The first of three long weekends had just begun - and what better way to start it than… a trip to the dentist! 😅
Yes, we drove all the way to Tainan because we still haven’t changed our dentist, even though we moved out 3.5 years ago. Loyalty or laziness? I’ll let you decide.
But this trip wasn’t just about polishing teeth - we also had a mission. Our friends, who recently moved out of Zhunan (preparing to go abroad), temporarily staying at the friend's mother's place. But when the time came to move out, they realized they couldn’t fit all their stuff. So of course, we helped store some of it.
Fast forward one month, and here we were, meeting again - this time really, truly, absolutely the last goodbye. (We’ve already had four rounds of farewells this past half year - every time their plans changed, we got another goodbye. 😂)
Checking in: Aloft Hotel, Anping
We arrived in Anping on Friday night and stayed at Aloft Hotel. Honestly, I really liked it - spacious room, great harbor view, and quiet surroundings… well, quiet until bedtime.
The bed was so bouncy that every tiny movement felt like being on a trampoline. If one person turned over, the whole bed bounced! Impossible to sleep - except for our son, who was happily dreaming away, completely unbothered. Lucky kid. 😴
Morning in Anping
The next morning, we realized there weren’t many breakfast options nearby, so we ended up at Dan Dan Hamburger - a southern Taiwan classic. Nothing fancy, but it hits the spot!
After breakfast, we went to play in the nearby park while waiting for our friends. The park is right next to Anping Fisherman’s Wharf, where a special event was happening - an exhibition of paper capybaras and giant inflatable ones, including one enormous 12-meter-tall capybara floating on the water!
It was hot — really hot — but I actually loved it. I think I was the only one enjoying the sunshine while everyone else hid in the shade.
My plan was to explore Anping Fort and the Eternal Golden Castle, maybe shoot some video for my YouTube channel since it’s so rare for us to visit Tainan. But… that didn’t happen.
We ended up staying in the park the whole day. So yes, no new travel video this time — which honestly made me a bit sad. But spending time with friends before they head to the U.S. was still special. Who knows when we’ll see each other again — or if we ever will.
Back to Family Time
After the dentist appointment, we hit the road again — this time to Yunlin, to stay at my husband’s parents’ house for the rest of the weekend. A perfect mix of errands, friends, sunshine, and family time — all packed into one long weekend.
Not every trip goes as planned, and sometimes it’s less about sightseeing and more about the people you meet (and say goodbye to… again and again 😅). Still, it felt good to be back in Tainan, even for a short while — bouncy beds, blazing sun, capybaras and all.
This time, we decided to head south and stopped in the small town of Houbi in Tainan, right on the border with Chiayi. What I thought would be a quiet, lesser-known spot turned out to be a bustling garden filled with people, tour buses, and a bit of a challenge finding parking. The parking lot itself is quite large, but there were cars parked along the roads for hundreds of meters. No surprise, though, as the weather was perfect for a day of sightseeing.
A Floral Wonderland at Arwin Therapy Garden
Arwin Therapy Garden in Houbi is open every day from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. While many people come here to shop for cosmetics, others visit to enjoy the stunning roses that bloom beautifully during this time of year.
Spanning nearly 15,000 pings (about 49,500 square meters), the garden offers a variety of themed experiences. You'll find the symmetrically designed French Rose Garden, the peaceful English Chakra Herb Garden, and a lush, Amazon-like tropical rainforest zone. Throughout the park, there are also a variety of handcrafted cement art installations showcasing iconic designs.
Inside, you can explore the exhibition hall, where technology meets culture with interactive learning opportunities. You can also listen to guided explanations from friendly staff and discover premium beauty products designed to enhance your skincare routine.
You could easily spend an hour here just enjoying the flowers. There’s also a small, picturesque pond that adds to the charm of the place. This attraction, which opened last year, has drawn many visitors since its soft opening in early February. After undergoing a month-long renovation, it officially reopened on April 20th.
Not only is admission completely free, but the park also features four themed areas, each highlighting the beauty of roses in different styles. With plenty of must-see attractions, it's the perfect destination for flower lovers and photography enthusiasts who want to spend the day capturing stunning moments.
Hidden among the roses, you'll find a collection of miniature European-style houses, handcrafted by renowned Japanese artisan Kato Takayuki. These tiny buildings replicate famous European landmarks, such as: Mont Saint-Michel (France), Provence Cottages (Southern France), English Countryside Houses.
