Things To Do
in Xinfeng

Xinfeng (新豐) is a quiet township in Hsinchu County, northern Taiwan, sitting near fertile plains and within easy reach of Hsinchu City and the Taiwan northwest coast. The area blends agricultural landscapes — rice paddies and vegetable farms — with small temples, local markets and family-run eateries reflecting Hsinchu and Hakka culinary influences. Visitors come for relaxed rural scenery, cycling and short cultural excursions rather than big-city attractions.

Xinfeng is a practical base for exploring nearby coastal viewpoints, Hsinchu’s tech hubs and the county’s hiking trails while experiencing authentic village life.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Heart of Xinfeng
morning
:

Start your journey with a visit to the bustling Xinfeng Market, where you can experience local flavors and purchase fresh produce. Grab a traditional Taiwanese breakfast from one of the many vendors, savoring the local dishes like dan bing and soya milk. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the market, mingling with friendly locals and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Visit the historic Xinfeng Old Street, lined with traditional shops selling handmade crafts and snacks. Spend some time at the Xinfeng Shrine, where you can admire the intricate architecture and learn about the area's history. Take a break at a charming tea house, enjoying a cup of local tea while chatting with the locals.

evening
:

As evening approaches, head to a nearby park for a peaceful walk while the sun sets over the horizon. Enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, where you can try specialty dishes unique to the Hsinchu County region. Conclude your day with a visit to the night market, indulging in delicious street food and enjoying the lively entertainment.

day 2
Nature and Serenity
morning
:

Begin your day with a hike at the scenic Xinfeng Mountain, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The morning sun illuminates the trails, creating a serene atmosphere as you breathe in the fresh air. Pack a light breakfast to enjoy at one of the viewpoints amidst nature's beauty.

afternoon
:

After your hike, head to the tranquil Green Lake Park for a leisurely afternoon surrounded by nature. Rent a paddle boat to explore the calm waters or simply relax on the shore, enjoying the peaceful environment. Capture the moment with some photographs of the vibrant flora and fauna.

evening
:

As night falls, return to Xinfeng to visit the lively Zehuan Night Market. Experience the bustling food stalls offering a variety of delicious snacks and local delicacies. End your day with some shopping for unique souvenirs to take home.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-6
Coffee or tea at a café$2-4
🍺Beer at a bar$3-6
🚕Short taxi ride (5–10 km)$6-12
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$50-100

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, authentic rural Taiwanese experience with easy access to Hsinchu City
  • Affordable food and accommodations with good local specialties
  • Great for cycling, photography and short nature outings
  • Close to both coastline and inland hiking trails
  • Limited nightlife and few tourist facilities in the township itself
  • Fewer direct public transport connections compared with major cities
  • Service in very small shops may be limited in English
  • Weather can be disruptive in typhoon season
  • "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
  • "謝謝 (xiè xie)" - Thank you
  • "請問……在哪裡? (qǐng wèn... zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me — where is...?
  • "多少錢? (duō shǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
  • "不用,謝謝 (bú yòng, xiè xie)" - No, thank you
  • "我對…過敏 (wǒ duì ... guò mǐn)" - I am allergic to...

Places to Visit in Xinfeng

Visit one of these nice places.

Rural Rice Paddies

Expansive fields provide seasonal photo opportunities — flooded paddies in planting season reflect skies, while summer and autumn show lush greens and golden grains.

Village Temples

Small traditional temples with ornate roofs and lanterns offer colorful, cultural close-ups and evening atmosphere when lit.

Coastal Viewpoints (nearby)

Short drives toward the northwest coast reveal sunset spots, fishing villages and boardwalks good for golden-hour photography.

Cycling Paths and Country Roads

Quiet tree-lined lanes, irrigation canals and rustic bridges make for classic Taiwanese countryside shots, especially at dawn or dusk.

Culinary Guide

Food in Xinfeng

Xinfeng is influenced by Hsinchu County’s culinary traditions: rice-based dishes, pork products and Hakka flavors mingle with fresh produce from local farms. Street food and simple family-run restaurants dominate; seafood appears on tables nearer the coast. Expect savory, umami-forward flavors, chewy rice noodles and affordable comfort food.

Xinfeng Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Hsinchu Rice Noodles (新竹米粉)

Thin, chewy rice noodles served in clear broth or stir-fried; widely available in Xinfeng’s eateries and markets.

Must-Try!

Hsinchu Meatballs / Gongwan (貢丸)

Pork meatballs with a springy texture, often served in soups or with noodles — look for them at market stalls and small restaurants.

Hakka Stir-Fry / Hakka Yong (客家小炒)

A savory stir-fry of pork, squid, and preserved vegetables that reflects the Hakka culinary influence in the region; best at traditional eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Xinfeng Morning Market

Local produce, breakfast stalls and snacks; a great place to try rice noodles, steamed buns and fresh soy milk.

Nearby Night Markets (Hsinchu City)

A short drive away are larger night markets where you can sample grilled seafood, stinky tofu, bubble tea and sweet snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Xinfeng has a subtropical climate: hot, humid summers with a pronounced rainy/typhoon season and mild, relatively dry winters. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather. Annual temperatures typically range from about 10°C (50°F) in winter nights up to 33°C (91°F) or higher during summer days. Rainfall peaks in late spring and summer.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Polite Greetings

A simple hello (你好, ni hao) or a nod is appreciated. Use two hands when giving or receiving items like business cards or gifts to show respect.

Temple Manners

Dress modestly at temples, remove hats and speak quietly; avoid stepping on thresholds and follow local worshippers’ practices if observing rituals.

Shoes Off Indoors

Many homes and some traditional establishments require removing shoes before entering; follow hosts’ cues.

