Top things to do in Yanshui

Yanshui, literally meaning salt water, was an inland port and one of the four busiest maritime towns in Taiwan in the 18th century. It was losing its luster after the port was silted up and the World War II suspended many international trades. Though it is no longer a business center, for the lovers of antiquities and countryside quaintness, Yanshui is a place filled with historical traces to explore. 

Yanshui is a good size for explore on foot. Come take a relaxing walk in the small allies and lanes that soak people in the simple and old world charm.

1. Experience the excitement in Beehive Fireworks Festival

EVERY JANUARY 14-16 OF THE LUNAR CALENDAR, thousands of soaring firecrackers are set off into the crowd at Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival. People believe that running through the flying fireworks brings luck all year. The festival is widely reported by CNN Travel as "one of the world's most dangerous celebrations in the world." The festival originated at the end of the 19th century when Yanshui was hit by a plague. Now it has become a hugely popular attraction not only for the locals but also for people around the world.
Check out the craziness on this YOUTUBE VIDEO!

2. Find out the miracle of Yanshui Wu Temple

According to legend, Beehive Fireworks Festival started with an oracle given by Lord Guan, the deity of Wu Temple. It was told that there was a terrible pandemic spreading in Yanshui area, and it caused the death of thousands of people. Local residents prayed to Lord Guan of Wu Temple to end the suffering and a miracle happened: Lord Guan instructed people to set off fireworks while trailing behind his sedan chair parading around Yanshui streets. The procession lasted until dawn and the plague was gone!

3. Discover the history of Qiaonan Old Street

Discover the glorious past through the quaint houses in Qiaonan Old Street. Qiaonan Old Street, next to the old port of Yanshui, was the main thoroughfare leading from Yanshui to other southern towns. It was a prosperous and lively area with many merchant houses and stores. A walk in Qiaonan Old Street is like a walk in time, the traditional houses were built in different periods and evidence of past glory are there to be found, stories to be told and listened to. 

4. Enjoy a walk in charming little streets and lanes

Each ally, lane, or road has its own story and is full of old vibes; temples and shrines are also seen everywhere. The lane in the picture is called the "Fish Scale Lane." In the past, fish venders used to carry fish through this lane from the port to the market. As they passed through the lane, the fish scales fell like glitters on the sun-showered path, and hence came the name "Fish Scale Lane (Yu Lin Xiang)."

5. See the architecture of Octagonal House

Octagonal House, a unique wooden structure which took 10 years to build, was established in 1845. The two-story building is supported by twelve logs of 24 meters long China Fir, featuring its octagonal shape roof. All components were fastened with mortise and tenon joints, not a single nail used. Such property was considered one of the grandest courtyard residences of the era. It was also taken as the residence of the Japanese Imperial Prince during the Japanese Rule. Each architectural detail is a symbol of its status and a piece of its history.

6. Prepare to be WOWed by Yanshui Catholic Church

Depicted by Hong Kong newspaper The Standard as "christianity with Chinese characteristics" and reported by Kuwait Times "dragons and steamed buns at Taiwan's temple-like church," prepare to be WOWed by this church like no others.  The front of the church interior is the Taiwanese version of "The Last Supper." Jesus and each of his apostles not only looked like Chinese, but they use chopsticks and eat baozi (steamed bun) instead of bread.

7. Visit the over 70 year-old YongCheng Theater

As old is its attraction, YongCheng Theater is over 70 years old. The projectors, believe it or not, still works and rattles loudly, just like in the old days. The original benches are also still in use and are made of Taiwan Cypress, with each row higher than the one in front. Grandpa in the picture, is the third generation of the founder, still manages the Theater and tells the story of his family and the Theater with glittering eyes. The movies are still showing on Saturdays and Sundays.

8. Attend the dreamlike Yuejin Lantern Festival

Around February and March each year, artistic lantern works by art groups of more than 20 countries are exquisitely displayed on the water of Yuejin Harbor Water Park. With a different theme each year, it takes you into a living dream world every time with pleasant surprises. A true immersive and emotional experience.

9. Eat street food like a true local

As street food represents the true taste of Taiwan, be sure not to miss out on the street food in Yanshui too. Maybe it's not easy for traveler to understand the foods and how to order them, it's easy to give it a try. Just point to the food and hold up 1, 2 or 3 fingers to tell them how many pieces/portions want. The must tries include: egg noodles, bean sprout noodles, pan steam-fried bun, winter melon tea, and Rouyan cake. 

