Xizhi Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, eat, and where to stay in Xizhi, Taiwan with our comprehensive travel guide. Find hiking and biking routes, cultural and natural attractions, local customs and more.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Xizhi, Taiwan

Xizhi is a district in New Taipei City, situated in Northern Taiwan. This region is renowned for its natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and stunning views. Visitors to Xizhi can explore its numerous hiking and biking trails, historical sites, and delicious food scene. This comprehensive travel guide to Xizhi, Taiwan, provides information on the best things to see, do, eat, and stay in the area.

Introduction to Xizhi

Xizhi is situated in northern Taiwan and is part of the New Taipei City metropolitan area. This region is famous for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Xizhi attractions range from historical sites, stunning views, and numerous outdoor activities like hiking and biking.

List of Places to Visit in Xizhi

When visiting Xizhi, tourists should plan a visit to the following places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Xizhi Old Street: a street where merchants and hawkers sell their goods, and visitors can sample traditional foods like oyster pancakes, fried rice vermicelli, and Taiwanese fried chicken.
  2. Xizhi Tidal Park: a park located at the confluence of the Keelung and Xindian rivers. A popular spot for fishing and boating, with views of Guanyin Mountain and the Pacific Ocean.
  3. Sanxia Guandi Temple: a temple with over 30 courtyards containing dozens of shrines, halls with intricate carvings, and murals, and numerous statues of gods, goddesses, and mythological figures.
  4. Zhuwei Fishing Port: a historic site, where local seafood restaurants serve fresh seafood caught by local fishermen.
  5. Fujen Catholic University: a Catholic university located on a hill overlooking Xizhi, with beautiful views of the city.

Natural Attractions of Xizhi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Caoling Historic Trail: an 8.5 km trail that passes through a dense forest along the ridge of a mountain range. The stunning views of the ocean and Guanyin Mountain make it a great hiking route.
  2. Dingshan Ecological Trail: a trail of 3.5 km located on Dingshan Mountain, attracting birdwatchers from across Taipei City, with views of the Tzu Chi Buddhist College and Taiwan Cement Corporation factory.
  3. Baishawan Beach: a beach with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
  4. Lala Mountain Scenic Area: a scenic area with views of the Pacific Ocean, Lanyang Plain, and Keelung Islet. Features several hiking and biking trails, and a campsite.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Xizhi

Xizhi is home to several exciting hiking and biking trails. Popular trails include the Caoling Historic Trail, the Dingshan Ecological Trail, the Yulan Trail, the Fengguikou Trail, and the Yingjuan Trail. Xizhi’s close proximity to Taipei makes it an easy day trip away from the city, and a great destination for hikers and mountain bikers.

Best Things to Do in Xizhi: Activities and Tours

Visitors to Xizhi can participate in several activities like:

  1. Exploring the local cultural sites of the city, like the Sanxia Old Street, the Fushan Temple, and the Sanxia Tri-Mountain King Sheng Temple.
  2. Participating in various outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, river rafting, and kayaking on the Xindian River.
  3. Attend the Dama Festival, a famous traditional festival in Xizhi that involves egg-throwing, dining, and music performances.

Week-Long Itinerary for Xizhi

Here’s a sample itinerary to help visitors make the most of their week-long stay in Xizhi.

Day Itinerary Highlights
1 Explore the Xizhi Old Street and Tidal Park. Taste traditional Taiwanese foods, experience the beautiful riverside, and enjoy the views of Guanyin Mountain and the Pacific Ocean.
2 Hike or bike the Caoling Historic Trail or Dingshan Ecological Trail. Experience the lush forests and exquisite ocean and mountain views that the trails offer.
3 Visit the Sanxia Old Street & tri-temples, and explore the Lin Family Gardens. Experience the beautiful Chinese folk culture in Taiwan and visit the serene Chinese Garden.
4 Attend the Dama Festival A great opportunity to experience traditional Taiwanese culture with egg-throwing, music performances, and dining.
5 Explore the outdoors with Nature Activities; bird watching, rafting, kayaking or exploring the Lala Mountain Scenic Area Experience the diverse and stunning scenery of Xizhi through various outdoor activities.
6 Take a trip to Baishawan Beach Spend the day relaxing on the beach and swimming in the Pacific Ocean while enjoying the beautiful ocean views.
7 Discover the Fujen Catholic University Get the opportunity to behold one of the most beautiful views in Taipei and feel student life in a Catholic institution in Asia.

Food and Drink Scene of Xizhi

Xizhi boasts a vibrant local cuisine with many delicious delicacies that tourists shouldn’t miss out on. Below are some of the must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Traditional Taiwanese Oyster Omelet: A dish of pan-fried eggs mixed with oysters, resulting in a delicious and flavorful omelet that’s perfect as a snack or meal.
  2. Braised Pork Rice: A hearty dish of steamed rice topped with slow-cooked pork, pickled vegetables, and a savory sauce.
  3. Beef Noodle Soup: A Taiwanese classic consisting of tender beef, handmade noodles, and aromatic broth.
  4. Fried Chicken: A popular street food that originated in Taiwan. Chicken pieces are deep-fried and coated with a mix of spices to create a crispy and juicy flavor.
  5. Bubble Tea: A refreshing beverage made with black tea or green tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls.

