N111 New Three Gorges Old Street Yingge Ceramics Hand Dirty DIY Day Tour (10h)

Planning a trip to Taipei and craving a deep dive into Taiwan’s ceramic and cultural scene? This 10-hour tour offers a well-balanced mix of museums, historic streets, and craft activities, all crafted for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—an authentic, hands-on experience. It’s especially appealing if you’re into arts and culture, enjoy local food, or simply want a meaningful day outside the busy city center.

One of the best things about this tour is its focus on local craftsmanship. Visiting the Yingge Ceramics Museum and the vibrant street filled with pottery shops gives you a true sense of Taiwan’s ceramic pride—sometimes called the Jingdezhen of Taiwan. Plus, the chance to get your hands dirty with a DIY pottery workshop adds a fun, memorable element.

A potential drawback? The day is quite packed, with around four hours in Yingge, three at Sanxia Old Street, and a lot of moving between sites. If you’re looking for a leisurely, slow-paced day, this might feel a little rushed. Still, if you prefer a comprehensive, activity-filled experience, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to explore Taiwan’s artisan traditions with a mix of cultural highlights and creative fun.

Who would enjoy this? Art lovers, history buffs, families with kids, or anyone wanting a meaningful glimpse into Taiwan’s local crafts and historic streets. It’s especially suited for those who value guided insights and a private, intimate group experience.

Key Points

• Authentic craftsmanship: Focus on Taiwan’s ceramic heritage, including a hands-on workshop.
• Rich cultural stops: Yingge Ceramics Museum and Sanxia Old Street offer both education and atmosphere.
• Convenience: Pickup service and private group options provide comfort and flexibility.
• Value for money: For about $225, you receive a full-day, personalized tour with transportation included.
• Flexible experience: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.
• Ideal for diverse travelers: Suitable for families, couples, or solo explorers interested in arts and history.

Discovering Taiwan’s Ceramic Heart: Yingge

The day begins at the Yingge Ceramics Museum, Taiwan’s first dedicated ceramic museum. Here, we loved how the building itself is an extension of Taiwan’s ceramic artistry—constructed from gray mold with transparent glass walls that seem to connect inside and out. Inside, you’ll find displays that showcase two centuries of Taiwan’s kiln technology and ceramic culture, making it a treasure trove for anyone interested in craftsmanship.

One reviewer mentioned, “The museum is not just about displays; it’s very interactive and educational,” which speaks to the museum’s goal of making ceramics accessible and engaging. Admission is free, so the focus can be on absorbing the stories, techniques, and innovations that shaped Taiwan’s ceramic scene. Expect approximately three hours here, giving ample time to explore without feeling rushed.

What makes Yingge special? Its combination of modern information technology and traditional craft makes the experience both educational and inspiring. Plus, the architectural design, with its transparent walls, creates a sense of openness—almost like the ceramics themselves are floating in space.

Yingge Ceramics Street: A Pottery Lover’s Paradise

Next, we stroll down Yingge’s famous Ceramics Street, a lively corridor packed with shops, studios, and galleries. This street is often called the Jingdezhen of Taiwan, highlighting its importance in ceramics. Here, you’ll find shops selling everything from antique porcelain to trendy ceramic tableware and artistic pottery.

Walking along this street, you’ll notice artisans at work in pottery studios or browsing shelves full of Ocarinas, tea sets, and traditional ceramics, many of which blend artistic flair with practicality. Food stalls and snack shops line the street as well, making it an ideal place to grab a quick bite or enjoy local snacks while soaking in the artisanal atmosphere.

One visitor noted, “It’s a great place for families; everything is colorful, and you can even try a DIY pottery class,” which hints at the accessibility of hands-on activities here. The whole area buzzes with energy, and we loved the opportunity to pick up unique souvenirs or simply watch skilled artisans craft their works.

Tip: Many shops offer pottery DIY classrooms, an activity included in the tour, giving you the chance to create your own piece—a souvenir that’s both personal and authentic.

Exploring the Historic Charm of Sanxia Old Street

In the afternoon, the tour heads to Sanxia Old Street, a charming town that feels frozen in time. Walking through, you’ll notice red brick arcades, ancient shops, and traditional buildings—all remnants of Taiwan’s past. The street’s nostalgic atmosphere is complemented by signage and architecture that still retain their original character.

