Tainan

Teaching or Living in Tainan is Fascinating

The city of Tainan is often referred to as "Taiwan's ancient capital," for the city was once the island's political, economic, and cultural center. Just under four centuries ago, settlers from mainland China began arriving in southern Taiwan in large numbers and Tainan was the main entry port and base for exploring and developing their new homeland. At the same time the Dutch established themselves as colonial rulers in 1624 and they built Fort Zeelandia, the remains of which are now known as the Old Fort of Anping. The Dutch didn't last long, in 1662 they were run out by Ming loyalist Jheng Cheng-gong and Tainan evolved to take it's place as the official capital in 1683.

If you're a history buff, then Tainan will fascinate you. Old forts, old temples, old buildings and old businesses abound. Historic sites are concentrated in two areas - the city center and Anping. Among the must-see sights are:

Chikan Towers
Confucius Temple
Great Queen of Heaven Temple
Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple
Temple of the Five Concubines
Old Fort at Anping
Eternal Golden Castle

Food in Tainan Taiwan

There are definitely some interested local flavours to taste or test.

Coffin Sandwich - originally this snack was known as ji gan ban which literally translated to "chicken liver plank". Not so appetizing... not for me anyway. The modern version of it is quite delicious. Basically it's a think slice of white bread that has been hollowed out and filled with a thick seafood chowder with assorted vegetables and then covered with a thin slide of toast. The name of the snack comes from the shape of the sandwich and the cover that is put on last. One of the best places to taste authentic coffin sandwiches is the "Chikhan Coffin Sandwich" restaurant, which has been in operation since the Japanese occupation period from 1895-1945.
Eel Noodles - This noodle dish is a highly prized delicacy. The eel is first stir-fried together with scallions, black vinegar, soybean sauce and other condiments. The sauce is then thickened and the eel is served on plain noodles. Though it appears to be an easily prepared dish, food experts claim it takes years to master the art of getting the taste right.
Danzai Noodles - this dish is named after the restaurant or rather the restaurateur. "Du Siao Yue Danzai Noodles" is the name of a restaurant started at the end of the 19th century by a fisherman looking to make ends meet in the off season. The restaurant is still running today making it the oldest restaurant in Taiwan. The main danzai noodle dish is made with "oily noodles", a specially prepared stewed meat sauce, and a soup base prepared with shrimp. The dish is often topped with soy sauce flavoured hard boiled egg and a few shrimp.
Taro Cake and Shrimp Meat Dumplings - these can be found in the markets and they simply melt in your mouth. Definitely something to try if you are in Tainan.
Winter Melon Tea - this is especially popular in summer months for its heat-dissipating qualities.
Glutinous Rice Cakes - this is found all over Taiwan in virtually every market and is among the most popular snack-food dishes in Taiwan. In Tainan you can get a "traditional" flavoured rice cake. The best ones have the most "Q" - a Taiwan colloquialism for "chewiness".
Peanut Soup - imagine peanuts melting on your tongue. Try this soup. It is served throughout Taiwan but is especially good at the "Peanut Soup Shop" in Tainan.

Places to See in Tainan