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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜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.
Expansive fields provide seasonal photo opportunities — flooded paddies in planting season reflect skies, while summer and autumn show lush greens and golden grains.
Small traditional temples with ornate roofs and lanterns offer colorful, cultural close-ups and evening atmosphere when lit.
Short drives toward the northwest coast reveal sunset spots, fishing villages and boardwalks good for golden-hour photography.
Quiet tree-lined lanes, irrigation canals and rustic bridges make for classic Taiwanese countryside shots, especially at dawn or dusk.
Food in Xinfeng
Xinfeng Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thin, chewy rice noodles served in clear broth or stir-fried; widely available in Xinfeng’s eateries and markets.
Must-Try!
Pork meatballs with a springy texture, often served in soups or with noodles — look for them at market stalls and small restaurants.
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
Local produce, breakfast stalls and snacks; a great place to try rice noodles, steamed buns and fresh soy milk.
A short drive away are larger night markets where you can sample grilled seafood, stinky tofu, bubble tea and sweet snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
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.
Dress modestly at temples, remove hats and speak quietly; avoid stepping on thresholds and follow local worshippers’ practices if observing rituals.
Many homes and some traditional establishments require removing shoes before entering; follow hosts’ cues.
Taiwanese value polite queuing and orderly behavior in public; be patient and avoid loud, disruptive conduct.
Safety
Tipping in Xinfeng
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
Mild temperatures, blooming roadside flowers and active farming — pleasant for cycling and outdoor walks. Occasional rain showers make a light rain jacket useful.
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.
Generally the most pleasant season: cooler, lower humidity, and clearer skies — ideal for outdoor activities, photography and exploring night markets.
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.
Xinfeng at Night
Hiking in Xinfeng
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular short-to-medium hike near Hsinchu with scenic ridge views, accessible trails and good birdwatching; suitable for half-day trips from Xinfeng.
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.
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.
A small regional airfield used for limited flights and military purposes; convenient for some local services but limited commercial connections.
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.
Smaller domestic and some regional flights in Taipei; reachable by car or train and useful for some domestic connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Most residents are Han Chinese, including Hoklo (Minnan) speakers and Hakka communities, who contribute to the region’s cultural and culinary identity.
Hakka people form a significant cultural group in Hsinchu County; their language, festivals and food are visible in local life and cuisine.
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 is widely followed across Taiwan, with local fans supporting regional teams and attending games in larger nearby cities.
Recreational cycling is popular; many visitors and locals enjoy road and leisure cycling across flat agricultural areas and nearby bike routes.
Common community sports played in school and public courts; easy to find pick-up games in towns and cities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Xinfeng.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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 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.
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.
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.