Yingge Day Trip ItineraryFrom the Ceramics Museum to Old Street Cafes: A Relaxed Getaway

The first stop is the Yingge Ceramics Museum, Taiwan's first professional ceramics museum. The building itself is a work of art, with exposed concrete and steel-and-glass construction. You cross a bridge over water to enter, and the sound of the water wall combined with the gray tones of the space creates a calming, almost therapeutic atmosphere even before you start exploring the exhibits. This approach, where the architecture is designed as part of the exhibition, is well worth slowing down to appreciate.

If you want to try pottery, it's best to book a hands-on workshop at the museum's ceramics studio online in advance; an hour is usually just right for the experience. Instructors are on hand to teach you how to throw and shape clay, so even if you're not naturally artistic, there's no need to worry—it makes for a meaningful souvenir. The permanent exhibition is divided into several themes, covering everything from everyday tableware to the history of Taiwanese ceramics, and it's surprisingly engaging. You could easily spend one to two hours exploring it.

New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum

• Address: No. 200, Wunhua Rd., Nanjin Vil., Yingge Dist., New Taipei City
• Hours: Weekdays 09:30-17:00, Holidays 09:30-18:00, closed on the first Monday of each month

After a pottery session, you'll likely be hungry, and Sui Ren Chu Shi is a convenient stop on the way back to the old street from the museum. The first floor features a display and sales area for pottery and handmade soaps; the dining area is upstairs on the second floor. With its industrial metalwork, red brick walls, and abundant natural light, the space has a great feel and offers plenty of atmospheric photo opportunities.

The menu focuses on pasta, risotto, and wood-fired pizzas. The peeled chili and marinated pork belly pizza is a standout, blending Taiwanese flavors with Italian cuisine for a savory, slightly spicy, and memorable taste. If you're interested in pour-over coffee, you can also add on an experience here, practicing grinding beans and brewing with the venue's own pottery—perfect for those who enjoy savoring life's slower moments.

Sui Ren Chu Shi

• Address: 2F, No. 62-1, Chongqing St, Tongqing Village, Yingge District, New Taipei City
• Hours: 11:00-20:00

After a satisfying meal, the best thing to do is take a leisurely stroll. The Yingge Old Street isn't huge, but it's a great place to browse, with ceramic venues lining both sides, offering everything from everyday tableware to creative decorative pieces. If you love hunting for treasures, allow extra time to compare prices and styles—you might just find something you adore. The old street still bears traces of ancient kilns, and you'll find studios where ceramic artists are actively creating on-site. As you walk, you can feel the street's true industrial heritage, making it more than just a photo op.

If you get tired of exploring, there's no shortage of places to rest on the old street. Find a venue to sit down for a cup of tea, a bowl of shaved ice, or some local snacks—and the prices aren't overly touristy. If you have a particular interest in ceramics, keep an eye out for wood-fired kilns or small exhibition spaces that occasionally open along the roadside. With a bit of luck, you might even catch an artisan demonstrating pottery throwing live, which is a rare opportunity.

After a full day, the perfect way to wind down is to settle into a cozy cafe. Xiangdao Cafe may not be large, but its floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with light, and colorful accents keep it from feeling too stark, adding a touch of charm. The cafe is home to a very charismatic resident cat, often found lounging on the sofa. If you're lucky, you might even see it dressed in a cute outfit chosen by the staff. Many customers are immediately captivated by the cat upon entering, snapping photos nonstop.

For a more substantial meal, the Truffle Mushroom Risotto with Onsen Egg is the most talked-about dish here. The mushrooms are generously portioned, and the flavor is rich and savory, perfect for those who enjoy bolder tastes. Pasta options are also available, including the Mentaiko Seared Smoked Salmon Pasta, which is deliciously salty and flavorful. Overall, it's an ideal spot to conclude a day trip.

Xiangdao Cafe

• Address: No. 11, Yongchang St, Yongchang Village, Yingge District, New Taipei City
• Hours: 11:00-19:00