perform. It was quite entertaining and the kids drew a lot of support from the crowd.
This place was a little smaller than I expected but there was a nice collection of boutiques. Architecture ran from traditional to modern with individual/eclectic landscaping and art. Wall paintings also were popular for groupies or selfies. There also was a second floor viewing area.
It was a nice break from the typical city setting.Written September 24, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tainan
- The top attractions to visit in Tainan are:
- Snail Street
- Blueprint Culture & Creative Park
- Nanyuan Garden Resort Farm
- Laotanghu Art House
- Anping Harbor
- The best outdoor activities in Tainan according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all outdoor activities in Tainan on Tripadvisor
- The most popular things to do in Tainan with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Chimei Museum
- Ten Drum Cultural
- National Museum of Taiwan Literature
- National Museum of Taiwan History
- Anping Tree House
See what travelers are asking
Forum posts were selected by looking for forum titles asking specific questions and taking the top showtopic page by total pageviews as the optimal topic.
Hi,
I am visiting Tainan in November and will be there for 3 days. I was wondering if people have any recommendations on things I should visit or see and also how is the best way to get to Taichung from Tainan. Should I get the train, as it seems the quickest way, though I cannot find any website to book train tickets?
I am visiting Tainan in November and will be there for 3 days. I was wondering if people have any recommendations on things I should visit or see and also how is the best way to get to Taichung from Tainan. Should I get the train, as it seems the quickest way, though I cannot find any website to book train tickets?
Answer: I think that the train is the best way to travel. There are various levels of train service, even high speed rail. The cost of fares goes up as the speed and comfort of the service increases. I would use the express conventional service. The rail stations in both Taichung and Tainan are in the centres of the cities. While the high speed train is much faster the stations are well out of the centres of the cities. So, you may lose the time that you save on the train trip in getting to where you want to go at each end.
You don't really need to book ticket in advance unless you are going at a time when a lot of people are travelling. In fact, by this time you can probably travel between these cities using one of the touch-and-go cards. The protocol in doing this is that you can use any seat that is vacant but if a person turns up who has a booking for that seat you need to move to another seat. The arrangement works very well. If you buy an Easycard at Taoyuan Airport on arrival you can start using it straight away.
You don't really need to book ticket in advance unless you are going at a time when a lot of people are travelling. In fact, by this time you can probably travel between these cities using one of the touch-and-go cards. The protocol in doing this is that you can use any seat that is vacant but if a person turns up who has a booking for that seat you need to move to another seat. The arrangement works very well. If you buy an Easycard at Taoyuan Airport on arrival you can start using it straight away.
Note that forum content are individual perspectives of forum posters and not the opinion of Tripadvisor
Tainan Attractions Information
| Attractions | 502 |
|---|---|
| Attraction Reviews | 15,033 |
| Attraction Photos | 23,992 |
| Local Time | Wednesday 4:47 AM |











































































