Hsinchu Day Tour｜Lion Head Mountain ． Emei Lake Catholic Church｜Depart from Taipei
- A day trip to Lion Head Mountain in Hsinchu, including visits to Emei Catholic Church, Lion Head Mountain, and Beipu Old Street.
- Emei Catholic Church: Must-visit Instagrammable spots, including a traditional pebble slide, treehouse, and wood-fired kiln for DIY bread making.
- The temples and palaces on Lion Head Mountain are ancient and magnificent in style, and together with the cultural landscape of the Saisiyat and Atayal ethnic groups who are the original inhabitants of Nanzhuang area, they create a unique and diverse cultural landscape.
- The Taiwan Tourist Bus, curated by the Tourism Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, offers carefully selected routes with professional drivers and guides providing commentary on board, allowing you to easily explore the mountain town of Hsinchu and Hakka cultural attractions.
- For more details, please refer to the Hsinchu Day Trip Attractions Guide.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 4 travelers |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
— Itinerary Information —
Hsinchu Lion Head Mountain Day Trip
- Departure Dates: Daily
- Itinerary details:
- 08:00 Meet at East Gate 3 of Taipei Main Station (please look for the staff wearing orange Taiwan Tourist Bus vests to report).
【You can also board at 08:30 from Nankan Interchange or 09:00 from Exit 3 of Hsinchu High Speed Rail Station】→ Please inform us in advance when registering, otherwise the train will not stop.
- 09:30 Emei Catholic Church
- 10:20 Emei Lake
- 11:30~14:30 Lion Head Mountain Visitor Center, Beipu Lunch: Hakka cuisine
- 15:10~16:20 Beipu Old Street
- 17:30 ~ End of a wonderful day's itinerary, return to Taipei
— Attraction Introduction —
- If you're not going to pray at the Catholic Church, this is a must-visit Instagram hotspot! Can you believe that this once-abandoned Emei Catholic Church is now a paradise for children? Traditional pebble slides, treehouses, and wood-fired kiln bread-making workshops offer a relaxing half-day of fun, and the bread is delicious!
- Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area is a national-level scenic area in the Republic of China (Taiwan), encompassing Hsinchu and Miaoli counties in northern Taiwan, and Taichung, Changhua, and Nantou counties in central Taiwan. Its name originates from its predecessors being three provincial-level scenic areas: Lion Head Mountain, Pear Mountain, and Bagua Mountain. These three areas were scattered across different counties and were not contiguous. However, in line with the plan to "build a comprehensive and high-quality tourism service network," they were merged into a single national-level scenic area.
- Lion Head Mountain is a famous Buddhist and Taoist mountain in northern Taiwan. Temples and monasteries such as Quanhua Hall (including Futian Temple and Kaishan Temple) and Lion Rock Cave (Yuanguang Temple) are built along the mountainside, featuring a simple yet magnificent style and an elegant surrounding environment, making it a renowned pilgrimage site. The Beipu Old Street area boasts national historical sites like Jin Guangfu and Tianshui Hall, as well as county-level historical sites like Jiang Axin's Residence and Citian Temple, exuding a rustic Hakka flavor. Combined with the cultural landscapes of the Saisiyat and Atayal indigenous peoples of Nanzhuang area, it creates a unique and diverse cultural landscape. After lunch, you can also visit the Liuliao Ancient Trail, a well-known trail in the Lion Head Mountain Scenic Area. The entrance is located next to the Lion Head Mountain Visitor Center. The first half of the trail has been paved with asphalt for easier access, while the second half retains its original mountain path appearance. The name Liuliao originates from the ancient defensive fortification known as Ailiao. During the Qing Dynasty, there were frequent armed conflicts between the settlers and the Saisiyat people, and this was the sixth Ailiao built to defend against the indigenous inhabitants. Today, the traces of battle have disappeared, replaced by flowing streams and remnants of the ancient trail. The Liuliao Ancient Trail is also famous for its potholes in the valley, and the Liuliao Creek offers clear and beautiful scenery along its banks.
The Lion Head Mountain Scenic Area boasts a rich ecosystem of flora and fauna. Birds such as kingfishers, lead-colored water thrushes, five-colored birds, grey-throated minnows, Taiwan blue magpies, and crested vultures abound in the forests. Native Taiwanese fish swim leisurely in the streams. And when you stroll along the forest trails, you can see plants such as tung trees, almond trees, and blood vines beckoning you everywhere. - Emei Lake, located at the junction of Fuxing Village and Huguang Village in Emei Township, Hsinchu County, boasts a vast and beautiful landscape of lakes and mountains. It is also home to Dapu Reservoir, the first reservoir in Taiwan designed and built entirely by Taiwanese people, making it a scenic spot rich in natural resources and cultural heritage. To facilitate transportation for nearby residents, five suspension bridges were once built across Emei Lake. Although only one remains today, the Ximaopu Suspension Bridge, connecting the Shierliao Leisure Area and Fuxing Old Street, its bridge towers adorned with tung blossoms and the unobstructed panoramic views of Emei Lake from the bridge have made it a highly representative feature of the lake and a must-visit attraction for tourists.
