Tainan's Three Major Historical Sites

Anping Fort Anping Fort, originally named Fort Zeelandia, is one of Taiwan's oldest forts, built by the Dutch in 1624. This fort not only witnessed Taiwan's early trade prosperity but also served as the center of Dutch colonial rule. The initial design of the fort included a square inner city and a rectangular outer city, highlighting its strategic defensive importance. In 1661, after Koxinga expelled the Dutch, he renamed it Anping and made it the residence of the Zheng dynasty, hence it was also known as 'King's City' or 'Taiwan City.' Today, visitors can still see the well-preserved southern wall of the outer city intertwined with old banyan trees, narrating over 300 years of history. Anping Tree House Anping Tree House was originally a warehouse of Tait & Co. During the Japanese colonial period, it was used by the Japan Salt Company along with the Tait & Co. building. After World War II, the warehouse was briefly used by Taiwan Salt Company but was later abandoned, allowing banyan trees to grow freely inside and outside the building, eventually creating the unique 'tree in house, house in tree' landscape seen today. This symbiosis of nature and man-made structures has made Anping Tree House a popular spot for exploration and photography. In 2004, the site was redeveloped with overhead iron walkways and wooden paths, making it easier for visitors to explore this unique historical landscape. Eternal Golden Castle Eternal Golden Castle, also known as 'Anping Big Fort' or 'Erkunshen Fort,' is a Western-style fort built during the Qing Dynasty to defend against foreign invasions. Designed by a French engineer, it features a bastion-style square structure with protruding corners, a concave center, and a moat, showcasing advanced military design concepts. After its completion, Eternal Golden Castle played a significant role in the Sino-French War and the First Sino-Japanese War. During the Japanese colonial period, the fort fell into disrepair due to lack of maintenance. After several restorations, it has now become a famous tourist attraction in Tainan. Every spring, the surrounding yellow trumpet trees bloom, adding to the scenic beauty of the site. Reflections Anping Fort, Anping Tree House, and Eternal Golden Castle bear witness to Tainan's rich and colorful history. Visiting these places is not only an exploration of history but also a journey back in time. At Anping Fort, standing beside the weathered walls, one can almost feel the intense confrontations between the Dutch and the Zheng dynasty, along with the subsequent centuries of change and decline. The remaining red brick walls and the old banyan trees climbing over them silently tell ancient stories. The existence of Anping Tree House amazes visitors with the marvelous combination of nature and man-made structures. The abandoned warehouse intertwined with the roots of banyan trees creates a unique landscape. It is both a natural wonder and a historical witness, evoking a sense of the power of time and the resilience of life. Eternal Golden Castle showcases the military wisdom of the late Qing Dynasty and the fusion of Chinese and Western technologies. This sturdy fort played a crucial role in wars, but as time passed, its military value diminished, and it has now become an important site for understanding history and appreciating architectural aesthetics. Walking through the area during the blooming season of the yellow trumpet trees, one can truly appreciate the harmonious beauty of history and nature. Overall, these three historical sites not only reflect Tainan's profound historical heritage but also demonstrate the city's commitment to cultural preservation. Tainan's historical buildings and cultural atmosphere are undoubtedly treasures not to be missed by history and culture enthusiasts. Each visit brings new insights and emotions.