Anping Tree House is an abandoned warehouse complex in Anping District, Tainan, originally built by the British trading firm Tait & Co. from the late 19th century into the early Japanese colonial period, later used as a branch warehouse of the Dai Nippon Salt Company. After World War II the site fell into disuse, and vigorous banyan trees gradually enveloped the buildings, creating a symbiotic landscape of tree-within-house and house-within-tree.
Tait & Co. was one of the 'five great foreign trading firms' active in 19th-century Taiwan, exporting sugar, camphor, and tea while importing opium; Anping Tree House was originally its warehouse, built from the late 19th century into the early Japanese colonial period, later repurposed during Japanese rule as a branch warehouse of the Dai Nippon Salt Company. After World War II the warehouse was abandoned, and over subsequent decades banyan aerial roots gradually enveloped it; in recent years the site was renovated with an elevated wooden walkway added for visitors to walk through the canopy.
What to See at Anping Tree House
Anping Tree House was originally the warehouse of the British trading company Tait & Co., which operated out of Anping in the 19th century. After the warehouse was abandoned during the Japanese colonial period, the aerial roots and root systems of surrounding banyan trees gradually attached themselves to the brick walls and roof over the course of decades, forming the distinctive landscape of tree and building intertwined. The remnant brick arches and banyan root systems coexist — a vivid display of natural succession.
An elevated wooden walkway has been installed in the grounds, allowing visitors to walk at canopy height and look down on how the roots cover the brick wall structure. The walkway lets visitors experience the same space at different levels — lower down, you see roots and walls intertwined; higher up, you see the canopy overhead. The main Tait & Co. building nearby now houses a wax museum of Taiwan's pioneering history and can be visited alongside.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- Located on Gubao Street in Anping District, adjacent to Anping Old Fort and reachable on foot — works well scheduled right after Anping Old Fort.
- Check the Tainan City Bureau of Cultural Affairs or the site's official website to confirm opening hours; admission fees and times follow official announcements.
- Weekends are more crowded; weekday visits offer a less congested walkway, giving you more time to observe details.
Nearby Connections
- Walking distance to Anping Old Fort and Anping Old Street, forming a half-day walking route through Anping District.
- Eternal Golden Castle is about 2 km away — easily reached by shared bicycle.
Source: compiled from contextual facts; for opening hours and admission fees, please consult official announcements from the Tainan City Bureau of Cultural Affairs. Photos pending replacement with Dio's actual shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What building did Anping Tree House originally serve as?
It was originally the warehouse of the British trading firm Tait & Co., built from the late 19th century into the early Japanese colonial period.
How did the banyan trees come to cover the entire building?
After World War II the warehouse was abandoned, and over subsequent decades banyan aerial roots gradually enveloped the structure.
What facility helps visitors explore Anping Tree House today?
An elevated wooden walkway lets visitors walk at canopy height and observe how the roots intertwine with the walls.
Sources
- 安平樹屋 - 台南旅遊網 — 德記洋行倉庫沿革、大日本鹽業株式會社出張所、榕樹攀附過程