最後更新／Last Updated：2025-06-27
Although it's not a typical tourist attraction and is somewhat remote, Shinyuan Township has a charm that keeps drawing me back. On one side, there’s the local legend of a mischievous carp spirit; on the other, the divine miracle of Mazu controlling the waters. These captivating stories, quietly brewing in the depths of this land, have become my reason for returning time and time again.
Contents
◦ Pingtung Travel Guide
01｜Transportation in Pingtung
🚄 Taiwan High Speed Rail
🚗 Car Rentals - Save Up to 10%
🚢 Xiaoliuqiu - Donggang Ferry Ticket
02｜Popular Attractions in Pingtung
🎫 National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium Ticket
🎫 Sleepover Experience at National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium
🎫 Paradise of Deer Ticket in Kenting
🎫 Tickets for Kenting Luyu Island Capybara Ecological Park
🎫 Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area Tickets
03｜Things To Do in Pingtung
🚣🏻 Stand Up Paddleboarding Experience in Kenting
🤿 Water Activities at Kenting South Bay
🤿 Liuqiu Snorkeling Tour by Bear Diving in Pingtung
🏔️ Alangyi Hostoric Trail Hiking Day Tour
◦ The Past of Shinyuan
Over 300 years ago, Han Chinese settlers from Fujian crossed the sea to Taiwan and began cultivating land along the banks of the Gaoping River. By the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, this area had developed into several villages. Since it was newly reclaimed farmland, it was named "Shinyuan," meaning "New Garden." Located on the western side of the Pingtung Plain, formed by the Gaoping River and Donggang River, Shinyuan Township is well known for its aquaculture and agriculture. It is rich in eel, grass shrimp, red crabs, and crops such as rice, bananas, and red beans. Among these, eel farming is particularly abundant—not only supplying Taiwan but also serving as the primary source of juvenile eels for the adult eel farming industry in northern Taiwan.
◦ Attractions in Shinyuan
01｜Xinhui Temple
During the late Ming Dynasty, Fujianese settlers preparing to cross the sea to Taiwan prayed for safe passage at Meizhou Tianhou Temple in Putian, Fujian. They respectfully invited Mazu, the goddess of the sea, to watch over them during their journey. Their prayers were answered—the voyage went smoothly, and they arrived safely in Taiwan. They settled in what is now Tianyang Village in Shinyuan Township and enshrined Mazu in a private residence for worship. Under Mazu’s protection, the villagers gradually established a stable life, and the devotion to her grew stronger. In the 20th year of the Qianlong era, the local residents raised funds to build a temple, officially naming it Xinhui Temple. However, at that time, the temple still had a simple, house-like structure. In the 6th year of the Tongzhi era, the Gaoping River overflowed, forcing the villagers to relocate. Once they resettled and regained stability, they rebuilt Xinhui Temple at a new site, making it the spiritual center of Shinyuan.
Today, Xinhui Temple is not only a pillar of faith for the locals but also closely tied to the town’s commercial activities.
Xinhui Temple Opening Hours: 0700-2100 No. 250, Pinghe Rd., Xinyuan Township, Pingtung
02｜Liyu Mountain Mud Volcano
To the northwest of Shinyuan lies a modest yet still-active mud volcano—Liyu Mountain. However, local legend suggests that its eruptions are not just geological events but the result of a mischievous carp spirit. Long ago, the Wandan area was believed to have exceptionally good feng shui, destined to give birth to a "true emperor" who would unite the land. To help this future ruler, a pair of carp spirits attempted to create an enormous mountain, as a foundation for his destiny. However, a wise master saw through their plan. With a swift strike of his sword, he slew the male carp spirit. Heartbroken, the female carp spirit was consumed by grief. Every few years, in a fit of rage, she stirs the earth, causing Liyu Mountain to erupt with mud and flames, seeking revenge on the humans who took her companion’s life.
That said, I’ve passed by this spot twice and have yet to witness an eruption myself. As I curiously looked around, an elderly man riding by on his scooter shouted, "I’ve lived here for over 40 years and never seen it happen!" Looks like spotting the carp spirit in action really comes down to luck!
Liyu Mountain Mud Volcano 22.55291388,120.4510778
03｜Twelve Plow Blades
The master who defeated the carp spirit was none other than Lin Banxian, one of the most legendary feng shui masters from China’s Tangshan region. When he raised his sword and struck the hillside of Liyu Mountain, he successfully slew the male carp spirit. However, this act also disrupted the area's feng shui, causing the Lower Tamsui River to flood every summer, bringing misery to the local residents. In 1924, yet another devastating flood swept through Shinyuan, nearly submerging the entire village. Desperate for relief, the villagers turned to Xinhui Temple, praying for divine guidance. Mazu then gave them a solution: bury twelve plow-shaped coral stones at the base of Liyu Mountain to suppress the flooding. The villagers followed her instructions, and, miraculously, the floods ceased. Not only were they spared from future disasters, but the newly stabilized land also became suitable for farming.