Local Beverages

  1. Taiwanese Beer: Local beer is commonly found and is a great way to beat the Taiwanese heat.
  2. Bubble Milk Tea: Known as Taiwanese Milk Tea or Boba Tea, it’s a sweet and refreshing drink with sweetened milk loaded with soft, chewy tapioca pearls.
  3. Sugar Cane: Considered the healthiest drink in Taiwan, sugar cane juice is loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.

Where to Stay in Xizhi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Xizhi is an ideal place for the budget-conscious traveler, with many hostels and guesthouses with affordable rates. The city also has several high-end hotels with top-notch amenities. Here are some places to stay when visiting Xizhi.

  1. Yasuragi Guesthouse: A cozy, family-run guesthouse with comfortable rooms and an outdoor hot spring.
  2. Beautique Hotel: a chic and fashionable hotel with rooms and suites decorated with Western and Oriental art and furnishings.
  3. LuckyOne Hostel: A clean and affordable hostel with several dorm rooms and private rooms.

What to Buy in Xizhi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tourists should remember to take home some fine souvenirs and local products created in Xizhi. They include:

  1. Dried Fish: Dried fish and squid are famous local products in Xizhi.
  2. Tea: Taiwan is famous for various types of tea, and Xizhi is no exception.
  3. Handicrafts: Visitors can purchase handmade bags, shoes, and hats made by the creative locals.

Local Culture and Customs of Xizhi

Visitors should be aware of the local culture and customs of Xizhi. The people of Xizhi are predominantly Buddhist with a few Catholics. The residents of Xizhi are friendly, hospitable, and welcoming. Tourists should follow traditional customs while visiting public areas, not litter, take photographs with respect, and be mindful of the environment.

Best Time to Visit Xizhi

The best time to visit Xizhi is in the summer and winter months. During the summer, from June to August, temperatures range from 25 - 35 degrees Celsius, depending on the location. The winter season, from December to February, has milder temperatures, and visitors can enjoy the scenic views of Xizhi without the summer crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Xizhi

Do:

  1. Respect the culture and customs of the locals.
  2. Carry a small amount of cash for local transactions.
  3. Follow the local traffic rules and regulations.
  4. Dispose of trash responsibly.

Don’t:

  1. Touch sacred religious statues or leave rubbish on their premises.
  2. Bring attention to oneself by shouting or disruptive behavior in public.
  3. Take photographs of people without their consent.
  4. Smoke or drink in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Xizhi

Xizhi is generally safe for tourists. However, visitors should take precautions, such as avoiding places with low or no lighting at night, and staying on marked paths when hiking. Additionally, visitors should carry their personal belongings with them, and not leave them unattended in public places.

Health in Xizhi

Visitors should carry their prescribed medications with them when traveling to Xizhi. The tap water in Xizhi is generally safe, but it’s best to drink bottled or boiled water to avoid any health problems accidentally.

Getting to Xizhi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can travel to Xizhi by several means, including:

Airports Near Xizhi

  1. Taoyuan International Airport, located 39.5 kilometers from Xizhi and connected to Xizhi by bus, car, or taxi.
  2. Taipei Songshan Airport is located 15 kilometers from Xizhi and also connected to Xizhi by bus, car, or taxi.

Bus Stations Near Xizhi

  1. Taipei Bus Station is an ideal entry point to several coaches to the main city center of Taipei and other regions of Taiwan. From Taipei Bus Station, visitors can find a direct bus to Xizhi.
  2. The Xizhi Interchange Bus Station has buses available to and from different cities and towns in Taiwan.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Xizhi by taxi or car from Taipei City. Personal cars are available for rent, providing visitors with the luxury of exploring Xizhi at their own convenience.

How to Get Around in Xizhi

Several means of transportation are available to get around in Xizhi, including:

  1. Public buses: Local buses are affordable, convenient, and safe for inter-city travel.
  2. Taxis: Taxi cabs are available from various locations of Xizhi and can be flagged down when needed.
  3. Bike Rentals: Many rental services offer bikes for rent on an hourly or daily basis. Biking is a common means of exploring Xizhi.

Where to Go Next from Xizhi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring Xizhi, here are some nearby destinations that visitors can explore further:

  1. Taipei City: Visit the Taipei 101 building and Elephants Mountain to enjoy a beautiful city view.
  2. Jiufen: A mountain town full of winding alleys, tea houses, and views of the sea.
  3. Keelung City: a seaside city famous for its vibrant night markets and the beautiful Yehliu Geopark.

Conclusion

Xizhi, Taiwan, offers an unforgettable travel experience with its beautiful natural scenery, a rich cultural heritage, and delicious delicacies. Visitors will have enjoyed their time in this beautiful city with its picturesque views of mountains, the river, and the sea. Plan your itinerary and visit Xizhi for your next vacation to experience what this beautiful city offers from historical landmarks to natural treasures!

Top of Dajian Mountain Top of Dajian Mountain Gongbei Temple Gongbei Temple Qiedong Waterfall Qiedong Waterfall Xizhi Swimming Pool Xizhi Swimming Pool