Dashanbei 大山背

Dashanpei (大山背) means behind the big mountain in Mandarin and this name came from the fact that the mountain is situated behind Daqidong Mountain(大崎棟山) in Hengshan Township (橫山鄉), Hsinchu County. It’s one of ideal getaways to hike on numerous trails in one trip. While you’re there, do pay a visit to Hakka Cultural Ecology Hall, aka Dashanbeiyue (大山北月) where used to be “FengXiang Elementary School” and now it has transformed into a wonderland in the mountain for some coffee, plates of Hakka cuisine, and the beauty of Dashanbei.

The trails don’t link together in Dashanbei, so it’d be better to make a plan before starting your hike. During April and May, these paved trails are also the perfect places to see Tung blossom and fireflies. Some of the popular trails are Daqidong Trail (大崎棟步道), Qilong Trail(騎龍步道) and Tea House Trail(茶亭古道) where used to be the pathway for local students and early settlers and at the top of the trail you’ll be able to overlook the Touqian River(頭前溪) and the township.

For the first timer, Daqidong Trail (大崎棟步道) would be a nice one to go for and the trailhead is located behind Leshan Temple (樂善堂). After exploring the trails, you can head to Hakka Cultural Ecology Hall for some of must-eat delicacies in Hsinchu, such as Oriental Beauty tea from Emei (峨眉), kiln baked breads from Hengshan(橫山), handmade rice cakes from Zhudung(竹東), and lei cha smoothies from Beipu(北埔). Also, you can enjoy your time at nearby farmers markets, where you’ll find plenty of fresh and healthy local produces on weekends, too! Feel like to see more? Don’t miss out on Neiwan Old Street and Hexing Train Station.

Driving to Dashanbei probably is the best way to go, considering the distant location in Hengshan Township has less public transportation. There are many parking areas free of charge in Dashanbei, so you can begin your exploration as soon as you arrive. Why not put this place on your travel list.

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/DCMJA1qdjgpbKHV67

Hot Spring Relaxation Tour

Treat yourself to a delightful day out exploring the unique shape of Frog Rock and soaking in the natural hot springs in Jianshi Township, Hsinchu County. This private full-day tour checks off all the highlights in the area, including Neiwan, besides, you can learn more about the Japanese occupation history and some secret attractions from a private licensed tour guide.

Highlights

• Admire the scenic landscapes of Jianshi Township
• Walk on skywalk to see waterfall and Frog Rock
• Take a relaxing hot spring bath with various SPA facilities
• Sample Hakka or Atayal flavors

Begin your full-day adventure with pick-up from your hotel in Hsinchu. Pay a visit to the sites along the way and continue through the mountainous landscapes. Soak in sodium bicarbonate hot spring pools or book an aromatic massage to pamper yourself at a resort in Jinping (錦屏) area. Private itineraries can run on any day of the week based on your requests. Please contact us to book your tour.

Adventurous Hiking Tour

Hsinchu has many mountainous areas from lower altitude to over 1,000m for adventurous hikers to explore. This hiking tour can be designed ranging from 2 to 6 hours day hike according to your comfort including selected trails from Feifeng Mountain, Five Fingers Mountain, Lion’s Head Mountain, Youlou Mountain to Mautu Discovery Forest and more. Take you escape the crowds and chaos of the city on a hired vehicle with an experienced guide.

Highlights

• See spectacular mountain views of Hsinchu from the top
• Experience the wild nature as you hike in the mountains
• Enjoy the tranquility and sounds of mother earth
• Sightseeing neighboring area after the hike
• Small-group tour, ensuring a personalized experience

Here is a sample of approx. 8 hours itinerary.

Greet your knowledgeable guide at a pre-arranged meeting point in Hsinchu. Then relax during the scenic journey to Lion’s Head Mountain; gaze out of the window at rugged mountain peaks and revitalizing greenery. Start the hike within the area and stop by waterfall cave and local monasteries as you wander at a leisurely pace. Next, visit Beipu for some Hakka delicacies and historical heritage before concluding the tour.

Private itineraries can run on any day of the week based on your requests. Please contact us to book your tour.

Hakka Culture Tour

Around 72% of population in Hsinchu County are Hakka (客家人) making Hsinchu a great destination to experience rich Hakka culture. Hakka is a ethnic group that immigrated from Southern China to Taiwan, such as Guangdong (廣東) and Fujian (福建) Province before 1949. This tour will take you to Beipu, a small Hakka town with historical buildings feature the integration of Hakka and Fukienese and the local prosperity in the past which can be traced back to Qing dynasty (1683-1895).

