Tainan Travel

Chihkan Tower (赤嵌樓) is the oldest building in Tainan's West Central District (台南中西區), and along with Anping District's Anping Fort (安平古堡), are two of Tainan's most famous landmarks. Originally built as Fort Provintia (普羅民遮城) in 1652 by the Dutch, the building set the tone as the location of the administrative center of Tainan, and has gone through numerous repairs and refurbishments over the past 300 years to give it its current appearance. Inside are Haisheng Temple (海神廟), Wengchang Pavilion (文昌閣) and Penghu College (蓬壺書院), and on the lawn outside stands a statue of Koxinga (國姓爺鄭成功) accepting the surrender of the Dutch. The statue is often scrutinized by both domestic and international tourists as they take in his heroic appearance. The most eye-catching things are the 9 imperial plinths at the south gate carried by the turtle-shaped stone Bixi (贔屭). The Bixi, said to be one of the nine sons of the Dragon King, and fond of carrying heavy objects, have added a great deal to the folklore legends of Chihkan Tower, which are still told today. At night time, Chihkan Tower is surrounded by yellow lighting, adding an ancient charm to the building. Concerts are often held in the square in front of the building, making it a much-loved nighttime destination among Tainan's residents.