🚴‍♂️ 20260309 Chiayi–Tainan Scenic & Gourmet Cycling Tour – 5 Days | Day 4

Описание: Qigu → National Museum of Taiwan History → Luermen → Taijiang National Park → Anping

This morning at 9:20 AM, the group departed from Qigu. Originally, the National Museum of Taiwan History was scheduled for Day 5, but considering that riding through central Tainan on the final day might involve heavy traffic and crowded streets, the tour leader revised the route after several planning attempts. The museum visit was therefore moved to today’s itinerary.

The cyclists rode from Qigu through the Shierdian area toward Annan District, where the roads were wide and traffic was light, allowing for a relaxed and safe ride.

When the group arrived at the National Museum of Taiwan History, the building happened to be closed that day. Nevertheless, everyone strolled around the plaza and took photos. Coach Weng then gave an impromptu “Taiwan history lesson” in front of the museum, starting from 1662 when Koxinga (Zheng Cheng-gong) arrived in Taiwan, moving through the Dutch period, the Qing Dynasty, the Japanese colonial era, and finally to modern Taiwan.

In just a short while, four centuries of history seemed to unfold before everyone’s eyes. Li Sung laughed and said,
“Even though the museum is closed, we’ve just had the most vivid history class of the trip.”

Around noon, the group arrived in Benyuanliao for lunch. A simple but authentic local meal of lard rice, eight-treasure meatballs, and a large fried chicken leg perfectly captured the flavors of Tainan.

After lunch, the group rested briefly at Sicao Mazu Temple, then continued riding along Luermen Creek. Along the way, Coach Weng explained local oyster farming traditions, from the use of oyster shells to the cultivation process, giving everyone a deeper understanding of coastal life in this region.

Soon they arrived at Fort Provintia’s natural defense point (Fucheng Tianxian), once an important channel leading into the historic Taijiang Inland Sea. This area was also the site of two famous scenes among the Eight Scenic Views of Old Taiwan: “Spring Tides at Luermen” and “Sails Gathering at Luermen.” Coach Weng also shared the story of Koxinga’s strategic landing in Taiwan, describing how he used tides, geography, and waterways to successfully enter Luermen Harbor.

The group then continued to the Taijiang National Park Headquarters. Inside the exhibition hall, they learned about migratory birds such as the Pied Avocet, and saw walls constructed using oyster shells. Though simple in appearance, oyster-shell walls offer natural ventilation and reflect the coastal wisdom of Tainan’s traditional architecture.

The ride then led the cyclists into Anping, where they visited the famous Anping Tree House and Deji Merchant House. Built in 1864 after Anping was opened as a trading port, Deji Merchant House was once one of the five major trading companies exporting sugar, camphor, and tea. Next to it stands the Tree House, where banyan roots have grown through and around an old warehouse structure.

It raises an intriguing question: Is the tree supporting the house, or is the house supporting the tree?
The remarkable coexistence of nature and architecture left the Singaporean riders amazed.

The final stop was the Deyang Ship Museum, a former U.S.-built naval destroyer. Launched before the end of World War II, the ship served 32 years in the U.S. Navy, then another 28 years in the Republic of China Navy before retirement. Today it rests in Anping Harbor as a museum ship. Standing on the deck and looking at the old equipment, everyone reflected on how sailors once navigated vast oceans using only charts and radar—an impressive testament to courage and skill.

At 5:00 PM, the group safely arrived at Wei-Yat Grand Hotel in Anping.

Dinner was arranged at the famous Chou’s Shrimp Rolls, a restaurant whose dishes have even been served at state banquets for visiting presidents and dignitaries. Tonight, it became a grand Tainan culinary feast for the visiting guests from Singapore.

The table was filled with classic Tainan delicacies: shrimp rolls, danzai noodles, squid noodles, taro cakes, red bean almond dessert, along with Anping specialties such as candied fruits and shrimp crackers. Without standing in long lines, everyone could taste a wide range of Tainan snacks in one sitting.

Amid warm compliments and cheerful conversation, the group returned to the hotel feeling satisfied and grateful.

Under the quiet evening sky, Anping Harbor felt calm and gentle. Day 4 of the Chiayi–Tainan cycling journey slowly came to rest in this peaceful and contented atmosphere.

Detailed itinerary:
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