Cultural Heritage Tour

In the 18th century, Madou was a lagoon port. As the lagoon silted up into fertile soil, Han settlers in the Qing dynasty began growing sugarcane and introduced pomelo cultivation, establishing Madou as the home of the famous Wendan pomelo. The Japanese-era Tsung-Yeh Sugar Refinery preserves cane-hauling locomotives, stone sugar-pressing rollers, a complex of Japanese-style buildings, and century-old camphor trees. In late summer and autumn, the annual Madou Pomelo Festival is another highlight well worth experiencing.

During the Kingdom of Tungning, military and civil officials recruited tenant farmers to clear and cultivate this land. Situated at Tainan's geographical center, Guantian contains numerous artificial lakes, the largest being Coral Lake (Wushantou Reservoir) designed by Yoichi Hatta. Its unique structure creates the "Coral Flying Fountains," one of Tainan's Eight Scenic Views. As Taiwan's largest water caltrop growing area, local farmers are said to have grown the crop in ponds since the Qing period. At harvest time, workers sit in small wooden boats on the water, inspiring the familiar folk song "Harvesting Red Caltrops." The scene of drifting boats amid the fragrance of water caltrops is recognized as one of the Eight Scenic Views of New Nanying.

Jiali District was historically known as "Soulangh," an indigenous Siraya term meaning "Place of Covenant." Serving as the hub of the six districts of the Beimen region, its flat, fertile plains yield abundant produce, most notably burdock. Jiali's heritage architecture is equally captivating. The district boasts two designated municipal monuments—Jintang Temple and Zhenxing Temple—along with four registered historic buildings. The Koji pottery and Cut-and-Paste (Jiannian) works preserved in these temples hold high cultural and historical value, making Jiali an exceptional destination for in-depth cultural exploration.

In the 17th century, Xigang was an inland sea trading port. Flooding along the Zengwen River eventually deposited thick layers of silt that turned waterways into arable fields, leaving behind coastal memories and cultural sites. Xigang Qing'an Temple has more than 300 years of history. Its Xigang Xiang religious festival has continued uninterrupted for more than two centuries; recognized as one of Tainan's Five Great Incense Festivals and acclaimed as "Taiwan's Foremost Incense Festival," it is a nationally designated Important Folk Custom. Xigang is also renowned for sesame; to learn more about the local sesame industry, the "Aunt Sesame Story House" is a must-visit!