Encompassing a large portion of Tainan City, the East District was established in 1945 with the merging of several historic neighbourhoods. It’s home to the major transportation hub of Tainan Station and several significant cultural landmarks, as well as the “green lungs” of Tainan at Barclay Memorial Park.
Things to do in East District
Occupying a 1930s administration building at National Cheng Kung University is a fascinating museum where objects of cultural and historical significance to the institution are exhibited. In addition to stone and wood sculptures, ceramics and religious paintings, the National Cheng Kung University Museum’s collection includes woven bamboo artefacts and more than 100 puppets.
Don’t miss a visit to the Tainan Cultural Center, which features an exhibition of cultural artefacts and a performance hall where Taiwanese artistic traditions are showcased. It stands opposite Barclay Memorial Park, a popular urban green space named after a British missionary to Taiwan. It features several ponds framed by scenic walking trails and planted with seasonal flower beds.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, head to the Taiwan Sugar Museum, which celebrates the role of sugar in the nation’s economy. It’s located on the landscaped grounds of the Taiwan Sugar Corporation, a state-run enterprise that operates several sugar-related attractions throughout the country. Learn about the company’s establishment during the Japanese era in Taiwan and the island’s 400-year history of sugar cultivation.
Getting around East District
Tainan Station is located in the far north-west of the East District and connects to destinations across Taiwan via high-speed rail services. Tainan Airport is 15 minutes’ drive from the East District and has flights to destinations across Asia. Buses connect most of the attractions throughout the East District and taxis are readily available.