🏰 How to Get to Xinshe Castle Taichung (DIY Guide + Entrance Fees)

Xinshe Castle is one of those places in Taiwan that feels almost unreal.

When I first saw photos of it online, I honestly thought:

“Wait… is this really in Taiwan?”

A European-style castle sitting quietly in the mountains of Taichung, surrounded by gardens, stone pathways, and fairytale corners—Xinshe Castle is the perfect day trip if you want something romantic, scenic, and completely different from Taipei’s city vibe.

If you’re already visiting Lavender Cottage, then adding Xinshe Castle to your itinerary makes total sense because they’re both located in the peaceful countryside of Xinshe District.

---

📍 Where is Xinshe Castle?

Xinshe Castle (新社古堡) is located in Xinshe District, Taichung City, a mountain area famous for:

• Flower farms 🌸
• Countryside cafes ☕
• Cool weather escapes 🌿
• Instagram-worthy attractions 📸

It’s one of Taichung’s most popular scenic spots, especially for couples and families.

---

🚆 How to Get to Xinshe Castle (DIY Options)

Because Xinshe Castle is in the mountains, getting there takes a bit more effort than city attractions—but it’s still very doable.

---

✅ Step 1: Get to Taichung City First

Before heading to Xinshe, you need to reach Taichung.

---

🚄 From Taipei to Taichung by High-Speed Rail (Fastest)

1. Go to Taipei Main Station
2. Ride the HSR (High Speed Rail) to Taichung Station
3. Travel time: ~1 hour

💡 Tip: Book early online for discounted fares.

---

🚆 By Regular Train (Cheaper Option)

1. Take a TRA train from Taipei Main Station
2. Arrive at Taichung Station

Travel time: ~2.5–3 hours

Best for budget travelers.

---

🚖 Step 2: Taichung to Xinshe Castle

This is the most important part.

---

🏆 Option 1: Taxi / Private Car (Easiest + Most Convenient)

Honestly, the simplest way to reach Xinshe Castle is by taxi or private car.

🚖 Travel time: ~40–60 minutes
💰 Estimated fare: NT$800–NT$1,500 (one way)

📍 Show this to the driver:

新社古堡
(Xinshe Castle)

💡 Tip: Arrange a return ride or ask the taxi driver to wait—finding taxis in the countryside is harder.

Perfect for:

• Families
• Groups
• Travelers on a short schedule

---

🚌 Option 2: Bus + Taxi Combo (DIY Budget Route)

If you want to save money:

1. From Taichung Station, take a bus to Xinshe District
2. From Xinshe, ride a taxi to the castle

Bus fare: ~NT$50–NT$100
Taxi from Xinshe: ~NT$300–NT$600

⚠️ Tip: Bus schedules can be limited, so plan ahead.

---

🚗 Option 3: Join a Taichung Day Tour (Stress-Free)

Many countryside tours include:

• Xinshe Castle
• Lavender Forest
• Flower farms
• Gaomei Wetlands

💰 Tour price: NT$1,000–NT$2,500/person

💡 Booking tip: Look on Klook or KKday for updated packages.

This is best if you don’t want to worry about transportation.

---

🎟️ Entrance Fee + Visiting Info (Updated)

⏰ Opening Hours:
Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
(hours may vary during holidays)

🎟️ Entrance Fee:
Around NT$250–NT$350
(often includes consumable credit for drinks/snacks)

🌸 Best Time to Visit:
Spring and autumn for cooler weather + flowers

---

🌿 What to Expect Inside Xinshe Castle

Xinshe Castle isn’t a real historical fortress—it’s more of a themed garden attraction.

But it’s still magical.

Inside you’ll find:

• European-style stone buildings 🏰
• Romantic garden paths 🌿
• Scenic viewpoints over Taichung ⛰️
• Cozy cafes and restaurants ☕
• Photo spots everywhere 📸

It feels like a mini fairytale escape.

---

💡 Helpful Tips for Visiting

✅ Wear comfortable shoes — paths can be uneven
✅ Bring cash — some shops don’t accept cards
✅ Arrive early — less crowd, better photos
✅ Combine with Lavender Cottage for a full countryside day
✅ Don’t rush — it’s meant for slow wandering

---

🌸 A Fairytale Day in Taichung

Taiwan surprised me in so many ways.

It’s not just about night markets and Taipei skyscrapers.

Places like Xinshe Castle remind you that Taiwan also has quiet, dreamy countryside corners—perfect for slowing down.

Even if it’s just for one afternoon, it feels like stepping into another world.

And honestly…

Sometimes travel isn’t about going far.

It’s about finding places that make you feel something soft and unforgettable.

---

🌿 Lakwatserang Ligaw Quote

🌍“Some castles aren’t built for kings… but for travelers who want to wander through a fairytale.”💫

📢 Share This Post

Planning a Taichung countryside day trip?

🏰 Save this guide for your itinerary
🌸 Pair it with Lavender Cottage for the perfect combo
💬 Have you visited Xinshe Castle? Share your experience below!

📲 Send this to a friend who loves aesthetic travel spots and garden escapes.

👍 Share on Facebook 🐦 Tweet📌 Pin It