Port Guide | Taiwan | Dive Deep

Tainan City

Samantha Cruz | Editor

Published on 2025-02-22

Welcome to Tainan, Taiwan's feisty, temple-studded heart of old-school charm-where Dutch colonizers once swaggered, pirates traded insults (and spices), and countless bowls of savory danzai noodles have vanished without a trace. Sure, other cities boast skyscrapers or beaches, but Tainan wears its age like a faded tattoo from its wilder youth: historic Fort Zeelandia stands as a quirky testament to an era when Europeans tried (and gloriously failed) at controlling Asian trade. You're here by boat, just like those adventurous souls centuries ago-though your cabin undoubtedly beats their rickety galleons. Over these next few days, embrace the city's tangled lanes brimming with smoky street stalls serving up mouthwatering oyster omelets, lose yourself in kaleidoscopic temples buzzing with whispered prayers and clinking fortunes, and marvel at how effortlessly Tainan balances venerable shrines with cheeky bubble-tea cafes. First time ashore? Start at the bustling Shennong Street with its artisanal shops and antique facades, then wander to the Chihkan Tower-or as locals prefer, the "Fort Provintia," because who doesn't love confusing tourists? Dive headfirst into this unapologetically authentic-if slightly eccentric-city, and trust me: your taste buds (and sense of humor) will thank you.