Showing since 1945

YongCheng Theater was one of the three theaters opened in Yanshui after World War II. It was the first theater in town, standing longest in the community, closed around 1991. The Theater played diverse kinds of movies, such as western movies, Japanese movies, mandarin Chinese movies, and even films from the Philippines.

The movie on the left is starred by Jacky Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Piu. They are known for their work in many martial arts films and Hong Kong action cinema. 

The movie on the right is Butterfly Lovers, a tragic love folktale that is also known as the Chinese Romeo and Juliet.

Force of life in old movie posters

The old movie posters of Taiwan represent a locally unique simplicity and power of life. Though Taiwan's post-war economy was failing and headed into a recession and limiting the development of poster arts, the force of life seem to explode from the fluent and rough sketches of the old posters. You'll be delighted to cast your eyes upon the old posters in YongCheng Theater.

The hidden treasure in Yanshui

YongCheng Theater is a restored Japanese-era wooden building hidden with historical treasure. 

The restoration began in 2008 and was completed in 2011, an effort to re-create the original look of the Theater for modern tourists to feel the historical and cultural heritage.

The Theater was built in 1942 but not as a theater, but as a rice mill. The mill was founded by owner Huang Zhi during the Japanese Rule Era. Huang was awarded the rice concession for the Yanshui area from the Japanese colonial government.

At that time, the last names of the Taiwanese people were converted into Japanese ones. The owner's last name Huang 黃 was also converted into 廣內 ("黃" is inside of "广", and "內" literally means "inside of"). 

The people in the picture are the members of the Tainan Rice Business Association in 1934 (昭和九年, meaning Showa 9 in Japanese year).  

During World War II, the rice mill was partially damaged by fire. Affected by the Japanese withdraw to Japan, the rice mill also suffered serious losses.

Instead of closing down, the owner and founder Huang Zhi transformed the remaining rice mill into Yanshui's first movie theater in 1945.  Under the harsh economic condition, Huang used his connections and imported the machines needed for a theater. 

The original benches are still in use and are made of Taiwan Cypress. Each row is higher than the one in front.

Old is its attraction

The movie theater is over 70 years old, and so are the machines. The projectors still work and rattle loudly, just like in the old days.

Guessing game

The grandpa in front of the family photo on the wall of YonCheng Theater is the third generation of the founder Huang Zhi. Guess which one in this old photo is he.
(He is the baby held by a woman on the very side of the picture.)

Grandpa, in his old age, still manages the theater and tells the story of his family and the Theater with glittering eyes. Perhaps, people are the actually the hidden treasure in Yanshui.

For hard-core cineastes, YongCheng Theater has sentimental meaning. The movie tricycle was a way of advertising what was showing in the theater.

The mocked movie set out side of the Theater is a great photo taking spot.

Now Showing

Get a feel of "old movie" experience 

The movies are still showing every Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 and 14:00. You could also enjoy a nice taro ice cream of Taiwanese traditional taste at the movies!

Event - 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.

Find out more on Yanshui Wu Temple Blogspot.

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.

Nearby Attractions - Yanshui Wu Temple

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. 

How is the Festival related to Wu Temple?

According to legend, the festival started in the late 19th century. 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 god 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!

Don't forget your spacesuit-style costume

Feel the excitement and gear up for what CNN Travel calls "the undeniably one of the world's most dangerous celebrations." 

Nearby Attractions - Yanshui Catholic Church

"Dragons and steamed buns at Taiwan's temple-like church"

- Kuwait Times-

"Christianity with Chinese characteristics"

- The Standard -

WOW! Yes, WOW!

You might have been to grand churches and cathedrals in the world, but take a deep breath when you step into this one-- this Holy Trinity Church in Yanshui. 

The mural's figures from the Bible on the interior walls are all Chinese-looking saints, wearing Chinese-style clothing. An incense bowl is placed in the front of the church for people to worship God. Poems were carved on the red pillars inside the church. The decor resembles thousands of Buddhist and Taoist temples in Taiwan, yet still keeps a Catholic soul in it.

A temple? A church?

The exterior of the church looks nothing like a church but a ubiquitous temple in Taiwan until you notice the Christian crosses. Even the Chinese name of the church is called "Ji Tian Dian," which literally means "Heaven Worship Palace," a common term used in Buddhist or Taoist tradition.

Taiwanese version of "The Last Supper"

Jesus and each of his apostles use chopsticks and eat baozi (steam bun) instead of bread. The church was built 60 years ago by a German missionary Fr. Eusebius in a traditional Catholic style. To attract more followers, Fr. Shaofeng Li began rebuilding it in 1986 to a more Chinese-style church by adapting to a local religious environment. 

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

Address: No. 19, Ximen Rd., Yanshui Dist., Tainan, Taiwan

Nearby Attractions - Streets, lanes, and numerous temples in Yanshui

Yanshui is one of the oldest towns in Taiwan, and most of the attractions nearby Octagonal House are within walking distance. Come take a relaxing walk in the small allies and lanes that soak people in the simple and old world charm.

Strolling down Yanshui's history

Each ally, lane, or road has its own story. People name Chao Qin Road after the late famous politician Chao-Qin Huang (first mayor of Taipei City) not only because he's from here, but also because he's the man that brought the First Bank branch here in 1917. The lane behind the First Bank is also called the "First Bank Lane (Yi Yin Xiang)."

Address: Lane 10, Wumiao Rd., Yanshui Dist., Tainan, Taiwan

The allies and lanes are full of old vibes; temples and shrines are also seen everywhere.

Address: Wangye Temple. No. 16, Lane 3, Zhongshan Rd., Yanshui Dist., Tainan, Taiwan

Providing people with sense of security

Hubi Temple is a temple to Mazu, a Chinese sea goddess whose life span is dated back to the years of 960 to 987. She was thought to roam the seas, protecting her believers through miraculous interventions. 

