Tainan's Retro Day Trip ItineraryBarbershops, Nostalgic Cafes, and Classic Markets: 4 Old-School Venues Take You Through Time

Retro isn't just about nostalgia; it's a style and an attitude. This time, Twosevenths takes you on a journey back to Taiwan's sentimental era, exploring Tainan's most charmingly old-school venues. From vintage braided hairstyles and cheongsam photoshoots to Hong Kong-style tea drinks and long-standing local market stalls, each stop is a tribute to the aesthetics of yesteryear. This itinerary offers a full day of retro exploration, blending style with substance!

Tainan's Retro Day Trip Itinerary|Barbershops, Nostalgic Cafes, and Classic Markets: 4 Old-School Venues Take You Through Time
01

First Stop: Sole Salon

First Stop: Sole Salon

To truly capture the retro vibe of a qipao, a vintage updo or wavy curls are essential — it's a must-have ritual to step into Taiwan's romantic past!

This time, Twosevenths takes you to Sole Salon, an exquisite salon housed in a renovated old building, for a complete transformation! Once you've chosen your favorite qipao and paired it with a retro hairstyle, everything is ready. For this qipao photoshoot experience, all staff members, including the photographer, are women, so you can be absolutely assured of the aesthetic quality. Your only concern will be deciding which photo to make your Instagram main image!

02

Stop 2: Chih Shih Taiwanese Photo Studio|Qipao Venue 2

Stop 2: Chih Shih Taiwanese Photo Studio|Qipao Venue 2

I chose my favorite qipao and a retro hairstyle, and everything was ready — I was so happy with this qipao photoshoot experience! The photographer was excellent at guiding poses, so even if you don't often take photos, you don't need to worry. Plus, all the staff are women, so the aesthetic is absolutely guaranteed. Your only problem will be deciding which photo to make your Instagram cover image!

Qishi Taiwanese Photo Studio|Qipao Branch 2

03

Stop 3: Mishi Coffee, Tainan Venue

Stop 3: Mishi Coffee, Tainan Venue

For an afternoon tea spot, you'll want to choose a venue with the most vintage vibe, and MiShih Cafe Tainan offers just that with its 1960s Kowloon Walled City-inspired style. Sipping a classic Hong Kong Vita Milk, you can feel the space preserving the elegance of a bygone era, while also showcasing the endless possibilities of design.

Sitting by the window on the second floor, you can admire the old house's iron window grilles and observe the daily lives of residents. Each scene unfolds like a movie set, making it a truly wonderful place to experience retro romance!

MiShih Cafe Tainan

04

Stop Four: Yongle Market

Stop Four: Yongle Market

Yongle Market, built in 1963, is synonymous with retro charm, and a stroll through its aisles offers endless photo opportunities brimming with old-school Taiwanese vibes.

Inside the market, you'll find an unnamed plum juice vendor. The owner brews his plum juice for a full 10 hours, resulting in a rich, fragrant, and incredibly refreshing drink. The friendly owner, an elderly gentleman, is always up for a chat, offering a deep dive into Taiwan's warm and sentimental hospitality. It's a must-try if you're passing by!

Another famous spot is Fu Sheng Hao Bowl Rice Cake, a retro venue that's been open for 70 years. Every first bite is a revelation of traditional, old-fashioned deliciousness. A little secret: always add garlic! It elevates the flavor to another level of amazing.

Yongle Market

Editor's Note

Final Thoughts

This concludes our retro Tainan day trip, a journey through four venues steeped in Chinese retro charm, curated by Twosevenths.

If you've ever dreamed of strolling old streets in a cheongsam, or longed to revisit the flavors of childhood memories, then this Chinese retro Tainan day trip is an absolute must-do! Retro isn't about going back in time; it's about re-embracing the eras we've lived through in a new way.

If you also enjoy these gentle, healing retro mini-trips, Tainan is definitely your top city pick. You can also explore our Sweet Date Day Trip or Artsy DIY Day Trip to experience the diverse, romantic sides of Tainan, brimming with Taiwanese sensibility!

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Twosevenths has trained over 500 mystery shoppers experienced across diverse fields, accumulating five years of on-site visits to more than 5,000 venues across Taiwan. We are dedicated to delivering the most impartial third-party reviews — like a group of savvy friends guiding you to the best experiences. Learn more about Twosevenths

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