For the Fire Department, "water" is an indispensable and crucial element in their work. For Tainan, water solidified the city’s historical significance. The artwork represents the protective essence of water, depicting a cascade of flowing water descending from the fire department's roof. City memories surface in tandem with this flow, adorned with bold, vivid colors enhanced by nighttime lighting effects. This installation serves as the inaugural landmark for the "Gateway of Joy and Harmony" route.

The Zheng Ancestral Temple (鄭成功祖廟)was built in 1663 by Zheng Jing, oldest son of Koxinga. It enshrines his father Koxinga and mother Concubine Dong. In recent years the outer wall has been removed, taking away the barrier between the path and road, allowing easier access for tourists. This shrine is another important place for learning about Koxinga in Tainan aside from Koxinga Shrine. The Main Hall enshrines Koxinga’s ancestors in China and overseas and his wife’s spirit tablet. Inside the shrine, god statues, the old building interior, ancient well and large number of old photographs take the tourists back to the days when the Zheng family ruled over Taiwan. It is a treasure chest of Taiwanese history.

Every year on January 9th, on the birthday of the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝), a trip to Tiangong Temple (天公廟) has become a ritual adhered to by many Tainan residents. Crowds of people follow a path inside the temple running from the Ying Liaoli Pavilion (鶯料理亭) to the front of the Meteorological Building (氣象館) on Gongyuan Road (公園路). The Temple of Heaven (Tiangong Temple) was built in 1854, and according to legend was established in honor of Koxinga (鄭成功). The modern external appearance of the temple is borne out of being repeatedly rebuilt and transformed, but the interior of the temple still retains many of its precious cultural relics. The old stone carvings of auspicious Chinese characters on the left and right walls inside the temple, as well as the pair of granite coiled dragon pillars inside the palace hall, both date back to 1855. The temple also features many plaques which are many decades old, one of which features “a single stroke” which is the most noted of the “famous three” plaques. It means “Whatever the human minds intend, the Gods decide the end,” expressing great respect for the heavenly Gods.

Chen De-Jiu Family Hall(陳德聚堂) was built in 1644. It is now the largest Chen family ancestral hall in Taiwan and currently houses the Tainan Guide Association. Although more than 300 years old, the Hall is well-preserved. It has a fine mural by master Chen Yu-feng and, like many temples, it has a “Han Fan House Carrier” (statue holding up the roof,) a traditional decoration; however, closer inspection will show that the beam it supports is very different; follow it outside and you will find it is actually a water pipe through which the rain flows out and then is discharged at the dragon head on the roof. Be sure to observe this beautiful architectural design. It is a small place you must take a close look when you come here.

Four centuries ago, the Chikan area thrived as a bustling commercial hub, extending from Zhongyi Road in the east to Ximen Road, Gonghou Street in the west, Chenggong Road in the north and Minsheng Road in the south. Local residents collectively initiated the establishment of the Chikanfriends Shopping District Development Association to revitalize the area's past glory.

Many people’s impression of Si Dian Wu Temple(祀典武廟) is its Double Saddle Roof and red wall. It is one of the finest temples of Tainan. Built around 1665, it was the earliest Guan Di Temple(關帝廟)and one of the government sacrificial rites temples built at the time. It enshrines the awe-inspiring Guan Sheng Di Jun (關聖帝君). One thing that should not be missed when visiting the temple is the plaque with Da Zhang Fu (man of character) on it presented by magistrate Yang Ting-lin 1791. The three simple characters fully express the image of Guan Gong in people’s minds. The temple attracts many worshippers and has a number of popular gods, one being the God of Marriage, Yue Lao. The Yue Lao in Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple can be said to be the most popular in Tainan. As well as praying in person for marriage predestined by fate, in Yue Lao Temple there is a mail box that receives express mail praying for marriage sent to Yue Lao. It is said he has shown his powers on many occasions. Foreigners can also often be seen sincerely worshipping Yue Lao.

The "Safe Zone" art installation represents the historical significance of a defensive gate structure known as "Aimen” (隘門) in the Qing Dynasty Han Chinese settlements, erected to guard against theft and undesirable elements. Through the design of this artistic installation, it aims to guide the public to rediscover the era's memories spanning a century. SAFE ZONE epitomizes the essential role of Aimen – protection, transformed with modern touches such as neon light strips, bringing a renewed brilliance of color and light to this alley and historical site!

Grand Mazu Temple was originally the Prince Ning Jing‘s Mansion(寧靖王朱術桂府邸). In 1683 Shi Lang led his army across the sea to Taiwan and defeated Zheng Ke-shuang. Afterwards, in order to win the hearts of the people, the Qing court converted the Ning Jing Mansion into a temple worshipping Mazu. It was the first government-established Matsu temple in Taiwan. Upon entering the temple, you can see a huge golden Mazu statue, with Gods of Clairvoyance and Clairaudience The rear hall worships Yue Lao, God of Marriage, so single men and women often come here to pray by putting powder and red lines on the body. The powder can attract fate, and reportedly many matches have already been made. Some have even come from Japan to Taiwan to pray to the shrine and then found a beauty to take back home with them! Yet another legend of Datianhou.

