Chikan Tower in Tainan – ‘Tower of the Red-Haired Barbarians’

Built in 1653, during Dutch colonial rule, the Chikan Tower was initially called Provintia, which meant eternity in Dutch. However, the Han Chinese renamed the tower “the tower of the savages” or “the tower of the red-haired barbarians”. The Chinese called it by different names, such as Chikan Tower, Fantselou, and Honmaulou.

Since Dutch colonial rule, Chikan Tower has been an important administrative center for Tainan in Taiwan. Today, the site of the tower has become a major tourist attraction. It is also considered as the most renowned historical site in the nation. Chikan Tower has passed through the Ching Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty and the Japanese Colonization Period. However, many of the Tower’s original architectural features can be seen even today. This exceptional landmark, which attracts mainly at night, is full of different types of steel and stone horses. In 1661, when Cheng Chengkung, the famous Chinese general, held off the Dutch, Chikan Tower was transformed to become the Chentien Governor’s Mansion. Among the eight well-known and picturesque views of Taiwan, the sunset at Chikan Tower occupies an unshakeable position.

Right in front of Provintia, visitors will be able to witness nine turtles made of stone plates. These stone structures were built during the Ching dynasty at another location and were later removed and moved to the Chikan Tower site.

A few years later, this prominent Taiwanese landmark became less popular after it was damaged as a result of civil unrest and lack of management. The original Dutch architectural building was added with a typical Chinese style building. At one point, the Chikan Tower became the site that housed the worship of the Guanshihyin Buddha. However, it was transformed into an army hospital during the Japanese colonization period.

Visitors can further explore this site by staying at the nearby Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Tainan, which is an excellent Tainan luxury hotel offering guests an excellent range of facilities along with professional and friendly service.