ETA/ETFs (Tainan)
Since the schools in Tainan are spread out across the city, the living arrangements for the Tainan cohort are similarly dispersed. ETAs/ETFs will live in apartments with 1-2 roommates. These apartments are selected based on their proximity to the school sites to ensure a convenient commute. They are furnished and equipped with essential appliances and are located near supermarkets, bus routes, and convenience stores.
EMI ETFs (NCKU)
If assisting at NCKU as an EMI ETF in Tainan, some ETFs prefer to find their own apartments while others ask for assistance similar to above.
Living in Tainan
Transportation
Getting a scooter license and having a scooter to travel around Tainan and commute to school is strongly recommended, as it is more convenient. Remember to always stay aware of your surroundings while driving and prioritize safety!
Though most people ride their own scooters around Tainan, public transportation is also available. All you need is an EasyCard or iPass, put some money inside, and you can have access to buses, rental bikes, local trains, and many more!
YouBike
YouBike is a shared bike system funded by the government. With the YouBike app and EasyCard or iPass you will be able to get around most parts of Tainan easily.
Tainan City Bus
Using the buses is another good way to navigate around the city. Bus routes and timetables can be found both on Google maps and the Tainan City Bus app.
Taiwan Railway
The train is another way that people use to commute and move around Tainan. For local and fast local trains, you can use your EasyCard or iPass to enter the station and board the train. For other train types, you need to buy a ticket (online or at the station). Feel free to ask station personnel for directions, they will be able to assist. (P.S. Taiwanese Train Bentos are really good, grab one if you see one!)
Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)
This is the fastest way to travel in Taiwan. The Tainan station of the HSR is quite far from downtown, and travelers would have to get there by bus or the local train.
Taxi/Uber/55688
For Taxi services, you can download the 55688 app to call for taxis. This works the same as the Uber app. The prices are basically the same.
Local Attractions
Anping Old Fort
安平古堡
The only remnant of the Dutch period is the southern brick wall outside the front gate of the Old Fort, covered in the tangled roots of old banyan trees, evidence of the nearly 400 years of Taijiang's history. In 1975, as part of the Tainan City Government's "sightseeing year" project, Anping Old Fort was repaired and its grounds extended.
Tainan Art Museum Building 2
台南市美術館2館
Jointly designed by architects Joe Shih and Shigeru Ban Architects, Tainan Art Museum Building 2 is the work of Pritzker Architecture Prize recipient.
Hayashi Department Store
原林百貨
The "five-story building" was built in 1932 during the Japanese Colonial Time. It was the largest old building in Tainan and opened for tours after refurbishment in 2013.
Unmissable Events
Yanshui Beehive Firecrackers
15th day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar (Lantern Festival) at Downtown Yanshui
Listed as one of the big three folk custom festivals in the world, Yanshui Beehive Firecrackers is one of Taiwan's most important religious events.
On the evening of the Lantern Festival, the deity palanquin is paraded around Yanshui. As it passes shops and homes, a large number of firecrackers are lit and fly in every direction! The people believe that the firecrackers end ill fortune, resolve difficulties, and bring good luck for the coming year.
Yuejin Harbor Lantern Festival
February-March at Yuejin Harbor Park
Held since 2010, the Yuejin Harbor Lantern Festival is combined with local attractions and customs and has a different theme every year, with domestic and foreign artists, designers, or student groups engaging in visual design
Tainan International Marathon
February-March at Anping District
The Tainan International Marathon is held in February or March annually. Different from other marathons, Tainan's is combined with the city's ancient sites and snacks.
The “Foodie City”
Beef soup - Tainan's classic flavor
The long queue for beef soup, a popular Tainan delicacy, begins in the early morning.
Milkfish – An authentic Tainan flavor from a local farm
When visiting the hometown of milkfish, Tainan, don't miss the freshness of milkfish, which goes well with any cooking method.
The long queue for beef soup, a popular Tainan delicacy, begins in the early morning.
Danzai noodles – A delicacy from the early days
The delicious Danzai noodles bring back memories of Tainan's noodle stalls in the early days, where the noodle sellers peddled their food while carrying their stalls, low stoves, and small bamboo stools on their carrying poles.