Hsinchu Sugar Culture and Dried Persimmon Experience from Taipei

Taipei , Taiwan (Republic of China)

Hsinchu Sugar Culture and Dried Persimmon Experience from Taipei

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About this experience

Autumn is the harvest season in Taiwan, and also a perfect season for delicious food and the gorgeous autumn scenery. Join this seasonal tour to Hsinchu and Miaoli and enjoy the rural rhythm of life in Taiwan

While autumn makes its much-anticipated arrival, the chrysanthemums in Tongluo, Miaoli, start blooming quietly in November. In addition to the chrysanthemums, Miaoli is also known for the only place that grows red dates in Taiwan. On this tour, you will enjoy a healthy and tasty lunch made with red dates to satisfy your autumn appetite and warm you up in this season.

To go deeper into the rural life in Taiwan, you will visit Xincheng Fengtang Leisure Park in Hsinchu, where you will experience the genuine rural life with a hands-on activity of sugarcane harvesting.

Before the end of the tour, you will visit Wei Wei Jia Persimmon Tourist Farm in Hsinchu, which is well-known for making dried persimmons, and also, one of the most Instagrammable places in Taiwan during this season.

Available options

Group Tour (EN, CN)

Tour Type: Enjoy a join-in tour and meet people of all ages from different countries. (fixed meeting point)

Private Tour (EN, CN, VN)

Tour Type: Enjoy this day tour with your own private guide, and pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in downtown Taipei City.

What's included

Lunch

Professional licensed tour guide (Mandarin / English)

Air-conditioned vehicle

Sugarcane harvesting experience

Local general liabilities insurance

Detailed itinerary

After meeting your tour guide, you will set off for Miaoli and Hsinchu, the rural areas in northern Taiwan. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the 2-hour ride to the countryside of Taiwan.

The first stop is Chiuhu Terrace in Tongluo, Miaoli County. Every year in November, the chrysanthemums are in full bloom and cover the whole terrace, turning it into a gorgeous carpet of yellow and white, and of course, offer great photo opportunities.

Tongluo is the biggest planting site for chrysanthemums in Taiwan because of the mild climate and the fertile soil. Walking through the farmland, in addition of being able to appreciate the pastoral charm, the fresh and uplifting aroma given off by the chrysanthemums will relax and refresh your mind. In Taiwan, chrysanthemums are often used to add color, flavor and nutrition to the food, or make herbal tea. Besides, the chrysanthemum liquor has been launched in recent years, which can be a great choice for souvenir.

In addition to the chrysanthemums, Miaoli County is also known for the only place that grows red dates (jujubes) in Taiwan. Red dates are commonly included in Chinese herbal medicine formulas to treat people with digestive disorders, skin problems, fatigue, etc. Because red dates are rich in iron, they also help replenish blood and improve blood circulation. At lunchtime, you will enjoy a healthy and tasty lunch made with red dates to satisfy your autumn appetite and warm you up in this season.

After lunch, your tour continues with a visit to Baoshan, Hsinchu County. Xincheng Community in Baoshan used to be an important sugar-producing area in northern Taiwan. Today, it has been reformed into a leisure park to introduce the local sugar industry from seed to feed.

Sugarcane is one of the most important cash crops in Taiwan’s early days, and it brought income and employment opportunities to the rural areas. Through the workshop at Xincheng Fengtang Leisure Park, you will learn about the development of the sugar industry in Taiwan, and also experience the genuine rural life with a hands-on activity of sugarcane harvesting, including reaping and juicing.

Since you are in Taiwan during the autumn, it’s hard to ignore this bright, red-orange fruit in season. Before the end of the tour, you will visit Wei Wei Jia Persimmon Tourist Farm in Xinpu, Hsinchu County, which is well-known for making dried persimmons. The sunlight shinning on the golden-yellow peeled persimmons on the drying racks offers great photo opportunities for photographers, making the farm one of the most Instagrammable places in Taiwan during this season.

In addition to feeding your social media accounts and wowing your audience with amazing photos, here you will learn about the process of making dried persimmons in a traditional way, see how the golden-yellow peeled persimmons turn into the sweet red-orange snacks served on the table. Whether you are a fan of persimmons or not, a visit to the persimmon farm during the autumn time will embellish your journey!

After the fun and educational rural day tour, you will take a 1-hour ride back and arrive Taipei around 17:30.

