I'm so jealous of people who live in Yongkang, Tainan! After visiting the Tainan Public Library, which is so bright, spacious, and has a gallery-like atmosphere, I seriously considered retiring here. I can just imagine walking into the sunlit library every morning, curling up on a comfy sofa, and reading all day. In the evening, I'd head over to the Dawan Guanghu Temple to find some delicious food. This simple but fulfilling routine is exactly the kind of life I've always dreamed of!
Contents
◦ Tainan Travel Guide
01｜Transportation in Tainan
🚄 Taiwan High Speed Rail
🚗 Cross-city Chartered One-day Tour from Taipei
🛵 Tainan Motorcycle Rental Tainan Train Station Pick Up
🛵 Tainan Motorcycle Rental Pick up at Tainan Transit Station
02｜Popular Attractions in Tainan
🎫 Chimei Museum Permanent & Special Exhibition Ticket
🎫 Ten Drum Cultural Village Ticket
🎫 Tainan Naughty World Safari Ticket
🎫 Sicao Green Tunnel Ticket in Tainan
🎫 Tainan Art Museum Ticket
🎫 Anping Old Fort Admission Ticket
🎫 Anping Tree House Admission Ticket
🎫 Shan-Shang Garden and Old Waterworks Museum
03｜Things To Do in Tainan
🛶 Tainan Longshan Eco Boat Tour and Oyster Barbeque
🙌 Lifestyle Goods DIY Experience at Zhuo Ye Indigo Dyeing House
♨️ Reikei Hot Spring Resort in Tainan
💆🏻♀️ Royal Thai Massage in Tainan
🎫 Asia Pacific Orchid Conference and Taiwan International Orchid Exhibition
🎫 National Taiwan Museum of History Tickets
◦ The Past of Yongkang
Yongkang's early name, "Puqiangtou," dates back to the early 17th century. During Japan's Sengoku period (Warring States period), samurai armor was often made from deerskin. Taiwan was a major supplier, and Han Chinese traders would exchange daily necessities like rice and salt with the Pingpu Indigenous peoples for deerskins, which were then shipped to Japan. The deer meat was dried and sold to mainland China. In the context of the Taiwanese language, "Pu" means flat ground, "Qiang" refers to a small-bodied deer, and "Tou" means a headland or cape near the sea or water. Therefore, "Puqiangtou" described a flat, coastal area where deer herds lived.
During Zheng Chenggong's rule of Taiwan, he established Chengtian Prefecture and Anping Town. Anping was divided into 24 lis (villages), and "Puqiangtou" first appeared in official records with the new name, "Yongkang Li."
01 | Sports Day
Kun Shan Industrial College (now Kun Shan University), founded in 1964, held a joint sports day with Kun Shan High School during its 4th anniversary. This event highlighted the strong ties and camaraderie between the local institutions.
➤Photo credits and textual references: 午夜懷舊雜譚
◦ Attractions in Yongkang
01｜Tainan Public Library (New Main Library)
The Tainan Public Library (New Main Library), which opened in Yongkang in 2021, is the most "gallery-like" public library I've ever seen. It shares the common features of new libraries built over the past decade: open spaces, clean lines, and large floor-to-ceiling windows that let in abundant natural light. What impressed me most was the striking disproportion between the number of seats and the vastness of the space—an almost luxurious spaciousness.
As I walked down from the 6th floor, I was struck by how each level was dedicated to large-scale themed exhibitions or installations. From imaginative, award-winning works by children to vibrant creations by local artists, everything was perfectly showcased.
On the third floor, I was both surprised and delighted by the incredibly open seating area. Instead of cramming seats by the sunniest windows, they've placed well-spaced sofas, creating a design that allows you to get lost in a book while still enjoying a moment of quiet solitude. This luxurious comfort is a hot commodity. During summer and winter breaks, it can be tough to snag a good seat an hour after opening. It's easy to be envious of the people who live nearby and can visit whenever they want!
Tainan Public Library (New Main Library) Opening Hours: 0830-2100, closed on Monday. No. 255, Kangqiao Blvd., Yongkang Dist., Tainan
02｜The Painted Village of Yongkang
Nestled in an alley beside the Tainan branch of Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, the Painted Village of Yongkang is a vibrant art project initiated and named by local warden Li Zhen-guo. He rallied local veterans, residents, and students and teachers from Chang Jung High School's art department and Yong-ren Senior High School to collectively breathe new life into the old military village through murals.
Since many veterans once resided here, the painted walls draw inspiration from military life and the period of Taiwan's retrocession, creating a strong sense of historical nostalgia.
The Painted Village of Yongkang Ln. 423, Fuxing Rd., Yongkang Dist., Tainan
03｜Dawan Guanghu Temple
Dawan Guanghu Temple is dedicated to Guanghui Shengwang, a deity that is relatively uncommon in Taiwan. The deity is based on the historical figure Xie An, a politician from the Eastern Jin dynasty who was victorious in the Battle of Feishui. The belief in Guanghui Shengwang was introduced to Taiwan by immigrants from Zhangzhou. According to local records, the Guanghu Temple was established during the Ming Zheng period and later became an important and bustling religious center in the Dawan area.
