TAINAN - The Phoenix City

ainan is the oldest city on the island of Taiwan and also commonly known as the "Capital City" for its over 200 years of history as the capital of Taiwan under Koxinga and later Qing rule. Tainan's complex history of comebacks, redefinitions, and renewals inspired its popular nickname "the Phoenix City". Tainan is famous for its temples, historic buildings, and snack food. Located on the southwestern coast of the country, it has had a complicated past, first starting as a Dutch colony before passing through Chinese warlords, Japanese occupiers, and then into Kuomintang hands. This rich history and heady mix of traditional folk culture gives Tainan far more character than the bigger Taiwanese cities and is a good contrast to the international Taipei. It may be even more under-appreciated compared to the current capital but is well worth a stop on a round-island trip for a quintessentially Taiwanese experience for both stomach and soul. Drone: DJI Mavic Air 2