Fangwai Coffee Renguang Temple 仁光寺方外珈琲

Fangwai Coffee

In nearly every city across the planet, you will find coffee shops. In major cities, it’s not just one or two coffee shops. On practically every street corner you won’t be able to turn around without smelling the aroma of coffee beans. Hsinchu, Taiwan is no exception. From big names such as Starbucks to hole-in-the-wall mom-and-pop joints. You won’t be able to escape the temptation to drink a cup of joe. So then what makes Fangwai Coffee (方外珈琲) stand out from all the rest?

Your coffee expert may fall into a fit of rage at the thought most customers aren’t at coffee shops for the coffee, but this is the reality. For coffee shops, atmosphere and hospitality are what bring the customers in. The coffee is merely something to be held in one’s hand while they contemplate their lives with relaxing muzak jazz in the background. What really makes Fangwai Coffee stand apart from the rest is its location at Renguang Temple (仁光寺).

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Finding the First Sip

Finding Fangwai Coffee and Renguang Temple is easier said than done. If you’re riding towards Putian Gong, up Gaofeng Road, you are bound to miss the sign for the coffee shop. Sure, you’ll see the terracotta-style roof and a towering pagoda behind the temple. But what you’ll miss out on is the opportunity to kick back and relax while watching monks and nuns going about their day.

At the intersection of Shipin Road (食品路) and Xida Road (西大路), you’ll want to head up Gaofeng Road (高峰路). If you’re riding a motorcycle or even on a bike, you might miss the abrupt turn off to the temple. Even if you do manage to spot it, be careful with cars coming whipping around the corner. As you make your way up the hill, you’ll find yourself in a quiet oasis. Free from all the hustle and bustle of the city.

Bread and Coffee

Hsinchu is filled to the brim with coffee shops. Fangwai Coffee gets a few things right where the rest are lacking. Fangwai Coffee’s specialty is actually not their coffee at all, but their bread. From cinnamon rolls to German-inspired fluffy buns, you can get a fresh snack any time of the day.

The other thing that sets Fangwai Coffee apart is the atmosphere. Not many coffee shops in Hsinchu can be found right in front of a Buddhist Temple. It’s hard enough to find places in Hsinchu with outdoor seating. This coffee shop has both. The coffee shop itself is made from old shipping containers but decorated in such a way to feel just like home. Where you will really want to sit is outside, in view of the temple. Here, you can really soak in the tranquility and atmosphere of the area.

If you’re wanting to find more history in Hsinchu, be sure to visit the Hsinchu Prison Martial Arts Hall!

Renguang Temple

It is no secret that religion is losing its appeal to younger generations. Throughout Hsinchu and Taiwan as a whole, you can find tons of extravagant temples. What is unfortunate is the fact that there are few monks and nuns to fill the walls with life. Some of the more massive temples may house as few as one single monk. Renguang Temple is unique in the fact that it has monks and nuns living together. While this is rather unorthodox, it makes more sense than for them to live out in solitude.

The head monk of Renguang Temple is a lovely man named Lawrence. It was his idea to open a coffee shop on his grounds. First off, he has a love of coffee. But more importantly, the coffee shop is a way that he can attract people to his temple and share his love of Buddhism through art, conversations, and, of course, a snack.

No trip to Hsinchu would be complete without traveling to the City God Temple!

Buddhism and Coffee

Lawrence is not only a fan of coffee but also a lover of art. Throughout Fangwai Coffee and Renguang Temple, you will find tons of ornate Buddhist tapestries and sculptures. On the second floor of the temple, you’ll even be able to find centuries-old Guanyin statues which are from China. Unlike some other Buddhist temples, pictures are actually encouraged here.

Renguang Temple and their coffee shop both preserve their traditions while still having an open mind that appeals to all generations. Their love of animals, art, and coffee connects with customers and visitors on many different levels. The main attraction of Fangwai Coffee is its seclusion and overall feeling of calm. Slowly, more and more guests will discover this gem. Over time, we may even be able to see more people frequent the halls of Buddhist temples around Hsinchu as well.

You can find a full list of things to do in Hsinchu here!