Koxinga Shrine
A 17th-century shrine honoring Zheng Chenggong, a hero who expelled Dutch rule, featuring traditional architecture and serene gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Koxinga Shrine
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 17th-century shrine honoring Zheng Chenggong, a hero who expelled Dutch rule, featuring traditional architecture and serene gardens.
"A beautiful gem from the 17th century, felt like being taken back in time with stunning architecture."
🚶♀️ Walkable Tainan
The old middle-west district is walkable, but for wider exploration, consider public transport or scooters.
📸 Capture the Details
The shrine's architecture and gardens offer stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Shrine Hall
Central Courtyard
Admire the traditional Fujian-style architecture, a blend of red hues and Japanese influences, evoking centuries past.
Tranquil Gardens
Surrounding the Shrine
Wander through serene gardens, offering a peaceful escape and a beautiful backdrop for reflection and photos.
Historical Exhibits
Museum Building
Explore two floors detailing Tainan's history, from Dutch rule to its cultural evolution, with some English translations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Understanding the Historical Context
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walkable Tainan
The old middle-west district is walkable, but for wider exploration, consider public transport or scooters.
📸 Capture the Details
The shrine's architecture and gardens offer stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
🗣️ Language Support
While some exhibits have English, many descriptions are in Mandarin. Museum guides can offer explanations.
🙏 Seek Blessings
Visitors often ask for blessings from deities, making it a place of spiritual significance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walkable Tainan
The old middle-west district is walkable, but for wider exploration, consider public transport or scooters.
📸 Capture the Details
The shrine's architecture and gardens offer stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
🗣️ Language Support
While some exhibits have English, many descriptions are in Mandarin. Museum guides can offer explanations.
🙏 Seek Blessings
Visitors often ask for blessings from deities, making it a place of spiritual significance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Koxinga Shrine to be a historically significant and architecturally beautiful site, offering a peaceful escape. The adjacent museum provides valuable insights into Tainan's past, though some reviewers noted limited English translations for exhibit descriptions. Overall, it's considered a worthwhile visit for its cultural and historical importance.
"Great little history museum about Tainan from Dutch rule. 2 levels of info. Bottom level has an exhibition on windows to showcase various aspects of Tainan and its buildings. Including a train ride movie where you think you're in a train as the scenery changes. 100NT for adults and 50NT for kids and students. 2nd floor has historical artefacts. Not all the info is bilingual. Some are trilingual with English and Japanese and Chinese but most of info is in just Chinese. Including the audio headphones area. Toilets are super clean!"
Carolina Day
"Small museum about the story of the city. Most important things are available in English too, while descriptions of items and photos are usually in Mandarin. Nonetheless, it's very enjoyable as an English speaker!
The first floor has pictures of how the city was many years ago and the second focuses more on history."
Lucas Espósito
"Small and cozy 2 floor space nestled in a small city park. I enjoyed the traditional proviso shop exhibit on the first floor as it has so much local flavour & it resonate with many Taiwanese who grew up before the reign of the big brand chains.
The museum opened in 3Q 2023 and will offer free admission till Jun 24.
I wish more captions could have an English translation so that non Taiwanese will be able to enjoy them as well."
Caleb Lim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Koxinga Shrine is located in Tainan City. While the old middle-west district is walkable, exploring further may require public transport or renting a scooter.
Many visitors find Tainan to be a charming city to explore on foot, but for longer distances, buses are readily available.Yes, the central areas of Tainan, including around Koxinga Shrine, are quite walkable.
However, for covering more ground or visiting attractions spread out across the city, utilizing local buses or scooters is recommended.Yes, a day trip from Kaohsiung to Tainan, including Koxinga Shrine, is feasible. High-speed rail or regular trains connect the two cities efficiently.
Allocate sufficient time to travel and explore to make the most of your day.For exploring Tainan, including Koxinga Shrine, walking is great for central areas.
Public buses are a convenient option for longer distances, and many visitors also opt for scooter rentals for flexibility.Koxinga Shrine is a well-known landmark in Tainan and is generally easy to find using navigation apps. It's situated in a historically significant area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Koxinga Shrine itself is generally free, allowing visitors to explore the grounds and main hall.
However, the adjacent museum has a small entrance fee, typically around 100 NT for adults.The shrine grounds are typically open during daylight hours, allowing for exploration of the architecture and gardens. The museum hours may vary, so it's advisable to check locally or online for the most up-to-date information.
For the shrine grounds, advance booking is not usually required. If you plan to visit the museum, it's best to check their specific policies, though walk-ins are generally accepted.
While the shrine grounds offer some accessibility, the historical nature of the site may present challenges. The museum has two floors, and it's recommended to inquire about specific accessibility features beforehand.
