Zhubei

Zhubei (竹北) is a rapidly growing city in Hsinchu County, Taiwan, situated on the northern bank of the Touqian River just across from Hsinchu City. Once a quiet agricultural town known for its rice paddies and fruit orchards, Zhubei has transformed into one of Taiwan's fastest-growing suburban centres, driven by the expansion of the Hsinchu Science Park and an influx of tech-sector professionals. The city blends modern residential towers and commercial developments with remnants of its Hakka heritage, offering a quieter, more spacious alternative to the dense urban core of Hsinchu City.

The population has surged past 200,000 in recent years, making Zhubei one of the largest county-administered cities in northern Taiwan. Much of the growth has been concentrated in new planned districts such as the Lioujia (六家) and Douliu (斗崙) areas, where wide boulevards, parks, and modern amenities contrast with the older Zhubei town centre to the west. The city retains a strong Hakka cultural identity, visible in its temples, food, and annual festivals.

Zhubei experiences a humid subtropical climate. Summers (June–September) are hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and occasional typhoon impacts. Winters (December–February) are mild and relatively dry, with temperatures rarely dropping below 10 °C. Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are the most pleasant seasons for visiting, with comfortable temperatures and lower rainfall.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), approximately 70 km north of Zhubei. From TPE, the journey takes about 50–70 minutes by car or taxi (roughly NT$1,200–1,500 by metered taxi or ride-hailing). An alternative is to take the Taoyuan Airport MRT to Taoyuan HSR Station and transfer to a High Speed Rail train to Hsinchu HSR Station, which sits within Zhubei's boundaries. Hsinchu Airport (HSZ) handles limited domestic flights and is mainly used for military purposes.

By Train

Hsinchu HSR Station (新竹高鐵站) is located in the Lioujia area of Zhubei and is the city's primary rail gateway. High Speed Rail trains connect Zhubei to Taipei in approximately 30 minutes (standard fare around NT$290) and to Taichung in about 40 minutes. Tickets can be booked via the THSR website or app, at station counters, or at convenience-store kiosks. The older TRA Zhubei Station (竹北車站) on the Western Line provides local and regional service, with trains to Hsinchu (about 10 minutes) and connections southward.

By Car / Road

From Taipei, take National Highway 1 (Sun Yat-sen Freeway) southbound and exit at the Zhubei Interchange; the drive is roughly 70 km and takes 50–80 minutes depending on traffic. From Hsinchu City, Zhubei is just across the Touqian River, reachable in 10–15 minutes via Provincial Highway 1 or the Jingguo Bridge. Long-distance buses operated by companies such as Ubus and Kuo-Kuang run from Taipei Bus Station to Hsinchu, from where local connections reach Zhubei.

Zhubei is a car-oriented city, but local bus services operated by Hsinchu County Bus connect major residential areas to the HSR station and Hsinchu City. Fares are typically NT$15–30 per ride. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Taiwan Taxi (台灣大車隊) are widely available and convenient for getting around without a car. The city is moderately walkable in newer planned districts with wide sidewalks, though older areas and outlying neighbourhoods can be less pedestrian-friendly. Bicycle rental stations (YouBike) are available at the HSR station and various points around the city; rides cost NT$5 for the first 30 minutes. Scooters are the most popular personal transport among locals.

Hsinchu County Government Building and Plaza — An architecturally striking complex in the Douliu district, the county government building features a distinctive curved design. The surrounding plaza hosts public events and is a popular gathering spot, especially in the evenings.

Lioujia Hakka Cultural Area (六家客家文化保存區) — A cluster of traditional Hakka compounds and old streets near the HSR station. The Lin Family Ancestral Hall (林氏家廟) and surrounding sanheyuan (courtyard houses) date back to the Qing dynasty and offer a glimpse into the Hakka settlement heritage of the region.

Zhubei Tiangong Temple (竹北天后宮) — A historic Mazu temple in the old town centre, originally established in the Qing era and rebuilt multiple times. The temple remains an active centre of local religious life and features ornate carved decorations.

Touqian River Bicycle Path — A scenic riverside cycling and walking trail running along the Touqian River, offering views of the city skyline and surrounding wetlands. The path connects to longer cycling routes in Hsinchu County.

Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park — A modern development on the eastern edge of Zhubei, notable for its contemporary architecture and landscaped grounds. While primarily a research campus, the public areas and nearby parks are pleasant for a stroll.

Cycle the Riverside Paths — Rent a YouBike at the HSR station and ride along the Touqian River path. The flat terrain makes it accessible for all fitness levels, and the route stretches for several kilometres with rest stops and scenic viewpoints.

