Xinpu

Xinpu (新埔) is a historic Hakka township in Hsinchu County, Taiwan, famous for its well-preserved traditional architecture and as a centre for the Hakka persimmon industry. Every autumn, the town turns orange as persimmons are dried on rooftops and in fields, creating one of Taiwan's most photogenic seasonal spectacles.

The climate is subtropical. October to December are the best months, coinciding with the persimmon harvest. The town centre has a charming old street with historic buildings.

By Plane

Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is about 50 km north. A taxi takes about 45 minutes and costs around NT$1,200–1,500.

By Train

Xinpu does not have a TRA station. The nearest station is Zhubei Station (12 km west), which serves both TRA and HSR. From Zhubei, take a taxi or bus to Xinpu (15 minutes, taxi NT$300–400).

By Car / Road

Xinpu is accessible via Freeway 1 (Hukou exit) and County Road 118. From Hsinchu City, drive northeast for about 20 minutes. Buses connect Xinpu to Hsinchu City and Zhubei.

The historic centre is walkable. A car is useful for exploring the surrounding persimmon farms.

• Xinpu Old Street (新埔老街) — A beautifully preserved historic street with traditional red-brick buildings.

• Xinpu Persimmon Farms — Fields where persimmons are dried on racks, especially vibrant in October–November.

• Xinpu Mazu Temple — A historic temple in the town centre.

• Xinpu Parish Church — A historic Catholic church dating from the Spanish era.

• Visit during persimmon drying season (September–December) to photograph and taste.

• Walk the historic old street and visit the traditional shops.

• Explore the surrounding Hakka farm villages.

• Visit during the Hakka Tung Blossom Festival (April–May).

• Hakka restaurants serve traditional dishes including salt-baked chicken, stuffed tofu, and stir-fried greens. NT$150–350.
• Persimmon-based desserts and snacks are available in season.
• Small eateries on the old street serve Hakka noodles and snacks. NT$50–100.

Local tea shops serve Hakka lei cha (pounded tea). Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Simple guesthouses, around NT$1,000–1,500.
• Mid-range: For more selection, stay in Zhubei or Hsinchu City.

• Dried persimmons (柿餅) — The town's signature product.
• Hakka specialties — Preserved vegetables, rice wine, and traditional cakes.
• Persimmon ice cream and other persimmon products.

• Zhubei — 12 km west. Modern town with the Hsinchu HSR station.
• Hsinchu City — 18 km southwest. Historic city with the City God Temple.
• Guanxi — 10 km southeast. Another historic Hakka town.
• Beipu — 8 km south. A Hakka settlement with preserved streets and a historic theatre.
• Hukou — 10 km northwest. A town with a preserved old street and military history.