Tainan history

Tainan is one of the oldest cities and the former capital of Taiwan, with a history that is closely interwoven with the key stages of the entire island's formation. Its rich past still lives on in ancient temples, forts, and narrow streets, making Tainan a true cultural treasure trove.

Founding and Early Period

The modern history of Tainan begins in 1624, when the Dutch East India Company established a trading post on the coast and erected Fort Zeelandia (now the Anping District). This location, originally inhabited by the indigenous Siraya people, became the centre of the Dutch colony on the island, which was then called Formosa. It is from the name of the local settlement "Tayouan" that the modern name "Taiwan" is derived.

Key Development Factors

The rapid development of the city was driven by several reasons:

• Geographical Location: Its position on the southwestern coast with a convenient natural harbour made it an ideal location for maritime trade.
• Trade Hub: Under Dutch rule, the city became an important centre for the trade of rice, sugar, and deerskin between China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
• Political Centre: In 1662, the Chinese commander Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga) expelled the Dutch and established the Kingdom of Tungning, making Tainan (then named Tungdu) his capital. The city retained its capital status even after coming under the rule of the Qing Dynasty until 1887, which contributed to its growth and influence.

Cultural and Economic Heritage

Early Tainan was a melting pot of cultures: the traditions of indigenous tribes, Dutch colonists, and numerous settlers from mainland China blended here. This is reflected in the unique architecture and the large number of temples—both Buddhist and Taoist—earning Tainan the nickname "City of a Hundred Temples". The city's economy relied on agriculture, for the development of which the Dutch, and subsequently later rulers, actively attracted Chinese migrants. This historical foundation continues to define Tainan's cultural identity today as one of the most authentic cities in Taiwan.

Timeline of Tainan's History

Tainan, the ancient capital of Taiwan, holds centuries of history. Here are the key moments that shaped the appearance of this unique city.

• 1624 — The Dutch East India Company establishes a trading post on the coast and begins the construction of Fort Zeelandia, laying the foundation for the future city.
• 1653 — The Dutch build Fort Provintia (now Chihkan Tower) to strengthen their control over the region.
• 1661-1662 — The troops of Chinese commander Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga) besiege and capture Fort Zeelandia, expelling the Dutch from the island.
• 1662 — Zheng Chenggong establishes the Kingdom of Tungning and proclaims Tainan (then Tungdu) as his capital.
• 1665 — On the initiative of Zheng Chenggong's son, construction begins on Taiwan's first Confucius Temple in the city, which becomes the island's main educational centre.
• 1683-1684 — The Qing Dynasty conquers Taiwan, and Tainan becomes the administrative centre of Taiwan Prefecture within Fujian Province.
• 1874 — In response to the threat of a Japanese invasion, construction begins on the defensive Erkunshen Fortress, also known as the "Eternal Golden Castle".
• 1887 — The capital of Taiwan Province is officially moved from Tainan to Taipei, after which the city gradually loses its political status.
• 1895 — Following China's defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War, Taiwan comes under Japanese rule, and Tainan becomes an important centre of the Japanese colonial administration.
• 1920 — As part of an administrative reform, Tainan Prefecture is established, cementing the city's status as a regional hub.
• 1945 — After the end of World War II, Taiwan comes under the control of the Republic of China, ending the 50-year period of Japanese rule.
• 2010 — The administrative merger of Tainan City and the surrounding county takes place, resulting in the formation of a unified special municipality.

Key Stages of Tainan's Development

From a Dutch trading post to a modern cultural hub, Tainan's history is full of transformations that have shaped its unique character. Here are the main milestones in the city's development:

• Founding as a Trade Hub (1624–1662): During the Dutch period, Tainan was established as an international port. The development of trade in sugar, rice, and deerskin laid the city's economic foundation and attracted the first mass wave of settlers from China.
• Capital Status (1662–1887): With the arrival of Zheng Chenggong, and subsequently under the Qing Dynasty, Tainan served as the political, economic, and cultural centre of Taiwan for over 200 years. During this time, the island's first Confucius Temple was built, establishing the city as an educational leader.
• Japanese Modernization (1895–1945): During the period of Japanese rule, the city underwent a massive urban transformation. Wide streets were laid out, a railway and Western-style administrative buildings were constructed, and modern urban infrastructure was created, radically changing its appearance.
• Industrialization (Mid-20th Century): After World War II, Tainan began to actively develop as an industrial centre. The creation of industrial zones and the growth of the manufacturing sector became the new engine of its economy, shifting the focus away from agriculture.
• Focus on Heritage Preservation (Late 20th Century): Realizing the uniqueness of its history, the city authorities began actively working on the preservation and restoration of numerous temples, forts, and ancient buildings. This laid the groundwork for the future tourism boom.
• Special Municipality Status (2010): The merger of Tainan City with the eponymous county significantly expanded its territory and administrative capabilities. This allowed for the comprehensive development of urban and rural infrastructure and strengthened its economic potential.
• Cultural and Gastronomic Capital (21st Century): Today, Tainan successfully positions itself as the cultural and gastronomic capital of Taiwan. The combination of rich historical heritage, authentic street food, and developed tourism infrastructure has made tourism one of the key sectors of the city's economy.

