Hsinchu Day Tour | Lion's Head Mountain & Emei Catholic Church | Depart from Taipei
- This Hsinchu Lion's Head Mountain day tour takes you to Emei Catholic Church, Lion's Head Mountain, and Beipu Old Street.
- Emei Catholic Church is a must-visit popular Instagram photo spot, featuring a traditional terrazzo slide, a treehouse, and DIY wood-fired bread making.
- The temples and shrines at Lion's Head Mountain boast ancient and magnificent styles. Combined with the indigenous Saisiyat and Atayal cultural landscapes of the Nanzhuang area, they create a unique and diverse cultural atmosphere.
- A carefully selected route by the Tourism Administration, MOTC 'Taiwan Tour Bus', with professional driver-guides providing commentary, allowing you to easily explore Hsinchu's mountain towns and Hakka cultural attractions.
- For more details, please refer to the Hsinchu Day Tour 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
— Trip Information —
Hsinchu Lion's Head Mountain Day Tour
- Departure Date: Daily
- Itinerary:
- 08:00 Meet at Taipei Main Station East Exit 3 (Please look for the staff wearing an orange Taiwan Tour Bus vest)
【Optional pick-up at 08:30 at Nankan Interchange or 09:00 at Hsinchu HSR Station Exit 3】→ Please inform us upon booking; if there are no passengers, the bus will not stop.
- 09:30 Emei Catholic Church
- 10:20 Emei Lake
- 11:30~14:30 Lion's Head Mountain Visitor Center, Lunch in Beipu: Hakka Cuisine
- 15:10~16:20 Beipu Old Street
- 17:30~ End of the wonderful day trip, return to Taipei
— Attraction Introduction —
- Emei Catholic Church
You do not need to pray to visit this church; it is a must-visit IG photo spot. Can you believe this abandoned Emei Catholic Church is now a paradise for children? With traditional terrazzo slides, treehouses, and DIY wood-fired handmade bread, you can easily spend half a day here. Most importantly, the bread is delicious! - Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area
This is a national-level scenic area in the Republic of China (Taiwan), covering Hsinchu County and Miaoli County in Northern Taiwan, as well as Taichung City, Changhua County, and Nantou County in Central Taiwan. Its name originates from its predecessors: the three former provincial-level scenic areas of Lion's Head Mountain, Lishan, and Baguashan. These three areas are scattered across different counties and are not connected. However, in line with the 'Perfect and High-Quality Tourism Service Network' plan, they were merged into a single national scenic area. - Lion's Head Mountain
Lion's Head Mountain is a famous mountain for Buddhism and Taoism in Northern Taiwan. Temples and shrines such as Quanhua Temple (including Futian Temple and Kaishan Temple) and Shiyandong (Yuanguang Temple) are built along the mountain, featuring simple yet magnificent architecture and an elegant environment, making it a famous pilgrimage site. The Beipu Old Street area is home to national monuments like Jin Guang Fu House and Tianshui Hall, as well as county-designated monuments like the Jiang A-xin Mansion and Citian Temple, all full of traditional Hakka charm. Additionally, the indigenous Saisiyat and Atayal cultural landscapes in the Nanzhuang area create a unique and diverse humanistic style. After lunch, you can also visit the Liuliao Ancient Trail, a well-known trail behind the mountain in the Lion's Head Mountain Scenic Area. The entrance is located next to the Lion's Head Mountain Visitor Center. The first half of the trail has been paved with asphalt for transportation convenience, while the second half retains its original mountain path appearance. The name 'Liuliao' comes from the 'Ailiao' (guard posts) used for defense in the past. During the Qing Dynasty, there were frequent armed conflicts between settlers and the Saisiyat people, and this was the sixth guard post built to defend against the indigenous people. Today, the traces of battle are gone, replaced by babbling brooks and ancient trail ruins. The Liuliao Ancient Trail is also famous for its valley potholes, with clear and transparent stream scenery along the Liuliao Creek.
The Lion's Head Mountain Scenic Area is rich in flora and fauna. Among the mountains and forests, you can find birds such as kingfishers, plumbeous water redstarts, five-colored birds, grey-chinned minivets, Taiwan blue magpies, and crested serpent eagles. Native Taiwanese fish swim in the streams, and as you walk along the forest trails, you will be greeted by plants such as tung trees, shell ginger, and mucuna macrocarpa. - Emei Lake
Located at the junction of Fuxing Village and Huguang Village in Emei Township, Hsinchu County, Emei Lake boasts wide and beautiful lake and mountain scenery. It is also the first reservoir designed and built by Taiwanese people—Dapu Reservoir—and is an attraction rich in natural resources and cultural atmosphere. In the past, to facilitate transportation for local residents, five suspension bridges were built across Emei Lake. Although only the Ximaopu Suspension Bridge remains today, connecting the Shierliao Leisure Park and Fuxing Old Street, the bridge towers decorated with tung flowers and the panoramic view of Emei Lake from the bridge have become iconic sights of Emei Lake and a must-visit for travelers. - Beipu Old Street
Located in Beipu Township, Hsinchu County, Taiwan, its scope includes Beipu Street, Miaoqian Street, Nanxing Street, and Chengmen Street. The area contains monuments such as the Jin Guang Fu House, Tianshui Hall, and Beipu Citian Temple, making it a famous tourist attraction in Hsinchu County. Its specialties include persimmon cakes and dried persimmons made with the autumn 'nine-drop wind,' as well as taro and sweet potato mooncakes. The Oriental Beauty Tea, also known as 'Pengfeng Tea,' and Hakka lei-cha (ground tea) are also quite famous.
Speaking of the Hakka town of Beipu, the most famous delicacy is the traditional lei-cha culture. This healthy drink is made by grinding tea leaves, sesame, peanuts, and other nuts, then brewing with hot water to release a rich aroma. Add a spoonful of toppings like red beans, white fungus, and tapioca pearls to create an enticing dessert. Travelers visiting Beipu often visit tea houses to taste this traditional delicacy (at their own expense).
The Zhongshu Hall, the former residence of a Beipu scholar, was built in 1922. It was the home of Qing Dynasty scholar Zeng Xuexi. It features a one-hall, two-wing architectural style, a creative wall made of roof tiles, and an ancient well that once had pure and abundant water. It was famous, and villagers within a 50-meter radius came here for water; today, the well is dilapidated and abandoned. The Jiang A-xin Mansion is a Baroque-style building. The exterior stone materials were all sourced from Beitou stone, and the interior is decorated with precious woods such as old Taiwan incense cedar, cypress, camphor, and Taiwania. Located next to the Jin Guang Fu House and Tianshui Hall, it is a representative mansion in Beipu and currently houses the Jin Guang Fu Cultural and Educational Foundation. Visiting requires 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
1. How long does it typically take to hike Lion Head Mountain?
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.
2. What makes the hike on Lion Head Mountain unique or challenging?
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.
3. What is the historical significance behind the name "Lion Head Mountain"?
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.
4. Where is Lion Head Mountain located, and what is its regional context in Hsinchu?
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.
5. What are the main attractions to experience at Emei Lake Catholic Church?
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.
6. What cultural experiences can visitors enjoy at Beipu Old Street?
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.
7. How is transportation provided for a day tour to Lion Head Mountain, Emei Catholic Church, and Beipu Old Street from Taipei?
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.
8. What natural and cultural landscapes can be found in the Lion Head Mountain area, including Nanzhuang?
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.