What's not included

Beverage

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

VI ZH-TW CMN EN

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Please meet your tour guide at MRT Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station (BL14 /O07) at Exit 2. Please take the escalator to the ground level, your tour guide will be waiting for you near the exit with the tour operator's logo flag (EDISON TOURS).

Important notes

If you need any further information or assistance, you can reach
us via local landline (+886225635313), Whatsapp (+886966550866) or Line@
(@edisontours) every day, 08:00 - 18:00 (Taiwan Time, GMT+8).

About Taipei

Taipei, the vibrant capital of Taiwan, is a fascinating blend of traditional culture and modern innovation. Known for its bustling night markets, towering skyscrapers, and lush green mountains, Taipei offers a unique urban experience with a rich cultural heritage.

Top Attractions

Taipei 101

Once the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101 is an iconic skyscraper and a symbol of modern Taipei. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck on the 89th floor.

Architecture/Observation Deck 1-2 hours NT$600-800 (observation deck ticket)

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

This national memorial hall is dedicated to Chiang Kai-shek, former leader of the Republic of China. The hall features a large museum, gardens, and a daily changing of the guard ceremony.

Historical/Memorial 1-2 hours Free (museum admission may vary)

Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)

Elephant Mountain is a popular hiking spot offering one of the best views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. The hike is relatively short and suitable for most fitness levels.

Nature/Scenic Viewpoint 1-2 hours (hike and sightseeing) Free

Shilin Night Market

One of the largest and most famous night markets in Taipei, Shilin Night Market offers a wide variety of street food, snacks, and shopping. It's a must-visit for food lovers.

Food/Market 2-3 hours Budget to moderate (depending on food and shopping)

Beitou Hot Springs

Beitou is known for its natural hot springs, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. There are several public and private hot spring resorts to choose from.

Relaxation/Spas 2-3 hours Moderate to expensive (depending on the resort)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Beef Noodle Soup

A hearty soup made with tender beef, chewy noodles, and a rich, flavorful broth. It's considered Taiwan's national dish.

Lunch/Dinner Contains beef and gluten (noodles).

Bubble Tea

A popular Taiwanese beverage made with tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls. It comes in various flavors and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Drink Vegetarian (if made without dairy).

Oyster Omelet

A savory omelet made with fresh oysters, eggs, and a sweet and tangy sauce. It's a popular street food item.

Snack Contains seafood and eggs.

Stinky Tofu

Fermented tofu with a strong odor, usually deep-fried and served with pickled cabbage and sauce. It's an acquired taste but a must-try for adventurous eaters.

Snack Vegetarian (if made without meat-based broth).

Popular Activities

Hiking in Yangmingshan National Park Paragliding in Wuling Farm Visiting Beitou Hot Springs Tea tasting in Maokong Exploring historic temples and shrines Visiting museums and art galleries Kayaking in the Tamsui River Stand-up paddleboarding in Ximending

Best Time to Visit

October to December

This period offers pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures and clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. It's also the time for various festivals and events.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Mandarin Chinese
Widely spoken: English, Taiwanese (Hokkien), Hakka
English: Moderately spoken (in tourist areas and among younger generations)

Currency

New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Taipei is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, visitors should still take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport • 40 km from city center
Taipei Songshan Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Taipei Main Station, Banqiao Station

By bus

Taipei Bus Station, Taipei City Hall Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Taipei Metro is clean, efficient, and easy to use. It operates from 6:00 AM to midnight and has both English and Chinese signage.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Taiwan Taxi App

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ximending Daan Zhongshan

Day trips

Jiufen

40 km from Taipei • Half day to full day

A charming mountain town known for its narrow streets, tea houses, and historic sites. Jiufen is often compared to a smaller version of Tokyo's Golden Gai.

Yehliu Geopark

40 km from Taipei • Half day

A unique geopark featuring fascinating rock formations, including the famous Queen's Head, created by erosion over thousands of years.

Tamsui

15 km from Taipei • Half day to full day

A historic district at the mouth of the Tamsui River, known for its beautiful sunset views, historic sites, and vibrant night market.

Festivals

Taipei Lantern Festival • February (dates vary, typically around the Chinese New Year) Taipei Pride • Late October (dates vary) Taipei International Food Show • June (dates vary)

Pro tips

Use the EasyCard for convenient and discounted payments on public transportation, as well as for access to some attractions and shops.
Visit popular attractions, such as Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum, early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Explore the city's vibrant night markets, such as Shilin and Raohe, for an authentic and unforgettable culinary experience.
Take a day trip to nearby attractions, such as Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Tamsui, to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.
Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your travel experience and connect with locals.