Is Yanshui safe to travel to?

Of course! Yanshui is a southern town in Tainan, Taiwan. According to a survey by travel search engine Skyscanner, the most attractive quality of Taiwan for travelers around the world is not the breathtaking nature or famous street foods, but "safety." 

A total of six Asian countries, including Japan, China, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and South Korea regarded safety as the most prominent incentive for them to visit Taiwan. And other places like Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore were most impressive with the hospitality they receive in Taiwan. It is also recommend by several female travel bloggers as the perfect place for first time solo female travelers.

Best time to visit Yanshui

Taiwan is subtropical in the north and tropical in the south. The differences between the two regions are not huge, usually within 5°C or 41°F. As Yanshui is located in the south of Taiwan, it is a perfect place to visit even in winter (Dec. to Feb.), cooler temperature than in summer and much less rain. The typhoon season often lasts from July until September.

Travel tips by a local

★Taiwanese hospitality: The people in Taiwan are very nice and helpful to foreigners. It's not uncommon to see local people to say "follow me" when being asked for direction by a foreigner and they really go all the way until you get where it is.

★Languages: While the main language in Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese, most people know enough English to help you. There are also some restaurants and food stand with stickers that say "English-friendly" for foreigners to explore local delicacies more easily.

★Religion: 72% of Taiwanese population are Taoist or Buddhist, 4.5% Christians, and 1.5% Catholics.

★Budget friendly: While Taiwan is not Thailand or Vietnam cheap, it is still super budget friendly. The nice and clean accommodation with good services, advanced public transportation, entrance fee, and famous street foods are all enjoyable at a really affordable price.

★Service hotline for Foreigners in Taiwan: You can call a toll-free line 0800-024-111 anytime to inquire on the information that you need directly. 

• Chinese, English, Japanese: 24/7
• Vietnamese: Monday to Friday (holidays not included) 9am - 5pm.
• Indonesian, Thai and Cambodian: Monday to Friday 1pm - 5pm.

★Geography: Taiwan is smaller than Switzerland and larger than Belgium. Its highest point is Yu Shan (Jade Mountain) at 3,952 meters (12,966 ft.), making Taiwan the world's fourth-highest island. Yanshui is in the south of Taiwan, with a population of 26,394 people (2014). The driving distance from Taipei to Yanshui is about 280 kilometers (174 miles), about 3 hours drive.

Transportation to Yanshui

Taxi

Taxi Service &  Accredited English-speaking Taxi drivers

Public transportation

1. Chiayi HSR Station 嘉義高鐵站

• Walk to the bus station through Chiayi HSR Station Exit 2 and take Yellow Line Bus Y9 黃線巴士黃9.
•  Timetable

2. Get off at Xinying Bus Station 新營客運總站 (also near Xinying Train Station 新營車站)

• Chiayi HSR Station -> Xinying Bus Station (about 40 minutes, 97 NTD/person)

3. Take Brown Line Bus 棕線巴士、棕1、棕2、棕3

• Brown Line Bus
• Brown Line Bus BR1
• Brown Line Bus BR2
• Brown Line Bus BR3
• Timetable

4. Get off at Yanshui stop 鹽水站, or ask the driver to tell you when to disembark.

• Xinying Bus Station -> Yanshui Stop (about 20 minutes, 26 NTD/person)
• Yanshui Stop address: No. 23, Wumiao Rd., Yanshui District

    

5. Walk to Yanshui Wu Temple 鹽水武廟

• Yanshui Stop -> Yanshui Wu Temple (about 5 minutes walk, 300 meters)
• Yanshui Wu Temple address: No. 87, Wumiao Rd., Yanshui District

Drive

Exit at Xinying interchange and head towards Yanshui, drive west along county highway No. 172 for approximately 2.6km.

• Yanshui Wu Temple address: No. 87, Wumiao Rd., Yanshui Dist., Tainan City
• Yanshui Wu Temple GPS: 
• Lat. 23.324059 / Long. 120.265781
• Lat. 23°19'26.6"N / Long. 120°15'56.8"E

During Beehive Fireworks Festival, traffic control will be implemented in downtown Yanshui from 15:00. Private vehicles can only park/stop outside the downtown area. 

Service info

During Beehive Fireworks Festival, a temporary service center will be set at at the Yanshui police station to provide assistance.