When talking about Xie An, two well-known anecdotes come to mind: the Battle of Feishui and the idiom "returning to the east mountain" (東山再起). Inside Guanghu Temple, two striking Koji pottery murals hang on the wall. One is "The Triumphant Return to Jiankang," which depicts the army's return to the city after the Battle of Feishui. The other, "Good News from the East Mountain," portrays Xie An's calm and composed demeanor while directing the battle.
The area around Guanghu Temple is famous for its delicious snacks and souvenirs, which will be introduced shortly.
Dawan Guanghu Temple Opening Hours: 0500-2130 No. 286, Dawan Rd., Yongkang Dist., Tainan
04｜Yongkang Erwang Temple
Before visiting Yongkang Erwang Temple, I was curious about who the "two kings" (二王) were. It turns out that "Erwang" refers to the name of the place, not the deities themselves.
This temple is the only one in Taiwan that primarily worships Zheng Jing, the second ruler of the Kingdom of Tungning. It's a significant relic of the Zheng dynasty in Taiwan, with a history dating back to 1702. That year, Zheng Jing tragically died in a horse-riding accident at Erwanglun in Yongkang. To honor him, local villagers first built a small shrine at the site. The following year, local gentry raised funds to construct the temple, creating a place for future generations to remember the Zheng dynasty.
Yongkang Erwang Temple Opening Hours: 0530-2100 No. 395, Yong 2nd St., Yongkang Dist., Tainan
05｜Yongkang Sankandian Sugar Refinery Shinto Shrine Remains
Located in a relatively remote area, the Sankandian Sugar Refinery Shinto Shrine was built during the Japanese colonial era as a kounai jinja (shrine within the premises) for the Taiwan Sugar Company's San-Kanding Sugar Refinery. It was dedicated to the deities Amaterasu Ōmikami, Toyouke Ōmikami, and Prince Kitashirakawa Yoshihisa. After World War II, the main structure of the shrine was converted into a post office, which served the sugar refinery and surrounding residents. Following the demolition of the post office, all that remains of the shrine are its base, the sandō (approach path), and the granite pedestals that once lined it.
Despite its secluded location, the site is surprisingly clean and well-maintained, a clear sign that someone continues to care for this historical relic.
Yongkang Sankandian Sugar Refinery Shinto Shrine Remains Ln. 79, Sanmin St., Yongkang Dist., Tainan
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Yongkang
01｜Miaokou Goose Noodle
When it comes to must-try foods near Dawan Guanghu Temple, Miaokou Goose Noodle is definitely on the list. Since it was a hot day, I wasn't in the mood for soup noodles, so I opted for the goose rice instead. This bowl of goose rice was incredibly generous. The rich, fatty goose meat was tender and juicy, while the skin had a wonderful, springy texture. The pickled greens and garlic sauce added a great counterpoint, making each bite flavorful and never boring. The combination of flavors and textures was truly a treat!
Miaokou Goose Noodle Opening Hours: 1000-2000, closed on Monday. No. 379, Minzu Rd., Yongkang Dist., Tainan
02｜Granny's Herbal Tea
Right across from Dawan Guanghu Temple, next to the Miaokou Goose Noodle, you'll find a cart where a grandmother, now a great-grandmother, has been selling herbal tea for over 50 years. She's incredibly friendly, and I really enjoyed chatting with her for a while. Honestly, the herbal scent of the tea she handed me was quite faint, but the warmth and kindness in that cup transcended the flavor itself. I hope to see her healthy and well the next time I visit.
Granny's Herbal Tea Right across from Dawan Guanghu Temple, and next to the Miaokou Goose Noodle.
03｜A-Li A-Zhen Dawan Peanut Candy
Located on Minzu Road next to Dawan Guanghu Temple, the street is known as "Peanut Candy Street," with A-Li A-Zhen Peanut Candy being the most popular shop. I was lucky to visit on a weekday right after they opened, so there was hardly any line.
They offer a variety of package sizes and three different flavors to mix and match. I chose the smallest plastic box for NT$100, which allowed me to try all three: black sesame candy, chunky peanut candy, and peanut rolls. My favorites were the peanut rolls and the black sesame candy. The peanut rolls look similar to Kinmen's gongtang but have a completely different texture. The machine-pressed peanuts have an incredibly rich aroma and are softer and easier to chew than the chunky version. The black sesame candy has a soft, chewy texture from the maltose, making it another easy-to-eat treat. The peanut candy can be stored at room temperature for seven days, but it's best to eat them as soon as possible to enjoy the freshest flavor!
A-Li A-Zhen Dawan Peanut Candy Opening Hours: 0800-1900 No. 328, Minzu Rd., Yongkang Dist., Tainan
◦ Flying Over Taiwan
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◦ Other Areas in Tainan
➤ Shanhua | A Century-Old Market That Opens Only Nine Days a Month
➤ Annan | Mini Amazon in Taiwan
➤ Houbi | Experience Taiwan at the International Orchid Show!