Tainan City is the oldest city in Taiwan, beginning as a settlement area for Chinese immigrants.  In 1624 the city was colonized by the Dutch as a trading post, but was returned to Taiwan in 1661.  Tainan City was the capital of Taiwan up until 1887 with the invasion of the Qing Dynasty.  Known as “the Phoenix City,” Tainan City is governed as a provincial city in the Taiwan Province in the Republic of China.

Sister City History

Tainan City and Columbus officially became sister cities in 1980, in order to facilitate exchanges in the education systems, the government services, and the sports industries between the two cities.

Economy

The economy of Tainan City is based on education, tourism with its coastline and beach resorts, ecotourism, fisheries and agriculture, and manufacturing.  The city is in the process of creating an industrial park for the expansion of its businesses.

Education

Tainan City is an educational center in Taiwan, as it is home to National Cheng Kung University; the National University of Tainan; Cheng Jung Christian University; Leader University; and Hsing Kuo University.

Culture

Tainan City is one of Taiwan’s Cultural Capitals, with its rich history and traditions.  It has the most Buddhist and Taoist temples of any city in Taiwan, and it takes great pride in its natural resources.  During the spring, the Flame Trees bloom, revealing bright red flowers, corresponding to the city’s nickname, “The Phoenix City.”  Tainan is also home to the Uni-President Lions, a professional Taiwanese baseball team.