Guanxi

Guanxi (關西) is a historic Hakka township in eastern Hsinchu County, Taiwan, nestled in a valley surrounded by tea plantations and farmland. The town is famous for its well-preserved old street, traditional Hakka architecture, and its role as a centre for the local tea industry.

The climate is subtropical. October to March offer the most pleasant weather. The town centre is compact with a charming historic district.

By Plane

Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is about 60 km north. A taxi takes about 55 minutes and costs around NT$1,300–1,600.

By Train

Guanxi does not have a TRA station. The nearest station is Zhudong Station, about 12 km west. From Zhudong, take a taxi or bus to Guanxi (15 minutes, taxi NT$300–400).

By Car / Road

Guanxi is accessible via Freeway 3 (Guanxi exit) and Provincial Highway 3. From Hsinchu City, drive east for about 30 minutes.

The historic centre is walkable. A car is helpful for exploring tea farms and the surrounding countryside.

• Guanxi Old Street (關西老街) — A preserved historic street with traditional Hakka shophouses.

• Guanxi Mazu Temple — A historic temple at the heart of the old town.

• Guanxi Tea Plantations — The surrounding hillsides are covered in tea terraces.

• Dongan Bridge — A historic bridge in the town.

• Walk the old street and admire the traditional architecture.

• Visit a local tea farm for a tasting experience.

• Hike the nearby hills for views of the valley.

• Explore the surrounding Hakka countryside.

• Hakka restaurants serve traditional dishes including stir-fried pork, stuffed tofu, and bamboo shoot dishes. NT$150–350.
• Small eateries on the old street offer Hakka noodles and snacks. NT$50–100.

Local tea is the speciality — visit a tea house for tastings. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Simple guesthouses in town, NT$800–1,200.
• Mid-range: Hsinchu City or Zhubei offer more accommodation options.

• Guanxi tea — Local oolong and green teas.
• Hakka preserved vegetables — A traditional product.
• Bamboo products — Local bamboo crafts.

• Zhudong — 12 km west (15 min drive). Hakka market town on the Neiwan railway.
• Beipu — 10 km southwest. Historic Hakka town with a preserved theatre.
• Hsinchu City — 30 km west (35 min drive). Historic city with the City God Temple.
• Neiwan — 15 km south. Scenic mountain village on the railway.
• Jianshi — 10 km south. Mountain indigenous township with hot springs.