Tour of south west Taiwan 1/5 - Tainan sites

A short flight to Kaohsiung and taxi to Tainan, really fast and easy escape from HK. 3 days is enough in Tainan, mainly to enjoy delicious traditional food as there are only a few interesting sites to visit. 

 

Shuixian Gong Market 水仙宮市場

Very pleasant way to walk around this big market to see local supply, lots of local fruits, veg, fish, meat,  and cooking ingredients, raw and already cooked items. It is easy to see how locals can come round to pick up a decent ready meal, just need warming up at home.

 

Wing Lok market 永樂市場

Nearby is another market, where the street is lined on both sides with freshly made snacks and simple meals. It is so tempting to try everything, all look mouthwatering delicious. 

Tainan Long Story 南埕衖事

Joined a guided tour to visit this building, an old building renovated by a famous Japanese architect. First plan was a youth hostel then finally as a simple restaurant. 

The theme is openness, white, connecting indoor with outdoor, via many stairs and platforms that are asymmetrical. It is nice to have a meal/dessert there for the spacious feeling and the indoor garden. 

Eye opening concept and execution, not really my cup of tea, too much work for such a not very user-friendly effect. 

Hayashi Department store 林百貨, built in the 1930s and restored to the former style, the inside wooden structure is so beautiful. The open roof top is worth to get up for a view. The store sells interesting mostly locally sourced fashion, craft and food items. 

Blue Print  Cultural & Creative Park 藍晒圖文創園

An area that used to be Judicial Dormitory now turned into art installation and craft shops. It is nice to wander around to see some old wooden dormitories now turned into shops. A few interesting local craft items. 

Shen Long Alley 神農巷

Quite a long street with old style buildings on both sides, some are turned into shops or mini museums to display their uses in yesteryears. All shops have a narrow street front but are very long as you walk inside. A typical old design to have maximum shops and minimum paths, all with a small front facing the street and enough space at the back for working, storage and living. Come to live only in the evening.