Highlights

• Visit signature buildings on foot while learning about the local history in the past
• Sense the lifestyle of Hakka through times
• Enjoy leisure time to explore and sample Hakka delicacies
• Experience making your own Hakka tea, leicha
• Private guide for a more personalized experience

Private itineraries can run on any day of the week based on your requests. Please contact us to book your tour.

Tea of Hsinchu Tour

A half day or a full day sightseeing tour combines with tea tasting in Emei, Hsinchu County, where is the birthplace of Oriental Beauty Tea (東方美人茶) aka Bai Hao (白毫) or White Tip Oolong. This special tea received its name in the 20th century, when it was introduced to the Queen Elizabeth II, who was impressed by its unique color and aroma, so she said, it’s the Oriental Beauty!

Highlights

• Learn about the history of tea-making in Taiwan
• A close look at the tea production from its traditions to the updated processes
• Stroll through tea plantation and have a chance to pick tea leaves (if in season)
• Sample Oriental Beauty Tea and meet local tea experts
• Embrace the tranquil atmosphere of Emei Lake
• Visit the 24 stories height Maitreya Buddha

Private itineraries can run on any day of the week based on your requests. Please contact us to book your tour.

 

Cinsbu 鎮西堡

Cinsbu is one of the major red cypress forests of Taiwan located in Jianshi Township (尖石鄉) , Hsinchu County. It is on the opposite side of Smangus (司馬庫斯) and only takes slightly more than an hour from Smangus by car. The road condition to Cinsbu from Smangus is winding but not as rough as the roads to Smangus from Neiwan (內灣). Ideally if time allows, it is suggested to visit Smangus and Cinsbu all together in 2 to 3 days. Since it is quite a long journey from the city, so why not get the most of it by visiting amazing giant cypress trees and two remote Atayal villages in one trip.

There are two different hiking routes for you to explore in Cinsbu, which are known as Area A and B. If you go from Area A, you will see the waterfall and the valley surrounded by group of sacred trees, providing great shades in summer. At the end of the trail, you will reach Poison Dragon Swamp (毒龍潭), a sleepy backwater, surrounded by the clouds and mists and leaves people a sense of mystery while standing by it. However, most hikers take 7 km trails in Area B for the better of road condition and safety reason. In general, the trails in Cinsbu are more strenuous with up and down than those in Smangus.

Along the trails in Area B, besides admiring sacred trees and enjoying the fresh air, you will also see streams of natural water while walking through wooden bridges, in conjunction with some spots with open access to the water. When it comes to March, you can witness the blossom of peach, as well as stunning view of scarlet maple leaves in December. Don’t forget to look up the sky at night and you will be amazed by the starry night view of Cinsbu. Let us know your travel experience there!

Map: https://goo.gl/YUhdUS

 

Smangus 司馬庫斯

Smangus (司馬庫斯), located at 1, 500 meter altitude in the deep forest mountain of Jianshi Township (尖石鄉), Hsinchu County is an ideal getaway to free yourself from the hustle and bustle of city life for a two to three days trip. It takes about 2 hours by car from Neiwan Old Street (內灣老街) to this remote indigenous village. The origin name of Smangus was to honor one of Atayal ancestors, Mangus (馬庫斯), and Smangus is a respectful form of addressing him. The village was completely cut off from the outside world, until the electricity was available in 1979 and roads were completed in 1995. Today many visitors flock to admire the magnificent view of giant red cypress trees and experience the local tribal culture.

Be prepared for 5 hours of round trip hike in a mixed of lush bamboo forest and dirt trails to see the sacred cypress trees. Along the trails, there is waterfall and Koraw ecological park, used to be a cultivate land for farming and is now a home for plenty of unique plants in Smangus. Depending on your schedule, the hiking trip can be done on the first day of arrival or the next morning. Don’t forget to leave some time indulging yourself in the beauty of Smangus and explore the village, such as school and church, Kyokay. Every Saturday night an evening party would be held at church for everyone to attend and enjoy the singing performance and the local custom.

One thing to note that Smangus village runs under communal management. Visitors need to check with the local administration office for the lodging information and the seasonal outdoor activities they offer ahead of time, in order to book an accommodation. Otherwise, lodging at Cinsbu (鎮西堡) on the opposite side of Smangus is also a worth-visit place to consider.

