Xinpu Persimmon Industry is a traditional agricultural craft in Hankeng Li, Xinpu Township, Hsinchu County, widely regarded as Taiwan's largest persimmon-drying region, with peak sun-drying season running from mid-September through January, when rows of orange persimmons on bamboo racks draw crowds of visitors.
Hankeng Li in Xinpu Township is regarded as Taiwan's largest persimmon-drying area; farms such as Wei Wei Jia continue a sun-drying method passed down for over a century on roughly 3 hectares of land. The sun-drying season runs from mid-September through January, staggered by variety — stone and beef-heart persimmons around September–November, and pen persimmons around December–January — with the best viewing window in mid-November to early December.
What to see at Xinpu Persimmon Industry
Hankeng Li's terrain facilitates good sunshine and ventilation, and the Hakka community's diligent farming tradition has gradually made it a persimmon-processing hub. Late September through November is peak sun-drying season; cool temperatures and ample sunshine — the classic clear autumn weather — are key to producing high-quality persimmon cake. Farms are scattered throughout the Hankeng Li settlement, each with a slightly different production style and flavor profile.
Wei Wei Jia Persimmon Farm offers guided tours in which guides walk visitors through the entire process from peeling and stringing to sun-drying and finished product. They also sell persimmon cake, dried persimmons, and persimmon-based products. In addition to persimmon cake, nearby farms also produce jujubes, olives, and other traditional Hakka agricultural products, all worth buying as souvenirs.
Tips for making the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and timing
- By car from downtown Xinpu Township toward Hankeng Li — about 5–10 minutes. Signage points to each farm, and most farms have parking.
- Persimmon season runs September–November. Farms are generally open during this period. Visiting outside the season or on weekdays may mean only finished products are on sale; call ahead to confirm.
Nearby connections
- Xinpu Township also has Liu Family Ancestral Hall and other Hakka ancestral halls, as well as Fangliao Yimin Temple — all combinable into a half-day cultural theme trip.
- Head to neighboring Guanxi Township for grass jelly dishes, extending the Hsinchu County Hakka agricultural culture corridor.
Source: Text compiled from the Wikipedia article on Xinpu Township and publicly available agri-tourism information. Please refer to each farm's latest official announcements for opening times. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the core persimmon-producing area in Xinpu?
The core area is Hankeng Li in Xinpu Township, regarded as Taiwan's largest persimmon-drying region, with farms scattered throughout the settlement.
When is Xinpu's persimmon-drying season?
Roughly mid-September through January, staggered by variety, with mid-November to early December as the best viewing period.
What is distinctive about Wei Wei Jia Persimmon Farm?
It covers about 3 hectares and continues a sun-drying method passed down for over a century, also offering guided tours.
What other Hakka produce does Xinpu offer besides persimmon cake?
Nearby farms also grow jujubes and olives, traditional Hakka products worth buying alongside persimmon cake as souvenirs.
Sources
- 味衛佳柿餅教育農園｜台灣休閒農業發展協會 — 官方休閒農業協會資料，農場面積與百年古法
- 影／秋風起 竹縣新埔曬柿餅又來了！｜聯合新聞網 — 曬柿產季時間報導