Explore ancient forest bridges and have fun in Kawachi, Kansai style ! A super fun one-day town adventure

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family / Compiled report
 
Hsinchu’s Kawachi not only boasts many well-preserved quaint historic buildings, but in recent years, due to the old street’s revitalization project for aged buildings, it has attracted young people to return, leading to the creation of many cultural and creative shops and exhibition spaces. Take a weekend to bring your family to Kawachi !

The development history of Taiwan Black Tea Company is closely related to the local industry of Kawachi, even serving as a microcosm of the development of Taiwan’s tea industry. After organizing historical materials and collecting tea industry artifacts, the company re-planned the original factory facilities, and the Taiwan Black Tea Industry Culture Museum was established at the end of 2004. In addition to commemorating and showcasing the pioneering spirit and achievements of our predecessors, it also allows modern people to understand the development journey and trajectory of Taiwan’s tea industry.
 
Address: No. 73, Zhongshan Road, Kawachi Township, Hsinchu County
Phone: 03-5872018

The Little Bear Museum combines humanities, art, and technology, and is the first exhibition hall in Taiwan themed entirely around “bears.” Many rare bears are of considerable value, and when paired with exquisitely fashionable décor, they create a breathtakingly dreamy foreign scene. It displays teddy bears from all over the world, ranging from palm-sized miniature bears to giants twice the height of a person, with all kinds of sizes available, exhibiting over 3,000 teddy bears, making it arguably the most abundant collection in Asia.
 
Address: No. 9, Zhongshan East Road, Kawachi Township, Hsinchu County
Phone: 03-5170111
Hours: 09:00 to 16:00, closed on Mondays

Located in the Maotu Forest Exploration area within the Shoudizui Mountain section of Hsinchu’s Kawachi, the Maotu Forest Exploration covers an area of over 400 hectares at an altitude of approximately 1,749 meters. It boasts extremely rich natural resources and features comparable to those of Alishan, Xitou, and Shanlinxi. Here you can enjoy sunrises, sea of clouds, sacred trees, waterfalls, peculiar rocks, and night views — it’s like a paradise on earth. There are also barbecue and camping areas, making it an excellent destination for those who love walking and forest bathing.
 
Address: No. 138-3, Lane 12, Kawachi Township, Hsinchu County
Phone: 03-5478645
Hours: Weekdays 09:00 to 17:00, Weekends 08:30 to 17:00

Built in 1933, Dong’an Ancient Bridge is an old-style circular arch bridge. Due to its rare stone construction and representation of Hsinchu’s rich diversity, it has been designated as a county-level historical site. With its graceful appearance and integration into the surrounding landscape, it has become one of Hsinchu’s must-visit attractions.
 
Location: Approximately 100 meters from the intersection on Zhongshan East Road, Kawachi Township, Hsinchu County