A Weekend Escape to Tainan Old Town: History, Food, and Serenity

#springitinerary Last weekend, I traded the hustle and bustle of city life for the charming streets of **Tainan Old Town**, Taiwan’s oldest city and former capital. Steeped in history, culture, and mouthwatering street food, Tainan was the perfect destination for a quick yet fulfilling getaway. ## **Day 1: Stepping Back in Time** ### **Morning: Exploring Anping Old Street & Fort Zeelandia** My journey began in **Anping**, where narrow alleys lined with traditional shophouses set the scene. I wandered through **Anping Old Street**, snacking on **shrimp rolls (蝦捲)** and **iron egg (鐵蛋)** while browsing handmade crafts. A short walk away stood **Fort Zeelandia**, a 17th-century Dutch fortress that whispers tales of Taiwan’s colonial past. Climbing the old walls gave me a stunning view of the surrounding area—history truly comes alive here! ### **Afternoon: Temples & Tea Houses** Next, I visited **Chihkan Tower (赤崁樓)**, another historical gem blending Dutch and Chinese architecture. The intricate carvings and tranquil gardens made it a peaceful retreat. For lunch, I indulged in Tainan’s famous **danzai noodles (擔仔麵)** at a decades-old stall—simple yet bursting with flavor. Afterward, I relaxed at a traditional **tea house** in Shennong Street, sipping on fragrant **Tieguanyin tea** while soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere. ### **Evening: Night Market Feast** No trip to Tainan is complete without a visit to a night market! I headed to **Garden Night Market (花園夜市)**, one of Taiwan’s largest, and feasted on: - **Coffin bread (棺材板)** – A buttery toast stuffed with creamy curry - **Oyster omelet (蚵仔煎)** – Crispy edges with plump oysters - **Mango shaved ice (芒果冰)** – The perfect sweet ending ## **Day 2: Culture & Coastal Vibes** ### **Morning: Confucius Temple & Artisan Cafés** I started the day at **Tainan Confucius Temple**, Taiwan’s first, where the quiet courtyards and ancient trees created a meditative vibe. Nearby, I stumbled upon a cozy café in a restored Japanese-era house, enjoying a slow morning with a cup of locally roasted coffee. ### **Afternoon: Sunset at Salt Mountains & Cigu Lagoon** Before heading back, I took a short trip to **Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields**, where pyramid-like salt piles glistened under the sun. Then, I drove to **Cigu Lagoon**, a serene wetland perfect for watching the sunset over fishing boats—pure magic! ## **Final Thoughts** Tainan is a city where every corner tells a story, where tradition meets laid-back charm, and where every bite is a delight. If you’re looking for a weekend filled with history, culture, and unforgettable flavors, Tainan Old Town should be at the top of your list! Have you been to Tainan? What was your favorite spot? Let me know in the comments! 🌿✨