It is said that Tainan is shaped like a phoenix, which is why it was nicknamed phoenix city. As Puji Temple(普濟殿) is located at the center of the fengshui bagua (eight divinatory trigrams) net, to prevent the phoenix that brought the city prosperity from flying away, Puji Temple and the bagua net shaped streets around it were built. Puji Temple has become well-known in the last few years, the reason being its creative painted lanterns, introduced for the first time at Chinese New Year in 2014. Thousands of painted lanterns are neatly hung in the temple square and even extend onto Kuohua Street, giving a pleasant surprise to passing visitors and locals. The warm light emitted by the lanterns by night lets visitors feel the warmth of family reunions at Chinese New Year, winning much praise.

Shennong Street (神農街) was the entrance to the Tainan Five Channels area important river ports from the Qing Dynasty. Merchants at the time would all enter Tainan through this street, making it the busiest district. However, a century of evolution has transformed the original river port into a city road. While the street was formerly in decline due to being old-fashioned and outdated, it has become a hub of culture creation and art distribution in recent years, and it’s now a mecca for young art enthusiasts in Tainan. The shops on both sides of the street are all packed with various handmade product designs. To preserve their original ideas, many of the shopkeepers prohibit photography, so please be mindful of the shop's rules. All of the shops on the street are definitely worth a look, so don't just walk down the street, and be sure to check out every store.

Known as “Taiwan’s first temple,”Xiluo Temple is an extremely important temple in the Five Channels area. It was built by a man surnamed Kuo during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty in 1718. Enshrining GuangZeZun Wang (Guangze King) (廣澤尊王), it has a long history and attracts many worshippers. The temple houses many precious plaques, such as En You Quan Tai(Blessing all of Taiwan;恩祐全台)presented by the Xianfeng Emperor and Bao An Tian Xia (Protect the nation;保安天下), one presented by the Guangxu Emperor, another by President Chiang Ching-kuo. Xiluo maintains the century-old tradition of welcoming Tai Wang (GuangZeZun Wang; 廣澤尊王） and En Ma (Miao Ying Xian Fei; 妙應仙妃) every three years. The god palanquins are carried in and out of the water in a branch channel of Anping Harbor near Lin Mo-niang Park to show the power of the god when crossing the Taiwan Strait.

In the ancient topography of Tainan, the city resembles a half moon sinking into the Taijiang Inner Sea, earning the historical moniker "Half-Moon Sinking into the River" (半月沉江). The design of this space echoes this concept with the central theme of the "moon." The lights embedded in the walls create a ripple effect reminiscent of water waves, adapting to shifts in time and scenery. This serves as a guide for the public, leading them to rediscover the hydrological memories and historical scenery embedded in this location!

he Taiwanfu Cheng Huang (City God) Temple (臺灣府城隍廟) is a Taoist temple dedicated to Cheng Huang (City God), and is located on Qingnian Road (青年路) in West Central district (中西區). It is a nationally designated historical site as well as a famous example of a Taiwanese Cheng Huang (City God) Temple. In 1669, the temple was built in the Dong An Fang (東安坊) e area. This is Taiwan’s oldest Cheng Huang (City God) Temple, and in the main hall of the temple is a large abacus, which was offered as a gift by believer Chen Jiangshan (陳江山) in 1937. Inscribed at the top of the abacus frame are the six characters(臺灣府城隍廟) which translate as “Taiwan Cheng Huang (City God)” Temple”, and at the bottom of the frame are the characters丁丑年陳江山奉獻, which translate as “donated in 1937 by Chen Jiangshan”. On the left and right are inscriptions which encourage people to be responsible for their actions since the gods are fair, and which symbolize the idea that Cheng Huang Ye (City God) uses the abacus to calculate people’s good and bad deeds. Inside the temple is another of the “famous three” plaques, this one being inscribed with the characters 爾來了 meaning “your turn finally” and which symbolizes the majestic authority of Cheng Huang Ye (City God).

Records of Taiwan County," it is mentioned: "Qingshui Temple: Located in Dong'an Fang. Established during the Kangxi era, it was renovated by local residents, including Chen Sunhui, in the fifty-sixth year of the reign of Qianlong." Having undergone multiple renovations, Qingshui Temple was reconstructed and completed in its present grandeur in 2011. Originally, the temple was dedicated to Qingshui Zushi (Master Qingshui), but it is said that during a heavy rain in the Qianlong era, a statue of Guanyin drifted into the nearby Gouzaidi area. Consequently, the main deity was changed to Guanyin, and Qingshui Zushi became a co-deity Flanking the Qingshui Temple are two century-old banyan trees, recognized by the Tainan City Government as precious natural resources. Beneath one of these trees lies an ancient well. According to legend, during a year when a plague raged in the city, devotees gathered at Qingshui Temple, entreating the intervention of Qingshui Zushi. The deity instructed them to "fetch water from the well," resulting in the salvation of many from the epidemic. Consequently, the well became known as the "Peace Well."

