Zhubei Travel Guide
City City in Taiwan known for rapid development
North of Hsinchu, Zhubei mixes new apartment blocks with riverfront bike paths along the Touqian. Visitors use it as a base for Hsinchu Science Park, sample night-market snacks, and rent bikes for easy rides to nearby cafés and parks.
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Why Visit Zhubei? #
Close to Hsinchu’s tech hub, Zhubei has grown into a modern, well-connected city with leafy riverside parks and lively shopping districts. Its proximity to the Hsinchu Science Park makes it popular with business travelers, while food lovers can hop to nearby stalls for Hsinchu’s famed rice noodles and night-market snacks. New malls, bike paths and family-friendly waterfront promenades give it an easygoing urban vibe that contrasts with Taipei’s bustle.
Who's Zhubei For?
Zhubei offers fast internet, modern cafes and some coworking near the city center; commuting to Hsinchu Science Park is easy for tech workers. Cost is lower than central Hsinchu or Taipei, making longer stays practical.
Proximity to Hsinchu Science Park and the Hsinchu HSR/TRA connections make Zhubei a convenient base for business travelers. New hotels and conference facilities cluster around the station corridor.
Zhubei’s new residential districts have parks, playgrounds and family malls like cost-effective entertainment centers. Quiet neighborhoods and good public schools make it comfortable for visitors with kids.
Local night markets and Hsinchu-adjacent eateries serve Hakka dishes, rice noodles and seafood. Small bakeries and tea shops around Zhubei Station are pleasant stops between meetings or excursions into Hsinchu.
Top Things to Do in Zhubei
All Attractions ›
- Hsinchu Science Park - High-technology hub with interactive exhibits and company campuses, central to Hsinchu's identity.
- THSR Hsinchu Station - Major high-speed rail station in Zhubei; essential transit gateway to northern Taiwan.
- Hsinchu Glass Museum - Adaptive reuse museum near Hsinchu City, showcasing glassmaking history and contemporary works.
- Eighteen Peaks Mountain (Shibajian) - Popular trail network offering short climbs, city views, and accessible loop hikes.
- Beipu Old Street - Traditional Hakka town known for lei cha tea, folk culture, and old architecture.
- Neiwan Old Street - Railway-side alley with preserved Hakka eateries, local snacks, and nostalgic wooden storefronts.
- Eighteen Peaks Mountain (Shibajian) - Popular trail network offering short climbs, city views, and accessible loop hikes.
- Beipu Old Street - Traditional Hakka town known for lei cha tea, folk culture, and old architecture.
- Leofoo Village Theme Park - Theme park combining roller coasters with safari-style animal exhibits and family attractions.
- Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum - Showcases traditional Taiwanese woodcarving, nearby Sanyi artists' workshops and carving demonstrations.
- 17 Kilometers Coastline Scenic Area - Coastal bike paths, wind-swept beaches, and visitor piers stretching along Hsinchu's shoreline.
- Neiwan Old Street - Railway-side alley with preserved Hakka eateries, local snacks, and nostalgic wooden storefronts.
Plan Your Visit to Zhubei #
Best Time to Visit Zhubei #
The best times to visit Zhubei are spring (March-May) and late autumn (October-November) when temperatures are mild and rainfall is lower for cycling and sightseeing. Summers (June-September) are hot, humid and prone to heavy rains or typhoons, while winters are cooler and drier, comfortable for walks.
Best Time to Visit Zhubei #
Zhubei's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 12°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1848 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (199 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Heavy rain (229 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (264 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (181 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (201 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (174 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Zhubei
Zhubei is served by the Hsinchu High Speed Rail station (in Zhubei) and by Zhubei Station on the Taiwan Railways Western Line, making train travel especially convenient. The nearest major international airport is Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE); Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) handles domestic flights and is also a practical arrival point for regional connections.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE): From TPE you can take a taxi directly to Zhubei (roughly 40-60 minutes; about NT$1,200-1,600 depending on traffic). Alternatively use the Taoyuan Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station (≈35-40 minutes, fare ≈NT$160) and transfer there to the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) or Taiwan Railways (TRA) to reach Hsinchu/Zhubei; total journey time via MRT+HSR/TRA is typically 70-120 minutes depending on connections. There are also direct intercity buses from the airport to the Hsinchu area (operators include Kuo-Kuang / UBus) that usually take about 50-90 minutes and cost roughly NT$120-200-check schedules in advance.
Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA): Songshan handles mainly domestic and regional flights and is easier for transfers from northern Taiwan. From TSA take a taxi to Zhubei (about 30-50 minutes; roughly NT$800-1,200) or take the Taipei Metro into Taipei Main Station (≈15-25 minutes on the MRT; low single-digit fares) then transfer to HSR/TRA to Hsinchu/ Zhubei. For many domestic arrivals the MRT+HSR/TRA option is the most reliable during peak traffic.
Train: Zhubei is served by Zhubei Station (TRA Western Line) for local and regional trains; travel from Taipei by TRA local/express services typically takes about 35-60 minutes and fares are usually in the NT$70-150 range depending on train type. The Taiwan High Speed Rail Hsinchu (HSR) station is located in Zhubei (often called Hsinchu HSR Station); HSR from Taipei to Hsinchu is the fastest option (around 20-30 minutes) with fares that vary by seat type-buy tickets on the HSR site or at stations.
Bus: Intercity buses from Taipei and Taoyuan to the Hsinchu/Zhubei area are frequent (operators include Kuo-Kuang and UBus); trips typically take 50-100 minutes and cost about NT$120-250 depending on route. Local buses in Hsinchu County connect Zhubei with Hsinchu City, the HSR station and neighbourhoods; single-ride fares are generally NT$15-30 and you can pay with an EasyCard.
How to Get Around Zhubei
Getting around Zhubei is easiest by rail: the HSR station in Zhubei plus regular TRA services make trains the best option for intercity travel. For local mobility combine TRA/HSR with buses, YouBike for short hops, and taxis only when you need door‑to‑door convenience.
- Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) (NT$300-600) - HSR is the fastest way to reach Zhubei from Taipei and other major cities; Hsinchu HSR Station sits in Zhubei, making transfers into the city straightforward. Trains are frequent but seats can be busy during holidays-book in advance for early morning/evening travel. Use the official THSR app or station kiosks to check fares and promotions.
- TRA (Western Line) (NT$70-150) - The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) stops at Zhubei Station for local and regional services. TRA trains are cheaper than HSR and provide good connectivity to nearby towns and Hsinchu City; travel times to Taipei are longer but services are frequent. For commuters and short hops a TRA local or express train is often the most economical choice.
- Intercity & Local Buses (NT$15-250) - Intercity buses from Taipei and Taoyuan to Hsinchu/Zhubei are a budget alternative to trains; journey times vary with traffic, so they are less reliable during rush hour. Local bus routes link the HSR station, TRA stations and major neighbourhoods-pay with an EasyCard for convenience. Expect fares roughly NT$15-250 depending on distance and operator.
- Taxi & Ride-hailing (Grab) (NT$200-1,600) - Taxis are widely available and useful for door-to-door trips, luggage, or late arrivals; expect a ride from Taoyuan Airport to Zhubei to cost around NT$1,200-1,600 and from Taipei slightly less. Grab and other ride-hailing apps operate in northern Taiwan and can be convenient, though surge pricing applies at peak times. Taxis are the quickest option outside peak rail schedules but can be expensive in heavy traffic.
- Bicycle & YouBike (NT$10-30) - Hsinchu County and Zhubei have public bike-share (YouBike) stations that make short trips and first/last-mile connections easy and cheap. Cycling is practical for short distances and flat neighbourhoods-helmets are recommended and follow local traffic rules. Bike rides are a pleasant way to explore parks, riverside paths and university areas in good weather.
