 |
Popular
Places |
Tainan was the capital
of Taiwan from 1663 to 1885. Its history and modern flavor is inextricably
linked with the exploits of Koxinga.
 Lord
of Imperial Surname, Koxinga, was a Ming loyalist at odds with the new
Manchu Qing court. He fled to Taiwan and arrived near Tainan in 1661 together
with 30,000 troops in 8,000 war junks. Upon arrival, he besieged the Dutch
fort, driving them from the island. He carried on to establish his Ming
Empire, which lasted three generations until his grandson surrendered
to the Manchu court.
Apart from just
him and the troops, Koxinga brought along the camphorwood icon of Matsu,
which currently sits in the shrine at Luerhmen (Deer Ear Gate) where Koxinga
first landed. His entourage also included about 1,000 writers, artists,
musicians, craftsmen, and master chefs. These are the people that would
launch the Chinese cultural rebirth in Taiwan.
Tainan today is no
different from the yesteryear. The city maintains its rich cultural legacy
and continues to progress in restoring its former glory. The population
of Taiwan's fourth largest city is approximately one million. The industry
here is based on agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Tainan is completely
traditional in manner with hundreds of shrines and temples, which are
the hallmark of the area. Festivals are celebrated excessively as compared
to the areas of the north, and most residents speak the local Taiwanese
dialect instead of Mandarin.
 Culinary
affairs are far more special in Tainan than in Taipei. The array of cuisine
offered here is unimaginable. To complete the evening, many Tainanese
retreat to cozy chic cafes or tea houses to enjoy a stimulating cup of
coffee or tea. Nightlife in Tainan is far more sober than in Taipei or
Taichung.
Tainan's main points
of interest are in the old downtown section, stretching east to west between
Chihkan Towers and the railway station, north to south between Chungshan
Park and Koxinga's Shrine. Exploring the city by foot, day or night, is
delightful.
Top of Page
|
