When’s the Best Time to Visit Tainan?
The best time to visit Tainan is during fall or winter, because if you come in summer, this place is literally hell… Tainan’s summers are scorching hot, with the heat index reaching 37-38°C (99-100°F). Even visitors from equatorial countries like Malaysia or Singapore absolutely cannot handle this kind of heat. I’m not kidding, my sister got a nosebleed from the heat when she visited Tainan! I’d recommend visiting between November and March, April-May is still bearable, but seriously avoid June-October when temperatures are almost always above 30°C (86°F).
But the weather is literally the only thing that could put me off Tainan! Everything else about this city is absolutely amazing! Cheaper prices than Taipei, a slower pace than Taipei, and the food here is incredible. Wandering through the streets where red-brick traditional houses blend with modern creative spaces, every corner holds a surprise!
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Table of Contents
Getting to Tainan
🚄 High-Speed Rail (HSR): Take HSR to “Tainan HSR Station,” then transfer to regular train to “Tainan Station” to reach the city center (about 25 minutes), or take a taxi to the city center for around 300-400 TWD.
Here are some options you can consider:
🚉 Taiwan Railway: Direct arrival at Tainan Station, best location in the city center
🚌 Bus: Multiple route options, can reach Tainan from anywhere in Taiwan
For getting around the city, I recommend “walking + YouBike + taxi” as attractions are densely packed, making cycling and walking super convenient. For calling taxis, use Metropolitan Taxi (55178), it’s easier to get a ride. While Taiwan Taxi (55688) works all over Taiwan, there aren’t as many in Tainan, and Uber doesn’t have many cars either so it’s hard to get.
For YouBike, while some routes have bike lanes, they can be pretty close to traffic, so if you’re not confident with your cycling skills, it might be a bit dangerous. I’d suggest evaluating your cycling ability before deciding on YouBike. The advantage of YouBike is its wide coverage, there are stations at Guohua Street, Chikan Tower, and Anping, with low per-ride fees. You can register in advance to save time, though on-site registration takes a while. You can also download the “YouBike” app to check bike availability and distances to attractions anytime.
I wouldn’t really recommend taking buses, it’s quite a test of patience. Tainan buses can make you wait quite a while, and while the travel time is longer, the stops and routes are actually pretty comprehensive and convenient to use.
Transportation guide: Ultimate Taiwan Travel Guide: 10 Types of Taiwan Transportation and How to Use Them
Where to Stay: West Central District vs Anping
Where you choose to stay will affect your overall travel pace. Here’s a comparison of the two most popular areas:
| Area | Best For | Pros | Cons |
| West Central District (Chikan Tower, Guohua Street) | Foodies, culture lovers, first-time Tainan visitors | Everything super concentrated, attractions within walking distance, can explore Shennong Street and Chikan bars at night | Slightly higher weekend rates, books up fast |
| Anping District | Relaxation seekers, ocean view lovers, family travelers | Peaceful seaside location, near Anping Fort & Sunset Platform, perfect for sunset and morning walks | Need transportation to get to city center, not ideal for returning to city center for dinner |
Recommendation: First-time Tainan visitors should choose West Central District for flexible itineraries with great food and shopping. If it’s your second visit and you prefer a slower pace, try staying in Anping.
Tainan 2-Day Itinerary Overview
You might wonder: “Can you really see all of Tainan’s highlights in just two days?” The answer is absolutely yes! With good route planning, you can efficiently explore Tainan’s food scene and historic sites in two days while still having plenty of time to relax.
