Chikan Tower & Koxigna Shrine
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Port
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Activity Level
Easy Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$150
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Tainan is Taiwan's oldest city, colonized by the Ming Dynasty at the end of the 16th century. The Dutch East India Company established a trade base here in 1623, and Tainan was their main outpost and the capital for more than 200 years. The city's most celebrated landmarks remain and, indeed, are uniquely Tainan.
A scenic 60-minute drive through the verdant countryside brings you to Tainan to see its many Dutch and Chinese influences.
Your first destination is the Chikan Towers -- among the most important historic sites in Taiwan. They are built atop the ruins of Fort Provintia -- one of two forts built by the Dutch during their 38-year rule of Taiwan. Two ornate stone towers are surrounded by elegant gardens and koi ponds.
Another noteworthy landmark is the Confucius Temple -- the country's oldest. Built in 1666 at the end of the Manchu Dynasty, the temple served as Taiwan's first official school. The impressive temple you see today is a result of a 1917 restoration when Taiwan became part of the Japanese Empire from 1895 to 1945. The Main Hall leads to the Dacheng Gate and main courtyard. Tucked away here are graceful banyan trees, a larger courtyard, and two ceremonial gates that symbolize the main disciplines of Confucianism.
Stop at the Koxinga Shrine (1874), dedicated to the Chinese general who led his troops against the Dutch and successfully ousted them from Taiwan. A beautiful garden surrounds the shrine. Inside is the Tainan Folk Cultural Hall with a number of fascinating exhibits tracing Tainan's history and culture.
Please note:
Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Chikan Tower is currently under renovation and scaffolding is visible on sections on the outside of the venue.