Zhudong

Zhudong (竹東) is the largest Hakka settlement in Hsinchu County, Taiwan, located in the mountainous interior of the county. Known for its lively traditional market, bamboo industry, and Hakka cultural heritage, Zhudong offers visitors a taste of authentic Taiwanese mountain-town life. The town developed during the Japanese era as a centre for timber and bamboo processing.

The climate is subtropical, with cool winters and warm summers. October to March are the most pleasant months. The town centre is compact and lively, especially the market area.

By Plane

Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is about 70 km north. A taxi takes about 1 hour and costs around NT$1,500–2,000.

By Train

Zhudong Station (竹東車站) is the terminus of the Neiwan branch line of the TRA. From Hsinchu Station, the journey takes about 30 minutes (NT$50–80). The branch line is scenic and historic.

By Car / Road

Zhudong is accessible via Freeway 3 (Zhudong exit) and Provincial Highway 3. From Hsinchu City, drive southeast for about 25 minutes. Regular buses connect Zhudong to Hsinchu City.

The town centre is walkable. For exploring the surrounding Hakka villages, a car or scooter is recommended. Local buses serve outlying areas.

• Zhudong Market — One of the largest and most authentic traditional markets in northern Taiwan.

• Zhudong Train Station — A Japanese-era wooden station building.

• Zhudong Hakka Culture Center — A museum dedicated to Hakka history and culture.

• Bamboo products street — Shops selling traditional bamboo crafts.

• Explore the massive Zhudong traditional market — the best place to experience Hakka food culture.

• Ride the scenic Neiwan branch railway through the mountain landscape.

• Visit nearby Hakka villages for traditional architecture and cuisine.

Zhudong is one of the best places in Taiwan for Hakka cuisine.

• Market stalls — Hakka stuffed tofu (客家釀豆腐), lei cha (擂茶, pounded tea), and ban tiao (板條, thick rice noodles). Meals NT$60–150.
• Hakka restaurants — Full meals featuring salt-baked chicken, Hakka stir-fries, and pickled vegetable dishes. NT$200–400.

Try lei cha (擂茶), a traditional Hakka pounded tea made with tea leaves, nuts, and grains. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Simple guesthouses near the market, around NT$800–1,200.
• Mid-range: Hsinchu City, 25 minutes northwest, offers more choices.

• Bamboo products — Baskets, utensils, and crafts made from local bamboo.
• Hakka specialties — Dried foods, pickled vegetables, and traditional snacks.
• Fresh produce from the market — Seasonal fruits and mountain vegetables.

• Neiwan — 10 km south (15 min by train). A picturesque mountain village on the railway line.
• Beipu — 8 km west. A historic Hakka town with preserved streets.
• Hsinchu City — 18 km northwest (30 min by train). The "Windy City" with its City God Temple.
• Guanxi — 12 km east. A historic Hakka town known for its old street.
• Smangus — Further into the mountains. A remote indigenous Atayal village.