Hakka Tour

Embark on a quick jaunt to Hakka villages with our curated one-day tour across Taoyuan and Hsinchu.

Did you know? The Hakka people have left an indelible mark across Taiwan, and their culture has a deep influence on the land. In Taoyuan and Hsinchu, many scenic spots and historical relics offer visitors a chance to explore Hakka culture. This guide compiles six renowned spots, promising an enjoyable journey into the vibrant world of Hakka heritage.

Pushin Ranch is a must-visit spot in Taoyuan for families, boasting vast green lawns and spacious areas. Visitors can hop on a small train, watch sheep grazing, and indulge in an impressive sheep herding show.
The ranch's latest attraction, the adorable capybara village, is now open for visitors! With a towering 5-meter-tall capybara statue, it has become the hottest photo spot at Pushin Ranch!

With a variety of facilities catering to all-day entertainment, there's something for everyone. From feeding capybaras and interacting with deer and llamas to engaging in piglet sports competitions and enjoyable DIY activities, this place offers an ideal setting for parents and kids to unwind together while exploring the ecological marvels.

Longtan Lake, the most popular landmark of Longtan in Taoyuan, boasts serene waters against a backdrop of tranquil mountains.
At Longtan Lake, visitors can not only enjoy the scenic lakeside views but also experience the fun of riding on swan boats. The place comes alive during weekends with occasional markets and performances, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.

Spanning a spacious area, the lake is adorned with a suspension bridge encircling its perimeter. Across from the suspension bridge sits the majestic Nantian Temple, connected to the adjacent nine-turn Zhongyi Bridge. During a leisurely stroll by the lakeside, one can pay homage and seek blessings at the temple. Moreover, Longtan Lake features a dedicated area for family-friendly activities, offering kids a range of playground equipment including sand pits, slides, and even water activities in the summer!

Taoyuan's Sankeng Old Street, formerly known as Longtan's main street during its peak, stands adjacent to one of the busiest wharves along the river channel. In Hakka, "keng" refers to a small stream or canal. Sankeng earned its name from the convergence of three water channels - Huojiewei Keng, Zhebuzai Keng, and Yamu Keng - which flowed through this area, hence its name Sankeng. Despite its short length, Sankeng Old Street retains its antiquated allure, exuding the rustic beauty of the rural area.

At Sankeng Old Street, visitors can indulge in authentic Hakka delicacies. Join the long queue at Ah Xiang Hakka Buns, famous for their tender and chewy Hakka-style veggie buns and scrumptious taro cakes. Adjacent to it is the shop selling Niu Wen Shui with shaved ice, a refreshing Hakka dessert perfect for cooling off during the summer. Don't miss out on the Hakka mochi “qiba” and steamed sponge cakes, offering an authentic taste of local Hakka cuisine.

Exploring Sankeng Old Street wouldn't be complete without experiencing the traditional river laundry, reminiscent of a time when women washed clothes by the river. The picturesque paddy fields and old brick houses in the vicinity also provide enriching sights. The area around the old street offers a wealth of attractions and is perfect for cycling adventures.

A must-visit destination in Taoyuan, the Taiwan Hakka Tea Culture Museum in Longtan, has captured the hearts of visitors since its opening. The spacious park area offers an immersive experience into the history and culture of tea, harmoniously intertwining with traditional Hakka customs. Visitors can also find a trove of fascinating historical anecdotes! Beyond its wealth of tea knowledge, the museum invites visitors to indulge in tea tasting experience, relish tea-based cuisine, and shop for delightful souvenirs.

At the Taiwan Hakka Tea Culture Museum, visitors can dive into the world of tea history. The vast grounds are perfect for leisurely strolls, and visitors can enjoy a refined tea-drinking experience in splendid tea rooms overlooking scenic tea plantations. It's an excellent destination for family outings or gatherings! The latest addition, the Ah Peng gaming area with a large ball pit, is one of the most beloved attractions for children!

The Hakka Cultural and Creative Park, a highly recommended free-entry leisure spot in Hsinchu, boasts ancient red-brick walls that transport you back in time when you don traditional costumes. In the spacious park, visitors can explore the rich tapestry of traditional Hakka culture while enjoying various interactive activities like cycling, creating giant bubbles, and trying out stilts. The park’s giant fruit sculptures also make for captivating photo opportunities.

Apart from offering hands-on crafting experiences and free access to exploring antiques, the Hakka Cultural and Creative Park also enables visitors to don traditional Hakka ceremonial attire, providing an immersive experience of past wedding traditions.

Inside the beautifully adorned Hakka-style buildings, the Hakka Cultural and Creative Park showcases the essence of Hakka life throughout the four seasons, including old-time farming tools used by Hakka ancestors. Besides Hakka culture and heritage, the park is bustling with activities during holidays, making it an absolute must-visit destination.

A trip to nostalgic old streets is a delightful pastime when exploring Hsinchu. Hukou Old Street in Hsinchu is exceptionally lively on weekends, with a variety of local delicacies everywhere. The street's old-fashioned alleys and lanes exude an exotic charm, with preserved Romanesque and Baroque-style architecture characterized by rows of red brick walls. Strolling down the old street will transport you back in time.

Formerly known as Dawokou, the history of Hukou Old Street dates back to the 19th year of the Qing Emperor Guangxu's reign, which is more than 120 years ago – a testament to its enduring legacy. The street's prosperity traces back to the development of the railway as the area around the train station is usually bustling with crowds.

Although Hukou Old Street is not long, it houses many distinctive eateries. Popular dishes include Niu Wen Shui, charcoal-grilled stinky tofu, Hakka glutinous rice balls, and ox tongue pastry. Take your time to explore the street and savor the street's delicacies. It’s really enjoyable. Meandering through the old street and indulging in Hakka cuisines makes for a fantastic culinary journey!

Hakka attractions in Taoyuan and Hsinchu are even more entertaining than you can imagine. Enjoy food, drink, fun and entertainment all at once - just grab your bag and set off!