- Beipu Old Street is located in Beipu Township, Hsinchu County, Taiwan. It encompasses Beipu Street, Miaoqian Street, Nanxing Street, and Chengmen Street. Within the area are historical sites such as the Jin Guangfu Mansion, Tianshui Hall, and Beipu Citian Temple, making it a famous tourist attraction in Hsinchu County. Local specialties include persimmon cakes and dried persimmons made during the autumn typhoon season, as well as taro and sweet potato mooncakes. Oriental Beauty Tea (also known as "Pengfeng Tea") and Hakka Lei Cha are also quite famous.
When it comes to Beipu, a Hakka town, the most famous local delicacy is the traditional Lei Cha (擂茶) culture. This health-preserving beverage is made by grinding tea leaves, sesame seeds, peanuts, and other nuts. After being brewed with hot water, it releases a rich aroma. Adding a spoonful of red beans, white fungus, and tapioca pearls makes it a tempting and delicious dessert. Visitors to Beipu will stop by the teahouse to taste this traditional delicacy (at their own expense).
Zhongshu Hall, the former residence of Zeng Xuexi, a scholar from the Qing Dynasty, was built in 1922. It is renowned for its two-wing main building, the uniquely designed wall composed of roof tiles, and the ancient well with its pristine and abundant water. Villagers within a 50-meter radius relied on it for drinking water. Today, the well is abandoned due to disrepair. Jiang Axin's Western-style building, in a Baroque style, features exterior stone made from Beitou coastal stone and interior decoration using precious woods such as old Taiwania wood, cypress, camphor, and Taiwan cedar. Located next to Jin Guangfu Mansion and Tianshui Hall, it is a representative example of Western-style buildings in Beipu. Currently, it houses the Jin Guangfu Cultural and Educational Foundation, and visits require prior application.
Lion's Head Mountain
Important Info
Reminders
A minimum of 4 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 3 day(s) before the departure date
This is a light hiking trip, please wear light clothing and outdoor activity shoes and bring rain gear.
If you fail to get on the bus or get off the bus midway due to personal reasons, it will be deemed as automatic abandonment and no refund or make-up ride will be allowed.
Please cooperate if the driver or guide adjusts the itinerary sequence and stay time based on the traffic conditions, festivals or weather conditions on that day.
This tour is a shared car tour. You can choose your seat freely on site. You cannot specify a parking space in advance. Please forgive me.
The driver and guide will provide on-board service throughout the entire journey, providing a fixed-point guided tour, and you can visit each attraction freely after arriving.
Due to vehicle scheduling issues, the meeting time and location, as well as the driver and guide contact number will be provided 1-2 days before departure.
Please join us in protecting these precious resources during our nature exploration tours, leaving nothing but your footprints and passing on the beautiful scenery to future generations.
FAQ
The hiking time for Lion Head Mountain varies depending on the chosen trail and your pace. Generally, a comprehensive hike exploring the main temples and scenic spots can take approximately 2 to 4 hours. There are multiple trails, from shorter, more accessible paths to longer routes connecting various temples and viewpoints, offering flexibility for different fitness levels and time allowances.
The hike on Lion Head Mountain is unique due to its blend of natural scenery and ancient temple culture. Many trails are paved or well-maintained, but some sections involve stairs or moderate inclines, which can be moderately challenging, especially in humid weather. The area is known for its magnificent temples and palaces carved into the mountainside, offering spiritual insights and unique architectural views amidst lush greenery.
Lion Head Mountain is named for its distinctive natural rock formation that resembles a crouching lion's head. This iconic shape is visible from various viewpoints, especially from the base of the mountain. Beyond its geological feature, the mountain holds historical and cultural significance as a long-standing Buddhist and Taoist spiritual center, housing numerous ancient temples and monasteries that attract pilgrims and visitors alike.
Lion Head Mountain is situated in the border region of Hsinchu and Miaoli counties in Taiwan. It is a prominent peak within the Lion Head Mountain Scenic Area, known for its rich natural landscapes, diverse cultural heritage, and traditional Hakka villages. It serves as a significant natural and spiritual landmark, connecting to other attractions like Emei Lake and Beipu Old Street in the broader Hsinchu area.
Emei Lake Catholic Church, also known as the Lake of God, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and spiritual serenity. Key attractions include the striking red-brick church building itself, often surrounded by serene lake views, making it a popular spot for photography. Visitors can also enjoy traditional talcum slides, explore charming tree houses, and participate in DIY handmade bread activities using wood kilns, providing a diverse and engaging experience.
Beipu Old Street offers a rich immersion into Hakka culture and history. Visitors can explore traditional architecture, sample authentic Hakka cuisine and snacks like Hakka Lei Cha (pounded tea) and persimmon cakes, and browse local artisan shops. The street is renowned for its well-preserved historical buildings and vibrant atmosphere, providing insights into the Hakka way of life and culinary traditions.
For a day tour visiting Lion Head Mountain, Emei Catholic Church, and Beipu Old Street from Taipei, transportation is typically arranged through a convenient carpooling service. This eliminates the need for individual public transport planning, allowing visitors to travel comfortably and efficiently between the various attractions. The service ensures a hassle-free journey from Taipei, covering all tour stops.
The Lion Head Mountain area boasts diverse natural and cultural landscapes. Beyond the mountain's scenic trails and temples, visitors can explore the tranquil beauty of Emei Lake and the traditional charm of Beipu Old Street. The region also encompasses the cultural landscapes of the Saisiyat and Atayal indigenous peoples in nearby Nanzhuang, offering a rich tapestry of aboriginal heritage, unique traditions, and stunning natural scenery like waterfalls and forests.
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