Tainan Chikanlou is built by the Dutch in 1652. It was originally called Provintia. In Dutch it means eternity. The Chinese called the building "Chikanlou", "Fanzailou" or "Honmaolou". Although Chikanlou has gone through Ming Dynasty, Qing Dynasty and the Japanese Colonization Period, it basically still maintains its original look.

Chikanlou has been an administration center from the Dutch's occupation period. In 1661 when the Chinese general, Cheng Chengkung, repelled the Dutch. Provintia was changed to be Chentien governor's mansion. In the early stage of Qing Dynasty when Taichiang River was still running, the tides could reach Chikanlou directly. "The sunset in Chikanlou" was one of the eight famous scenes in Taiwan. In front of Chikanlou there are nine sets of stone turtles carrying plates. There were made in Qing Dynasty and were removed from elsewhere to be located here. The legend says that the stone turtle is one of the dragon's nine sons. It shifted into a turtle because it loved to endure heavy objects. There is also a stone horse with broken legs. The legend says that the stone horse's legs were broken by force because it shape-shifted into a monster at night and harassed the residents. Later, Chikanlou declined due to damages caused by civilian upheaval and lack of management. Chinese style building was added to the original Dutch architectural body. Once the place hosted the worship for Guanshihyin Budda. During the Japanese colonization period, Chikanlou was changed to be army hospital. There were some restoration and repair. After Taiwan was returned to R.O.C., the wooden structure was changed into steel concrete structure. The main entrance was changed. Thus they created the look of Chikanlou today.