Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan, founded in the 17th century. Initially, it was the seat of the Dutch East India Company. In 1662, the city was conquered by the Chinese warlord Koxinga, who established Tainan as the capital of the Kingdom of Tungning. After Taiwan's annexation by China during the Qing Dynasty in 1683, Tainan remained an important administrative and cultural center. Today, Tainan is known for its numerous historical monuments, traditional temples, and rich cultural heritage.
Tainan
TAINAN IN BRIEF
A City of approximately 1.2 million inhabitants, Tainan is billed as the "Capital of Culture." Tainan boasts the majority of Taiwan's cultural sites. In 2024, Tainan celebrated its 400th anniversary.
Tainan is one of the leading centers of high-tech industry in Taiwan, particularly in the areas of electronics, green technology, and biotechnology.
Twin city of Łódź since June 6, 2025. (Agreement>>)
Resolution regarding the Agreement with Tainan (Resolution>>)
Official city website: https://www.tainan.gov.tw/en/
BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE CITY
Tainan is considered the cultural capital of Taiwan. The city is renowned for its numerous traditional temples, festivals, and rituals, which have been preserved for generations. It is here that many colorful religious festivities take place, such as the Ghost Festival and the birthday celebrations of local deities. Tainan is also the cradle of Taiwanese street food, offering a wide selection of traditional dishes such as dan dan mian, sweet soups, and fried oysters. Residents are proud of their history, and local identity and traditions are deeply rooted in the city's daily life.
PARTNERSHIP
The relationship was initiated by a visit from the Mayor of Tainan, HUANG Weizhe, to the Mayor of Łódź, Hanna Zdanowska, in September 2024. The Polish-Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry also operates in Łódź, supporting trade, investment, and cooperation between companies from both countries. In November 2024, Taiwan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, LI Jialong, also visited Łódź, leading a delegation of approximately 40 Taiwanese companies interested in investing in Łódź.
The first Taiwanese investment in Łódź is CHI MEI Frozen Food, a producer of Asian frozen foods.
HISTORY OF COOPERATION
Signing of a partnership agreement with the City of Tainan
On June 6, 2025, the partnership between Łódź and Tainan officially began during the official visit of President Hanna Zdanowska to Taiwan.
This is Łódź’s first new City Partnership in nearl 10 years and Tainan is a pivotal ally in our strategy to forge strong partnerships in the Far East — opening new cross-continental bridges in business, academia, and culture.
To further strengthen this relationship, that very same day, Lodz University of Technology signed a formal cooperation agreement with National Cheng Kung University, one of Taiwan’s top R&D universities and a major force behind its global semiconductor leadership. This agreement will promote academic exchange and joint research projects.
Friendly relations between the City of Łódź and the City of Tainan are getting stronger
At a meeting with Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-Che, Mayor Hanna Zdanowska and Vice Mayor Adam Pustelnik discussed the similarities between the cities, the local economy, student exchange, agriculture, tourism, and a potential partnership agreement. Representatives from the Łódź Special Economic Zone, SuperDrob, and Chimei, a Taiwanese company operating in Łódź, also attended the meeting.
