Tainan is 319 kilometers (200 miles) south of Taipei and 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of Kaohsiung. Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and was the capital from 1663 to 1885. Now, it is the fourth largest city with a population of over 700,000 (1997).

Tainan is known for its old temples representing traditional Chinese culture. Some date back as far as 3 centuries ago. Scattered throughout the city are reminders of the past?€gates, arches, forts and temples from when the Dutch occupied Taiwan.

Tainan is also known for its culinary traditions. Tainan's famous "coffin bread" derived its morbid name from the appearance and content of the bread. Each loaf is not only shaped like a coffin, but is filled with meat for full effect. Another specialty is Tan Tzu noodles, which is what the poor fisherman used to live on. These round yellow noodles with meatballs are served in unique stalls, furnished with small bamboo stools and tables with overhanging lanterns that capture the traditional style of the past.