Things To Do
in Xinpi
Xinpi (新埤) is a small, agricultural township in Pingtung County in southern Taiwan known for rice paddies, fruit farms and a relaxed rural pace of life. The town serves as a gateway to southern Taiwan’s coastal scenery and nearby natural areas while retaining traditional temples, local markets and friendly village communities. Visitors come to enjoy cycling through flat farmland, seasonal fruit picking and quiet photography of sunrise over paddies.
Xinpi is low-key compared with big cities, making it a good stop for travelers seeking an authentic rural Taiwanese experience and easy access to Kenting and Kaohsiung within an hour or two by car.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the iconic Xinpi Old Street, where the traditional architecture and vibrant market stalls invite guests to immerse themselves in local culture. Sample delicious street foods and shop for handmade crafts while soaking up the nostalgic ambiance. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Xinpi Temple, a beautifully preserved structure that showcases the region's rich history.
After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the lush countryside surrounding Xinpi, discovering tranquil rice paddies and picturesque landscapes. Stop by local farms to learn about traditional farming practices and perhaps even try your hand at rice harvesting. The fresh air and scenic views will invigorate your spirit as you soak in the serene environment.
As the sun sets, head to a local night market where you can experience the buzzing atmosphere filled with tantalizing food stalls and vibrant shops. Enjoy local delicacies such as bubble tea and grilled skewers while chatting with locals and fellow travelers. Cap off the evening with a traditional lantern release, allowing your wishes to float into the night sky.
Begin your day with a hands-on workshop where you can learn the art of traditional Taiwanese crafts such as lantern-making or pottery. Skilled artisans will guide you through the process, giving you insight into the cultural significance of these crafts. This immersive experience will deepen your appreciation for the local heritage.
Post-lunch, visit a local tea plantation where you can partake in a tea-tasting session and discover the various types of Taiwanese tea. Engage with the farmers to understand the different processes involved in producing quality tea. Take in the stunning views of the plantation as you sip on the delicious brews.
Spend your evening at a local cultural performance, where you can witness traditional dance and music that reflect Taiwan's rich folklore. The performances are often held in open-air venues, creating an inviting atmosphere for all guests. After the show, interact with the performers and learn more about the stories behind the art.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🚖Short taxi ride (local) | $5-12 |
| 🏨Night in a mid-range guesthouse | $45-80 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.60-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Taiwanese experience with friendly locals
- Easy access to southern coastlines and Kenting for day trips
- Abundant fresh seasonal fruit and farm-to-table eating
- Peaceful, low-tourist atmosphere ideal for relaxation and photography
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options after early evening
- Public transport connections are sparser than in cities—renting a vehicle is helpful
- Hot and humid summers with typhoon risk
- Fewer specialized services (e.g., international cuisine, big hospitals) directly in town
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (Xièxie)" - Thank you
- "請問廁所在哪裡？ (Qǐngwèn cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
- "可以刷卡嗎？ (Kěyǐ shuākǎ ma?)" - Do you accept credit card?
- "多少錢？ (Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Xinpi
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden morning light reflecting in flooded paddies creates classic rural Taiwanese shots — best in planting season and early morning.
Colorful temple architecture, lanterns and weekday rituals provide candid cultural photography opportunities.
Seasonal fruit trees and rustic farm scenes are ideal for close-ups and lifestyle photos, especially during harvest.
Clifftop vistas and dramatic coastline within an easy drive offer wide-angle landscape shots at sunset.
Narrow lanes, traditional doorways and local signage convey authentic rural life and make for intimate street photography.
Food in Xinpi
Xinpi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A comforting staple: minced or shredded braised pork over rice. Found in small local eateries and traditional lunch shops.
Must-Try!
A southern Taiwan specialty commonly served at night markets and food stalls — savory, slightly chewy and topped with sweet-savory sauce.
Depending on season you’ll find mangoes, lychees, wax apples and papaya sold at roadside stalls and farm shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small morning markets where villagers buy produce, breakfast crepes (danbing), soy milk and local snacks — great for fresh, inexpensive eats and people-watching.
Larger night markets within a short drive offer a broader selection of street food: stinky tofu, grilled seafood, shaved ice and regional specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When visiting temples, be respectful: remove hats for prayer, don’t block altars, and avoid loud behavior. Ask before photographing people during rituals.
A small nod or brief greeting goes a long way. Using basic Mandarin or Taiwanese phrases is appreciated by locals.
Many homes and some traditional guesthouses ask you to remove shoes before entering — follow host instructions.
Taiwanese value orderly lines and polite behavior in public spaces; avoid cutting in queues and be patient at busy stalls.
Safety
Tipping in Xinpi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan — service staff do not expect tips. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated but not required; tipping is more common in higher-end hotels or for private guides/drivers.
Cash (NTD) is widely used in rural areas and small stalls; credit cards are accepted at larger restaurants, hotels and supermarkets. Mobile payments (EasyCard, mobile wallets) are growing but bring cash for markets, taxis and bike rentals.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Comfortable temperatures and blooming orchards make spring popular for fruit blossoms and outdoor activities; occasional rain showers occur, so bring a light rain jacket.
Hot, humid and sunny with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and the typhoon season (June–September) peaking in late summer. Stay hydrated and monitor weather advisories.
Generally pleasant and slightly cooler with lower humidity — one of the best times to visit for outdoor activities and clear skies.
Mild and drier than the north of Taiwan; temperatures are comfortable for daytime exploration but evenings can be cool. Not much chance of snow.
Xinpi at Night
Hiking in Xinpi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal trail within Kenting National Park offering dramatic cliffs, grassland panoramas and ocean views; good for sunrise/sunset photography.
A short network of trails through shrubland and rock formations with opportunities to spot coastal plants and seabirds.
A coastal headland near Kenting with easy walks and sweeping ocean vistas popular for sunset shoots.
An urban-adjacent hiking area near Kaohsiung featuring short trails, city views and abundant macaques; useful for a half-day excursion when traveling via Kaohsiung.
Airports
How to reach Xinpi by plane.
The closest major international airport for Xinpi — about 1–1.5 hours by car depending on traffic. Good access to car rentals, trains and long-distance buses to reach Pingtung County.
A smaller airport north of Pingtung; useful for some domestic or limited international connections. Ground transport required to reach Xinpi (longer transfer than Kaohsiung).
Main international gateway for Taiwan located near Taipei — several hours by high-speed rail or domestic flight to southern Taiwan; relevant if combining a north-south itinerary.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents are Han Chinese, with Minnan (Hoklo) cultural influence predominant; Hakka communities may also be present in the region.
Pingtung County is home to several indigenous groups (e.g., Paiwan, Rukai) in surrounding areas; their cultures and crafts can be experienced in local museums and villages within the county.
Like many rural areas, Xinpi has a noticeable elderly population involved in small-scale farming and village life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is widely followed in Taiwan; local communities enjoy watching and youth leagues are common.
Basketball courts are common in towns and schools — a popular casual sport among locals.
Recreational cycling is popular in rural Pingtung due to flat, scenic roads and dedicated cycling routes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Xinpi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in rural town eateries; ask for 素 (sù) dishes or visit Taiwanese Buddhist vegetarian restaurants in larger nearby towns. Carry snacks if you have strict needs.
Vegan choices require clear communication; many dishes use fish sauce or oyster sauce, so ask staff to omit them or seek vegetarian restaurants in Pingtung City or Kaohsiung for more options.
Rice-based foods are common, but soy sauce and processed snacks may contain wheat. Explain restrictions in Chinese if possible and bring necessary supplies for extended stays.