Taiwan is known across the world for her warm heart and generous spirit. But nowhere is that spirit more alive than in Tainan, my hometown. As the oldest city in Taiwan, Tainan carries centuries of culture in her bones: colorful Taoist and Buddhist temples nestled between modern streets, heritage buildings nicely renovated while keeping their authentic charm, maze-like alleyways, and the endless scent of local snacks drifting from every corner.
People often talk about Tainan’s “人情味 (Ren-Ching-Wei, human connected-ness)”—that genuine warmth, kindness, and sincerity unique to this city. The people here have a distinct character: trusting, giving, and deeply warm. Tainan welcomes everyone, whether they were born here or simply passing through, inviting them to slow down, savor her flavors, and bathe in her gentle gifts.
During my most recent return home, I was reminded again and again of how deeply this spirit runs.
One afternoon, I found myself lost while searching for a lunchbox takeout restaurant. I stopped by a snack eatery to ask the owner for directions. She looked at me, glanced at the blazing sun outside, and said the takeout restaurant was quite far on foot. Without hesitation, she disappeared for a moment, returned with her moped, handed me a helmet, and insisted on giving me a ride. In just a few minutes, I arrived, saved from a long, sweaty 20-minute walk under the sun. And my heart was filled with warmth, gratitude, and happiness. The kind of warmth that reminds you: You’re home.
Another moment took place at a dental clinic, one of the main reasons for my trip. I had spoken with the dentist beforehand; he knew I wasn’t a local resident, and we had never met. On my first appointment, my brother forgot to bring my National Health Insurance card. I offered to pay cash, of course. He waved it off casually: “Let’s take care of your treatment first. We can settle the rest tomorrow.”
As he examined my troublesome tooth and reviewed the previous root canal work I’d received elsewhere, he explained how certain new dental “innovations” are quick, convenient, and profitable for dentists—but not always in the best interest of patients. Then he patiently worked on my root canal.
Because his schedule was fully booked for the next three weeks, he even opened an additional time slot just to help me continue treatment.
When the work was finished the next day, I handed him my National Health Insurance card. To my surprise, he only charged for that second day. He refused to charge for the first visit, even when I offered again to pay cash if the paperwork would be too much trouble.
“It’s no big deal,” he said. And when I reminded him about the co-pays, he simply added, “Don’t worry about it. It’s not that much.”
And just like that, I received excellent, careful dental treatments—completely free.
I was speechless with gratitude.
In a world that feels increasingly rushed, transactional, and distant, simple acts of generosity feel almost like rare jewels. Yet in Tainan, they remain naturally woven into everyday life. They remind us of what connects us as human beings: kindness, trust, and the willingness to care for one another without expecting anything in return.
Generosity and warm hearts are not just cultural traits. They are medicines for the soul.
Sometimes, all it takes is a stranger on a moped, or a dentist with integrity, to remind us of who we are and who we can be.