Map: https://goo.gl/QKcDm8

Mautu Discovery Forest 馬武督探索森林

If you enjoy outdoor activities, Mautu Discovery Forest (馬武督探索森林) is one of the must visit attractions located in Quanxi Township (關西鎮), Hsinchu County. The trace of Atayal indigenous tribes were found in this area more than half century ago, where was used to be called as Utu (武督). In Atayal language it means the gathering hub of human and resources, then the name got to be changed to “Mautu” later in Japanese colonial period and continued to be used until today.

Before entering the 460 acres of Forest, you will pass a ticking booth then to the trailhead. It takes about 1.5 hours to walk around the entire trails. You will first discover a Green Light Elementary School (綠光小學) surrounded by giant cedar trees, was originally a shooting set for several TV programs in Taiwan. Now it has become an ideal place for visitors to experience the nostalgic moment of being back in elementary school. While enjoying the tranquility of nature in the Forest, do not miss out two breath-taking waterfall spots, Hongqiao (虹橋) Waterfall and Mautu Waterfall. Also, two giant male and female poplars approximately aged 300 and 500 years old respectively and named as Grandpa Poplar and Grandma are worthy of taking a glance!

Some experienced hikers would take on 6 hours of hiking trip from the Forest to neighboring Outer Beak Mountain (外鳥嘴山), 1,350m. However, the journey will be off the trails and suggested to travel with a guide. Driving a car to the Forest would be the best option, alternately, taking Hsinchu Bus departs from Quanxi to Golden Birds Paradise (金鳥樂園) Station, then walk 30-40 minutes to get to the visitor center of the Forest. We would love to hear about your discovery!

 

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/bScgymdrHpk

Admission

Weekdays

Adults-NT$120

Children under age 12- $60 NTD

Weekends

Adults-NT$130

Children under age 12- $60 NTD

 

Parking

Car- NT$50

Scooter- NT$20

 

Opening Hours

June-September

Weekdays 08：30～17：30

Weekends 08：00～18：00

October-May

Weekdays 09：00～17：00

Weekends 08：30～17：30

Beipu Cold Springs 北埔冷泉

Do you know that there is a nice summer getaway for taking a cold spring bath in Hsinchu? In fact, there are two cold spring spots in Taiwan, Suao Township (蘇澳鎮), Yilan County (宜蘭縣) and Beipu Township (北埔鎮), Hsinchu County respectively. The temperature of the cold springs in Beipu is about 10 to 15 degrees all year around, which can definitely cool you off from the summer heat. Not to mention, the cold springs contains carbonic acid, which can provide many health benefits.

Near the downstream of Beipu Cold Springs is Daping Creek (大坪溪), providing an easy access to a spectacle view of waterfall. Taking a stroll on the old suspension bridge built in 1993 and across to the other side of the riverbed, you will reach the outdoor cold spring pools. If you want to swim in the creek, do mind your own safety. There is a public restroom by the main entrance road do offer rinse off basins and changing rooms. Before you leave the area, don’t miss out the Beipu Old Street nearby.

For a day tour, you can take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus (Lion’s Head Mountain Route) to Beipu Old Street first, and then hire a taxi to get to Beipu Cold Springs. Alternatively, driving a car would also be a good choice to get there. We would love to hear about your cold springs bath experience.

Map: https://goo.gl/zT6E9d

 

 

Yimin Temple 義民廟

Yimin Festival holds series of traditional ceremonies, such as lighting water lanterns, sacred pig competition and more on every July 18, 19 and 20 of lunar month and attracts numerous worshipers to attend each year. Yimin refers to those Hakka early settlers who joined forces with neighboring villages and protected their families and lands from burglars or enemies.

One of the crucial battles, known as Lin Shuang-wen Incident sacrificed more than 200 men in 1786. To commemorate their contribution, the locals raised funds to build the Yimin Temple in Xinpu (新埔), Hsinchu County in 1790. Since then, it has been the religious center of the Hakka people in northern Taiwan. Later, the religion was brought to different parts of Taiwan, as Hakka people moved in the process of historical development.

Over 220 years the Temple has been run by local elites and consistently follows the spirit of Yimin helping those in needs in community. The historic relic of a horizontal plaque with an inscription of “Baozhong (褒忠)” was written by Qianlong Emperor of Qing Dynasty and now it is still hanging inside the temple. Large gardens, ponds, greenery and tombs of fallen heroes are situated behind the Temple. There are some snacks and food stands in front of the Temple plaza. Mark your calendar for Yimin Festival if you haven’t visited it before.

Map: https://goo.gl/bQoowT (新竹縣新埔鎮下寮里義民路三段360號)