The street is lined with shops displaying signs that often feature symbols like vases (meaning “peace”) or other auspicious images. We loved the storytelling aspect of the signage—each symbol and carving tells a story or tradition rooted in local culture.

One review mentioned, “The old street is lively but retains a peaceful charm, and the craftsmanship is visible everywhere,” which perfectly captures the experience. The quiet yet vibrant atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for leisurely wandering, photo-taking, and soaking up history.

Worth noting: The streets are relatively narrow, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Also, many shops display signs with intricate carvings or calligraphy, making it a visual feast for history and art lovers.

The Hands-On Experience: Making Your Own Ceramic

What truly sets this tour apart is the DIY pottery workshop. After exploring Yingge and Sanxia, you’ll have the chance to get your hands dirty—literally—in a pottery classroom. Under expert guidance, you’ll learn basic techniques and create your own ceramic piece.

Reviews highlight how much fun and satisfaction participants felt in this activity. One guest shared, “I loved the way I could personalize my own ceramic piece—something I wouldn’t have done on my own.” It’s a perfect way to remember your trip and take home a handmade souvenir.

This activity is suitable for beginners, and no prior experience is required. Expect to spend around an hour in the workshop, where patience and a sense of humor are your best tools.

Transportation and Practical Details

The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transport throughout the day, which makes moving between the stops comfortable and hassle-free. The group size is limited (up to 8 people), ensuring a more personalized experience and plenty of interaction with your guide.

Pickup service is offered, simplifying logistics for travelers staying in Taipei. The tour is priced at about $225.65 per group, which is reasonable considering the full-day, private experience with transportation, guided commentary, and activities included.

The tour runs for approximately 10 hours, so expect an early start and a full but manageable itinerary. It’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera, as scenic spots and intricate ceramics abound.

What’s Not Included?

While the tour covers most essentials, it does not include personal meals, souvenirs, or additional tickets outside of the museum entry (which is free). You’ll need to budget separately for food, snacks, or any extra shopping. Tipping guides is left to your discretion, but it’s customary to show appreciation for a job well done.

Cancellation and Weather Policies

Flexibility is built-in, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. If weather conditions are poor, you might find the tour rescheduled or refunded, ensuring peace of mind.

This N111 New Three Gorges Old Street Yingge Ceramics Hand Dirty DIY Day Tour offers a well-rounded, authentic look into Taiwan’s ceramic heritage, combined with historic streets and an engaging craft activity. The private group setup, expert guides, and included transportation make it an accessible, hassle-free way to explore beyond Taipei’s urban core.

It’s best suited for travelers who want a meaningful, hands-on cultural experience—perfect for arts enthusiasts, families with kids, or anyone eager to learn something new while enjoying Taiwan’s warm hospitality. With a reasonable price point, it provides excellent value, especially when you consider the personalized attention and unique activities.

If you love discovering local traditions through engaging activities and want a day filled with history, artistry, and a little creative mess, this tour deserves a spot on your Taiwan itinerary.

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle is provided to move between all the stops, making logistics seamless.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

Is this tour suitable for children? While specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned, the hands-on pottery activity and walking tours generally suit families. It’s best to check with the provider for age limits.

How long do we spend at each stop? About three hours at Yingge Ceramics Museum, four hours on Yingge Street, and three hours exploring Sanxia Old Street.

Are meals included? No, meals are not included. You should plan to bring snacks or purchase food during the day.

What should I wear? Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially since there’s walking involved on streets and in the pottery workshop.

Is the tour private? Yes, this is a private tour, so only your group will participate, allowing for more tailored interactions.

Are guides knowledgeable? Based on reviews, guides are well-informed, friendly, and eager to share stories about Taiwan’s ceramic culture and local history.

What is the price for the group? Approximately $225.65 for up to 8 people, which makes it a good deal for a full-day private experience.

Do I need prior pottery experience? Not at all. The DIY activity is designed for beginners and includes step-by-step guidance.

Is it worth it? Absolutely—especially if you love arts, crafts, history, or want a memorable, hands-on day that goes beyond typical sightseeing.