臺南

When people think of Liouying, often praised as Taiwan’s “hometown of dairy cows,” the first thing that comes to mind is its rich and fragrant fresh milk. I’m a devoted fan of Liouying milk myself. On this visit to Liouying, I discovered not only the local Liu clan culture, but also artists who left a profound impact on the worlds of painting and music. Only then did I realize there is another side of Liouying—one that is truly captivating.

Every time I visit Tainan, I am either amazed by its time-honored cuisine, lingering among historic sites, or discovering unexpected scenery in its narrow alleys. This time, a walk into the North District brought all three delights at once. Tainan is simply a city that never grows tiresome, no matter how many times you return.

In the past, whenever I visited Baihe, I would usually head straight to Guanziling—soak in the hot springs, enjoy some urn-roasted chicken, and then go home. This time, I returned for the kapok blossoms in full bloom from March to April. I made a point to slow down and wander into the town center. The lively atmosphere of the market and the vibrant everyday bustle gave me a new impression of Baihe—no longer just a place of attractions, but a place rich with local life.

Let’s begin the first article of the 2026 “Taiwan 368 Townships” with a place whose name already sounds auspicious — Anding (安定)! Anding is home to ancient temples and a rich King Boat culture, symbolizing heritage and divine protection. It is our hope that this blessing will bring everyone peace and prosperity throughout the year.

大學時在嘉義念書，半夜睡不著的時候，曾經夜衝阿里山，也曾在清晨五點跑到臺南善化，只為喝一碗熱騰騰的牛肉湯。

Annan District, located in the southwest of Taina, blends natural and cultural landscapes and boasts rich historical heritage. For nature lovers, the Sicao Mangrove Green Tunnel is an irresistible attraction. Known as the "mini Amazon of Taiwan," visitors can take a bamboo raft through the mangroves, getting up close with mudskippers and fiddler crabs.

Houbi, known as the hometown of Taiwan's champion rice, is also one of the venues for the International Orchid Show. The idyllic landscapes, painted by rice fields, and the tranquil, laid-back rural culture have attracted many film crews to shoot here. The 2004 documentary Let It Be propelled Houbi to fame, establishing it as one of Taiwan's most iconic small towns. The drama The Making of an Ordinary Woman further introduced audiences to the enduring charm of Jingliao Old Street, sparking yet another wave of enthusiastic visitors. Both the countryside and the old streets, when infused with culture and art, take on a fresh perspective and evoke a renewed appreciation.

Longci, situated southeast of Tainan, is nestled in the hilly region at the southern end of the Alishan Mountain Range, with elevations ranging from 80 to 350 meters. This varied terrain has fostered a diverse array of natural landscapes. The prevalence of mudstone in the area has led to significant erosion from rainwater and streams, resulting in a distinctive badland terrain known as the barren "Moon World." As a result, many residents have moved away, leaving only around 3,000 people, making it the least populated administrative district in Tainan.

Beimen, located in the northwestern coastal region of Tainan, is the most developed township for the salt production industry in Taiwan. In the past, nearly every household relied on salt production for their livelihood. Today, it has further developed into a major festival that uses salt as a medium.