Exploring the World XII: Tainan (Taiwan)

We have received a postcard from TAINAN!

Downtown Tainan

WHERE IS TAINAN?

Tainan is a city with 2,000,000 inhabitants in southern Taiwan, facing the Taiwan Strait in the west and south. 

Location of Taiwan

Location of Tainan within Taiwan

TAINAN IS FAMOUS FOR...

Luerminma Temple

Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and also commonly known as the "Capital City" (Chinese: 府城; pinyin: fǔchéng) for its over 200 years of history as the capital of Taiwan under various ruling dynasties. Its former name, Tayouan (大員), has been claimed to be the origin of the name "Taiwan". 

LANDMARKS

Taiwan Confucian Temple

Confucian Temple

The Taiwan Confucius Temple was built in 1665 to offer lectures and cultivate intellectuals. It was the first learning institute for children whenTaiwan was ruled by Qing Dynasty. The Confucian temple serves now as a popular tourist attraction and hosts ancient Confucian ceremonies.

National Museum of Taiwan Literature

National Museum of Taiwan Literature

The National Museum of Taiwan Literature exhibits local literary works as part of its multilingual, multi-ethnic focus. The museum is located in the former Tainan City Hall, constructed in 1916 and famous for its historical significance.

The Bee Hives

Bee in Yanhsui District Tainan

The Bee Hives are the most important fireworks in Lantern Festival. They are actually thousands of bottle rockets arranged row atop row in an iron-and-wooden framework. The setup looks like a beehive full of unleashed gunpowder. Dazzling explosives whiz and whirl across the sky and often into the spectators, both thrilling and intimidating them.

LIFESTYLE

Tainan is also one of Taiwan's cultural capitals, for its rich folk cultures including the famous local snack food, extensively preserved Taoist rites and other living local traditions covering everything from child birth to funerals.

Wanna know more about Tainan? Watch this video:

Sources

Wikipedia

Wikivoyage

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