Fascinating museums and traditional temples appear along Beimen’s urban lanes, while its outskirts are dominated by exceptional natural phenomena. Oyster farms and salt-filled lagoons produce glorious and exotic landscapes. Enjoy the serenity and scenery as you stroll along the banks of the Jishui River during a visit to Beimen.
The Jingzaijiao Tile-Paved Salt Field is among the world’s oldest salt pans. Appreciate its impressive mosaics and artworks crafted from salt. See a spectacular sunset in this historic salt haven, which has not been used commercially since closing in 2002 due to rising labor costs. Try the processes of raking and drying and take home your own samples.
Head to the adjacent Beimen Lagoon, also popular at sunset. Watch oyster farmers passing through in quaint vessels, returning with the day’s catch. These lagoons are part of the Southwest Coast National Scenic Area, where you’ll see rare wildlife such as the black-faced spoonbill and the black-bellied tern.
For an unexpected and impressive sight, visit the Beimen Crystal Church. Its elegant, open design complements its position floating on a platform on the water as if on a gleaming salt field. The church is a popular venue for weddings. Study the public art installations in the nearby square and check for activities and events in the adjacent Beimen Visitor Center.
Colorful costumes and celebrations are often evident in the plaza near the historic Nankunshen Daitian Temple.
Stop at the Taiwan Blackfoot Disease Socio Medical Service Memorial House to see a former clinic, whose exhibits explore the tragic history of blackfoot disease in Taiwan.
The Beimen area occupies the northwestern corner of Tainan City, near Taiwan’s western coast. From the city center of Tainan, travel by car northwest for 28 miles (45 kilometers) to get here in about 45 minutes. On the way here, stop at neighboring areas such as the Xuejia District, the Jiangjun District and the Madou District.
Beimen provides scenic and eye-opening insights into traditional temple customs, salt panning and oyster fishing.
