Chihkan Tower Tours

Chihkan Tower showing marine life
Spend some time at this 17th-century Dutch fort, known for its classical Chinese architecture, statues and picturesque gardens.

A witness to more than three centuries of history, Chihkan Tower is one of Tainan’s most famous buildings. The old structure is also known as Fort Provintia and within its grounds are statues, ponds and buildings of architectural beauty.

The fort was first constructed by the Dutch in 1653 and since then has passed through numerous owners, including the Ming and Qing dynasties and the Japanese. The two Chinese-style towers within the grounds were built over the original fort which was destroyed by an earthquake. As you make your way through the site, look for some of the original brick foundations.

Upon entering the grounds, stop to examine the Statue of the Compromise between Koxinga and the Dutch. This sculpture depicts the Dutch surrendering to the Chinese military leader Koxinga in the 17th century.

Go to the first tower, which is known as Haishen Temple. The 19th-century building stands on a site once occupied by Fort Provintia’s southwestern bastion. Outside you will see nine upright stone slabs, called steles. They were a gift to the city of Tainan by Emperor Qianlong who ruled China in the 18th century. Step inside the building for the exhibition dedicated to Koxinga and the original fort.

Browse the exhibition dedicated to the Qing civil service system inside the second tower, the Wenchang Pavilion. Climb the stairs to the second floor, which houses a shrine dedicated to Lord Kuixing. According to Chinese mythology, this deity was once a mortal who failed his civil service examinations. He is now said to oversee academic and career-related achievements.

Elsewhere, enjoy the manicured lawns, pond and waterfall. Observe the nine turtle statues carrying large tablets on their backs. The figures date back to the Qing Dynasty.

Chihkan Tower is situated in Tainan's West Central District. To get there, take the bus from Tainan’s main train station. The fort is open daily and there is an admission fee.

Plan a trip to see Chihkan Tower

Silks Club
Greet Inn
Hotel YAM LAGOM
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Chihkan Tower

Tie Dao Hotel
Tie Dao Hotel
2.5 out of 5
No. 2, Chenggong Road, Tainan
Tie Dao Hotel
Lakeshore Hotel Tainan
Lakeshore Hotel Tainan
4 out of 5
No. 269, Section 1, Yongfu Road, West Central District, Tainan
Lakeshore Hotel Tainan
U.I.J Hotel & Hostel
U.I.J Hotel & Hostel
4 out of 5
No.5, Ln.115, Youai St., West Central Dist., Tainan
U.I.J Hotel & Hostel
Shangri-La Far Eastern Tainan
Shangri-La Far Eastern Tainan
5 out of 5
89 Section West, University Road, Tainan
Shangri-La Far Eastern Tainan
FX Hotel Tainan MinSheng Road Branch
FX Hotel Tainan MinSheng Road Branch
4 out of 5
8F., No.76, Sec. 2, Minsheng Rd., West Central Dist., Tainan
FX Hotel Tainan MinSheng Road Branch
Silks Place Tainan
Silks Place Tainan
4.5 out of 5
No 1 Heyi Rd, West Central Dist, Tainan
Silks Place Tainan
LIHO Hotel - Tainan
LIHO Hotel - Tainan
3 out of 5
8F, No 145, Sec 2, Zhongyi Rd., Tainan
LIHO Hotel - Tainan
Provintia Hotel
Provintia Hotel
4 out of 5
202 ChengKong Road, Tainan
Provintia Hotel
City Place Hotel
City Place Hotel
3.5 out of 5
No.132, Sec. 2, Zhongyi Rd., West Central Dist., Tainan
City Place Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.