Caoji Book Inn

Top choice in Tainan

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You can sleep among tomes here – part of the premises used to be a bookshop – and there are two blocks of dormitories, women's and mixed. But what we like best about Caoji is the attention to detail. It has beds of (fragrant) recycled cypress; ecofriendly, made-in-Taiwan toiletries; and herbal packets in cubicles to keep mosquitoes away.

We also love the creative use of space – the small and wonderful library behind the reception has part of the floor removed, exposing the colourful art gallery in the basement.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Museum 50

    Museum 50

    24.85 MILES

    A true hidden gem, this private museum has a small but exceptional collection of sculpture and antiques by mid-19th- to 20th-century Japanese artists who…

  • Smoke of joss sticks.

    Grand Mazu Temple

    0.56 MILES

    This lively temple once served as the palace of Ning Jin, the last king of the Ming dynasty. If you wish to confirm visually that a king's status is lower…

  • Tianliao Stone Temple

    Tianliao Stone Temple

    16.13 MILES

    Tianliao Stone Temple is a fantastical, Gaudi-esque interpretation of a Taoist temple by Southeast Asian migrant workers. The 500 men had been hired to…

  • Neiwei Flea Market

    Neiwei Flea Market

    23.15 MILES

    This sprawling flea market in Neiwei may possibly offer one of the most authentic and fabulous experiences of Taiwan. You'll find everything under the sun…

  • Taiwan, Kaohsiung, Cijin Island, the beach

    Cijin Island

    26.3 MILES

    This narrow island that acts as a buffer to the harbour and extends down the city coastline makes for a lovely day trip from the mainland. The main…

  • KAOHSIUNG TAIWAN - DECEMBER 13, 2016: Upside down house Pier 2 Art Center Pier 2 Art Center was originally an abandoned warehouse site converted to the art centre.; Shutterstock ID 590977709; Your name (First / Last): Megan Eaves; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Best in Travel - Kaohsiung destination page POI images

    Pier-2 Art Center

    25.95 MILES

    An attractive sprawl of old warehouses by the port is separated by tree-lined boulevards, and hosts shops, galleries and cafes. It's a wonderful place to…

  • Kaohsiung, Taiwan - February 2, 2014: Cijin Tianhou Temple. The Temple was Taiwan's first temple to Matsu and is also Kaohsiung's oldest temple; Shutterstock ID 479461489; Your name (First / Last): Megan / Eaves; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Destination image - North Asia

    Cijin Tianhou Temple

    26.2 MILES

    One of Kaohsiung's few temples that made the national protected relics list is also its oldest Mazu temple. Cijin Tianhou Temple was constructed in 1673…

  • City God Temple

    City God Temple

    0.33 MILES

    When you enter the temple, look up for the two large abacuses used to calculate whether you have done more good than bad in life; check out the most…

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Nearby Tainan attractions

1. Stone Arch

0.05 MILES

This antique arch used to be the outermost gateway to the Confucius Temple but became separated from the temple after Nanmen Rd was built in the Japanese…

2. Confucius Temple

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Built in 1666 by the son of Ming loyalist Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga),Taiwan's first Confucian temple and official school is quiet, dignified and coloured…

3. Tainan Art Museum

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4. Old Japanese Martial Arts Academy

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5. National Museum of Taiwan Literature

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This serious and excellent museum details the development of Taiwanese literature from the time of the pre-Han indigenous peoples to the modern era…

6. Lady Linshui's Temple

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7. Hayashi Department Store

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8. Land Bank

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The neoclassical-style Land Bank dates from 1928. Japanese architects were heavily influenced by western ideas at the time and neoclassical revival was a…