Tainan’s Historic Fort Provintia – Chikan Tower

Chikan Tower, also known as the ‘Red Hair Tower’, has withstood the test of time for over 300 years and […]

Chikan Tower, also known as the ‘Red Hair Tower’, has withstood the test of time for over 300 years and stands as a witness to the historical evolution of Tainan. Its architectural style has evolved from a Dutch fortress to traditional Chinese architecture. Today, it is not only an open-air museum but also a renowned historical site and a spiritual symbol of Tainan.
The Chikan Tower complex includes the Hai Shen Temple to the south and the Wen Chang Pavilion to the north, both featuring red-tiled roofs and upturned eaves, characteristic of traditional Chinese architecture. The pavilion with the ‘Chikan Tower’ plaque is the Hai Shen Temple, which houses historical and cultural materials related to Chikan Tower. Behind the Hai Shen Temple, there are two bottle-shaped doorways, symbolizing ‘safety’.

After visiting the Hai Shen Temple, one arrives at the Wen Chang Pavilion to the north, a structure built during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. It now enshrines Wen Chang Di, the god of examinations, and on the second floor, Kui Xing Ye, one of the Five Wen Chang, is worshipped as the god of examinations in the imperial era.

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Behind the Wen Chang Pavilion, one finds the remains of the Fort Provintia, a historical relic of significant value within the Chikan Tower complex. Surrounding Chikan Tower, there are other historical sites such as the Si Dian Wu Temple and the Da Tian Hou Palace, making the area akin to an ancient city museum, worth exploring together.

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The commercial area around Chikan Tower is bustling, and the local cuisine is equally impressive. You can enjoy winter melon tea at Yi Feng or indulge in a bowl of Dan Zai noodles, Tainan’s signature braised pork rice, oolong noodles, or shrimp rice at Du Xiao Yue. The Chikan Tower is open all year round from 08:30 to 21:30, with specific business hours subject to daily operations.

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