This charming “Miniature European Village” will make you feel like you've stepped right into a fairy tale world.
If you need a break from the sun, head to the Arwin Tourist Factory, an indoor shopping area offering fragrances, handmade soaps, and skincare products from the Arwin brand. It’s a great spot to pick up souvenirs or self-care products!
Behind the tourist factory, you’ll find a life-size replica of Shakespeare’s Wife’s Cottage, the only one of its kind in Taiwan! This charming European-style cottage now serves as a retail shop and is also a wonderful spot for photos.
Houbi’s Arwin Therapy Garden turned out to be a wonderful discovery, a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural elements, and a touch of European charm. If you love flowers, unique architecture, and relaxing walks, this is definitely a must-visit spot in Tainan.
That’s all for this adventure! Hope you enjoyed this little tour. Stay tuned for more travels and discoveries, let’s see where the road takes us next!
It just so happened that we found ourselves back in Tainan, and to my delight, Christmas decorations were already set up in front of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Store. I haven't seen any other shopping malls quite ready for Christmas yet, but this one is always the most beautifully decorated, bringing so much joy to my heart.
Since we were already in the area, we decided to check out Blueprint Creative Park and the Tainan Judicial Museum. The museum visit took longer than expected - it's actually quite spacious inside! The volunteers there are incredibly friendly, and we even met one who, coincidentally, comes from my husband's hometown. Not just the same town, but even the same street! He had moved to Tainan about 20 years ago. Lucky him, I thought - I wish I could (once again) live in Tainan.
Living up north now, the thing I miss the most is the food and the warm weather. Just recently, Miaoli had strong winds and temperatures dropped to around 13°C, making people break out their winter jackets. But in Tainan, we were greeted with a balmy 30°C, and I happily wore shorts once again. It's amazing how a 200 km distance can make such a huge difference in Taiwan's climate.
Even though we lived in Tainan before and have passed by these attractions many times, we never visited them until now. That’s the thing about Tainan - it’s easy to get swept up in its rich history and vibrant culture, and there’s always something new to discover. Honestly, one day is never enough to truly experience everything this city has to offer.
At the Judicial Museum, I even received a birthday gift! In November, they had a special offer: if you show your ID at the gift shop and your birthday falls within the month, you get a small present. I was delighted to receive some cookies. Somehow, everything in Tainan makes me happy - maybe it’s the warm weather or the friendly people, but it definitely feels like a world apart from living up north.
For a closer look at the festive Christmas decorations, check out my separate post LINK
Tainan District Court (臺南地方法院)
Built in 1914 during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, the Tainan District Court was designed to serve as a major judicial office in southern Taiwan. At the time, Taiwan’s legal system was undergoing significant changes, shifting from traditional local governance to a more modern court system modeled after Japan's legal structure. The court was part of the larger effort to modernize Taiwan's judicial system, which included establishing local, appellate, and high courts.
Interestingly, the original location of the court was at the former site of Qing Dynasty government offices, specifically the Wanshou Palace and the Confucian Temple area. However, due to growing demands for a more suitable space, the Japanese authorities decided to build a new courthouse. The chosen site was once the residence of historian Lian Heng, making it a place rich in local heritage.
Architecture
The Tainan District Court building is a striking example of Western classical architecture infused with local elements. Designed by architects from the Japanese Governor-General’s Office, it features a blend of neoclassical and Baroque styles, which were popular during the early 20th century. The main structure is built with red bricks and has a distinctive asymmetrical design that sets it apart from other buildings of that era.
The court's most iconic feature is its grand facade with towering columns, a Baroque-style dome, and an intricate pediment. The interior is just as impressive, with a spacious lobby adorned with twelve classical columns, elaborate woodwork, and a central dome with a skylight that bathes the room in natural light. The building was constructed using the finest materials available at the time, making it a symbol of Tainan’s status as a key administrative center.
A Museum of Judicial History
The Tainan District Court is not only significant for its architecture but also for the pivotal events that took place within its walls. One of the most notable events was the trial of Yu Qingfang and his associates in 1915, following the Xilai An Incident (西來庵事件), an anti-Japanese uprising led by Taiwanese locals. The courtroom where the trial was held became a symbol of colonial rule and resistance, marking a poignant chapter in Taiwan’s fight for justice.
