Hakka Tour

Emei Township, nestled on the border of Hsinchu and Miaoli, is a hidden gem in the mountains. This Hakka town boasts mirror-like lakes, majestic peaks, and picturesque landscapes that feel like scenes from a painting, providing a serene escape for visitors. The area's agricultural products are renowned, thanks to its unique environment. The ancient trails winding through the mountains are a hiker's paradise. The town is also home to the world's tallest bronze Laughing Buddha statue, standing guard by Emei Lake, serving as a spiritual anchor for the residents. Emei Township's natural beauty and cultural assets are both unique and captivating, offering a feast for the eyes and soul.

The most vibrant area in Emei Township is around the Dapu Reservoir, also known as Emei Lake. Here, you can stroll across the Ximaopu Suspension Bridge and enjoy a leisurely walk along the scenic lakeside trail. Rent a bike to ride along the lakeshore, take a boat ride to feel the gentle breeze and admire the lake’s beauty, or find a cozy café to savor everything this place has to offer. Across from the Ximaopu Suspension Bridge stands the magnificent temple Nature Loving Wonderland, home to the world’s largest bronze Laughing Buddha statue. Its colossal figure is visible from everywhere around Emei. The temple's architecture combines culture, nature, and art, making it a significant landmark in Hsinchu. Interestingly, the road leading to the World of Natural and Cultural Heritage is named Kuaile Road (meaning Happy Road) in honor of the Laughing Buddha.

Nestled within the parking lot of Nature Loving Wonderland, this lakeside scenic restaurant is a well-kept secret, attracting many visitors with its delicious vegetarian cuisine. The orange-red European-style building and the tranquil bald cypress grove create a landscape reminiscent of a foreign country. The interior is equally impressive, featuring a two-story high-raised space that exudes grandeur. The large glass windows on both sides reflect the beautiful scenery of Emei Lake, creating a breathtaking view. The menu offers vegetarian dishes, light meals, coffee, and desserts, making it a great spot for both meals and afternoon tea.

Not far from Emei Lake lies Shierliao, a farm village historically known for its camphor production and referred to as “Camphor Shierliao.” Today, it is renowned for its citrus and pomelo crops. Visitors can engage in fruit picking and related activities, as well as participate in traditional Hakka DIY experiences such as making pounded tea and mochi, to gain a deeper understanding of Hakka culture. The main tourist area revolves around Shierliao Dam, where you can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the shimmering water. The flat and accessible paths around the dam are suitable for all ages. For those seeking a challenge, the dam's surrounding trails lead to Shierliao's hilly areas, perfect for a forest hike.

Tung Blossom Festival

From late April to early May, Shierliao is at its liveliest. The tung tree-lined paths around the dam resemble a snowy landscape, blanketed with white blossoms, attracting numerous visitors.

Lakeside Cafés

Though Shierliao Dam is much smaller than nearby Emei Lake, its shores are dotted with charming cafés. After a walk, choose a café to relax, enjoy the water views, and savor some coffee or tea.

Lilium Formosanum Studio

Shierliao's population is notably aging, but with the government's active support, many passionate young people have returned to develop local tourism and cultural businesses. This influx of energy and innovative ideas has led to the emergence of delightful shops near the dam and is expected to transform Shierliao. One such place is the Lilium Formosanum Studio, dedicated to promoting the native and endemic lily species of Taiwan. If you have time, stop by for a cup of tea and listen to their stories and philosophies.

Emei Township, with its picturesque scenery, is famous for its Oriental Beauty Tea. The unique aspect of this tea is that it is grown without pesticides, allowing the precious green leafhoppers to nibble on the leaves, releasing a natural honey fragrance. This process, known as “zhuoyen,” results in the delicious and sweet flavor of Oriental Beauty Tea. Its rarity and limited production make it exceptionally precious, earning it the nickname "tea gold." Every autumn, Emei hosts the Oriental Beauty Tea Festival, where visitors can purchase the finest Oriental Beauty Tea and participate in various unique activities, diving into Hakka rural life and experiencing the charm of Emei's tea culture.

Fuxing Old Tea Factory

The bustling hub of Emei Township used to be around Fuxing Old Street. Although the street no longer showcases its former glory, some old buildings remain. The most well-preserved is the Zeng Family Ancestral Hall, a nearly century-old tea factory. With the assistance of the county government and the Hakka Affairs Council, it has been restored and transformed into Emei Township's most iconic historical building. Here, you can not only savor high-quality teas but also explore exhibits on tea-making techniques and processes. The Taiwanese television drama "Gold Leaf" has sparked widespread interest in the historical stories and tea-making traditions of that era, making a visit here a fascinating journey into the past.

Heading deeper into the mountains of Emei Township, you'll find the Lion's Head Mountain Scenic Area (also known as the Shitoushan Scenic Area), one of Taiwan's minor peaks. This area is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, with its terrain and forest scenery fostering numerous beautiful nature trails. The best time to visit is in April and May, when the blooming tung flowers create a snow-like carpet on the forest floor and fireflies light up the woods, adding a magical touch to the landscape.

Shuilian Bridge Trail

The Shuilian Bridge Trail is the easiest but most rewarding trail among the Lion’s Head Mountain trails. Its scenic beauty is captivating, and it takes only about 20 minutes to complete. Although there are a few steps, the trail is not strenuous. Along the way, you can admire the ancient wisdom behind the bridge built with glutinous rice and the mysterious natural pothole formations, making it an enjoyable hike for all ages.

Shishan Ancient Trail

The Shishan Ancient Trail takes approximately 2.5 hours for a round trip. Midway, you can connect to the Liuliao Trail and the Tengping Trail at the Qixing Pavilion, forming a circular route. The numerous temples along the way, especially those built in caves or on cliffs, are a major attraction, offering unique scenery. Visiting during the spring tung blossom season is particularly delightful, with some sections densely covered in flowers, making it perfect for a spring outing.

Shierliao Chapel of Angels

In addition to the Taoist temple Nature Loving Wonderland, Catholicism has also had a long presence in Emei. During the early days of the Nationalist government's relocation to Taiwan, when the country was unstable and lacking resources, many foreign priests came to rural areas like Emei to provide aid and relief. This is why Catholic churches are widespread here. As Taiwan's economy improved and national consciousness grew, Catholic churches gradually declined. The Shierliao Chapel of Angels in Emei was once a ruin attraction until it was restored a few years ago by the Chapel of Angels Foundation. After three years of renovation, it has been restored to its original beautiful appearance. Currently, the Chapel only accepts guided tours by appointment - no free visits. Visitors are welcome to come and listen to its story.

Yetianshan Bakery

In Emei Street, there is another Catholic church surrounded by trees, now transformed into a kiln bakery. The freshly baked bread is loved by locals and attracts many visitors. The unique church architecture and the lush green surroundings have made it a popular spot for taking photos during holidays.