HsinchuHotel Royal HsinchuTracing hidden waterways and tasting natural sweetness in the morning light

At first light, the Xinpu Market is already alive with activity. Shouts from vendors, the scent of fresh produce, and the sizzle of frying oil weave together to form the opening symphony of this small town. Many of the stalls have been around for decades. When a customer says, “The usual,” the vendor knows exactly which cut of pig’s head to slice or how much wild greens to pack. It’s a gathering place of familiarity, memory, and human connection.

Next to the market, the local tofu shop is already at work. The rich aroma of soybeans fills the air, a familiar breakfast scene for many in Xinpu. Around the corner, a small eatery serves handmade Hakka-style smoked sausages, a beloved local favorite. Dipped in house-made miso sauce, each bite offers a balance of savory and subtle sweetness. This is a taste from the past, a daily imprint of Hakka culture.

Deep within the market stands an old well, still in use. Once used to draw water for homes, it now nourishes the market’s vegetables and shared memories. Turning onto Heping Street, the Liu Family Ancestral Hall and Guanghe Temple represent the core of family heritage and local faith. Their swallowtail rooftops and colorful deity murals add a vibrant spirit to the town.

At the sunlit Xinpu persimmon dye workshop, unripe persimmons are pressed to extract a rich dye, coloring fabric in earthy tones. These pieces seem to quietly record the hues of daily life in the town. A morning walk through Xinpu reveals both the lasting presence of tradition and the quiet ferment of emerging creativity.

ITINERARY BOOKING PLAN A TRIP

Stay, and see how the city begins its day

Dawn inside the room, streets awakening outside — the journey starts here.

Tracing hidden waterways and tasting natural sweetness in the morning light

Tracing the Hakka spirit along Xinpu Old Street, where daily life and history intertwine

Start your morning at Xinpu First Market, where the voices of friendly vendors blend with the aroma of deep-fried braised pork and the rich scent of freshly ground soybeans for tofu. Savor handmade Hakka-style smoked sausages dipped in house-made miso sauce as you stroll past bustling stalls. Slip into the alleys to find a century-old well still in use, and admire the swallowtail rooftops of ancestral halls that stand as symbols of family heritage.
Finally, visit a persimmon dye workshop, where unripe persimmons are pressed to create earthy-hued pigments. Brush your own color onto the fabric and leave with a piece of Xinpu’s living rhythm. In just one morning, you’ll step into the heart of everyday Hakka life.

The lively rhythm of a morning market

Step into Xinpu Market at daybreak to sample braised pork, handmade tofu, and traditional Hakka rice dishes. Amid the scent of sizzling oil and fresh produce, you’ll witness the easy rapport between vendors and loyal customers — a rhythm of life shaped by familiarity and warmth.
Wells, ancestral halls, and places of devotion

Wander through the alleys to find a still-functioning old well, the Liu Family Ancestral Shrine with its graceful swallowtail roof, and Guanghe Temple, a spiritual landmark for the local community. These quiet sites speak volumes about the passage of time and the deep roots of Hakka tradition.
Sun-dyeing your own persimmon-dyed keepsake

At the persimmon dyeing studio, experience the traditional art of “sun dyeing” using natural pigments extracted from leftover persimmon skins. Brush gentle earth tones onto cloth under the sunlight and bring home a handmade memento infused with the colors of Xinpu’s land and heritage.

Exclusive Royal Experience

Local guides lead the way — limited tours to step into the city’s awakening moments.
- One-night stay for two with breakfast｜Guided tour・Local experience・Shuttle service｜Fixed departure dates
- Discover the morning charm of Xinpu through a guided exploration of its old streets and warm community life
- Taste Xinpu’s three signature flavors — handmade rice noodles, smoked Hakka sausages, and kumquat popsicles
- Craft your own persimmon-dyed coin purse and take home a textured memory of your slow-paced journey
Booking Details
Royal Explorer Accommodation Package

Choose the right day, and let the journey unfold from here.
- One-night stay for two with breakfast｜Flexible departure dates
- Start your journey anytime — receive experience vouchers upon check-in and explore at your own pace
- A blend of historic streets and hands-on experiences invites you to savor the warmth of local life and culture
Booking Details

CITY AWAKENING PROJECT EXPERIENCE & GUIDE

The first words of awakening are spoken by them

We walk the awakening route of the plan and witness the city’s true opening scene.

