Tantalising Tainan
Taiwan Stage 7 – Chiayi to Tainan 70 Km (Sat 17 Nov 2018)
Weather: 21⁰C min – 29⁰C max, mostly cloudy, smoggy
“Man is so made that when anything fires his soul, impossibilities vanish.” ~ Jean de La Fontaine (Fables – Book VIII, 1678 – 1679)
Breakfast at the outstanding Chiayi King Hotel was almost as good as the degustation dinner I had there last night. I can’t believe that such a classy hotel was only about A$50. Like most hotels here they didn’t mind me putting my bike in the room either.
When bicycle touring you have to accept that not every day will be filled with picturesque scenery and new or exciting discoveries. Today was one of those days. For the first 45 Km, Huan-Dao Route #1 involved riding along a marked lane at the side of a busy principle highway. Safety was not a concern because I made sure I always rode on the far right of the 2 m wide lane so that the mad motor scooters had plenty of room to pass on the left (the lane is shared with them).
There were few sights of interest along the way and it was another smoky grey dull day. It was therefore just a matter of putting my head down and motoring along. At least the road was smooth and flat, so riding was pleasant enough.
It all changed when I reached Shanhua, where I picked up a bike path that took me the final 25 Km right into Tainan. To my delight there was even a herd of Friesian dairy cows right near the bike path.
What a revelation the city of Tainan turned out to be, so much history and so many interesting sights. Previously the capital of Taiwan, it is a foodies paradise, with fabulous street markets and the incredible Anping Old Street.
First thing I did after checking in at Three Houses Inn was hop on my bike and do a 13 Km circuit to take in the sights of Fort Zeelandia (Dutch history), Dutch merchant House, Tree House (next to Merchant House), Anping Old Street, and Shennong Street (a photographer’s delight).
I loved the Anping District, which has some of Taiwan’s oldest streets. It was the original Dutch settlement in Tainan. The area surrounding Fort Anping (Fort Zeelandia) is full of small streets and alleyways that are packed with eateries and the kind of shops that appeal to tourists.
What a pity I didn’t book an extra night in Tainan, but I must keep moving because tomorrow night I am staying at another nice city called Kaohsiung.
Once again you have captured the country with your brilliant photos. Thanks for sharing your fruits ? with me!! Happy and safe?? Eat more ??s instead of those fried up duck etc!!
Hey Kevin,
these are our cows. Here they are called ‘black colorful’!
Interesting and seemingly favorable land for cyclists. Also wonder about the good bike paths.
Best regards – Rolf