Located across the Zengwun River from Tainan City, Jiali District was originally established as a station of the Dutch East India Company. During the 17th century, it was known as “Soulang” after a sub-tribe of the Siraya people, who are indigenous to the flat coastal plains of southwest Taiwan.
Things to do in Jiali District
Occupying the former Jiali Sugar Factory is Soulangh Cultural Park, which consists of 14 old warehouses transformed into exhibition spaces. The factory was originally established in 1906 under Japanese colonial rule and closed down in 1998 with the declining sugar industry. Admire the buildings’ exposed roof beams and pillars as you browse the displays of Tainan folk art and hear about the cultural traditions of the Siraya people.
To learn more about the Siraya people and their traditional lifestyle, head to the Beitouyang Pingpu Culture Park. It comprises several recreated huts and an observation tower, as well as displays of old photographs and sculptural works. It is located on a grassland that is associated with a local legend about a Pingpu man who won a race against a horse while in the presence of the 18th-century Qianlong Emperor.
One of Jiali District’s most important religious landmarks is the Jiali Zhengxing Temple, which was originally established in the 18th century to enshrine a statue of the deity Qingshui Zushi. Rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1868, it features several artistic masterpieces that include “The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea” and “Silly Foreigner Carrying the Beam”.
Getting around Jiali District
Jiali District is around 40 minutes’ drive from the centre of Tainan City and 45 minutes from Tainan Airport, which has flights to destinations across Asia. Regular buses connect to Jiali and travel throughout the district, connecting most of its attractions.