Tainan City (commonly abbreviated as Tainan) is one of the special municipalities of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and one of Taiwan's six major cities. Located in the southwestern part of Taiwan, Tainan borders the Taiwan Strait to the west, the Alishan Mountain Range to the east, Chiayi County to the north, and Kaohsiung City to the south. Covering an area of 2,191.65 square kilometers, Tainan is the flattest city in Taiwan, with the highest proportion of plains. Known for its vast agricultural land, Tainan boasts the largest farmland area in Taiwan and is characterized by its intricate patchwork of fields and a well-developed road network.
Tainan City has a population of approximately 1.86 million and operates under a dual administrative center model, with government offices located in Anping District and Xinying District. Yongkang District is the most populous. As a major cultural, academic, educational, and technological hub in southern Taiwan, Tainan is home to several renowned institutions, such as National Cheng Kung University, National Tainan University, and Tainan National University of the Arts. It also hosts the National Library, a branch of Academia Sinica, and a science park.
Geographical Features
Tainan City is situated in the heart of the Chianan Plain, with fertile land formed by the alluvial plains of the Yanshui and Zengwen Rivers, making it highly suitable for farming. The terrain is predominantly flat with numerous rivers. The eastern part of the city is at the tail end of the Alishan Mountain Range, featuring hills and a small number of mountainous areas, with its highest peak being Datong Mountain (1,241 meters above sea level). To the west, Tainan borders the Taiwan Strait with a 40-kilometer coastline.
Historically, the coastal regions were home to lagoons such as the Taijiang Inner Sea, which have largely silted up and transformed into land. In 2009, Tainan established Taijiang National Park to protect wetlands, making it a landmark combining natural ecology and cultural history. Tainan's green coverage rate is second only to Kaohsiung City, and its flat terrain allows for extensive development, resulting in an average per capita green space exceeding the World Health Organization's recommendations.
Climate
Tainan is located south of the Tropic of Cancer and lies within a transition zone between a subtropical monsoon climate and a tropical monsoon climate. The city enjoys warm weather year-round, abundant sunshine, and rainfall characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The annual average temperature is 24.7°C, with the coldest month being January (average temperature of 17.8°C) and the hottest month being July (average temperature of 29.4°C).
Rainfall is concentrated from May to September during the summer, accounting for over 80% of the annual total, with August having the highest number of rainy days. In winter, cold air masses from the continent occasionally lower temperatures to around 10°C, often accompanied by dry weather, forming the region's dry season. Typhoons primarily occur in summer, and prolonged summer droughts may occasionally happen.
Due to its climatic conditions, Tainan was historically a hub for Taiwan’s salt production, which spanned over 300 years and concluded in 2002. In recent years, Tainan has actively developed its solar energy industry, with its science park focusing on solar technology and repurposing former salt fields for solar power plants, showcasing the city's potential in green energy development.
Tainan City combines rich natural landscapes with cultural resources, serving as a testament to Taiwan’s history and a model of the fusion between modern technology and culture. With its unique geographical environment and profound cultural heritage, Tainan is not only a key gateway to southern Taiwan but also a highlight of southwestern Taiwan.