• Yanshui police station address 鹽水派出所: No. 23, Wumiao Rd., Yanshui District 
• Yanshui police station tel: 886-5-652-1032 (international number), 05-652-1032 (local number)

One-day itinerary

Yanshui is a good size for exploring on foot. You can stroll from the Yanshui Wu Temple on the northern edge of the town to Qiaonan Old Street in less than half an hour. Walking by the riverside in Yuejin Port Riverside Park is also definitely one of the best things to do here. 

10:00am-- Qiaonan Old Street （橋南老街）

Discover the old street with past glory.
Open: 08:00-21:00 Daily
Take a rest in one of the old houses: 
Qiaonan Old Street Coffee Shop (Open: 9:00-18:00, Tel: 886-6-652-2375)

11:00am-- Yanshui Catholic Church （鹽水天主堂）

Taiwanese interpretation of the Last Supper.
Open: Wed. to Sun. 10:00-11:30; 13:00-15:30 (Group reservation excepted)
Fare: None.
Tel: 886-6-652-1174

12:00pm-- Yanshui Wu Temple（鹽水武廟）

Lord Guan saved the town from plague by beehive-like fireworks?

Open: 05:00-21:00 Daily

Fare: None.

Tel: 886-6-652-1264

Lunch @ A-San Egg（鹽水觀光美食城--阿三意麵）

Open: 07:30-17:30 (Close on Thu.)

Add: Yanshui Street Food Market (No. 56, Kangle Rd. Yanshui Dist.)

Drink @ Yanshui Street Food Market Winter Melon Tea（鹽水點心城冬瓜茶）

The real taste of Winter Melon Tea that cools your heat!

Open: 08:00-18:00 (Close on Mon.)

Add: No. 2-4, Zhongshan Rd., Yanshui Dist.

Tel: 886-6-65204522

14:00-- Yongcheng Theater（永成戲院）

The oldest movie theater in Yanshui.
Open: 
Wed. to Fri. 13:30-17:30 
Sat. to Sun. 09:30-17:30
Fare: None.
Add: No. 21, Guogang, Yanshui Dist.
Tel: 886-6-652-2198

15:00-- Octagonal House（八角樓）

One of the ten best historical sites in Tainan.
Open: 08:00-17:00 daily
Fare: None.
Tips: After the tour, enjoy some shaved ice at the corner of the Octagonal House. You might find out more stories about the House.

16:00-- Yanshui Street Food

Eat @ Yanshui Bean Sprout Noodles（鹽水豆簽羹）
Bean sprout noodles is a kind of thiner and shorter noodles made of rice bean. It can go with either oysters or milkfish. 
Open: 14:00-19:00
Add: No. 19, Chaoqin Rd., Yanshui Dist.



Eat @ Yanshui Steamed Bao （鹽水煎包）
Offering different kinds of fillings like pork with scallion, pork with diced bamboo sprout, peanut, and red bean.
Open: 13:30-18:00
Add: No. 7, Zhongzheng Rd., Yanshui Dist.



Eat @ Kun Bo Stinky Tofu （昆伯臭豆腐）
Fried fermented tofu with a memorable smell.
Open: 14:30-21:30
Add: No. 15, Chaoqin Rd. Yanshui Dist.

Map

Map: No. 3 is Yanshui Wu Temple

Add: No. 87, Wumiao Rd., Yanshui Dist., Tainan City 737, Taiwan

GPS Coordinates:

Lat. 23.324059 / Long. 120.265781

Lat. 23°19'26.6"N / Long. 120°15'56.8"E

Event - Tainan Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival

https://www.twtainan.net/yanshuifireworks/en

(14~15, the first month on the lunar calendar)

@Yanshui Wu Temple

Lord Guan chair will depart from the temple and parade through Yanshui. Followers along the way will set off firework racks in front of their doorways.

@Yanshui Junior High

The main firework rack will be set up on the sports field of Yanshui Junior High. A large quantity of beehive fireworks will be lit simultaneously for participants to experience the excitement of "running through the beehive fireworks."

@Through the entire district

Lord Guan chair will parade through the entire district, and followers along the way will set of beehive fireworks.

Event - Yuejin Lantern Festival

https://www.facebook.com/yuejinlanternfestival/

Breath with the Light

@Yuejin Road, Yanshui Dist., Tainan Taiwan
@Kangli Road, Yanshui Dist., Tainan Taiwan

An immersive and emotional experience

Every year, artistic lantern works by art groups of 20 countries are exquisitely displayed on the water of Yuejin Harbor Water Park. With a different theme each year, it takes you into a living dream world every time with pleasant surprises.