Yanshui used to be an inland port, and most people's livelihood relied greatly on the sea. Mazuism is popular in Taiwan, and though Hubi Temple is not the grandest Mazu temple in Taiwan, it is the one that gives local people the feeling of security all through the years. 

Address: No. 140, Zhongzheng Rd., Yanshui Dist., Tainan, Taiwan

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)."

Address: On Zhongzheng Rd., across from Hubi Temple.

What was once river in front of Yanshui Dajhong Temple...

Located at No. 7 wumiao road, Yanshui Dajhong Temple was established in 1675. It is also named "Juboting" because the place was previously a beautiful pavilion facing prosperous Yanshui port in the early time. 

Address: No. 7, Wumiao Rd., Yanshui Dist., Tainan, Taiwan

Lovely shop houses

Those shop houses are mostly on Zhongzheng Road, built with modern building practices and European aesthetics, bringing  blends of Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Deco into the design, adding decorative qualities to large and durable structures.

Nearby Attractions - Qiaonan Old Street

Discovering the glorious past

"Yanshui," literally meaning salt water, was the inland port and used to be one of the four busiest maritime towns in Taiwan in the 18th century, now declined after the plague, silt up of the port, and World War II. 

Rich merchant Lee's Old Houses

Lee was one of the richest families in Yanshui in the 18th century. Those houses were where they used to run sugar and salt business in. Now one of the houses was sold and modified, and the other two were kept in its original look.

Symbols of the rich

Solid bricks are symbols of rich households. In early times, solid bricks were made and shipped from Mainland China and were used to put weight in ships for stability. That's the material and craftsmanship only the rich can afford.

200 year-old blacksmith shop run by the 5th generation

Blacksmith Lee has been forging knives for over 60 years. According to him, the knives are soaked into the "noon water" collected at 11:45 am of May 5th lunar calendar. It is believed that the water collected then has the strongest yang (positive) energy which gives strength and sharpness to blades.

Address: Qiaonan St., Yanshui Dist., Tainan, Taiwan

Nearby Attractions - Octagonal House

Discover the landmark of Yanshui

Octagonal House, built in 1847, is a wealthy sugar merchant Yeh's residence. During the Japanese ruling era (1895-1945), it was the residence of the Japanese Imperial Prince. 

Experience the architectural beauty

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 the grandest courtyard residences of the era.

The shaved ice shop right next to the Octagonal House was a famous matchmaking place in the old times. It was said that matchmaking would have a higher successful rate if raw egg shaved ice was served because expensive raw eggs at that time were a demonstration of sincerity between two sides. 

Address: No. 1, Lane 4, Zhongshan Rd., Yanshui Dist., Tainan, Taiwan

Nearby Street Food - Eat like a local!

Egg noodles

Egg noodles, pronounced "Yi-Mien" in Mandarin Chinese,  are a kind of traditional Taiwanese noodles made of eggs, flours, and salt without a single drop of water. It was first made from local duck eggs by the cooks of Zheng Chenggong (17th century Ming Dynasty loyalist)'s army in Yanshui.

One of the theories about the origin of its name is that sounds like "yi" was shouted out when people worked hard to knead the tough dough without water. The name Yi-mien (mien = noodles)" was thus coined. Compared to the making of regular noodles, it takes triple the amount of time to make egg noodles.

• A-San Egg Noodles 阿三意麵: Yanshui Street Food Market (No. 56, Kangle Rd. Yanshui Dist.)
• A-Tong Egg Noodles 阿桐意麵：No. 4-6, XinYi Rd., Yanshui Dist. Open: 08:00-19:30. Closed on Tuesdays.
• Qiaonan Food & Cafe 橋南美食咖啡：No. 13, Qiaonan St., Yanshui Dist.

Bean sprout noodles

Bean sprout noodles is kind of thiner and shorter noodles made of rice bean. It can go with either oysters or milkfish.

• Yanshui Bean Sprout Noodles 鹽水豆簽羹: No. 19, Chaoqin Rd., Yanshui Dist. Open: 14:00-19:00.

Pan steam-fried bun

Offering different kinds of fillings like pork with scallion, pork with diced bamboo sprout, peanut, and red bean. 

• Yanshui Pan Steam-Fried Bun 鹽水煎包: Cross section of Chaoqin Rd. and Zhongzheng Rd. Open: 14:30-18:00.

Winter melon tea

Made of natural winter melon and is great for reducing body heat in summer.

• Yanshui Street Food Market Winter Melon Tea 鹽水點心城冬瓜茶: No. 2-4, Zhongshan Rd., Yanshui Dist.

Rouyan Cake

Rouyan cake is made with the filling mixed by pork and minced fish together. It's a traditional local food that's fried and you can have it either in soup or with noodles.

• A-Tong Egg Noodles 阿桐意麵：No. 4-6, XinYi Rd., Yanshui Dist. Open: 08:00-19:30. Closed on Tuesdays.

How to get here

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 YongCheng Theater 永成戲院

• Yanshui Stop -> YongCheng Theater (about 6 minutes walk, 500 meters)
• YongCheng Theater address: No. 21, Guogang, Yanshui District

Drive

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

• YongCheng Theater address: No. 21, Guogang, Yanshui Dist., Tainan City
• YongCheng Theater Temple GPS: 
• Lat. 23.319030 / Long. 120.268381
• Lat. 23°19'08.5"N / Long. 120°16'06.2"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)

Map

No. 5 is YongCheng Theater

Address: No. 21, Guogang, Yanshui Dist., Tainan City, Taiwan
GPS Coordinates: 
Lat. 23.319030 / Long. 120.268381
Lat. 23°19'08.5"N / Long. 120°16'06.2"E