Essence of Tainan

With all the modern amenities, Tainan is Taiwan’s oldest and fourth largest city. This shore excursion reminds us of the city’s past: gates, memorial arches, remnants of forts, and temples dated back three centuries or more. Major attractions like Kuanti Temple where Ching dynasty officials held ceremonies of worship to the God of war, The Great Queen of Heaven Temple, Confucius Temple, Fort of Anping, Fort Provintia and the Eternal Fortress are also not to be missed.

Full Itinerary

Upon arrival at the Hualien cruise port, your guide and driver will pick you up and convey you to one of the most majestic places in the world when mentioned about Taiwan, Kuanti Temple. Also known as Guan Di Temple, on the altar in front of the statue of Guandi (also called Guan Gong or Guan Yu) is Guan Dao and Guan Jie – a famous sword and spear. This temple was deified in the Sui Dynasty (580-618 AD), its devotees believe that Guandi’s weapons have special powers and they will be blessed by ‘touching’ or ‘lifting’ the 59kg copper guan dao three times.

Continue on to the Great Queen of Heaven Temple, also known as a Mazu Temple of Tainan – the first Mazu Temple built by the Taiwan government. The god worshipped in Datianhou Temple (Taina Grand Matsu Temple) is The Heaven God Mother, or widely called Mother Mazu, the most worshipped god in the Taiwanese society.

Next, the guide will take you to Confucius Temple in Taipei. It’s modeled after the original Confucius Temple in Qufu, China. Since keeping the sober spirit of Confucianism, the temple is appropriately austere. You also will not find the spring couplets common at other types of temples. Among many Confucius temples in Taiwan, Taipei is the only one adorned with southern Fujian-style ceramic applique. At the main hall of the Confucius Temple, you will see a black plaque with gold lettering “Educate without Discrimination”.

The last highlight of today is Eternal Golden Castle, also called “Anping Great Fort” or “Twice Fish Length Fort” in the ancient time. It was built to resist the Japanese troops invading Taiwan due to Peony Suffix Event. The trip ends with a drive back to port.