Recommended for Your Tainan Trip! Souvenir Shopping Filled with History and Culture
Tainan, an ancient capital often dubbed Taiwan’s Kyoto, is renowned for its historic buildings and exquisite local cuisine. However, it’s also an incredibly charming city for souvenir hunting. From venerable old shops nestled in nostalgic alleyways to stylish department stores housed in renovated retro buildings, Tainan boasts numerous spots that captivate the hearts of travelers.
This time, we’ll focus on the shopping category, presenting a carefully selected list of famous stores you absolutely must visit in Tainan and the recommended local items you can only find there. We’ll also provide practical information, including typical local prices and important shopping tips.
Hayashi Department Store
📍 Address: No. 63號, Section 2, Zhongyi Rd, Nanmei Village, West Central District, Tainan City, 台湾 700
Opened in 1932 (Showa 7th year), the ‘Hayashi Department Store’ is a landmark representing Tainan, retaining its modern appearance from that era. After its renovation and reopening in 2014, it now thrives as a treasure trove of sophisticated Taiwanese goods and specialty products, attracting numerous travelers. The building itself is like a grand work of art, with deep historical highlights such as the exterior walls bearing bullet marks from World War II and the Suehiro Shrine on the rooftop, allowing visitors to feel the weight of history.
The retro needle-type elevator, which remains in its original form, is so popular that there’s always a queue. Inside, you’ll find high-quality Taiwanese teas, pineapple cakes, adorable Taiwanese crafts, and Hayashi Department Store’s original canvas bags. While prices might be a bit higher, the quality of the products is assured. You could easily lose track of time exploring each floor. We also recommend relaxing at the top-floor cafe, enjoying the panoramic views of Tainan’s cityscape.
Wutiaogang Xinghao (五条港行号)
📍 Address: 700 台湾 Tainan City, West Central District, Yaowang Village, 神農街79號
Located on ‘Shennong Street’, which exudes the most nostalgic atmosphere in Tainan, ‘Wutiaogang Xinghao’ is a雑貨店 (general store). Its charming interior, making good use of an old house, is packed with pop and cute Taiwanese-style goods. A notable feature is its abundance of affordable items, perfect for travelers looking for small gifts or souvenirs to distribute.
Particularly popular are masking tapes with retro illustrations and clear files printed with maps of Taiwan. Also, the ‘drink holder (tote pouch)’ – commonly seen on the streets of Taiwan for carrying takeout drinks – is highly practical and makes for an excellent personal souvenir. Why not drop by while enjoying the enchanting scenery of Shennong Street at sunset?
Liandede Senbei (連得堂煎餅)
📍 Address: No. 54號, Chongan St, Beihua Village, North District, Tainan City, 台湾 704
Established around 1905, ‘Liandede Senbei’ is a long-standing specialty store for handmade senbei crackers, quietly tucked away in a Tainan alley. As you approach the shop, a fragrant, sweet aroma wafts from an old baking machine, said to have been in use since its founding, accompanied by a clanking sound. This flavor, now passed down to the fourth-generation owner, enjoys enduring popularity among locals and tourists alike.
Their specialties are ‘Miso Senbei’ and ‘Jidan (Egg) Senbei’. Astonishingly, all crackers are handmade, meaning production can’t keep up with demand, leading to a strict rule of ‘up to 2 bags per person’ (peanut and sesame flavors require reservations months in advance). The Miso Senbei isn’t overly strong in miso flavor; it’s subtly sweet and savory with a satisfyingly firm chew that’s highly addictive. Since they often sell out by noon, arriving right after opening is crucial if you want to secure your purchase.
Jen Fatz Tea House (振発茶行)
📍 Address: No. 137號, Section 1, Minquan Rd, Yonghua Village, West Central District, Tainan City, 台湾 700
‘Jen Fatz Tea House’ is said to be Tainan’s oldest tea merchant, established in 1860. It’s a renowned shop that even supplies tea leaves to Hayashi Department Store. Inside, old tea canisters evoke a sense of history, and the square paper-wrapped packages, each hand-stamped with a seal used for over 150 years, possess a retro warmth, making them perfect as special souvenirs.
While communication in Japanese might be challenging, the owner will patiently explain tea types, fermentation levels, and brewing methods using English and gestures. They offer a wide range, from affordable Oolong tea to high-grade High Mountain Tea. If you’re serious about finding delicious Taiwanese tea, the shopping tip is to clearly convey your preferences (such as aroma and fermentation level) and ask for recommendations on slightly higher-grade tea leaves.
Jinfu Dawen Peanut Brittle (進福大湾花生糖 赤崁店)
📍 Address: No. 327號, Section 2, Minzu Rd, Nanmei Village, West Central District, Tainan City, 台湾 700
‘Jinfu Dawen Peanut Brittle’ is a shop located directly opposite Chikan Tower, Tainan’s iconic tourist attraction. Since its establishment in 1934, this venerable store has continuously produced ‘Huashengtang (peanut brittle)’, a traditional confectionery made by simmering carefully selected peanuts and maltose. Its simple sweetness and crispy, nutty texture are highly addictive – once you start eating, it’s hard to stop!
At the store, you can purchase by weight or in pre-packed bags, and ample samples are available to help you find your favorite flavor. For travelers wanting to buy many souvenirs, the ‘buy five, get one free’ service for small packages is highly recommended. However, since it uses maltose, it’s susceptible to high temperatures; on hot days, it might melt, lose its shape, or change texture. After purchase, store it in as cool a place as possible, and consider carrying it as hand luggage when returning home.
Tips and Precautions for Buying Souvenirs in Tainan
Here are some practical tips to make your shopping experience in Tainan more enjoyable.
1. Be Mindful of the Climate and Bringing Back Sweets
Southern Taiwan is warm year-round, and especially hot during summer. Peanut brittle, chocolates, and the butter in pineapple cakes are prone to melting from heat. It’s best to bring a cooler bag, purchase these items right before returning home, and carry them as hand luggage instead of checked baggage.
2. An Eco-Bag is a Must-Have Item
In Taiwan, to reduce plastic waste, plastic shopping bags at supermarkets and retail stores are generally charged (around 1-2 TWD). While department stores like Hayashi Department Store might provide nice paper bags, carrying a large and sturdy eco-bag is incredibly convenient for shopping while strolling around town.
3. For Limited Edition or Popular Items, ‘Morning’ is Key
Local long-standing shops, like Liandede Senbei, often have limited daily quantities due to being handmade, and frequently sell out and close by early afternoon. If there’s a souvenir you absolutely want to get, it’s a golden rule for your Tainan trip to schedule your visit for the morning.