Twelve Plow Blades Xianli Rd., Xinyuan Township, Pingtung
04｜The Tall Chimney
Directly across from the Twelve Plow Blades stands a towering chimney, over ten meters high, which immediately caught my eye. It turns out this chimney is a remnant of Shinyuan’s once-thriving brick-making industry. The eruptions of the mud volcano left behind thick layers of clay, known for its exceptional plasticity—perfect for making bricks and tiles. At its peak, more than ten kilns operated in the area, working around the clock to meet demand. However, as the volcano’s activity remained unpredictable and cement and steel gradually replaced traditional red bricks, the kilns began shutting down one by one. In the end, only this lone chimney and a nearby village, named after its brick kilns, remain as silent witnesses to a once-glorious past.
The Tall Chimney Xianli Rd., Xinyuan Township, Pingtung
05｜Chishan Temple
According to legend, in the early Qing Dynasty, the location where Chishan Temple now stands would often glow mysteriously at night, as if bathed in divine light. Witnessing this phenomenon, a scholar named Pan believed it was a sign of the gods. He built a humble thatched hut at the site and enshrined Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Over time, Chishan Temple became known for its remarkably accurate fortune-telling poems, attracting a steady stream of worshippers. It gradually grew into an important spiritual center for the local community.
Standing before the temple, I couldn’t help but marvel once again—Shinyuan is truly a land full of legends.
Chishan Temple Opening Hours: 0800-1600 No. 1, Yanzai Rd., Xinyuan Township, Pingtung
06｜Elephant Park
In 1977, at a triangular intersection, a statue of a large elephant appeared, alongside a figure resembling an ancient farmer. This figure is none other than the famous historical figure Shun. Shun, a revered ruler from ancient China, lost his mother at a young age. After his father remarried, his stepmother sowed discord in the family, straining Shun’s relationship with his father. Despite this, he remained filial and kind, treating his parents with respect and his younger brother with love. To help support his family, Shun worked as a farmer on Lishan, a barren and desolate land that made farming incredibly difficult. He endured many hardships, but his devotion and perseverance moved the heavens. A herd of elephants appeared and helped him plow the land, turning the wasteland into fertile fields. Hearing of Shun’s extraordinary virtues, the ruling Emperor Yao was deeply impressed. He not only married off his two daughters to Shun but also entrusted him with state affairs. Eventually, Yao passed the throne to Shun, recognizing him as a wise and just ruler.
This is the legend behind Elephant Park—a story dating back over 4,000 years that still carries significance today. The power of culture truly knows no bounds!
Elephant Park No. 53, Xindong Rd., Xinyuan Township, Pingtung
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Shinyuan
01｜Xiangong Temple Sausages
While searching for Xiangong Temple Sausages, I kept looking around, expecting to find an actual temple—but there was none in sight! It wasn’t until I checked the signs that I realized Xiangong Temple is actually a place name, not an actual temple. The famous sausage stall, on the other hand, was just a short distance from the supermarket entrance. Even before opening hours, a long line had already formed—proof of just how popular this place is!
What makes these sausages stand out is their perfect balance of lean and fatty meat. They’re incredibly tender, yet not overly greasy, making them a must-try local delicacy that’s worth the wait.
Xiangong Temple Sausages Opening Hours: 1430-1800, closed on Sunday. Xianji Rd., Xinyuan Township, Pingtung
02｜Shengqi Bakery
Seeing such a large bakery in the countryside of Pingtung, I immediately knew this place was something special. Founded in 1965, Shengqi Bakery has been in business for over 60 years, remaining a well-known name in Taiwan’s traditional wedding pastry market. Their large Chinese-style cakes are especially beloved by the older generation. The shop is filled with trophies and awards, but I wasn’t about to be swayed by the accolades—the real test was the taste! Among the many flavors, my personal favorites were the Dragon & Phoenix Cake, which combines red bean paste with mochi, and the Golden Pineapple Cake, which offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. As someone who never liked traditional Chinese pastries for being too sweet, I finally understood their charm after trying these. Delicious without being overwhelming—no wonder this bakery has stood the test of time!
Shengqi Bakery Opening Hours: 0730-2100 No. 107, Xianji Rd., Xinyuan Township, Pingtung
◦ Flying Over Taiwan
＊All aerial photography operations are conducted within legal airspace. During flight, regulations stipulated by the Civil Aviation Law are strictly followed, maintaining the required distance from buildings and crowds. Zooming and post-production techniques are used to ensure compliance, making the flights fully legal.
＊Anyone citing these images and text must provide proper attribution. Unauthorized or illegal use of the images and text is prohibited and may result in legal liability.
◦ Other Areas in Pingtung
➤ Kanding | A Township Filled with the Aroma of Sesame Oil
➤ Linluo | A Village Full of Hakka Charm
➤ Nanzhou | Precious Memories of Taiwan's Sugar Industry