During the later years of the Japanese occupation, as the court’s jurisdiction expanded, it established branches in Chiayi and Kaohsiung to accommodate the growing need for judicial services.
After World War II, the court was handed over to the Kuomintang government, which renamed it the Tainan District Court (臺灣臺南地方法院). Despite the changes in administration, the building remained a vital part of Taiwan's judicial landscape. However, by the late 20th century, the old courthouse had become too small and outdated for modern legal proceedings.
In 2001, the court moved to a new, modern facility in Anping District, allowing the historic building to be preserved as a museum. The old courthouse underwent extensive restoration from 2009 to 2016, led by a team of architects dedicated to maintaining its original charm while updating it for public use.
In recognition of its historical significance, the Tainan District Court was designated a National Historic Site by Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior in 1991. Later, it was converted into the Judicial Museum in 2016. This transformation was part of a larger effort to preserve Taiwan's colonial-era architecture and educate the public about the country's legal history.
Visiting the Museum
Visitors to the Judicial Museum can explore exhibits that showcase Taiwan's judicial development, including rare historical documents, old court verdicts, and artifacts that provide a glimpse into the island’s legal past. The museum also hosts special exhibitions on topics like the evolution of Taiwan’s legal system, landmark court cases, and the role of law in society. It's a great spot for anyone interested in the intersection of history, law, and architecture.
One of the highlights at the Judicial Museum is the interactive courtroom exhibit. You can dress up in historical costumes, like a judge or prosecutor from past eras, making it a fun, immersive experience.
There’s also a detention room where you can snap some hilarious photos. They’ve put up funny crime boards with playful labels like “Too Handsome”, ”Three Treasures” or “Love Scammer,” among many others. It’s a lighthearted twist on the serious atmosphere, adding a bit of humor to your visit!
Tickets: Free
Opening Time: Tuesday to Sunday, 9AM - 5PM
Guided Tours: Free guided tours are available to introduce visitors to the building. Groups of up to 10 people can access the catwalk beneath the roof.
Exhibits: Ancient legal documents, early verdicts, historical uniforms worn by judges and lawyers.
Special Exhibitions: The museum frequently hosts themed exhibitions, which delve deeper into specific aspects of Taiwan’s judicial history.
Cookies as a Birthday gift
Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park (藍晒圖文創園區)
If you ever find yourself exploring Tainan, one destination you shouldn’t miss is the Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park. Opened on December 12, 2015, this charming cultural park offers a unique blend of art, history, and creativity. Despite its modest size, it’s packed with experiences that will delight art enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
What is a Blueprint?
In traditional engineering, a blueprint (藍圖) is a detailed technical drawing, typically used in construction and design projects. These plans are characterized by their iconic blue background and crisp white lines. Created through a special photo-reproductive process, blueprints are durable, easy to replicate, and resistant to fading.
However, in the Chinese language, the term "藍圖" has a more poetic connotation—it’s often used metaphorically to represent a vision, dream, or strategic plan for the future. This dual meaning is beautifully embodied in the park’s concept, blending the literal and symbolic uses of blueprints to inspire creativity.
The Origins of Blueprint Park
The story of Blueprint Park began with an iconic piece of street art by architect Liu Guo-Tsang (劉國滄) in 2004. His artwork, titled “The Ruins Blueprint” (殘屋藍圖), transformed an old wall on Haian Road into a striking blue visual that resembled the architectural plans of a traditional house. This piece quickly became a beloved photo spot for both locals and tourists, adding to Tainan’s vibrant urban art scene.
Sadly, in February 2014, the wall was reclaimed by its owner, and the artwork was painted over. In a bid to preserve this iconic piece, the Tainan City Government invited Liu Guo-Tsang to recreate his masterpiece at a new location. By December 5, 2014, a new 3D blueprint installation was unveiled, laying the foundation for what would become the Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park.
Blueprint Park has repurposed old dormitory buildings, turning them into a lively cultural hub. Here’s what you can expect:
Here, you can browse through stalls featuring local artists, handmade crafts, and unique souvenirs. There are rotating displays of contemporary and traditional art, celebrating both local talent and global influences. After a day of exploring, unwind at one of the cozy cafes or eateries. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a leisurely meal, there's something for everyone.
Hi! I'm Żaneta, a Polish girl living in Taiwan :) I love cooking and baking. I have both a travel blog and a cooking blog, as well as a YouTube channel. You're welcome to find me on my social media - feel free to ask questions or just chat! ~
