Melo Villareal
Exploring Anping District in Tainan, Taiwan
Tainan was a huge surprise, from its mix of grandeur and hominess, historic past and ever-evolving future. During our third day in Taiwan, and after eating our heavy breakfast at The Place Tainan Hotel (hotel info), we headed over for our day tour in the Anping District.
Historic Harborside Park – The blessing of the big fish
We headed first at the blessing of the big fish art installation located at the Harborside Park next to the Anping Canal and was recently opened last January 21, 2019. This is the latest public art installation creatively built by artist Yang Shih-Yi and made possible through the efforts of Tainan City’s Tourism Bureau.
The blessing of the big fish is a 23-meter long and 10-meter wide art piece, made with 3,714 stainless steel pipes. It also boasts with 448 pieces of glazed glasses in different colors to symbolize Taiwan’s inclusivity and unique qualities.
Locals say that it’s best visited especially at night when it is all lit up – brightening up the canal area.
The Anping Tree House
If you want to feel like you’re inside a Tomb Raider movie, then check out the Anping Tree House.
What makes the Anping Tree House unique is the distinct century old tree trunks combined with an elevated walkway that is perfect for people to walk through.
From what was once a warehouse, it is now turned into a popular tourist attraction, thanks to a Banyan Tree which roots and branches dramatically covered the place. Not to mention, it is now home to various flora and fauna. There are also a collection of artworks and old photographs that reminds the visitors of the old grandeur of the city.
Although a lot of people tends to compare it to Cambodia’s ruins covered in banyans, the Anping House in Tainan houses a bar and a coffee shop near the entrance, where you can buy snacks, drink, or just relax afterwards.
How to get there: The tree house is accessible by bus from Tainan Station of Taiwan Railways.
Address: No.108, Gubao St., Anping Dist., Tainan City 708, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening Hours: 08:30-17:30
Ticket Price: TWD 50
Telephone: +886-6-3913901
The Anping Old Street
Nothing comforts me than seeing an ancient village or street, and visiting the well-preserved 300-year old Anping Old Street was definitely one-for-the-books. If you love heritage buildings, old structures, local street food, then this is definitely the place to go!
The street/walk starts near the front entrance of the Anping Old Fort. Just like the Old Shennong Street, the Anping Old Street is narrow, has a maze of alleys and jam-packed with stalls and old buildings where you can buy various souvenirs, from accessories, and cultural items. But the best thing here is that you can taste as many local dishes, preserved fruits, and traditional snacks too! Don’t forget to try their peanut candy and black sugar bread!
Lunch at Chou’s Shrimp Rolls
After roaming around Anping, we ate lunch at Chou’s Shrimp Rolls, known for serving yummy shrimp rolls and noodles for almost 50 years in Anping.
This might not be a first-class restaurant, but their dishes were bursting with flavors – the aroma were all over the place – and they were all served in generous amount. We had Milkfish congee, Fried shrimp rolls, Oyster omelet, Stir-fried squid, and Deep-fried sandwich. And also, don’t forget to try their famous seafood croquettes and takoyaki!
Overall, we were very satisfied with our meal, the service is quick, and definitely value for the money.
After our hefty lunch, we boarded our bus and left Tainan for our next destination — Alishan Taiwan.
Tainan City Travel and Tour Packages
Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels in Tainan City, Taiwan via Agoda or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
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