Day 1 Quick Overview (Starting at 11:00 AM)
| Time | Activity | Area |
| 11:00 | Guohua Street food tour | West Central |
| 12:30 | Confucius Temple → Fuzhong Street literary vibes | West Central |
| 13:00 | Mazu Temple, Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple, Chikan Tower | West Central |
| 14:00 | Head to Anping (Fort + Old Street) | Anping |
| 16:30 | Bike to Sunset Platform → watch sunset | Anping |
| 18:00 | Anping dinner: shrimp rolls, tofu pudding, fish skin soup | Anping |
| 19:00 | Return to city → night tour of Shennong Street | West Central |
| 20:30 | Chikan Pharmacy Bar (Traditional Chinese Medicine Style) | West Central |
Recommend taking taxis between city center ↔ Anping for maximum convenience.
Alternative activity: Yuguang Island SUP
Day 2 Quick Overview (Relaxed Exploration)
| Time | Activity | Area |
| 10:30 | Traditional breakfast (soy milk/pork rib soup) | West Central |
| 12:00 | Chimei Museum OR Ten Drum Cultural Village (choose one) | Rende District |
| 15:00 | Buy souvenirs → head to station for departure | West Central/Station |
Day 1: West Central × Anping × Shennong Street Night Tour
Starting from 11 AM, this full day is packed with food, historic sites, ocean breezes, sunsets, and a touch of tipsy, perfect for escaping the daily grind on weekends.
Guohua Street Food Recommendations
The absolute must-visit first stop in Tainan is “Guohua Street”. This street is basically the heart of Tainan street food, with famous shops every few steps. Experience authentic Taiwanese daily life in these traditional alleys, these are the best places to feel the real local atmosphere.
Must-try recommendations:
🍘 Fushenghao Ricecake/Rice Pudding(富盛號碗粿): With rich rice aroma + perfectly balanced sauce, this is Tainan’s signature snack
🐙 Qiu Family Squid Rice Noodles(邱家小卷米粉): Super fresh seafood flavor, sweet broth, chewy squid – though if you like bold flavors, you might find it too mild
🌯 Jin De Spring Rolls(金得春捲): Rich filling, and they don’t skimp on the peanut powder either
🥩 Shijingjiuv Beef Soup(石精臼牛肉湯): Tainan’s beef soup is quite famous, and this place uses tender warm beef, making it even more delicious
Pro tip: Peak crowds hit around noon, so arrive early to avoid the queues.
Credit: Sinchen.Lin, CC BY 2.0
Confucius Temple & Old City Walk: Chikan Tower, Mazu Temple, Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple
After eating your fill, taking a cultural historic site walk through the West Central District is an absolutely brilliant plan. These temples aren’t huge, you can explore each one in about 15 minutes. All these spots are super close to each other, so this entire route can be completed in about 1.5 hour to 2 hours and offers great photo opportunities.
Tainan Confucius Temple
Built in 1666, Tainan Confucius Temple is the oldest existing Confucius Temple with over 300 years of history, holding significant historical and cultural importance. Also known as “Taiwan’s First Academy,” with red walls and green trees creating a peaceful atmosphere. In early times, the Confucius Temple served as a school, nurturing countless talents, while now it’s preserved as a cultural heritage site maintaining Confucian culture and artifacts. The nearby Fuzhong Street and Literature Museum are also worth exploring. Additionally, regular ceremonies are held here on important festivals (the grand Confucius ceremony on the 27th day of the 8th lunar month, spring and autumn ceremonies, and the 1st and 15th of each lunar month).
Chikan Tower
Originally named “Fort Provintia,” Chikan Tower was built by the Dutch East India Company in 1653 as an administrative center and military fortress. After the Dutch left, Chikan Tower gradually incorporated many traditional Chinese architectural elements, like Chinese roof tiles and carved beams. It’s most beautiful at sunset when you can climb up and overlook the old streets.
Right next to Chikan Tower, there’s a place with amazing mung bean milk, don’t miss it if you’re there! I highly recommend!
Shuànsên Tainan: No. 281, Section 2, Minzu Rd, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
Tainan Grand Mazu Temple
Also called the Grand Mazu Temple, it’s dedicated to Mazu (the Sea Goddess) and is an important center for Mazu worship. Legend says Mazu can calm storms and foresee and prevent maritime disasters, making her the protector of sailors. As Taiwan is an island nation surrounded by sea, and many early immigrants had to cross the dangerous Taiwan Strait to reach Taiwan, Mazu worship became very popular in Taiwan. People also believe Mazu can protect family safety and help people overcome difficulties.
Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple
Also known as Tainan Grand Guan Temple, it’s dedicated to the famous ancient Chinese general – Guan Yu. Guan Yu is revered as Emperor Guan and worshipped as the main deity in Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple. He’s seen as a symbol of integrity, bravery, and loyalty, with people praying to him for courage and safety. Emperor Guan is also one of the Gods of Wealth, symbolically protecting your money, so merchants also worship him. Besides Emperor Guan, the temple also houses his guards (Prince Guan Ping and General Zhou Cang) and Emperor Guan’s mount, the Red Hare horse.
Wondering how to worship? Check this out:
Taiwan Temple Guide: How to Worship, Which Gods to Pray To & 7 Essential Etiquette
Anping Fort & Seaside Cycling Route
The afternoon shifts to “Anping,” which preserves historic buildings from the Dutch era while offering Tainan’s most therapeutic seaside scenery.
Anping Fort
Originally named “Fort Zeelandia,” Anping Fort was established during Dutch colonial rule and is one of Taiwan’s earliest fortresses. So besides traditional Chinese elements, it also incorporates characteristics from the Dutch colonial period – red bricks. Besides the original city walls, there are watchtowers and gate towers you can climb for scenic views. Of course, back then these weren’t built for sightseeing, but for observing enemy movements. There are also cannon platforms and museums to visit.
Anping Old Street
After visiting the military site, we can explore Anping Old Street, just 500 meters from Anping Fort. Anping Old Street is one of Tainan’s oldest streets, called “Taiwan Street” during Dutch colonial times. Today’s Anping Old Street not only has must-try foods like Anping tofu pudding, shrimp crackers, fish skin soup, and preserved fruits, but also traditional crafts like wood carving, ceramics, and bamboo weaving. The street features many old houses and shops with great historical atmosphere, perfect for visitors who love vintage style.
If you want to buy souvenirs to take home, the candied preserved fruits here are perfect. There’s a famous shop called Lin Yongtai Xing Preserved Fruit Store(林永泰興蜜餞行). Here you can buy preserved fruits made from plums, olives, mangoes, guavas, and other fruits. Their specialty is adding their ancestral secret traditional Chinese medicine during the preservation process, creating unique aromas.
After visiting the military site, you can stroll through Anping Old Street, located 500 meters from Anping Fort. Anping Old Street is one of Tainan’s oldest streets and was known as “Taiwan Street” during the Dutch colonial era. Today, it offers a variety of local delicacies such as Anping tofu pudding, shrimp crackers, fish skin vegetable, and preserved fruits. In addition, you can find traditional crafts like wood carvings, ceramics, and bamboo weaving. The street is lined with many historic buildings and shops, making it a perfect spot for visitors who appreciate a vintage atmosphere.
Sunset Viewing Spots: Sunset Platform & Yanshui River Estuary
Next, you can rent electric bikes or YouBikes from Anping Old Street to watch the sunset. Ride along the “Coastal Sightseeing Bike Path” to the Sunset Platform, the whole route is filled with ocean breezes and greenery, very relaxing. YouBike has stations at Guohua Street, Chikan Tower, and Anping, making it super convenient.
Sunset Platform: Tainan’s most famous sunset viewing spot, sit on the embankment, feel the ocean breeze, and watch the sun slowly sink into the horizon
Yanshui River Estuary: Fewer crowds, open views, perfect for solo photos or quietly watching the sea
If you take the Coastal Sightseeing Bike Path to the Sunset Platform, you’ll pass the Yanshui River Estuary too, you’ll know you’ve reached it when you see a car bridge (Sicao Bridge) crossing the river. I recommend arriving by 5:30 PM, as summer sunsets are around 6:30-6:45 PM. Remember to bring a light jacket because it’s windy by the sea!
