About Yingge Old Street
Taiwan’s Ceramic Wonderland
Just a short train ride from central Taipei, Yingge Old Street welcomes visitors with its rustic charm, rich history, and artistic spirit. Often referred to as the ceramics capital of Taiwan, this vibrant district in New Taipei City is a must-visit for anyone interested in traditional crafts, creative culture, and unique shopping experiences.
Strolling down the cobbled lanes of Yingge Old Street feels like stepping into a living museum. Centuries-old pottery shops stand alongside sleek, modern studios—each one overflowing with handcrafted teapots, intricate vases, quirky figurines, and elegant tableware. Whether you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind souvenir or simply admiring the craftsmanship, every corner offers a fresh discovery.
But Yingge is more than just pottery. It’s a story of revival. Once a bustling hub of ceramic production during the Qing Dynasty and Japanese colonial period, the district faced industrial decline in the late 20th century. Through cultural preservation and tourism, however, Yingge has transformed into a destination where heritage meets creativity. Today, it draws artists, collectors, and curious travelers from around the world.
From hands-on pottery workshops and scenic kiln ruins to charming tea shops and historic temples, Yingge Old Street is a place where tradition is not just remembered—it’s alive, evolving, and welcoming you to be a part of it. Whether you’re a ceramic collector, a culture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, this charming district in New Taipei City promises an immersive journey into the world of clay, kilns, and creativity.
A Clay-Rich History
Yingge’s ceramic story began in the early 19th century, when rich clay deposits and strategic location made it ideal for pottery production. By the early 20th century, it became a booming center for household ceramics, later expanding to art pottery and industrial ware.
During the Japanese colonial era, Yingge’s pottery techniques flourished under new technologies and kilns. The town reached its peak in the 1970s and ’80s with over 800 ceramic workshops and factories. While many of these have since closed or moved offshore, Yingge adapted—evolving into a center of artisanal pottery, cultural tourism, and creative industry.
What to Expect on Yingge Old Street
Yingge Old Street consists of Jianshanpu Street, Yuying Street and Chongqing Street. There are hundreds of pottery shops, galleries and studios on both sides of the old street. As you walk the cobblestone paths, you’ll be enchanted by colorful displays of:
- Handcrafted tea sets, plates, and bowls
- Decorative sculptures and vases
- Contemporary ceramic art
- Personalized pottery and DIY kits
My favorite stores
No. 90, Chongqing Street and No. 86, Chongqing Street
Many stores offer customized pieces or even live demonstrations, letting you see artists at work. Yingge Old Street is more than a place—it’s a creative experience that invites you to slow down, shape something by hand, and connect with Taiwan’s artistic legacy. Whether you come to admire the skill of others or try your own hand at clay, Yingge offers something truly rare: a place where history, culture, and art come alive, one ceramic piece at a time.
DIY Pottery Workshops
One of the highlights of Yingge is the chance to get hands-on with clay. Many studios along the street offer pottery classes, from hand-building to wheel-throwing. Workshops are typically 1–2 hours and welcome both adults and children. You can shape your own mug or plate and have it glazed and fired—a perfect and personal souvenir.
Many shops on the old street provide experience services, and prices are written on the doors of almost every shop. The most famous of these is Xinwangji Porcelain, which is large in scale and even provides foreign language services. Popular studios include:
新旺集瓷 (English)
源陶工坊
新益源陶瓷工廠
陶趣家工坊
鶯歌陶藝專業玩陶教室
豐陶藝坊
Be sure to book ahead on weekends, as classes fill up quickly.
Yingge Ceramics Museum
No visit is complete without exploring the Yingge Ceramics Museum, located just a 10-minute walk from Old Street. This beautifully designed, modern space showcases over 200 years of ceramic history, from traditional techniques to avant-garde art installations.
In the heart of Taiwan’s pottery capital, Yingge, stands a modern architectural gem dedicated to one of humanity’s oldest and most expressive art forms: ceramics. The Yingge Ceramics Museum is not just a museum—it’s a celebration of Taiwan’s ceramic history, innovation, and creative spirit.
This world-class institution offers an immersive journey into the past, present, and future of ceramics. Whether you’re an art lover, a curious traveler, or someone who’s only ever touched a teacup, this museum has something to surprise and inspire you.
A Museum That Marries Tradition and Innovation
Opened in 2000, the Yingge Ceramics Museum was Taiwan’s first museum dedicated entirely to ceramics. It was designed by Taiwanese architect Kuo Wei-Kuo, who envisioned a space that blends modern minimalism with earthy, tactile elements. The result is a light-filled, thoughtfully designed building that invites visitors to not just observe—but to experience—the evolution of ceramic art.
From ancient pottery fragments to contemporary installations, the museum’s exhibits showcase how ceramics are far more than functional—they are a form of cultural identity, storytelling, and innovation.
What to See Inside
The museum is organized into several themed galleries, each exploring a different facet of ceramic culture:
Permanent Exhibition Halls trace the history of ceramics in Taiwan, from early indigenous clayware to the influence of Chinese, Japanese, and Western styles.
Contemporary Ceramics Galleries feature striking modern works by Taiwanese and international artists, demonstrating how this ancient art form continues to evolve.
Children’s Interactive Zone and family-friendly installations offer hands-on fun for younger visitors, making the museum accessible for all ages.
DIY Workshop Studios let visitors try their hand at shaping and glazing their own pottery, turning inspiration into a keepsake.
Taiwan’s Ceramic Identity
Yingge Ceramics Museum also reflects Taiwan’s unique position as a cultural crossroads. The country’s ceramics have been shaped by Indigenous traditions, Han Chinese heritage, Japanese colonial influence, and global modernism—all of which are on display here.
From finely crafted celadon and porcelain teapots to rugged, wood-fired sculptures, the variety of work in the museum highlights Taiwan’s diversity in both technique and vision.
Opening Hours
Yingge Old Street: Most shops open around 10 AM and close by 6 PM. Museums and studios may close on Mondays.
Yingge Ceramics Museum:
Monday to Friday 09:30–17:00
Saturday and Sunday 09:30–18:00
Price
Yingge Ceramics Museum:
General Admissions Ticket NT$80
The Best Time to Visit
Weekdays (Monday to Friday): Quieter and more relaxed. Recommended if you want a less touristy experience and more personal attention in shops or classes. (Only half of the stores are open)
Weekends (Saturday & Sunday): Busier, but also more vibrant with live demonstrations, open workshops, and more foot traffic. Ideal if you enjoy a lively, festival-like atmosphere.
How to get to Yingge
Take a train from Taipei Main Station to Yingge Station (TRA Western Line). It’s a 5–10 minute walk to Old Street.