Hakka Cultural Experience — Visit the Lioujia Hakka area for guided walking tours (available on weekends through the Hsinchu County Cultural Bureau) covering traditional architecture, rice wine-making, and Hakka cuisine preparation.

Night Market Exploration — The Zhubei Night Market (竹北夜市) operates on select evenings near the old town area, offering local street food, games, and a lively atmosphere typical of Taiwanese night markets.

Day Trip to Green World Ecological Farm — Located about 20 minutes east of Zhubei in Beipu Township, this sprawling eco-farm features botanical gardens, butterfly houses, and bird aviaries, making it an excellent half-day outing for families.

Zhubei's food scene is heavily influenced by Hakka cuisine, alongside the full range of Taiwanese dining options available in its many new restaurants. Signature dishes include Hakka stir-fried pork with pickled vegetables (客家小炒), stuffed tofu (釀豆腐), and mochi (麻糬). The area around the HSR station has seen a boom in restaurant openings catering to the growing professional population.

Lao Shandong Zhajiang Noodle (老山東炸醬麵) — A popular casual spot near the old town serving hearty noodle bowls and dumplings. Mains from NT$80–150.

Hakka Restaurants on Guangming Road — Several family-run eateries along this stretch offer authentic Hakka set meals. Try the lei cha (擂茶, pounded tea) and rice set for around NT$120–200.

Zhubei Morning Markets — Early risers can sample traditional breakfast items including dan bing (蛋餅), soy milk, and rice ball wraps at the Zhubei morning market near the TRA station. Most items under NT$50.

Upscale Dining near HSR Station — The area around the HSR station has attracted several higher-end restaurants including Japanese, Italian, and contemporary Taiwanese options. Expect mains from NT$300–600.

Vegetarian Options — Several vegetarian buffets operate in Zhubei, common across Taiwan, charging by weight (roughly NT$50–100 per plate). Buddhist vegetarian restaurants (素食) are found near major temples.

Taiwanese tea culture is well represented in Zhubei, with several teahouses offering high-quality oolong and green teas from the nearby hills. Bubble tea (珍珠奶茶) shops are ubiquitous, with chains such as 50 Lan (50嵐) and Ching Sheng (清心福全) present on most major streets, with drinks from NT$30–60. For coffee, the Douliu district has a growing number of independent cafés catering to the city's tech professionals, with a cup of hand-drip coffee ranging from NT$100–200. Bars and pubs are relatively few compared to Hsinchu City, but a handful of cocktail bars and craft beer taprooms have opened near the HSR station area in recent years. Tap water is not safe to drink; bottled or filtered water is widely available.

Budget: Zhubei Guest House and several small inns near the TRA station offer rooms from NT$800–1,200 per night. Hostel-style accommodation is limited; the nearby Hsinchu City has more options.

Mid-range: Hotels such as the Zhubei Crystal Hotel (竹北水悅汽車旅館) and various business hotels in the Douliu district offer comfortable rooms from NT$2,000–3,500 per night, often with breakfast included.

Upscale / Heritage: The Hotel Royal Hsinchu (新竹老爺大酒店) is located in the broader Hsinchu area and offers premium rooms from NT$4,000–6,000 per night. For a luxury option, the Sheraton Hsinchu Hotel near the HSR station provides upscale amenities and rates from NT$5,000–8,000.

Zhubei's main shopping areas are concentrated around the new Douliu commercial district and along Guangming Road (光明路) in the old town. The newer areas feature shopping centres such as Far Eastern Department Stores and various chain retail outlets. For local specialties, look for Hakka rice products (rice noodles, mochi), locally grown persimmons (in season from September to November), and traditional Hakka sesame oil. The old town area has small shops selling everyday goods and local produce. Bargaining is not customary in retail stores but can be attempted at street stalls and small independent shops.

Hsinchu City (10–15 min by car) — The historic city centre with the East Gate, Hsinchu City God Temple, and a vibrant food scene centred around the old moat area.

Beipu (20 min by car) — A charming Hakka town famous for its old street, persimmon products, and the Jingguo Bridge scenic area.

Leofoo Village Theme Park (30 min by car) — A major theme park with roller coasters, water park, and safari area, located in Guanxi Township southeast of Zhubei.

Shei-Pa National Park (1–1.5 hr by car) — Home to Snow Mountain (雪山), Taiwan's second-highest peak, with hiking trails ranging from easy day walks to multi-day alpine treks.

Zhubei to Emei (30 min by car) — Visit the Emei Lake (峨眉湖) scenic area and the Beipu–Emei region for tea plantations and Hakka cultural heritage.