Quick Facts

Tainan, the ancient capital of Taiwan, is situated on the southwestern coastal plains of the island and enjoys a warm climate year-round. It is the island's oldest and now fourth largest city, with a population in excess of 700,000. The gentle-natured people of the city are warmly hospitable, and the relatively tranquil life there seems far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern urban life. With its long history, Tainan is rich in historic sites and cultural heritage.

Night time in Tainan can be whatever you make it. If you like tranquility, you can go to the Kuangfu campus of National Cheng Kung University to stroll quietly and enjoy the gentle breezes, the aroma of flower blossoms, and the chirping of myriad insects. It you like noise and bustle, you can go to the night market near the Far Eastern Department Store on Chungcheng Road and buy some gifts for friends and relatives. If these suggestions fail to fit your fancy, then go for a quiet conversation over a cup of fine tea in one of Tainan's unique teahouses.

Designated the provincial capital for over 200 years until the 1880s, Tainan still has a firm grip on Taiwan's traditional culture. It's also one of the best places in the country to witness Buddhist parades and festivals. There are hundreds of temples in Tainan: some of the most interesting are East Mountain, a busy Taoist temple where people come to communicate with dead relatives or exorcise ghosts, Mito, with its magnificent statue of the 1000-armed goddess Kuanyin, Chuhsi, Tainan's largest and most beautiful temple, set in an athletic park, and Kaiyuan, a classical Buddhist temple with spacious grounds and plenty of pagodas.

Tainan has around 20 kilometers of beautiful coastal scenery. Farther south along the coastline lies the amiable and always changing Golden Coast. The flat beach of the Golden Coast is nearly three kilometers in length. With the shining blue sky and sparkling ocean, the coast is an attraction to both swimmers and tourists. Because the area is large enough, resorts have been developed into multi-dimensional recreation centers with facilities for swimming, sightseeing, fishing, camping, and lodging. Amid the historical and cultural feasts provided in Tainan, the Golden Coast offers a unique option for travelers in the area. Along with all of the other treasures the city has to offer, Tainan is a recreational paradise with something for everyone.