Famed for its cultivation of persimmons, Xinpu is a historic township east of Hsinchu City. It was originally known as “Baliguo” and flourished as a commercial hub during the Qing Dynasty rule of Emperor Jiaqing. Xinpu Township centres around a well-preserved old town filled with family temples on the banks of the Fengshan River.
Things to do in Xinpu Township
Enjoy a stroll along Xinpu Old Street, a historic thoroughfare lined with ancestral temples and traditional eateries serving mung bean noodles. Local specialties such as persimmons and honey are sold at the market stalls. Continue walking west to the Fengshan Riverside Sports Park, which encompasses baseball diamonds, basketball and tennis courts.
Passing through Xinpu Township is Taiwan Cycling Route No.1, a 968-kilometre-long route that comprises a mixture of small country roads and dedicated bicycle paths. As it circles Taiwan, it takes in historic river bridges, magnificent coastal areas and one of the country’s most famous Mazu temples, the Dajia Jenn Lann Temple. Among the route’s biggest challenges is climbing the Shouka Pass.
If you’re a fan of persimmons, head to the Wei Wei Jia Shi Bing Jiao Yu Nong Yuan, a picturesque orchard where you can watch as the fruits are harvested in late autumn. See persimmons drying on the bamboo racks and sample a taste while learning about the cultivation process. Nearby is the Liangjing Ecological Park with its scenic nature trails.
Getting around Xinpu Township
Xinpu Township is around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Hsinchu City and one hour from New Taipei City. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is about an hour away and has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular buses connect to Xinpu and travel throughout the township, connecting most of its attractions.