Things To Do
in Xionglin
Xionglin is a peaceful rural township in Taiwan characterized by rolling tea-covered hills, rice paddies and small Hakka villages. The pace of life is slow, with family-run farms, local temples and a small cluster of shops and markets that serve nearby communities. It’s an appealing destination for visitors seeking countryside scenery, cycling routes and hands-on agricultural experiences like tea picking.
While quiet at night, the township offers authentic local culture within easy reach of larger cities and transport links.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Taichung Airport and take a scenic drive to Xionglin, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains. Check into your hotel and freshen up to start your adventure. Grab a traditional Taiwanese breakfast at a local eatery to energize yourself for the day ahead.
Explore the charming streets of Xionglin, visiting local crafts shops and enjoying the unique architecture. Stop for lunch at a popular dumpling spot known for its handmade delicacies. Spend the afternoon hiking to nearby viewpoints that offer breathtaking panoramas of the countryside.
As dusk falls, enjoy a peaceful walk through Xionglin’s night market, where you can sample street food and shop for souvenirs. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere filled with chatter and laughter from fellow visitors. End your day relaxing at a local café with a cup of bubble tea.
Begin your day with a visit to a nearby temple, soaking in the rich spiritual and cultural history of the area. Engage with local worshippers and learn about the rituals and significance of the offerings. Afterward, participate in a traditional tea ceremony, discovering the art of Taiwanese tea preparation.
Lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant offers fresh, locally-sourced ingredients prepared with traditional recipes. Spend the afternoon visiting a local art gallery that showcases the works of regional artists, deepening your appreciation for Taiwanese culture. Join a pottery workshop where you can create a keepsake to remember your time in Xionglin.
Dine at a restaurant known for its fusion cuisine, blending traditional flavors with modern techniques. After dinner, join a guided storytelling session or cultural performance that recounts the history and legends of the area. Wind down with a quiet stroll through the peaceful streets under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $2-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $3-8 |
| 🏠Basic guesthouse / B&B per night | $30-60 |
| 🚲Bike rental (day) | $5-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Taiwanese and Hakka culture with friendly locals
- Scenic tea terraces, rice paddies and quiet cycling routes
- Excellent opportunities for hands-on agricultural experiences and tea tastings
- Limited nightlife and fewer modern amenities compared with urban centers
- Public transport is less frequent—a car or bike is useful for exploring
- Some businesses may have limited hours, especially on holidays
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "不客氣 (Bú kèqi)" - You’re welcome
- "請問… (Qǐngwèn…)" - Excuse me / May I ask…
- "廁所在哪裡？(Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "我想要這個 (Wǒ xiǎng yào zhège)" - I would like this
- "我吃素 (Wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Xionglin
Visit one of these nice places.
Rolling green tea fields on the hillsides provide layered textures and misty morning light—ideal for golden-hour landscape shots.
Colorful temple architecture, lanterns and local worship scenes offer candid cultural portraits and architectural detail.
After planting season, flooded paddies reflect the sky and nearby hills—great for symmetry and sunrise reflections.
Narrow lanes lined with stone walls, old banyan trees and traditional homes are perfect for intimate, documentary-style images.
Calm river sections with reeds and small bridges produce serene landscape compositions and birdlife photography.
Food in Xionglin
Xionglin Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A savory mix of pork belly, squid, preserved vegetables and garlic chives; commonly found at regional family restaurants and local banquet houses.
Must-Try!
A traditional Hakka tea-based dish: a nutty, ground tea broth poured over rice with vegetables and pickles; try at tea houses or cultural centers.
Simple breakfast items at the morning market—fresh tofu topped with soy or fried shallots, and glutinous rice rolls filled with savory ingredients.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekly or daily market where farmers sell produce, fresh soy products and snacks; must-tries include warm soy milk, scallion pancakes and seasonal fruits.
A short trip away, this market offers Taiwanese street staples—stinky tofu, oyster omelette, bubble tea and grilled skewers—great for evening sampling.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple nod or “ni hao” (你好) and a smile go far. Use both hands when offering or receiving items in formal situations.
Remove shoes when entering someone’s home and sometimes at small temples or older buildings—follow hosts’ cues.
Dress modestly and avoid loud behavior in temple areas; ask before photographing worshippers and ceremonies.
If interacting with Hakka elders, show respectful curiosity; modesty and humility are valued traits in rural communities.
Safety
Tipping in Xionglin
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; good service is rewarded with verbal thanks. For tours or exceptional service, small tips are appreciated but not expected.
Cash (NTD) is widely used in rural areas; many small stalls and family restaurants are cash-only. Credit cards work at larger hotels and some restaurants. Contactless payments and mobile wallets (EasyCard, LINE Pay, Apple/Google Pay) are increasingly accepted but bring cash for markets and taxis.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming flowers and the start of planting season; excellent for tea-planting activities and pleasant hiking weather, though occasional light rains are possible.
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon rains and the risk of typhoons between July and September; mornings are best for outdoor activities and tea picking may be in full swing.
Cooler, drier weather with clear skies—ideal for cycling, hiking and harvest-season food festivals. Mosquitoes reduce in cooler months but bring a light jacket for evenings.
Mild and cooler than elsewhere in Taiwan’s lowlands; occasional cold fronts bring overcast skies and rain. Low chance of snow; perfect time for indoor cultural visits and hot teas.
Xionglin at Night
Hiking in Xionglin
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A moderate ridge walk offering panoramic views of tea plantations and valley landscapes; good for sunrise and birdwatching.
Easy-to-moderate circuit through working tea fields and rural lanes with interpretive signs at some farms about tea cultivation.
A flatter trail following the riverbank suitable for families and wildlife spotting; pleasant for evening walks and photography.
Short hike to a small hilltop temple with lookout points—offers cultural interest and sunset views over the countryside.
Airports
How to reach Xionglin by plane.
The main international gateway; from here take bus or rail to nearby cities and a local bus or taxi to reach Xionglin (1–2 hour transfer depending on route).
Closer for domestic and short international flights; good for transfers if you’re coming from Taipei, then a rail/bus connection to regional transport hubs.
Further south; useful if combining a southbound Taiwan itinerary—travel to Xionglin requires domestic rail or highway transfers of several hours.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population has Hakka heritage, visible in language, cuisine and cultural festivals.
Hoklo-speaking residents form another core group, contributing to local traditions and commerce.
Many households are multigenerational with older residents involved in farming and local crafts; younger people often commute to cities for work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling is very popular—both recreational road cycling through the countryside and leisure rides along designated bike paths and rural lanes.
Common community sports played at local recreation centers and school gyms, popular with a wide range of ages.
Some villages preserve folk martial arts and lion-dance practices tied to temple festivals and cultural events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Xionglin.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common (tofu, vegetable stir-fries, rice and noodle dishes). Inform staff by saying “wo shi su” (我是素) or point to dishes. Slight risk of fish-based sauces—ask for no fish sauce or lard.
More limited in rural spots; many vegetable dishes may contain oyster sauce or egg. Carry a bilingual card explaining restrictions and seek Buddhist vegetarian restaurants in nearby towns if strict.
Rice-based dishes are safe, but soy sauce and some sauces contain wheat. Use a translation card to ask about ingredients; freshly prepared simple dishes are easier to verify.
Peanuts and seafood are common in Taiwanese cooking. Carry allergy cards in Chinese and avoid street foods if unsure about cross-contamination.