Emei

Emei (峨眉) is a rural township in southern Hsinchu County, Taiwan, named after the sacred Mount Emei in China. The area is known for its beautiful lake, tea plantations, and peaceful mountain scenery. Emei Lake (峨眉湖) is the centrepiece, offering walking trails and water views.

The climate is subtropical with cool winters and warm summers. October to March are the best months. The township is sparsely populated, with small villages scattered around the lake and hills.

By Plane

Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is about 75 km north. A taxi takes about 1 hour 10 minutes and costs around NT$1,600–2,000.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Zhudong Station, about 15 km northeast. From Zhudong, take a taxi or bus to Emei (20 minutes, taxi NT$350–450).

By Car / Road

Emei is accessible via County Road 124 and Provincial Highway 3. From Hsinchu City, drive southeast for about 35 minutes.

A car or scooter is essential for exploring the dispersed attractions. Walking trails around the lake are accessible on foot.

• Emei Lake (峨眉湖) — A scenic reservoir surrounded by walking paths and temples.

• Emei Tian'en Temple — A large Buddhist temple overlooking the lake.

• Emei Tea Plantations — Terraced tea fields on the hillsides.

• Shitoushan (Lion's Head Mountain) — A historic Buddhist mountain complex, partly in Emei.

• Walk the lakeside trails and enjoy the scenery.

• Visit the Buddhist temples in the area.

• Tour a tea farm and taste local oolong tea.

• Cycle the quiet country roads.

• Small farm restaurants serve simple Hakka dishes. NT$100–200.
• Temple vegetarian restaurants offer affordable meals.

Local tea is the main attraction. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Homestays near the lake, NT$1,000–1,500.
• Mid-range: For more options, stay in Zhudong or Hsinchu City.

• Emei oolong tea — The local high-mountain tea.
• Bamboo products and Hakka specialties.

• Zhudong — 15 km northeast (20 min drive). Hakka market town.
• Beipu — 12 km north. Historic Hakka town.
• Shitoushan — 5 km east. A historic Buddhist mountain complex.
• Nanzhuang — 15 km southeast. A scenic Hakka and indigenous township in Miaoli.
• Hsinchu City — 30 km northwest. The "Windy City."