Hakka is an important ethnic group in Taiwan, and Hakka regions where the Hakka people dwell has a wealth of tourist attractions, such as the nostalgic ancient buildings with rich history, the lively old streets selling local delicacies, and the lush orchards nurturing large fruits, and the simple but beautiful tea gardens.
In spring, mountains in Hakka regions are covered by tung flowers that look like fallen snow. Under the snow-white cover, you will find the mysterious ancient mountain trails, where Hakka ancestors traveled and transported supplies in the past. These trails are now popular among hikers.
There are a variety of interesting attractions in Hakka regions. You can find below a list of carefully selected attractions in each county or city. Before traveling to Taiwan, you can add these attractions to your itinerary to plan a relaxing and fun Hakka trip!
Taoyuan is the county/city with the largest Hakka population in Taiwan. Let the quaint Hakka old houses and rich Hakka cultural establishments take you through the history of Hakka regions. Daxi Old Street, Sankeng Old Street, and Zhongli Tourist Night Market are great places for tasting authentic Hakka delicacies. They are popular among visitors.
There are many old streets in Hakka regions of Hsinchu, with must-try classic Hakka delicacies hidden in them. Baozhong Yimin Temple in Xinpu is an important Hakka belief in Taiwan. The rich Hakka culture in Hsinchu is waiting for you to explore!
Hsinchu City is rich in historical buildings that are important cultural assets of Taiwan, including Hsinchu Railway Station, Ying Hsi Gate of Hsinchu City, Confucius Temple, and more. Among them, Kaitai Jinshan Temple in the East District of Hsinchu City, commonly known as Hakka Temple, is in an area with a dense Hakka population. Most of the residents use the Hakka dialect in their daily life. You can feel the strong Hakka atmosphere here.
Miaoli has a strong Hakka atmosphere. If you want to get to know about Hakka culture in depth, you should start with Taiwan Hakka Museum, where you can find Hakka stories displayed in diverse formats. There are many secluded ancient trails in the mountains of Miaoli. Mingfeng Ancient Trail, Laoguandao, and Chuguan Ancient Trail of Raknus Selu Trails are all located here. The rich nature, history, and culture of the trails are worth visiting and exploring.
Ride along Dongfeng Bicycle Green Way to tour around Hakka regions of Taichung. Dongshi Hakka Cultural Park, Dongshi Hakka Story Museum, and other Hakka cultural establishments contain rich cultural heritage of the mountain town. Its unique Hakka charm is waiting for you to explore!
Guoxing Township is the largest Hakka settlement in Nantou County. The origin of the name is related to Lord Guoxing, Zheng Chenggong. There is rich nature as well as architecture in Guoxing Township. You can learn about the beautiful Hakka culture here!
/ Photo credit: Nuomi Bridge Leisure Agricultural Area
The Hakka population in Yunlin County is mainly distributed across Erlun Township, Lunbei Township, and Xiluo Township; and it mostly consists of Zhaoan Hakka people. When visiting Yunlin, you must visit Yanping Old Street in Xiluo. The nostalgic old street has a strong historical vibe. You can taste authentic food here too.
/ Photo credit: Lunbei Township Office
Meinong District is the best-known Hakka region in Kaohsiung. It was an important place for the development of the tobacco industry during the Japanese Rule period. Paper umbrellas and rice noodles are both local specialties. At Meinong Hakka Cultural Museum, meaningful cultural relics of Hakka life are on display in regular exhibitions and special exhibitions. They are worth a visit.
Pingtung is a key county/city of Hakka culture in southern Taiwan. Liudui Hakka Cultural Park displays rich Hakka history and culture. Liudui Zhongyi Temple is a holy place for the Hakka Yimin belief. There are many well-preserved Hakka old houses in Pingtung, the exquisite architecture of which is breathtaking.
Hualien is where many Hakka historical sites and classic delicacies are, such as Fenglin Tobacco Barn Settlement, Jian Hakka Artist Village, and Fenglin Hakka Cultural Museum. You can learn about the beauty of Hakka culture at these places.
In Taitung, the vast and boundless fields can be seen everywhere. You can ride a bicycle to chase the wind and enjoy the beautiful greenery. Taitung County Hakka Museum is located in Chishang. There are Hakka cultural relics, Hakka TV, and other exhibitions at the museum. Hakka stories are on display in the form of audio/video as well as still exhibitions.