Tainan (台南): Taiwan's Oldest City, Planned for a First Visit
The main sights of Tainan, how to get in from THSR Tainan station, how to move around, what to eat and a two-day outline for first-timers.
한눈에 보기
- Tainan is a compact old city that suits one or two nights, split into a central old-town zone and the Anping seaside zone.
- THSR Tainan station sits outside the old centre, so you continue by the Taiwan Railway Shalun line, a shuttle bus or a taxi.
- Use buses, taxis and your feet; a scooter is not for beginners and needs a valid licence or IDP.
Why Tainan suits a slower first visit
Tainan (台南) is the oldest city in Taiwan and was a seat of government under several different rulers. Today it is a low-rise city where Dutch-era forts, Qing-dynasty temples, Japanese-era buildings and neighbourhood food stalls sit within a few kilometres of each other. It is quieter than Taipei and works well as one or two nights between Taichung or Taipei and Kaohsiung.
Getting there: THSR Tainan station and Tainan Station
Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) stops at Tainan station (高鐵台南站) in Guiren district, which is well away from the old centre. Book on the official T Express app or website. If you come from Kaohsiung or Chiayi on a Taiwan Railway (TR) train, you arrive directly at Tainan Station (台南車站) in the middle of the city.
- Leave THSR and follow the signs to the Taiwan Railway Shalun line platform.
- Check the current timetable in the TR app and ride to Tainan Station to start your city day.
- If times do not match or you carry heavy bags, compare shuttle buses and taxis in Google Maps.
도시 이동
The old town is easy on foot, but the trip between the centre and Anping is best done by bus, taxi or a ride-hailing app. Many buses accept EasyCard, but check the route and latest times in Google Maps because lines change. Some tourist bus lines serve Anping, so confirm which ones currently run.
Main sights
Tainan splits neatly into two zones: an old town you can cover on foot, and Anping near the sea. The table below lists the places first-time visitors usually choose from. Pick according to your time; you do not need to see everything.
| Sight | 영역 | 무엇인가 |
|---|---|---|
| Anping Fort (安平古堡) | Anping | Remains of the Dutch-era fort, with history displays |
| Anping Tree House (安平樹屋) | Anping | An old warehouse swallowed by banyan roots |
| Chihkan Tower (赤崁樓) | Old town | Historic site from the Dutch and Qing periods |
| Confucius Temple (孔廟) | Old town | One of Taiwan's earliest Confucian temples, calm and shaded |
| Shennong Street (神農街) | Old town | Lane of old houses, cafés and evening lanterns |
| Hayashi Department Store (林百貨) | Old town | Japanese-era department store now selling local goods |
Temples worth a stop between sights include the Grand Mazu Temple (祀典大天后宮) and the Temple of the Official God of War (祀典武廟), both in the old town. Check the current opening hours on Google Maps or the official source.
What to eat
- Beef soup (牛肉湯): fresh beef slices cooked in hot broth, often served in the morning.
- Danzai noodles (擔仔麵): a small bowl with minced pork and shrimp, good as a snack.
- Milkfish (虱目魚) congee or soup: the brackish-water fish Tainan is known for.
A 2-day outline
- 1Day 1 morning: old townStart with beef soup for breakfast, then walk to the Confucius Temple, Chihkan Tower and nearby temples.
- 2Day 1 afternoon and evening: Hayashi and ShennongVisit the Hayashi building, stroll Shennong Street as the lanterns come on, and finish with danzai noodles.
- 3Day 2 morning: AnpingTake a bus or taxi to Anping Fort and the Tree House, then wander the old lanes of Anping.
- 4Day 2 afternoon: move onReturn to Tainan Station for Kaohsiung by TR, or go on to THSR, leaving a time buffer.
Practical tips for the trip
- Sun and rain: Tainan is hot and humid in summer, so carry an umbrella and water and keep outdoor walking to the morning or evening. Typhoon season runs roughly June to October; check the Central Weather Administration before you go.
- Split the zones: do not squeeze the old town and Anping into one half-day; give each its own half-day so you are not rushing.
- Souvenirs: Hayashi and old-town shops sell local snacks and keepsakes; compare current prices yourself in the shop or app.
- Offline maps: old-town lanes are narrow and twisty, so download a map in advance in case the signal is slow.
Staying online while you explore
In Tainan you will lean on Google Maps for bus times, restaurant reviews and translation. Installing an eSIM before you fly gives you data the moment you land: turn on data roaming for the eSIM line and keep your Thai SIM active for bank OTP messages. For choosing a plan, read “Taiwan Trip Prep: First-Time Checklist and Choosing a SIM or eSIM”.
자주 묻는 질문
자주 묻는 질문
How many nights should I spend in Tainan?+
One or two nights is enough; the two-day outline above covers the old town and Anping.
How do I get from THSR Tainan station into the city?+
Use the TR Shalun line, a shuttle bus or a taxi, and check current times in the app first.
Should a beginner rent a scooter?+
No. Buses and taxis are safer, and renting requires a valid licence or IDP.
About the author
Porsch Kunnipat Siramanakul
- Co-founder of eSIMonline.asia
- Digital marketer
- Performance marketing and marketing planning
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