Historically, the museum has offered free admission periods, such as from its opening in 3Q 2023 until June 24.
It's worth checking for any ongoing promotions or special events.🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Visitors can admire the traditional architecture, explore the serene gardens, and visit the museum which details Tainan's history.
You can also learn about the legacy of Zheng Chenggong, the hero who freed Taiwan from Dutch rule.Yes, the museum offers a valuable insight into Tainan's history and culture, with exhibits on local life and historical artifacts.
While some descriptions are in Mandarin, key information is often available in English.Photography is generally permitted at Koxinga Shrine, especially in the outdoor areas and gardens.
Be mindful of any specific restrictions within the museum exhibits.The shrine is dedicated to Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga), a significant historical figure who played a crucial role in expelling Dutch colonial rule from Taiwan in the 17th century.
While not always advertised, some visitors have reported receiving assistance from museum guides who can explain exhibits, even if they are primarily in Mandarin.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options nearby. One notable spot mentioned is 糯夫糕, which serves delicious sticky rice cakes with braised pork or mushrooms, located right beside the shrine.
Tainan is renowned for its culinary scene, offering a variety of local delicacies. Expect traditional Taiwanese dishes, street food, and unique snacks like the sticky rice cakes mentioned near the shrine.
While specific vegetarian restaurants aren't highlighted directly at the shrine, Tainan offers many vegetarian-friendly eateries throughout the city. It's advisable to explore local listings for diverse options.
The sticky rice cake from 糯夫糕, located next to Koxinga Shrine, is a popular local treat. It features soft sticky rice topped with braised pork or mushrooms.
Absolutely! The area around Koxinga Shrine, like much of Tainan, is a great place to find traditional Taiwanese snacks and local flavors.
📸 📸 Photography
The shrine's traditional architecture, vibrant red gates, and the surrounding serene gardens offer excellent photographic opportunities.
The late afternoon light can create a beautiful ambiance.Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the shrine management before flying a drone to ensure compliance with any restrictions.
A versatile camera, whether a smartphone or a dedicated DSLR, will work well. Capturing both the grand architecture and the intricate details of the gardens will be rewarding.
While general photography is allowed, always be respectful of the sacred nature of the site. Avoid intrusive photography, especially if ceremonies are taking place.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, making them ideal for photography. The golden hour before sunset can create a magical atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid larger crowds, making the experience more relaxed for families. The nearby city of Tainan also boasts other family-friendly attractions, making Koxinga Shrine a good starting point for a day of exploration.
🏛️ History Buffs
Take your time to absorb the historical significance of the site. Consider researching Zheng Chenggong's life and impact before your visit to fully appreciate the context. The shrine offers a tangible connection to Taiwan's formative years and its struggle for sovereignty.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different angles to capture the grandeur of the main hall and the peaceful serenity of the gardens. While photography is generally allowed, always be respectful of the sacred nature of the site and avoid intrusive shots, especially if any ceremonies are taking place.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Koxinga
Visiting the shrine offers a chance to connect with this legacy. The architecture itself, a blend of Fujian and Japanese styles, reflects the complex historical influences of the era. Understanding Zheng Chenggong's story adds a profound layer to the experience, transforming a visit into a journey through history and cultural identity.
The shrine serves not just as a memorial but as a symbol of resilience and national pride for many Taiwanese. It's a place where history is palpable, inviting contemplation on the island's past and its enduring spirit.
Exploring Tainan's Cultural Heart
Beyond the shrine, Tainan offers a wealth of attractions. Visitors can explore other historical sites like the Chihkan Tower, wander through vibrant markets like Yong Le Market, or discover unique architectural gems like Tainan Lòng Story, which is situated across from Koxinga Shrine. The city's charm lies in its ability to blend the old with the new, offering a glimpse into traditional Taiwanese life alongside modern urban development.
Getting around Tainan is part of the experience. While the central districts are walkable, utilizing local buses or scooters can help you discover hidden gems scattered throughout the city. The culinary scene is legendary, with countless food stalls and restaurants serving up authentic Tainan specialties, making it a paradise for food lovers.
The Museum at Koxinga Shrine
The second floor typically focuses more on historical artifacts and the broader history of the region. While the museum aims to be informative, it's worth noting that a significant portion of the descriptive text is in Mandarin, with English translations available for the main points and key exhibits. This can make it challenging for non-Mandarin speakers to fully grasp all the details, though museum guides can sometimes offer assistance.
Despite the language barrier for some, the museum is generally considered enjoyable and offers good value, especially given its low admission price. It's a great place to complement your visit to the shrine, providing historical context and a more comprehensive understanding of Tainan's heritage.
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