Youhangwei Fude Temple, constructed in the year 1665, was located on its original site from its establishment until the Japanese colonial era. It was only in 1905 that the local elders gathered funds to relocate the temple to its current location. The main deity worshipped in the temple is Fude Zhengshen (Earth God of Wealth and Merit). Additionally, the temple houses the unique gold sculpture of "Shi Lang - General Shi," the only one of its kind in Taiwan. In 1986, it was indicated during a divine revelation: the Fude Zhengshen commemorated in this temple is believed to have been brought across the sea to Tainan by none other than General Shi Lang in 1665 and was eventually enshrined in Youhangwei. While the details of this legend are no longer verifiable, worshippers continue to hold a respectful and devout attitude, honoring the deities with reverence.

Founded in the Yongli era of the Ming Dynasty, Liuhejing Magong Temple underwent several transformations throughout its history. Initially dedicated to Mawangye (Heavenly Swift Star in the Twenty-Eight Mansions), the temple later shifted its focus to the worship of General Ma Yuan, a deity associated with navigation and pioneering. Some also speculate that the temple honors Magong Ye, a follower of the revered Kai Zhang Sheng Wang (Duke Chen). Spanning the Qing Dynasty, Japanese colonial rule and up to today, the temple experienced numerous renovations, leading to its present appearance. Inside the temple, there are numerous plaques, including the "Eternal Hero" (英靈千古) from the 30th year of the Daoguang era, the "Observing its Sentiments" (觀其所感) from the 44th year of the Qianlong era, the "Protecting the Country and Blessing the People" (護國庇民) from the 4th year of the Xianfeng era and the "Commander Huang Yingxian's Offering – Suppressing the Southern Territories" (威震南疆) presented in the 6th year of the Xianfeng era. This indicates that despite the temple's relatively new appearance, its history is profoundly rich.

When visiting the Confucian temple (孔廟) area, taking a stroll around the sights and sounds of Fuzhong Street (府中街) should not be overlooked. Try one of the famous fried instant noodle shops from within the brimming alley and from where you can also smell the incense that wafts from the nearby temple. This temple is the Yonghua Temple (永華宮), dedicated to the the GuangzeZunwang (Guangze King), and was originally a place that enshrined General Chen yonghua (陳永華). After the death of General Chen Yonghua, the people began to recall fondly the contributions that he made towards Taiwanese culture and education, and the name of the temple was changed to the Yonghua Temple is his honor. Within the temple are numerous texts and objects of cultural significance related to offering sacrifices to the gods or ancestors, as well as delicate mural paintings which vividly illustrate the elevation to deity status of GuangzeZunwang; a legendary tale which is still discussed enthusiastically even in the present day. There is a close relationship between the Yonghua Temple and Fuzhong Street, and at the temple entrance there are frequently religious ceremonies, tourist activities, or games being held, making the area a real focal point of the local community. Leading people to solve riddles nearby the Confucius Temple, and the sensory experience of leaving the alleyway in front of the temple and entering into the narrow gate is worth experiencing for oneself.

Baoxi Daitian Temple, also known as Da Ren Temple, primarily worships the three city lords, Zhu, Chi, and Li Qiansui. Constructed during the Ming Yongli era, it is the earliest and largest temple in Tainan City, serving as the main temple of the ancient "Baoxi Neighborhood” (保西里) and overseeing five neighborhoods under "Baobao Village.” (八保庄). It is one of the three major temples along the South-Cross Line (Longci, Guangmiao, Guiren, and Rende Districts), along with Guanmiao Shanxi Temple and Guiren Renshou Temple, maintaining historical connections. When one temple holds a religious Jiao festival (建醮), the other two major boundary temples must provide support in a coordinated manner. This practice constructs the meaning of a spiritual circle and a shared community of life along the South-Cross Line. The inaugural Wang Jiao (the kings' ceremony) of Da Ren Temple started in 1925 and has been held parodically. With six occurrences to date, spanning nearly a century, its grand scale strongly reflects the regional characteristics of the local Wang Jiao culture and has been recognized as a key local cultural heritage.

The Rensho Temple enshrines Dadao Gong and Taiziyeh. It is said that the temple worshipping Baoai Dadi was built in the Kingdom of Tungnin about 300 years ago. To pray for peace and success of the voyage, Jiu-shan WU, a subordinate of Cheng-kung ZHENG, requested for an authentic statue of Baoshan Dadi from Tongan County, Fujian Province, for worshipping on the voyage. The statue was originally worshipped at Wu’s residence. As the deity was extremely spiritual and powerful, locals built a temple to enshrine the deity in remembrance of his miracles and protection. After improvements in different eras, it gets the scale we see today.

Shanxi Temple dates back to the time of Koxinga in the Ming Dynasty (1628~1683). It took on its current appearance after being rebuilt a number of times over the years. The temple has a solid north China architectural style, a large square and magnificent arch, and features paintings by famed temple painter Pan Li-shui. The jianjiao sacrificial ceremony held every 12 years is its biggest ceremony. The temple has attracted much attention in recent years after Major League Baseball pitcher Wang Chien-ming, a native of Guanmiao, worshipped there. The temple has quite a few cuttings and signboards relating to the baseball star on display.