Alternative Activity: Yuguang Island SUP Experience
If you’re not that interested in historic sites, water sports might be a great alternative. You can replace the first day’s afternoon itinerary with a trip to Yuguang Island for SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) surfing. SUP is a popular water activity in recent years that even beginners can quickly pick up. Under professional instructor guidance, you can stand on the paddleboard and paddle across calm waters, enjoying Tainan’s coastline from a sea perspective.
Yuguang Island SUP experiences are usually scheduled for morning or evening sessions to avoid the midday sun while enjoying beautiful sunrise or sunset views. Activities last about 2-3 hours, including basic instruction, equipment use, and free paddling time. Afterwards, you can relax on Yuguang Island’s beach or cycle around exploring this small island’s natural landscape.
Recommend booking SUP experiences in advance(summer is the best season)
Remember to bring sunscreen and change of clothes. You can schedule this activity on the first day afternoon, replacing the Anping Fort itinerary, or second day morning instead of museum visits.
Shennong Street Night Tour & Chikan Pharmacy Bar (Traditional Chinese Medicine Style)
Shennong Street
After watching the sunset, next stop is Shennong Street. If you haven’t eaten dinner at Anping Old Street, you can also eat around Shennong Street, there are quite a few dining options nearby. (I don’t recommend going back to Guohua Street since most shops close at night.) Shennong Street is my personal favorite spot of the entire itinerary. If you need to buy some small, thoughtfully designed souvenirs, this is the perfect place.
Shennong Street is one of Tainan’s best-preserved Qing Dynasty streets. Though only about 200 meters long, it encapsulates hundreds of years of the ancient city’s history and culture. During the day, Shennong Street is quaint and peaceful, with red-brick old houses and wooden windows showcasing traditional architectural beauty. Creative shops, independent bookstores, craft workshops, tea houses, and other specialty stores are scattered throughout the alleys. Slowly explore the small lanes filled with old houses, creative shops, and vintage antiques. We can say Tainan’s soul lives in these corners.
When night falls, Shennong Street transforms into an arts and culture-filled night market. Traditional old houses are fronted by creative vendors, handmade jewelry, and vintage items, all illuminated by warm lantern light creating a unique nostalgic romantic atmosphere. The street also features galleries, cafes, and bars open at night, allowing this century-old street to come alive again in the evening, becoming Tainan’s most charming night tour destination.
Another spot I highly recommend is the Chikan Pharmacy Bar. This is a speakeasy bar hidden inside an old pharmacy, unassuming on the outside, but inside it’s a vintage cocktail space with a traditional medicine theme and amazing atmosphere. You can taste interesting traditional medicine cocktails that don’t taste like bitter medicine at all and the drinks here are actually quite good. However, I strongly recommend making reservations in advance because this place is so popular it’s often fully booked.
Day 2: Chimei Museum vs Ten Drum Cultural Village: Art vs Industrial Style Experience
After exploring historic sites and seaside on Day 1, Day 2 we slow down the pace and sleep in! After waking up and eating something, head to either Chimei Museum or Ten Drum Cultural Village. Unlike Day 1’s itinerary of various small attractions that can be quickly explored, Day 2’s two attractions can be explored for longer periods, so just pick one based on your preferences.
Chimei Museum
Chimei Museum houses many Western artifacts with a broad collection scope, including paintings, musical instruments, weapons, and more. It’s also a museum built incorporating Western classical aesthetics, allowing us to appreciate architectural beauty. With Greek and Roman mythology themes, Chimei Museum’s outdoor area features many sculptural works, like the important landmark “Theseus Defeating the Centaur” at the park entrance, the Olympus Bridge with twelve Olympian god statues, and “Apollo Fountain” replicated to scale from Versailles Palace.
