Bitan is a famous scenic spot in New Taipei City. Since the opening of the MRT Xindian Line, many visitors head straight for the suspension bridge, overlooking Xindian Road right beside it. This road has existed since the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty; though little of its old appearance remains, the old street has always been the administrative heart of Xindian District. Once a thriving commercial center, its former bustle has faded, yet a handful of long-standing shops quietly persevere. Closely tied to local folk beliefs, the nearly century-old Jin Cheng Lan bakery stands next to the public market, drawing fresh crowds back to Bitan.
Traditional pastries, once woven into daily life, have become unfamiliar to younger generations amid social change and shifting religious customs. For more than a decade, Chen Chih-hsin, who took over the shop, has responded to visits by schools and cultural groups by explaining inside the store how pastries connect with history, culture, and folk rituals, sustaining their cultural spirit. This commitment to folk tradition is Jin Cheng Lan’s founding principle: instead of becoming a glossy tourist souvenir stop, it offers cultural products that reveal the spirit of folk heritage.
Among all the pastries, the “turtle” is Jin Cheng Lan’s specialty; the shop is, in effect, a “turtle” boutique, with turtle-shaped treats as its hallmark.