With over 200 temples and monuments, Tainan is one of Taiwan's most important cultural centres and the oldest city on the Island. It is steeped in history, from the Chinese settlers back in the 16th century, the Dutch colonialists to the Qing Dynasty rulers who made Tainan the capital of the island. The city-centre, where most of the major sights are located, is fairly compact and a walking tour of the main sights, including the Chihken Towers and the Kong Miao temple, is easily achieved on foot.