Both sides of Xinhua Old Street are lined with buildings in two major architectural styles—Neo-Baroque and Modernism—stunningly beautiful. Every old house is part of Xinhua’s local culture, and the people running them are the soul of these buildings. Without a soul, they are just empty shells. Like when they’re filled with claw machines—it just doesn’t feel quite right.
A rice shop that has been in business since 1872. With the passage of time, that century-old traditional rice mill has long since retired, and the fifth generation could no longer serve the local community.
Fortunately, there are young people who value rice shop culture. They took over the mission of passing on the rice shop from the fifth generation, becoming an alternative sixth generation. They hope not only to preserve the over hundred-year-old business name and trading practices but also to gradually transform the shop into one that promotes rice food culture education.
Also, because he once spent six months documenting Kaohsiung Jhutik Chaihuafang rice for a writing project, to give children a different experience, he used “flipped education” to bring the journey from farm to table directly into schools. This helps children understand how hard it is to put food on their plates and makes them admire the efforts of Wang Rongsen, chairman of the Xinhua Community Revitalization Association, and Hsu Ming-yang, the general secretary.
In the past, the second floor was a residential area, so its mysterious side was hidden. When history textbooks are full of rigid details to memorize and fill in the blanks, it unconsciously creates a distance from daily life. On-site learning can really boost interest, which is why I’ve gradually grown fond of old buildings.
History of Jinfa Grain Store
Established in 1872, it was named “Jinfa” (meaning “progress of Jin”) after its founders came from Jinjiang, Fujian, to develop in Taiwan, as a way to remember their roots. After opening, it operated with stone mills, pestles, hulling, and rice polishing, while also selling and brewing liquor. It wasn’t until 1919 that the original single-story building was rebuilt into a two-story structure.
First Generation: Mr. Yang Yuan
Second Generation: Mr. Yang Qiu
Third Generation: Mr. Yang Song
Fourth Generation: Mr. Yang Zhenzong
Fifth Generation: Mr. Yang Mingxian
Hope the sixth generation belongs to all descendants of this place.
Why is Taipei’s Dihua Street so attractive to both domestic and international tourists? Think about it and you’ll realize—the little details inside the shops are like a storybook, faintly revealing different life experiences.
In addition to the stories introduced in every corner of the shop, there is a Taiwanese cypress two-story-high rice mill over 100 years old. After restoration, it can run again. What turns now is not production-oriented, but the rebirth and warmth of the old street. The shop is filled with antiques everywhere—desks, chairs, abacuses, measuring tools, scales, and veranda flooring. Whether you’re someone who has lived through those times or a first-time visitor, you’ll get a unique feeling. I don’t mind being called a “rice bucket.”Traveling with the Rice StrawThese are industry connections related to the writing period.
Other articles on rice fields and rice-related topics
Hsinchu Old Pot Rice Noodle Sightseeing Factory – The Making of Rice Noodles
Taichung Distillery – The Production of Rice Wine
Changhua Zhongxing | Ying Sajiu Museum (Family-friendly travel | Parent-child DIY experiences)
Yunlin Dongyuan Rice Mill Sightseeing Factory – First Rice Field Rice Food Banquet – Hands-on Rice Milling Fun
Yunlin Shuilin Xiaoyang Natural Farm – Rice Hull Biochar
Yunlin Le Mi Workshop – Turns Out Rice Can Be Used for Bread
Chiayi Minxiong Xichang Community – Farming Experience & Field BBQ
Tainan Southern Rice-Made Indica Rice Bowl | Aunt Ka-A-Jiao’s Bowl | DIY Experience
Tainan Houpi No-Rice-Laughter Tour (Qingliao Community, Cadonia Good Food Story House)
Tainan Houpi No-Rice-Laughter – Qingliao Community
Kaohsiung Zhujhih Caifang Rice – Natural, Honest Food (One of Kaohsiung’s Large-Scale Farms) - The Growth Process of Rice
Kaohsiung Meinong Xuanwei House Colorful |? Shan Zong You IY
Yilan Erjie Granary Culture Museum (So This Is What a Granary Is Like)
Yilan Wujei Huapai Rice Noodle Industry Cultural Hall (Rice Noodle Industry & A Nostalgic Photo Spot)The most important thing in human interaction is warmth. Tables and chairs not only reflect the depth of that human connection, but also serve as the best way to exchange local travel knowledge — just like having someone over for tea at home, allowing good things to extend and create beauty for the next generation. There are also many local small farmers and cultural creative goods here. By making actual purchases, we help ensure these wonderful spaces can continue to inspire future generations — that is the best kind of tangible asset. Related Fan Page:
The Wish of DamukuXinhua Life Story Museum
Jinfa Rice & Grain Store
Phone: 06-5907232
Address: No. 439, Zhongzheng Road, Zhongli, Xinhua District, Tainan City
Opening Hours: 08:30–17:30 (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, extended by half an hour on holidays)
Group reservations for guided tours can be made in advance.
Reference Information:
Tainan City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau
Further Reading:
Chiayi Tourist Factories and Industrial Visits List
Chiayi Family-Friendly Travel Attractions
Further Reading:
Travel Attractions in Various Districts of Tainan
Tainan’s Night Scenery That Gets More Beautiful at Night
Tainan Family-Friendly Travel Attractions
Tainan Tourist Factories and Industrial Visits List
Further Reading:
Kaohsiung Tourist Factories and Industrial Visits List
Explore Kaohsiung MRT Attractions with Ease
Fun Ways to Explore Kaohsiung Family-Friendly Travel Attractions
Further Reading:
Pingtung Tourist Factories and Industrial Visits List
Pingtung Family-Fun Attractions
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