Tainan’s Backyard Garden “Xinhua Forest Farm” Offers Free Entry – Save NT$300 on Spring Break Tickets

▲ Xinhua Forest Farm is now offering free entry. (Photo / Courtesy of “Tainan City Government Tourism Bureau”)

By Chen Hanyin / Comprehensive Report

Known as Tainan’s backyard garden, the Xinhua National Botanical Garden is located in Xinhua District, Tainan, and is affiliated with National Chung Hsing University. After years of being operated under contract, it began charging an entrance fee, and the former scene of tens of thousands of visitors flocking in on holidays has faded. To attract more tourists, the park announced free entry starting January 1st of this year.

The Xinhua National Botanical Garden is one of the four experimental forests managed by the Experimental Forest Management Office of the College of Bioresources and Agriculture at National Chung Hsing University. It covers a surrounding area of approximately 505 hectares, with an actual managed area of about 378 hectares. It is situated in a low-altitude hill region.It is the only low-altitude tropical forest farm in Taiwan, featuring shaded trails, ecological ponds, mahogany tree clusters, the “Couple Trees,” and century-old olive trees—making it perfect for a deep-breath-of-phytoncides holiday trip.

In the past, ticket pricing was NT$300 for full-price adult out-of-town visitors, with additional cleaning fees for car and motorcycle entry. However, from now until February 15th, the entrance fee will be temporarily suspended. In previous years, Xinhua Forest Farm would see large crowds of visitors during spring break, and this holiday season’s free admission is expected to attract even more people.

Xinhua National Botanical Garden

Location: No. 76, Koupi, Zhiyi Village, Xinhua District, Tainan City
Free Admission Period: From January 1, 106 (2017), to February 15(*Parking and cleaning fees still apply: NT$40 for cars, NT$20 for motorcycles.)

Transportation Information:
Public Transport: Take the “Green Main Line” bus from Tainan Railway Station to “Xinhua Station,” then transfer to “Green 13” bus and get off at “Xingda Forest Farm” stop.
By Car:
1. National Freeway No. 1: Exit via Yongkang or Rende Interchange, take Yongda Road toward Xinhua, follow signs to the Tiger Head Pond Scenic Area, then head toward Dakengwei. After passing Koubei Elementary School, turn left to reach Xinhua National Botanical Garden—approximately a 20-minute drive.

2. National Freeway No. 3 (Southbound): Exit at Xinhua Interchange, follow signs to the Tiger Head Pond Scenic Area, head toward Dakengwei, and after passing Koubei Elementary School, turn left to reach Xinhua National Botanical Garden—a roughly 10-minute drive.

3. National Freeway No. 3 (Northbound): Exit at Guanmiao Interchange, take Provincial Highway 20A toward Xinhua, continue along Zhongxing Road (Southern Route 168) toward Dakengwei, and after passing Koubei Elementary School, turn left to reach Xinhua National Botanical Garden—a roughly 15-minute drive.