A visit to Tainan, Taiwan's old capital.

Shrine to Koxinga, or Zheng Chenggong, who took Taiwan back from the Dutch in the 17th century.

Koxinga shrine, Tainan.

Koxinga shrine, Tainan.

One is supposed to write down prayers in these small wooden cards and leave them for them to be fulfilled.

Koxinga, of Chinese/Japanese parentage, was loyal to the Ming dynasty. His statues are everywhere in Tainan.

The oldest Confucius temple in Taiwan was commissioned by Koxinga's son in 1663. 

Confucius Temple, Tainan.

Confucius Temple, Tainan.

Chihkan Tower, or Fort Provintia was the administrative center of the Dutch in 1650s till it fell to Koxinga

Artist's depiction of the Dutch surrender.

Chihkan Tower, Tainan.

Fort Zeelandia or Anping Fort was the Dutch outpost that looked out to the sea for possible attacks. It fell after a 9 month siege when fresh water ran out. And that, in 1662, ended Dutch rule in Taiwan.

Old Wall built by the Dutch in the 17th century in Fort Zeelandia or Anping Fort. The bricks were brought from Java and the mortar made of sugar, sand, ground seashells and rice. Still standing after 350 years!

Koxinga, still keeping an eye out at Anping Fort.