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Things to Do in Xinpu (2026)
Xinpu Old Street (Xinpu Jie) is the historic heart of the town, lined with traditional red-brick shophouses and temples. Spend an hour walking from the Cihui Temple at oβ¦ ποΈ Start at the Old Street
Xinpu Old Street (Xinpu Jie) is the historic heart of the town, lined with traditional red-brick shophouses and temples. Spend an hour walking from the Cihui Temple at one end to the Xinpu Theater at the other, popping into local tea shops and bakeries. Most shops open around 9 AM and close by 6 PM, so arrive early to avoid the midday heat.
π Taste Local Specialties
Don't miss the famous Xinpu mochi (rice cakes) at Jiang Ji Mochi, located at No. 53 Xinpu Street. For a savory bite, try the Hakka-style stir-fried noodles at Hakka Mama's Eatery near the Old Street entrance. Prices are very reasonable: a plate of noodles costs around NT$80, and a box of mochi is about NT$150.
π² Cycle the Countryside
Rent a bicycle from Xinpu Bike Rental (No. 12, Lane 200, Zhongzheng Road) for NT$200 per day and explore the surrounding rice paddies and lotus ponds. A popular route follows the Fengshan River Greenway, a flat 8-kilometer path that passes through small farming villages. Stop at the Lotus Flower Viewing Platform in July and August for stunning blooms.
π― Visit Historic Temples
Xinpu is home to several beautifully preserved temples. The Cihui Temple (No. 1 Xinpu Street), built in 1815, is dedicated to the goddess Mazu and features intricate wood carvings. Another must-see is the Baoshan Temple (No. 200 Baoshan Road), which offers panoramic views of the town from its hilltop location. Both are free to enter and open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM.
π¨ Explore Art Studios
In recent years, Xinpu has attracted a small community of artists who have set up studios in renovated old houses. The Xinpu Art Space (No. 88 Zhongzheng Road) hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary Taiwanese art and is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Entry is free, and the owner often gives a quick tour if you ask.
πΏ Hike the Hiking Trails
For nature lovers, the Xinpu Hiking Trail (trailhead at the end of Lane 100, Guangfu Road) is a 2-kilometer loop through bamboo groves and camphor forests. The trail is well-marked and takes about 45 minutes to complete. Bring water and insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be persistent in the summer months.
ποΈ Shop at the Morning Market
The Xinpu Morning Market (off Zhongzheng Road, near the Old Street) operates from 6 AM to noon every day. Here you'll find fresh produce, dried herbs, and handmade crafts. Look for the stall selling Hakka lei cha (pounded tea) mix, a local specialty that makes a great souvenir. Prices are negotiable, so don't hesitate to haggle politely.
π Watch Sunset from the Dam
End your day at the Xinpu Dam (Fengshan River, south of town), a quiet spot popular with locals for evening strolls. The dam's walkway offers unobstructed views of the sunset over the mountains, and the reflection on the water is particularly beautiful. It's free and accessible 24/7, but the best time is about 30 minutes before sunset.
that cycling route tip about the noodle shack is gold, i've been past it a dozen times and never noticed the red lantern. one thing i'd add for anyone doing the greenway is to take the little detour at the 3k mark where the path forks left toward the old irrigation canal. it adds maybe 15 minutes but the water buffalo are usually grazing there in the late afternoon and it's a nice quiet spot away from the main path. also the bike rental place mentioned is solid but they only have about 20 bikes so on weekends you might want to call ahead or show up right when they open at 8
The guide's spot on about Jiang Ji Mochi, but I'd add that the peanut-flavored ones sell out fastest, so get there before 10 AM if you want them. For a change of pace from the Old Street, walk five minutes to the Xinpu Theater on the north end. They restored it a few years back and sometimes screen old Taiwanese films on weekends, though the schedule is irregular. You can usually peek inside the lobby even when it's closed.
Good to see the guide mention the lotus viewing platform. I went in late July last year and the blooms were incredible, but the real surprise was the little food stall set up right there on weekends. A local family sells fresh lotus root soup and fried lotus chips for like NT$50 each, and they're both fantastic on a hot day.
One thing the guide doesn't mention is the old flour mill at No. 15 Xinpu Street, just past the theater. It's not really open to the public, but if you peek through the gate you can see the original wooden machinery still standing. The owner lives upstairs and doesn't mind if you take a quick look from the doorway.
What to eat in Xinpu next month?
if you're around in the morning, the soy milk shop on minquan road is worth waking up for. they do a thick, slightly burnt version that's hard to find outside xinpu, and the youtiao there is always fresh out of the fryer. for lunch, the old school wonton noodles at the corner of zhongzheng and heping have this super peppery broth that's perfect when it's chilly. just don't expect any english menus, point at what the old guys are eating
definitely hit up the old market on zhongzheng road, the little alley stalls are where it's at. try the dried persimmon rolls if they're still in season, locals buy them by the bag. for something savory, the braised pork rice at the stall near the temple entrance is way better than the touristy places on the main street. grab a bowl and walk over to the park behind the market to eat
fwiw the xinpu rice crackers are kind of a sleeper hit, the ones with peanuts and sesame from the little shop on zhonghua road. they're not sweet like the ones you see everywhere, more savory and crunchy, great with beer. also check out the stinky tofu stall near the old theater, it's got this fermented cabbage topping that's super tangy, way better than the standard version