Chihkan Tower, West Central Dist.
Drive about nine minutes:
Chihkan Tower is the oldest building in Tainan’s West Central District , and along with Anping District’s Anping Fort, are two of Tainan’s most famous landmarks. Originally built as Fort Provintia 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 , Wengchang Pavilion and Penghu College, and on the lawn outside stands a statue of Koxinga 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. 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.