Kirkir - Persimmon-Dyed Coin Purse DIY

Rooted in Xinpu’s one-of-a-kind persimmon dyeing craft, this DIY experience uses natural dye made from byproducts of the local dried persimmon industry. Sun-dried to draw out warm, earthy hues, each piece carries the subtle tone of the land.
A workshop instructor will introduce the principles of persimmon dyeing and guide you through traditional tie-dye techniques. You’ll leave with a handmade coin purse—one that’s uniquely yours, and colored by time, sunlight, and memory.

Tu Meng-Lung｜A cultural guide who walks with stories

Once an elementary school teacher, Tu Meng-Lung has an innate feel for the rhythm of storytelling and the layers of local knowledge. In recent years, he’s stepped into communities, fields, and historical sites, guiding cultural tours that help others rediscover the land beneath their feet.
From the bricks of East Gate to the shared memories at Xinpu’s old wells, Tu revives the past through quiet details and reminds us: real travel isn’t about rushing through, but about pausing, noticing, and listening.
On this Royal Explorer journey, he’ll be your guide—a weaver of stories, leading you step by step, taste by taste, and wall by wall, into the open-air museum of Xinpu.

CITY AWAKENING PROJECT SIGHTSEEING SPOTS

Step by step, you encounter the awakening landscapes

As you walk through the morning, these places emerge naturally — a dialogue extended by the city.

Xinpu First Public Retail Market

Where vendors’ voices mark the town’s daily beginning

At the intersection of Zhongzheng Road and Shichang Street, this long-standing public market begins stirring at 5:30 AM, forming the backbone of daily life for Xinpu’s residents. Set in a narrow, single-story building, the space is tightly packed yet thoughtfully organized into zones for vegetables, meat, fruits, and ready-to-eat foods.
Many stalls have been operated by the same families for generations. Here, a simple “the usual” from a customer is enough to start the day’s order—be it a slice of pork head meat or a bundle of mountain greens. The rhythm of familiarity and trust is woven into every interaction.
Morning favorites include freshly fried braised pork, handmade Hakka rice dishes, and seasonal vegetables from the hills nearby. To visit this public market is to step into the very heartbeat of Xinpu’s everyday life.

No. 8, Lane 359, Zhongzheng Rd., Xinpu Township, Hsinchu County
Xinpu Well Culture

A memory of water, flowing from settlement to everyday life

In Xinpu, wells were once the starting point of daily life. At dawn, residents drew water to cook; by dusk, they carried it to water their gardens. The well was always surrounded by people coming and going—a familiar part of the town’s everyday rhythm. At the old well within the bustling market, vendors rinsed vegetables and prepared ingredients, while children sat on the stone rim, eating noodles and chatting. The mingling sounds of splashing water and lively conversation formed the town’s most authentic soundtrack.
Although modern households are now connected to tap water and wells are no longer essential, many families continue to honor them. Pouring tea into the well during festivals, praying for peace, and thanking the guardian spirit of the well are ways locals preserve these memories. Though small in scale, each well holds the tempo, warmth, and human connection of the town—an understated yet deeply rooted presence in Xinpu’s cultural landscape.
Jin Hsing Tofu Shop

The nostalgic aroma of fresh soybeans fills the market each morning

A time-honored name in Xinpu Market, Jin Hsing Tofu Shop starts its day before sunrise, grinding fresh soybeans and making tofu on-site every morning. The tofu is smooth and tender, crafted using traditional stone mills and non-GMO soybeans. Their soy milk and tofu pudding are also rich in natural flavor, capturing the essence of freshly ground beans. With no artificial flavoring or preservatives, this simple, handmade fare has become a morning ritual for many locals, who line up early for a taste of familiar comfort.

