Things To Do
in Guanxi
Guanxi (關西) is a small township in northern Taiwan's Hsinchu County known for its Hakka heritage, agricultural landscapes and relaxed rural pace. The town is surrounded by tea terraces, rice paddies and low mountains that create photogenic vistas and easy hiking options. Guanxi's old streets, local temples and weekend markets offer a taste of traditional Hakka food and community life.
It makes a convenient quiet base for exploring Hsinchu County while remaining within easy reach of larger cities and Taoyuan International Airport.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Guanxi and bask in the charming atmosphere of this small town. After checking in to your accommodation, enjoy a traditional Taiwanese breakfast at a local eatery. Stroll through nearby parks to admire the lush landscapes and tranquil scenery.
Explore Guanxi's vibrant street markets, where you can find a plethora of local snacks and handcrafted goods. Visit the Guanxi Old Street to immerse yourself in the town's rich cultural heritage. Consider trying the famous Guanxi meatballs or other regional delicacies.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk along the picturesque riverbank, where you can take beautiful photos of the reflections on the water. Join a local food tour to sample various evening street foods that give you a taste of the local culture. End the night with a visit to a tea house, enjoying a cup of hot oolong tea.
After breakfast, take a short drive to Shimen Reservoir, known for its stunning vistas and tranquil environment. Enjoy boating or biking around the reservoir as you embrace the natural beauty surrounding you. Capture pictures of the breathtaking scenery to remember your visit.
Have a picnic lunch by the water, where you can enjoy the fresh air and picturesque views. Spend the afternoon hiking the trails that lead to impressive lookout points, each offering unique perspectives of the reservoir. Take some time to relax and unwind in this serene setting.
Return to Guanxi in the early evening and freshen up for dinner. Seek out a local restaurant that serves fresh fish caught from the reservoir, a true taste of the region. Wind down the day with a leisurely stroll through the town, exploring any hidden gems along the way.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a café | $2.50-5 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.70-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $5-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong Hakka cultural character and authentic rural atmosphere
- Beautiful tea terraces and agricultural landscapes for photography
- Close enough to Hsinchu and Taoyuan Airport for convenient access
- Quiet, low-tourist environment good for relaxation and nature walks
- Limited nightlife and fewer upscale dining options in town
- Public transport options are more limited than in big cities
- Weather can be disrupted by typhoons in summer months
- English signage and English-speaking staff may be limited in small shops
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "請問… (Qǐngwèn...)" - Excuse me / May I ask...
- "多少錢? (Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "廁所在哪裡? (Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Guanxi
Visit one of these nice places.
Layered tea fields on gentle slopes offer beautiful lines, textures and soft light at sunrise and sunset.
Traditional shopfronts, red lanterns and neighborhood temples provide vibrant street scenes and cultural portrait opportunities.
Reflective paddies after planting and harvest-time terraces make excellent foregrounds for mountain panoramas and seasonal photos.
Shallow rivers, arched pedestrian bridges and riverbanks are great for contemplative landscapes and late-afternoon light.
Scenic viewpoints along rural lanes frame villages and mountain backdrops — ideal for wide-angle shots.
Food in Guanxi
Guanxi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A signature Hakka dish using preserved mustard greens and pork, commonly found at local family eateries and traditional restaurants in Guanxi.
Must-Try!
A traditional Hakka tea-based soup made with ground tea, nuts and grains — hearty and healthy, often available at cultural tea houses and Hakka specialty restaurants.
Sticky rice or steamed rice cakes topped with savory condiments; commonly sold at markets and old-street vendors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A neighborhood market selling fresh vegetables, fruits and Hakka snacks in the morning; try fried dough, savory buns and fresh seasonal fruit.
On weekends and festival nights local vendors set up stalls selling skewers, seafood snacks and traditional sweets — good for sampling small plates and social atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use a polite greeting and smile; a simple "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" goes a long way. Address elders with respect and avoid raising your voice in public.
Remove shoes where requested (private homes or some small businesses). At temples keep voices low, don't climb on altars and ask before photographing worshippers.
When giving or receiving items, use both hands as a sign of respect. Avoid giving clocks or sharp objects as gifts (cultural taboos).
Wait to be shown a seat in formal settings, avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice and say "謝謝" when offered food.
Safety
Tipping in Guanxi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; service charges may appear on hotel bills. Small cash tips are appreciated but not expected.
Cash (New Taiwan Dollars) is widely used in small eateries, markets and rural shops. Credit cards are accepted at larger restaurants, hotels and chain stores. Contactless transport and e-wallets (EasyCard, LINE Pay, Apple Pay) are convenient for buses, trains and some retailers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May brings milder temperatures and flowering orchards — a pleasant time for hiking and outdoor photography; occasional rain showers are common.
June–August is hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and the typhoon season risk (peaks from July to September); mornings are best for outdoor activities to avoid heat and storms.
September–November offers comfortable temperatures, clearer skies and lower humidity — generally the most pleasant season for travel and outdoor pursuits.
December–February is cooler and drier (still mild compared to many countries); light jackets are sufficient in town though highland areas can be chilly — occasional cold snaps may occur.
Guanxi at Night
Hiking in Guanxi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A relatively short, popular local ridge walk offering panoramic views over Hsinchu County — suitable for early-morning hikes and birdwatching.
Trails and scenic walks following or branching from the Neiwan railway area; combine cultural stops with easy hikes and riverside views.
Informal network of paths through local tea terraces allowing close-up views of cultivation and seasonal landscape photography.
Several low-elevation trails around Hsinchu County provide half-day hikes with minimal technical difficulty — check local trailhead maps and weather before setting out.
Airports
How to reach Guanxi by plane.
The main international gateway to northern Taiwan, about 45–75 minutes by car depending on traffic; frequent shuttle buses, taxis and car rentals connect to Hsinchu County.
A smaller domestic and regional airport in Taipei; useful for some domestic flights and business routes, reachable by train and bus from Hsinchu.
An option for travelers connecting through central Taiwan; longer transfer to Guanxi but sometimes useful depending on flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of Guanxi's population is Hakka — their language, festivals and culinary traditions strongly shape local identity.
Many residents are engaged in agriculture (tea, fruit, rice) and maintain multi-generational family farms.
Younger residents often commute to nearby cities (Hsinchu, Taoyuan) for work in technology and services, creating a mix of traditional and modern lifestyles.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is a national favorite in Taiwan, with local interest in professional leagues and school teams; community games and local matches occur in Hsinchu County.
Cycling for recreation and sport is very popular — quiet country roads and designated routes attract riders of all levels.
Basketball is commonly played in schools and community courts; pickup games are a staple of local youth culture.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Guanxi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (stir-fried seasonal greens, tofu dishes, temple food) but may be limited in small rural eateries; ask for "素食" (sùshí) and double-check that broths contain no meat. Tea houses and markets offer fruit and snacks suitable for vegetarians.
Vegan and gluten-free options are less common—plan ahead, bring snacks, and communicate restrictions clearly (in Mandarin if possible). Larger restaurants in Hsinchu City will have more choices.
Carry an allergy card in Chinese detailing your allergies; cross-contamination can occur in small kitchens that use soy, peanuts and seafood.