I remember visiting Yingge with my mom years ago and feeling a bit bored as we browsed through shop after shop of teapots. Subsequently, I avoided bringing my kids to Yingge because bored kids mean a lot of complaining and frankly, I do not need any teapots. But during this trip, we tagged along with a friend to pick up her daughter’s ceramic artwork and discovered that Yingge has truly revitalized into a charming town with hands-on activities for kids, lively street performances, and carts inviting you to try delectable Taiwanese street foods.
Thinks to do in Yingge Besides Shopping for Teapots
Watch a Live Performance
Weekdays at Yingge Old Street are quiet, but on weekends it transforms into a destination for locals and tourists alike. When we arrived on a Saturday afternoon, Yingge Old Street was bustling but not too crowded. People were gathering in front of the main stage outside the ceramics museum, so we quickly found a spot to see what the fuss was about—and I’m glad we did! My kids were mesmerized watching an artist perform tricks, his balancing act became more daring. For the finale, he juggled swords while balancing on multiple boards stacked higher than a person!
In the evening when the sun began to set, we stumbled upon a street artist serenading us with his violin as he swayed gracefully on the cobblestone path. As the sky darkened, the historic brick buildings began to twinkle with lights, casting an enchanting glow. Who can resist this irresistible backdrop to capture beautiful memories with your kids?
Balancing act: live performance at Yingge Old Street
Eat, Of Course!
You’ll find many common Taiwanese street food at Yingge Old Street. Try a garlicky grilled sausage, juices bursting with every bite. Then cool off with a peanut ice cream roll, where scoops of creamy taro ice cream are sprinkled with peanut powder and cilantro, wrapped in a delicate crepe—an unexpected but delightful combination. And my son’s favorite, the chewy sweet potato balls, known for their QQ texture—a term Taiwanese use to describe that perfect, bouncy chewiness.
If you’re not full yet, I highly recommend visiting 厚道飲食店 (Houdao), a diner that offers authentic Taiwanese cuisine in a nostalgic setting that pays homage to simpler times. Their menu features signature dishes like braised minced pork belly over rice, fried pork chop rice plate, and comforting fish ball soup, all crafted using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Shop For Vintage Toys, Retro Souvenirs, and Ceramic Handicrafts
During the height of Taiwan’s ceramics industry, Yingge used to have more than 300 kilns. Over the years, not much had been done to preserve these kilns. As a result, only 2 historic kilns remain. Today, Yingge has over 800 ceramic-related businesses in the area. Some of my favorite finds include tiny teapots and trinket dishes shaped like Taiwan.
One of my favorite shops is 回憶小賣所 (Memories Shop) a nod to Taiwan’s 雜貨店, or small corner stores that are harder and harder to find. Walking into this shop feels like stepping back in time. They have an entire wall of magnets dedicated to iconic Taiwanese dishes and other souvenirs that capture the nostalgia of old Taiwan. The shelves are filled with toys and candies that transport me back to my childhood days with my Ama and Agong—a time when life was simpler and kids weren’t glued to portable screens.
Vintage toys seen at 回憶小賣所 (Memories Shop)
Take a Class at the Ancient Kiln Art Studio
While many shops provide ceramics classes, 古早窯藝術工作室 (Antique Kiln) offers drop-in classes during opening hours. Keep in mind, that you’ll need to arrive at least an hour before closing. If you have a large group, advanced booking is recommended to ensure that everyone has a set or pottery wheel.
Children can create personalized hand and foot-print art, turning their tiny prints into cherished keepsakes with clay stencils and their own drawings. For those looking to craft something functional, there’s the option to make a hand-pulled clay mug. Additionally, both children and adults can opt to play with clay, with all necessary tools provided along with lessons on using the pottery wheel. I discovered my son’s love for molding clay on the wheel. It was such a calming sensory experience for him. He sat quietly at the pottery wheel for so long that he was the last child there! While you wait, take a walk through the studio’s antique kiln, one of the only remaining historic kilns in Yingge.
古早窯藝術工作室 (Antique Kiln) Location and Pricing
Cost: Class fees start at NT$ 140 ($4.60 USD) with an additional NT$ 400 to have your pottery fired. Shipping is additional.
Duration: There is no time limit. We were there for about 2 hours
Booking: Register for a class or drop-in during business hours
Contact: Line or Facebook
地址: 239台灣新北市鶯歌區重慶街65-1號
Address: No. 65-1號, Chongqing St, Yingge District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 239
How To Get to Yingge
By Car from Sanxi Old Street
Start the day by exploring Sanxia Old Street, or one of the many cultural DIY classes. A car ride from Sanxia to Yinnge is about 10-20 min, depending on the traffic. Approximately NT$ 200 ($6 USD) by taxi.
Read about our experience making tofu in Sanxia
By Car from Taipei
The drive from downtown Taipei to Yingge Old Street takes about 30-45 minutes. The approximate fare is NT$ 1000 ($31 USD) by taxi.
By Train from Taipei
It’s a 30-minute train ride from Taipei main station to Yingge Station, plus a 25-minute walk to Yinnge Old Street. The cost of a one-way train ticket is NT$ 31 ($1 USD).
