Things To Do
in Xingang
Xingang (新港), a quiet township in Chiayi County, Taiwan, is best known for its historic Fengtian Temple and traditional agricultural landscapes. The town blends strong religious culture, small-town markets, and preserved old streets where local crafts and snacks remain central to daily life. Visitors find easy access to Chiayi’s larger transport hubs while enjoying slower-paced rural scenery and seasonal festivals.
Xingang is a practical base for temple visits, short cycling routes through rice paddies, and day trips to Alishan and nearby wetlands.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the breathtaking Xingang Fuan Temple, renowned for its intricate architecture and stunning murals. Engage in some traditional practices, participate in a morning prayer session, and capture beautiful photos of the colorful decorations. Enjoy a local breakfast at a nearby eatery, savoring dishes such as dumplings or rice balls.
After lunch, stroll through Xingang's charming streets, stopping by local shops that showcase traditional crafts and delicacies. Visit the nearby sacred Zhuzi Mountain for a relaxing hike and admire the panoramic views from the summit. Don't forget to pack a small picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic nature.
As the sun sets, head back to Xingang for a leisurely evening at the night market, where you can feast on various street foods, including stinky tofu and bubble tea. Engage in games and activities around the market, soaking in the vibrant local culture and atmosphere. Conclude your day with a peaceful walk in one of the city's parks, reflecting on the beauty of your experiences.
Begin your morning with a visit to the local cultural center, where you can learn about the history and customs of Xingang through interactive exhibits. Join a hands-on workshop to craft traditional Taiwanese arts such as lantern making or calligraphy. Relish a breakfast of local specialties at the center's cafeteria, mingling with locals to deepen your cultural understanding.
In the afternoon, take a guided tour to the nearby traditional markets, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere and sample fresh produce. Discover the stories behind the various goods, including local textiles and spices. As the sun begins to set, participate in a traditional tea ceremony, gaining insight into its significance in Taiwanese culture.
As dusk approaches, explore the nearby riverfront area that is beautifully illuminated at night. Dine at a riverside restaurant, choosing from a menu filled with fresh seafood and regional specialties. Enjoy a tranquil evening stroll along the river, taking in the reflection of city lights on the water.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Cafe drink / bubble tea | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (local) | $5-12 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.7-2 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $45-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich temple culture and local festivals (great for cultural experiences).
- Easy access to rural landscapes, cycling routes and nearby natural attractions like Alishan and wetlands.
- Authentic small-town Taiwanese food and family-run eateries.
- Less crowded than major tourist centers—relaxed pace and friendly locals.
- Limited nightlife and fewer modern amenities compared with larger cities.
- Public transport within the township is sparse—having a scooter or car helps.
- Seasonal typhoons and summer heat can disrupt travel plans.
- English is less commonly spoken in small shops and older generations.
- "你好" - Hello
- "謝謝" - Thank you
- "不好意思 / 對不起" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "廁所在哪裡？" - Where is the restroom?
- "多少錢？" - How much is it?
- "我吃素" - I am vegetarian
- "可以拍照嗎？" - May I take a photo?
Places to Visit in Xingang
Visit one of these nice places.
Ornate temple architecture, richly carved woodwork, colorful murals and ritual activity make this a prime spot for cultural and architectural photography, especially during festivals.
Capture street life, vendor stalls, religious offerings and candid portraits of locals in front of traditional shopfronts and signage.
Sunrise and sunset over irrigated fields and low-lying farmland create reflective water surfaces and patchwork patterns; ideal for landscape shots and drone photography where allowed.
Boardwalks and viewing platforms offer opportunities to photograph migratory birds, wetlands, and coastal light—best in early morning or late afternoon.
If you travel up to Alishan, sunrise sea of clouds, cypress forests and mountain railway scenes are world-class photography subjects.
Food in Xingang
Xingang Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Taiwanese staple of minced pork braised in soy and spices served over steamed rice; widely available at small eateries and great for a quick, inexpensive meal.
Must-Try!
A popular street-food item featuring plump local oysters, egg, starch batter and a savory-sweet sauce; best found at night markets and temple-area stalls.
