Tainan
Tainan, Taiwan's former capital, is a city of historic temples, colonial landmarks and narrow lanes layered with centuries of history. Its renowned food scene, night markets and easygoing pace give it a distinct character in southern Taiwan.
Passengers
Luggage
About Tainan
Tainan is Taiwan's oldest city and former capital, located on the island's southwest coast. Known for its temples, historic lanes and celebrated food scene, it pairs a layered cultural heritage with modern science parks and universities.
Its history spans Dutch, Ming loyalist, Qing and Japanese periods, visible at Anping Old Fort (Fort Zeelandia), Chihkan Tower (Fort Provintia) and Taiwan's first Confucius Temple. Restored merchant houses, shrines and narrow streets preserve this long, complex past.
The West Central District forms the historic core with Shennong Street, Hayashi Department Store and the Tainan Art Museum, while Anping District holds the old port, Anping Tree House and waterfront fortifications. The Chimei Museum and the Sicao Green Tunnel in the Taijiang area are popular trips beyond the centre.
Tainan's food culture is central to its character, from beef soup and danzai noodles to milkfish dishes and lively night markets such as Garden and Dadong. The city is also a southern Taiwan technology hub, home to the Southern Taiwan Science Park, semiconductor manufacturing and green-energy initiatives.
For leisure travellers, Tainan offers a walkable historic centre, coastal scenery and year-round festivals, while business visitors connect with manufacturing, technology and events in a relaxed and welcoming city.
Tainan Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit
October to April is the most comfortable period, with milder temperatures and less rain than the hot, humid summer. Lunar New Year and the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival bring lively events, while summer heat and typhoon season make outdoor sightseeing harder.
How to Get Around
Tainan is best explored on foot or by bicycle in the compact historic centre, with city buses, taxis and YouBike rentals for longer trips. The Taiwan High Speed Rail station in Guiren links to Taipei and Kaohsiung, while regular trains and shuttle buses connect it to the city.
Where to Stay
West Central District is ideal for first-time visitors near Chihkan Tower, the Confucius Temple and the food streets. Anping District suits heritage stays by the old port, and the area around Tainan Station offers convenient transport and business hotels.
Food & Drink
Tainan is famous for beef soup, danzai noodles, milkfish, coffin bread and shrimp rolls, best tried at traditional shops and night markets such as Garden and Dadong. Guohua Street and Bao'an Road are popular for local snacks and cafés.
Ground Transportation Services in Tainan
Airport Transfers
Travel between Tainan Airport (TNN) and hotels, the historic centre, business districts, the high-speed rail station and other destinations in Tainan.
Hourly Chauffeur
Book a private chauffeur by the hour for business meetings, sightseeing in Anping and West Central District, events and flexible travel around Tainan.
Car Rental
Rent a car in Tainan for independent travel around the city and convenient trips to nearby attractions, coastal areas and the Southern Taiwan Science Park.
Bus & Group Transfers
Arrange minibuses or charter buses for groups, corporate travel, events, festival visits, airport transfers and sightseeing tours in Tainan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Cities in Taiwan
View all
Taipei
Taipei, Taiwan's capital, mixes glass towers and historic temples with renowned night markets, hot springs and easy mountain trails.
Yunlin
Yunlin, in western Taiwan, is known for its agricultural landscapes, traditional temples and lively folk festivals that reflect its rural character.
Yilan
Yilan, set on Taiwan's northeastern plain, blends historic temples and traditional arts with hot springs, lush farmland and a breezy Pacific coastline.