Besides permanent exhibitions, special themed exhibitions are sometimes held here. If interested, you can click the button below for event information.
After visiting the military site, you can stroll through Anping Old Street, located 500 meters from Anping Fort. Anping Old Street is one of Tainan’s oldest streets and was known as “Taiwan Street” during the Dutch colonial era. Today, it offers a variety of local delicacies such as Anping tofu pudding, shrimp crackers, fish skin vegetable, and preserved fruits. In addition, you can find traditional crafts like wood carvings, ceramics, and bamboo weaving. The street is lined with many historic buildings and shops, making it a perfect spot for visitors who appreciate a vintage atmosphere.
Ten Drum Cultural Village
Ten Drum Cultural Village was converted from the century-old Taiwan Sugar Rende Sugar Factory, completely preserving the original industrial site while incorporating modern creativity to create a unique industrial-style cultural park. The park centers on “drum music art,” featuring professional drum performances and various thrilling experience facilities. The most famous include high-altitude zip lines, chimney slides, and other adventure facilities, letting visitors experience thrills and fun within the century-old sugar factory’s industrial architecture. The park also has container markets, creative shops, and other leisure areas, fully showcasing the creative charm of revitalized old industrial buildings.
If you’re not particularly interested in art, Ten Drum Cultural Village’s industrial style and various hands-on facilities would be more suitable for you.
| Attraction | Recommended For | Highlights | Transportation |
| Chimei Museum | Art lovers, nature enthusiasts, animal lovers, romantic atmosphere seekers | Baroque architecture, concert hall, animal specimens, art exhibitions | 15-20 minutes by taxi/Uber from city center |
| Ten Drum Cultural Village | Industrial style fans, experience facility enthusiasts, families | Century-old sugar factory conversion, drum shows, aerial facilities, container market | Same as above, so actually can also visit both (10-minute walk) |
Finally, before heading back, if there’s time, find a simple beef soup or rice cake near the train station before departing, putting a perfect ending to this Tainan trip.
FAQ: Practical Tainan Travel Tips
Q: Is Tainan suitable for family/couple travel?
Absolutely!
For Families: Chimei Museum, Ten Drum Cultural Village, Anping small fort are perfect for letting kids burn energy & educational fun
For Couples: Shennong Street, Sunset Platform, Chikan Traditional Medicine Bar have perfect romantic vibes, perfect for those looking for ideal date spots
Q: How should I spend just one day?
I recommend focusing on “West Central District food + historic sites,” for example: Morning at Guohua Street → afternoon Chikan Tower, Confucius Temple → evening Shennong Street night tour Or Anping half-day tour → seaside sunset → return to city center for dinner Itineraries can be condensed to quickly experience Tainan’s essence based on preferences.
Conclusion: Two Days Isn’t Enough!
Tainan’s West Central District attractions are concentrated, you can almost walk everywhere on foot. Chikan Tower → Guohua Street → Confucius Temple can all be connected by walking, while combining YouBike, taxis, and walking can link all attractions together.
Of course, going solo might feel a bit rushed. If you want tour guide explanations, there are several tours you can join. These 3 tours are both excellent, with one of them being tips-based, which mean you only need to pay 10 TWD on Klook to book, with fees given as tips after the tour ends.
Though this 2-day 1-night trip is packed with activities, great food and photos, you might still want more. Next time, you could stay overnight in Anping to see dawn reflecting on fishing boats, or explore Xinhua Old Street and Guanziling Hot Springs in depth.
Finally, if you really do visit between April-October, Tainan’s sunshine is passionate, but “sun protection and heat stroke prevention” are key! SPF50+ sunscreen, sun hat, and water bottle are absolutely essential!
Read more:
Guanziling Hot Springs Taiwan: Mud Spa, Local Attractions & 7 Hot Spring Resorts Guide
Taiwan 5 Day Itinerary: Sun Moon Lake, Tainan, Kaohsiung & Lukang Highlights