No. 362, Zhongzheng Rd., Xinpu Township, Hsinchu County
Xinpu Guanghe Temple

A color-splashed temple where tradition meets contemporary buzz

Guanghe Temple, one of the key Hakka religious centers in Xinpu, is dedicated to the Kings of the Three Mountains. The temple has been renovated several times, yet its roof and walls still retain detailed restorations by Koji pottery master Su Yang-Shui and his disciples. Though renewed with fresh paint, the craftsmanship remains striking. Notably, the temple was built using the “dueling artisans” method, in which two craftsmen worked on the left and right sides independently. The structures appear symmetrical, but subtle differences in technique reveal a fascinating duality.
What has sparked the most discussion in recent years are the temple’s vibrant murals. Reimagined by painter Liao, the new artwork adopts a bold aesthetic with expressive color. The once modest and reserved celestial maidens now appear with graceful curves and flowing, sheer garments. While the imagery stirred debate among more conservative worshippers, it also brought unexpected attention and popularity. Visiting Guanghe Temple means more than observing deities — it offers a rare encounter between traditional craft and modern artistic expression.

No. 608, Zhongzheng Rd., Xinpu Township, Hsinchu County
Xinpu Liu Family Ancestral Shrine

Family honor beneath soaring swallowtail ridges

Built in 1866, during the fifth year of the Tongzhi reign in the Qing Dynasty, the Liu Family Ancestral Shrine is one of the most well-preserved traditional family shrines in Xinpu. It enshrines Liu Rong, grandfather of Liu Bang (Emperor Gaozu of Han), along with generations of Liu ancestors. The building follows a classic sanheyuan (three-sided courtyard) layout, distinguished by its sweeping swallowtail roof ridges. These ornate curves not only crown the main hall but also extend to the side wings, reflecting the family’s social stature and architectural pride.
Inside, numerous horizontal plaques commemorate the honors and scholarly achievements of Liu descendants. Inscriptions such as “Wen Kui” (Literary Laureate), “En Yuan” (Imperial Favor), and “Yuan Yuan Liu Chang” (Timeless Legacy) line the interior, while refined woodcarvings under the eaves enhance the shrine’s elegant and imposing character. Recognized as a Class III national historic site, visits must be arranged in advance with the site’s caretaker.

No. 230, Heping St., Xinpu Township, Hsinchu County
Kirkir

Sun-dried persimmon hues and the art of slow living

Kirkir, also known as “sun dyeing,” embraces the rhythms of nature through the use of unripe persimmons—byproducts of Xinpu’s famous persimmon cake industry. The juice of these fruits is extracted and used as a natural dye. When exposed to sunlight, the fabric slowly develops warm, earthy shades such as ochre and deep brown, each piece bearing the marks of time and touch. On site, visitors can try DIY methods including cold dyeing and brush dyeing.
Beyond its workshop, Kirkir actively collaborates with schools and local communities to pass down this distinctive craft. Thanks to these efforts, Xinpu is now known not only for the scent of dried persimmons, but also as a leading center for persimmon dyeing culture in Taiwan.

No. 766, Zhongzheng Rd., Xinpu Township, Hsinchu County
Former Hsin Hsing Theater Site

Lingering light from a vanished screen

Opened in the 1960s, Hsin Hsing Theater was once the town’s liveliest corner. It screened Hong Kong and Taiwanese films, served as a popular spot for dates, and offered the rare comfort of air conditioning. In those days, it wasn’t just a place to watch movies—it was where life gathered.
Today, the building stands abandoned. Weathered walls and peeling paint seem to pause time itself, quietly preserving the afterglow of Xinpu’s cinematic past.

No. 57, Chenggong St., Xinpu Township, Hsinchu County
I Shun Ice Shop

Kumquat ice, preserving Xinpu’s summer in every bite

At daybreak, deep in a Xinpu alley, the old ice machine hums to life. Sugar syrup is poured into molds, dipped into the coolant, as faint citrus notes drift through the air, mingling with the rhythmic churn. Slowly, popsicles begin to take shape in the icy mist.
The signature kumquat ice bar starts with handmade kumquat sauce simmered in winter. Bits of rind bring a touch of bitterness and texture, while the taste—tart, sweet, and slightly salty—captures the brisk, honest flavor of Hakka kumquats. On lucky mornings, you might find a batch of freshly made shaved ice, soft and fleeting on the tongue. It leaves behind nothing but purity—simple, real—just like a morning on this old street.

No. 99, Chenggong St., Xinpu Township, Hsinchu County