Originally settled by the Dutch, the Anping District is one of Taiwan’s most colourful neighbourhoods. It sits to the west of the Tainan city centre and is best known for its historic sites, fiery sunsets and lively nightlife. If you need a daily caffeine fix, you’re in luck because Anping serves up some of Asia's best gourmet coffee.
Things to Do
Thanks to its colonial roots, the Anping District is packed full of history. Built in the 17th-century, Fort Zeelandia was once a bustling hub for the Dutch East India Company. Today the upper levelhouses a fantastic museum. Nearby you’ll find some of the oldest streets in Taiwan which are lined with beautifully restored brick buildings.
Built to defend Taiwan against Japanese invasion, the Eternal Golden Castle is a photographer’s dream. The historic Old Tait & Co. Merchant House is another highlight, housed in a former warehouse overgrown with banyan trees.
Taijiang National Park borders the Anping District and offers welcome relief from the humidity. Home to the endangered black faced spoonbill the park is a haven of tidal flats, lagoons, mangrove swamps and wetlands.
For foodies, no visit to the Anping District is complete without sampling the kaleidoscope of delicacies on offer. Seafood is the order of the day, with shrimp cakes, oyster rolls and fish ball soup all considered local specialities. Wash it down with a plump bean curd pudding and a side of candied fruit.
Getting Around
Tainan offers a great bike rental program which makes it easy to get around on two wheels. You can find rental sites around popular attractions like the Eternal Golden Castle, Anping Fort and the Old Tait & Co. Merchant House. Local buses run throughout the city, including to Taijiang National Park. If you’re heading to Tainan Airport it’s best to allow at least 30 minutes of travel time.