Nestled in an alley off Ziqiang Street in Tainan's North District, the Black Ghost Well is a historic site dating back to 1653. According to local lore, the well was dug by black slaves brought to Tainan by the Dutch East India Company in the 1600s. As the local population had never seen dark-skinned individuals before, they referred to them as "wu gui" ("black ghosts"), a term that also became associated with the well. The well served as a vital water source for passing ships and local residents. During the Japanese colonial period, the well was sealed and buried due to decreased usage and safety concerns. It was rediscovered and restored in 1955. While historical records of black slaves in Tainan are scarce, the existence of sites like Black Ghost Well, Black Ghost Bridge in Yongkang, and Black Ghost House in Xinhua indicates the presence and activities of black slaves in the region during that era, highlighting Tainan's significance in international trade.

Attraction Information

Address: No. 10, Lane 146, Ziqiang Street, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan

Telephone: +886-6-2267128

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Transportation

By Public Transport:

Take a train to Tainan Railway Station. From the station's south exit, board Bus No. 11 and alight at Gongyuan South Road stop. The well is approximately a 3-minute walk from there.

By Car:

Exit National Highway No. 1 at Xinshi Interchange, proceed along Provincial Highway 1 towards downtown, connect to Ximen Road, then to Chenggong Road, and finally to Ziqiang Street to reach Black Ghost Well.