Queueing and Respect

Taiwanese value polite queuing and orderly behavior in public; be patient and avoid loud, disruptive conduct.

Safety Guide

Safety

Xinfeng is generally safe with low violent crime; petty theft can occur, so use normal travel vigilance. Traffic (scooters and narrow roads) is a common hazard — wear helmets on scooters and stay visible. During typhoon season and heavy rains, watch for flooding and road closures and follow local advisories. Keep emergency contacts and know the location of the nearest clinic or hospital.

Tipping in Xinfeng

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan and most bills do not include service charges in casual eateries. Small tips are appreciated in tour or private-transport situations but not expected; many mid- to high-end hotels and restaurants add service charges which are clearly indicated.

Payment Methods

Cash (New Taiwan Dollar) is widely used, especially at small stalls and markets. Contactless payment (EasyCard) is convenient for buses and some shops; credit/debit cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, LINE Pay, JKoPay) are accepted at larger restaurants and stores. ATMs are common in towns and convenience stores accept cash withdrawals with international cards.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, blooming roadside flowers and active farming — pleasant for cycling and outdoor walks. Occasional rain showers make a light rain jacket useful.

Summer

Hot and humid with temperatures often above 30°C (86°F); thunderstorms and the typhoon season (mainly July–September) can bring heavy rain and wind. Plan indoor alternatives and monitor weather if travelling during typhoon season.

Autumn

Generally the most pleasant season: cooler, lower humidity, and clearer skies — ideal for outdoor activities, photography and exploring night markets.

Winter

Mild and cooler (10–18°C / 50–64°F) with occasional chilly days; rarely very cold. Light layers suffice, and the air can be clear for long-distance views.

Nightlife Guide

Xinfeng at Night

Xinfeng itself is quiet after dark, with a handful of local eateries and teahouses open late. For lively nightlife — bars, craft beer, night markets and entertainment venues — head to nearby Hsinchu City (15–30 minutes away). Evenings in Xinfeng are pleasant for relaxed dining, stargazing in rural spots, or visiting small temple festivals if the timing aligns.

Hiking in Xinfeng

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Eighteen Peaks Mountain (十八尖山)

A popular short-to-medium hike near Hsinchu with scenic ridge views, accessible trails and good birdwatching; suitable for half-day trips from Xinfeng.

Neiwan Old Street and Trails

Historic Neiwan area offers a combination of cultural old-street exploration and nearby forested trails, waterfalls and gentle hikes — a pleasant day trip from Xinfeng.

Local Foothill Paths

Several lesser-known village trails in Hsinchu County provide easy walks through farmland, small streams and temple viewpoints — ideal for relaxed, short hikes and photography.

Airports

How to reach Xinfeng by plane.

Hsinchu Airfield (HSZ / local air base)

A small regional airfield used for limited flights and military purposes; convenient for some local services but limited commercial connections.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

The main international gateway for northern Taiwan, approximately 50–70 km away depending on route; accessible by car or public transport plus a bus/train transfer to Hsinchu area.

Songshan Airport (TSA, Taipei)

Smaller domestic and some regional flights in Taipei; reachable by car or train and useful for some domestic connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Xinfeng village centers are compact and walkable for short errands, market visits and temple visits. For exploring the wider township — farms, coastal viewpoints and some trails — a bicycle, scooter or car is more practical. Sidewalks may be limited on country roads, so be cautious when walking near traffic.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Chinese (majority)

Most residents are Han Chinese, including Hoklo (Minnan) speakers and Hakka communities, who contribute to the region’s cultural and culinary identity.

Hakka Community

Hakka people form a significant cultural group in Hsinchu County; their language, festivals and food are visible in local life and cuisine.

Indigenous and Other Groups

Smaller numbers of indigenous Taiwanese and migrant workers contribute to the local demographic mix, with communities centered around agriculture and industry.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Baseball is widely followed across Taiwan, with local fans supporting regional teams and attending games in larger nearby cities.

Cycling

Recreational cycling is popular; many visitors and locals enjoy road and leisure cycling across flat agricultural areas and nearby bike routes.

Basketball and Badminton

Common community sports played in school and public courts; easy to find pick-up games in towns and cities.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Xinfeng itself is light compared with urban centers, but roads can be narrow and shared with scooters, agricultural vehicles and bicycles. Peak congestion occurs on routes to Hsinchu City during commute hours. Public transport options include local buses and regional connections to Hsinchu and neighboring towns; a scooter or car provides the most flexibility for exploring rural roads and coastal areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Xinfeng.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian choices exist but can be limited in small village restaurants; tofu dishes, vegetable stir-fries and simple noodle soups are common. Look for Buddhist vegetarian stalls or larger Hsinchu eateries that label meat-free options.

Vegan

Vegan dining is more reliable in Hsinchu City than in Xinfeng village; carry a translation card explaining dietary needs and use apps to locate vegan-friendly restaurants.

Gluten-free

Rice-based dishes (rice noodles, steamed rice) are usually gluten-free, but soy sauce (with wheat) is common — ask staff to omit soy sauce and confirm ingredients when possible.

Allergies

Shellfish and peanuts are common in Taiwanese cooking. Always communicate allergies clearly in Chinese (or show a printed card) and double-check at street stalls.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic clinics and pharmacies are available in town for minor ailments and prescriptions. For more comprehensive care, including emergency services or specialist treatment, Hsinchu City hospitals are the nearest full-service facilities (a short drive away). Taiwan’s national health system provides high-quality care; travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is recommended for visitors.

Discover Taiwan

Read more in our Taiwan 2025 Travel Guide.

Taiwan Travel Guide