Around Fengtian Temple you’ll find sticky rice cakes, fried treats, and sweets sold during festivals and daily by vendors; a good way to taste traditional local confectionery.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small vendors near the temple and on the old street sell snacks, incense offerings, and drinks—try local shaved ice, rice cakes, and soy-based beverages.
For a wider selection of Taiwanese street food, visit larger night markets in Chiayi City or neighboring Beigang; expect oyster omelettes, stinky tofu, and grilled skewers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, speak quietly, avoid stepping on thresholds, don’t point at religious objects, and ask before photographing rituals or people offering prayers.
Politeness toward elders is important; offer seats and use polite language—simple gestures like a nod or saying “謝謝” (thank you) go a long way.
Remove shoes when entering someone’s home and sometimes in small shops; look for shoe racks or follow the host’s lead.
Taiwanese value orderly queues and civil public behavior—avoid loud phone conversations on public transport and respect personal space when possible.
Safety
Tipping in Xingang
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; small cafés or tour guides sometimes accept small tips but service charges may be included in hotels. Showing appreciation verbally or with a small cash thank-you is fine.
Cash (New Taiwan Dollar, TWD) is widely used in rural areas and markets. Major credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants; EasyCard / iPass contactless cards are handy for buses and some shops. ATMs are available in Chiayi and larger towns; carry sufficient cash for small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid and prone to heavy showers and occasional typhoons (June–September). Carry water, sun protection and a light rain jacket; outdoor activities are best early morning or late afternoon.
Milder temperatures and lower humidity make autumn (October–November) a pleasant time for outdoor exploring, cycling and photography; typhoon risk falls.
Cool and relatively dry (December–February) with comfortable daytime temperatures; mountain areas like Alishan can be cold and occasionally foggy—bring layers.
Warm with increasing humidity and periodic rain (March–May); blossoming trees and agricultural activity make for attractive rural scenes, but pack an umbrella.
Xingang at Night
Hiking in Xingang
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A premier mountain destination with well-maintained trails, giant cypress forests, sunrise viewpoints, and the historic Alishan Forest Railway; excellent for day hikes and nature photography.
Scenic lakeside trails near Chiayi City suitable for easy hikes, birdwatching and cycling; nice for relaxed half-day excursions.
Coastal wetland trails and platforms for birdwatching and gentle walks; best for sunrise/sunset visits and seasonal migratory birds.
Numerous informal walking and cycling paths through rice fields and villages around Xingang—ideal for short, flat hikes and cultural observation.
Airports
How to reach Xingang by plane.
Small regional airport serving limited domestic flights; closest in the county but with restricted service—most travelers use ground transport from here.
Regional airport with some domestic connections; about an hour’s drive depending on traffic and a reasonable option for southern Taiwan access.
Major international airport serving southern Taiwan (approx. 1–1.5 hours by car), with wide flight options and convenient ground connections.
The main international gateway to Taiwan (near Taipei); several hours by train/car—useful if arriving internationally with onward domestic transfer by High-Speed Rail or domestic flights.
Not an airport, but the High-Speed Rail station at Chiayi (Taibao) and conventional Taiwan Rail Administration (TRA) stations provide fast, convenient access from major cities and are key transport hubs for reaching Xingang.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in the region is Hoklo (Taiwanese Minnan) who speak Southern Min (Taiwanese) and Mandarin—local customs and dialects reflect this heritage.
Smaller Hakka and other Han Chinese communities are present, contributing to local culture and festivals.
Like many rural Taiwanese townships, Xingang has an aging population and many family-run farms and businesses.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is Taiwan’s most popular sport; local interest is strong and Chiayi region supports youth teams and regional matches.
Basketball is widely played in schools and parks; pickup games are common in town courts.
Recreational cycling is popular thanks to flat rural roads and scenic routes around rice paddies and country lanes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Xingang.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common, especially around temples where Buddhist vegetarian dishes are sold; say “我吃素” (wǒ chī sù) to indicate vegetarian and ask for no fish sauce or lard.
Vegan options require more care—many soy-based dishes are vegan-friendly but confirm ingredients. Gluten-free dining is harder; rice-based meals are safe but check soy sauces and processed items.
Carry translations of key allergies (e.g., “我對花生過敏” — I am allergic to peanuts) and use a translation card for clarity at small eateries.