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Visitors crossing the Neiwan suspension bridge among green trees

Tours & tickets

Tours and day trips in Hsinchu

Walk the old city, taste rice noodles and meatballs, ride the train to Neiwan, grind your own lei cha or walk among the giant cypress trees of Smangus. Every tour here is bookable online through Viator.

Hsinchu city, food and temples

Walk the old city from the East Gate to the City God Temple, eat your way through rice noodles and meatballs, or see the highlights and the coast with a private guide.

Hakka towns, forests and mountains

Ride the little train to Neiwan, drink pounded tea in Beipu, or head high into the mountains for the giant cypress trees of Smangus and the cloud forest of Guanwu.

Day trips from Hsinchu and Taipei

Hsinchu is 30 minutes from Taipei by high-speed rail, so it works both ways: see Hsinchu in a day from the capital, or use Hsinchu as a base for Taiwan’s classic day trips.

Booking tours in Hsinchu: what to know

Hsinchu’s old city is compact, and you can see the East Gate and the City God Temple on your own. Tours are worth it for the food, where a guide helps you order and explains what you are eating, and above all for trips into the county, where the Hakka towns and mountain forests are spread out and buses are few.

Walking and food tours

A walking tour is a good way to start. A guide brings the old walled town of Zhuqian to life and takes you to the best stalls around the City God Temple. Food tours often continue to a night market in the evening.

The Hakka towns

Neiwan is easy to reach by train, but a day trip that combines it with Beipu saves a lot of waiting for buses. Many include a lei cha session, where you grind your own Hakka pounded tea.

The mountains

For Smangus and Guanwu, a tour saves you hours of driving on narrow mountain roads. Smangus tours often include a night in the village, so you can walk the giant tree trail early in the morning.

Check what is included

  • Hotel pickup, or a meeting point at a station
  • Entry and trail fees, for example at Smangus
  • Food and drink on food tours, and meals on longer trips
  • The tour language: many tours in Taiwan are in Mandarin

Cancellation terms

Many tours on Viator offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time, and some let you reserve now and pay later. Terms vary by tour, so read them before you book. Mountain tours may be cancelled or changed in typhoon weather.

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Good to know

Hsinchu tours FAQ

Do I need a tour to see Hsinchu?

Not for the city. The old city is compact and easy to explore on foot, and the temples are free. A guide adds the stories and helps you order food. Tours make the most sense for the mountains, such as Smangus and Guanwu, where the roads are long and there is little public transport.

Can I visit Smangus without a tour?

Yes, if you have a car and are happy driving narrow mountain roads. There is no regular public transport. Book a room in the village ahead, and check that the road is open after heavy rain. See our Smangus guide.

Are tours in English?

Some are, but many tours in Taiwan are run in Mandarin. Check the language listed on the booking page before you book, or choose a private tour with an English-speaking guide.

Can I take the Neiwan Line on my own?

Yes. Trains leave from Hsinchu Station, some direct and some with a change at Zhuzhong, and you can pay with an EasyCard. They run about once an hour, and weekends are crowded.

Can I cancel a tour if my plans change?

Many tours on Viator offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Terms vary by tour, so check them on the booking page.

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