Jin Cheng Lan Cake Shop Introduction
Bitan is a famous scenic spot in New Taipei City. With the opening of the Taipei Metro's Xindian Line, some people directly walk onto the suspension bridge, overlooking the nearby Xindian Road, which has existed since the Qing Dynasty. Although the old appearance can no longer be seen, this old street has always been the administrative center of the Xindian District. The old street formed a trading center; although its past prosperity has faded, there are still some old shops diligently working in the area. Closely connected to folk beliefs, there is the nearly century-old Jin Cheng Lan Bakery next to the public market, which brings crowds back to Bitan. Originally closely linked with daily life, traditional pastries have become increasingly unfamiliar to the younger generation due to social changes and shifts in belief customs. In recent years, Chen Zhi-xin, who has taken over the old shop for over a decade, has started to cooperate with schools, cultural organizations, and other groups to meet their visiting needs by explaining the relationship between pastries, history, culture, and folk customs in the shop, thereby continuing the cultural spirit of pastries. This aligns with Jin Cheng Lan's commitment to integrating traditional culture and customs, avoiding the touristy route of fancy atmospheres, and hoping to provide cultural souvenirs that offer a glimpse into traditional folk spirit. The specialty shop for "turtle" products, featuring various pastries shaped like turtles, is the biggest characteristic of Jin Cheng Lan.