Tainan's architectural landscape is a living chronicle of its centuries-old history, where each period has left its unique mark. The city's development harmoniously blends European colonial forts, traditional Chinese temples, Japanese modernist architecture, and contemporary buildings.

Dutch Colonial Period (1624–1662): Military Functionality

The first European structures in Tainan were erected by the Dutch East India Company and were strictly utilitarian in nature. These were powerful defensive fortifications created to control trade and protect against attacks.

• Style: European military fortification architecture. The main materials used were brick and stone. The primary emphasis was on durability and functionality rather than decoration.
• Landmark Sites: `Fort Zeelandia` (now Anping Old Fort) and `Fort Provintia` (known today as Chihkan Tower) are the brightest examples of this period. These structures laid the foundation for future urban development.

Qing Dynasty Period (1683–1895): Chinese Traditions

With the transition to Qing Empire rule, Tainan saw the flourishing of traditional Chinese architecture, primarily in the Southern Fujian style. The city filled with temples, administrative buildings, and residential homes reflecting the cultural and religious values of settlers from the mainland.

• Style: It is characterized by curved, richly decorated roofs with upturned edges resembling a swallow's tail, the use of carved wood and stone, and a strict layout of buildings around internal courtyards.
• Landmark Sites: The `Confucius Temple`, founded in 1665, became the first educational institution of its kind in Taiwan and a model of temple architecture. Numerous Buddhist and Taoist temples, such as the `Grand Mazu Temple`, also formed the city's unique appearance.

Japanese Era (1895–1945): Modernization and Western Influence

The period of Japanese rule brought massive modernization and new architectural trends to Tainan. Japanese architects, educated in the West, actively introduced European styles, combining them with local needs.

• Style: During this time, buildings in the styles of `Neoclassicism`, `Baroque`, and `Art Deco` appeared in the city. They were characterized by monumentality, symmetry, and the use of reinforced concrete and decorative facade tiles.
• Landmark Sites: The `Former Tainan Prefecture Hall` (1916, now the National Museum of Taiwan Literature), `Hayashi Department Store` (1932) — the first department store in the city with an elevator, and `Tainan Station` (1936) became symbols of the new era.

Post-War and Modern Periods (from 1945): Functionalism and Heritage Preservation

After World War II, Tainan's architecture developed in line with global trends. In the mid-20th century, the `International Style` prevailed — functional and concise buildings made of concrete and glass, which was necessary for the rapid recovery and growth of the city. Today's Tainan demonstrates a respectful attitude towards its past: active restoration of historical monuments is underway, and new structures are often created taking into account the surrounding historical context. This synthesis of old and new forms a unique and comfortable urban environment, making Tainan a true open-air museum of architecture.

Notable Figures Associated with Tainan

The history and culture of Tainan are inextricably linked with the names of many prominent figures. From founders and rulers to world-renowned artists—here are just a few iconic figures who left their mark on the life of the city.

• Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga) (1624–1662) — Commander and national hero. His main historical achievement was the expulsion of Dutch colonizers from Taiwan in 1662. It was he who founded the Kingdom of Tungning and made Tainan (then Tungdu) its capital, laying the foundation for the city's future development as the island's political and cultural centre.
• Zheng Jing (1642–1681) — Ruler, the eldest son of Zheng Chenggong. He continued his father's work, strengthening power in Taiwan. On his initiative, the first Confucius Temple on the island was built in Tainan, which became the main educational centre, securing the city's status as a cultural capital for centuries.
• Yen Shui-long (1903–1997) — Artist, sculptor, and educator. Born in Tainan, he dedicated his life to the study and popularization of Taiwanese folk art and crafts. He is considered one of the founders of modern design in Taiwan, and his mosaics and paintings, often depicting indigenous peoples and landscapes, are an important part of the cultural heritage.
• Shih Wen-long (1928–2023) — Industrialist, philanthropist, and founder of the Chi Mei Corporation. A native of Tainan, he founded the famous Chimei Museum in the city — one of the largest private museums in Asia with a rich collection of Western art, musical instruments, and weaponry. His contribution to the city's culture and education is immense.
• Ang Lee (born 1954) — World-renowned film director, winner of three Academy Awards. Although not born in Tainan itself, he graduated from high school here, and this period, according to him, had a great influence on his formation. His films, such as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Life of Pi", brought global recognition to Taiwanese cinema.
• William Lai (Lai Ching-te) (born 1959) — Politician, elected President of Taiwan in 2024. His political career is closely linked to Tainan: from 2010 to 2017, he served as the city's mayor. During his leadership, he gained widespread popularity for his work on the city's development and was considered one of the most approved mayors in Taiwan.