- Walking - Zhubei is compact in many neighbourhoods; walking is often the fastest way to navigate short distances, explore local markets and reach bus stops or bike stations. Pavements are generally walkable but vary by area-use crossings and be mindful of scooters.
Where to Stay in Zhubei #
- Zhubei budget guesthouses (various) - Cheap rooms near Hsinchu County Hall
- Hostels & small inns (Zhubei) - Practical, low-cost stays
- Ambassador Hotel Hsinchu - Comfortable chain near Hsinchu (short ride)
- Hotel Royal Hsinchu - Reliable mid-range option nearby
- Sheraton Hsinchu Hotel - Upscale facilities, business center
- Regent (Hsinchu area) - Premium comfort nearby
- Hotels near Zhubei Station - Easy access to Hsinchu and transit
- Central inns and business hotels - Good for short stays
- Family-friendly hotels near Zhubei - Rooms with extra beds available
- Serviced apartments & hotels - Space for families
- Sheraton Hsinchu - Reliable Wi‑Fi, co‑working friendly
- Hotel Royal Hsinchu - Business center and meeting rooms
Where to Eat in Zhubei #
Zhubei is growing fast and its food scene reflects that: local Hakka influences, plentiful breakfast shops, and night markets full of grilling and fried snacks. If you want classic regional flavors, look for lei cha and Hakka stir-fries; if you want something trendier, the new malls bring cafés and casual international spots.
Because Zhubei is right next to Hsinchu, many people cross the city line for more adventurous dining-so don’t be surprised to find the best ramen or sushi a short ride away.
- Zhubei night markets - Hakka-influenced snacks and skewers.
- Hakka restaurants - Lei cha and stir-fried Hakka classics.
- Local breakfast shops - Soy milk, sesame flatbreads and dan bing.
- Hsinchu-area restaurants - Nearby Hsinchu offers broader international choices.
- Japanese izakayas - Casual spots serving sushi and small plates.
- Western cafes - Brunch and coffee spots in shopping districts.
- Vegetarian buffets - Self-serve outlets near markets and malls.
- Vegan cafés in shopping centers - Plant-based bowls and sandwiches available.
- Temple vegetarian stalls - Buddhist-style light meals and snacks.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Zhubei's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Zhubei #
Zhubei has a young, growing nightlife driven by students and families-think night markets, casual pubs and modern cafés around the main shopping streets. The city fills up on weekend nights; places tend to close around midnight on weekdays and later on weekends. Dress is casual; many places accept cards but street stalls prefer cash.
Best Bets
- Zhubei Night Market - Typical Taiwanese night market with snacks, toys and local food.
- Zhubei downtown shopping streets - Cafés, pubs and family restaurants open late on weekends.
- Riverfront promenades - Evening walks with riverside cafés and light-foot traffic.
- Local malls and dining floors - Safe late-night dining with a variety of casual options.
- Nearby evening markets - Smaller neighborhood markets serving fresh local street food.
- Small bars and izakayas - Intimate bars popular with locals and expat professionals.
Shopping in Zhubei #
Zhubei (Hsinchu County’s seat) is a fast-growing city with modern malls and practical electronics and household shopping for locals. New shopping centers cluster around the train station and major roads; you’ll find malls, chain stores and weekend markets rather than antique bazaars. Visit for convenient shopping, tech accessories, and Taiwanese chain brands.
Best Bets
- Global Mall (Zhubei) - Modern mall with shops, restaurants and family-friendly facilities.
- Zhubei station shopping district - Convenient street shops, bakeries and daily-necessity stores.
- Hsinchu County shopping strips - Clustered electronics and appliance stores on major avenues.
- Zhubei night market areas - Night stalls offering street food, snacks and inexpensive goods.
- Costco / big-box retailers (Zhubei area) - Bulk groceries and household items for practical shopping trips.
- Local shopping malls and department stores - Chain retailers, fashion outlets and cafés for casual browsing.
