Overlooking the Taiwan Strait in Miaoli County, Zhunan is a lively township located south of Hsinchu City. It’s home to a striking Taoist temple and a museum dedicated to tea, as well as a modern arts complex that hosts live performances and art exhibitions.
Things to do in Zhunan Township
One of Zhunan Township’s most impressive architectural landmarks is the Hotsu Longfong Temple, a Taoist house of worship dating back to 1836. In addition to its intricately decorated buildings, it’s famed for a 41-metre-high statue of the sea goddess Matsu with magnificent views across the Taiwan Strait from its top.
For insight into Taiwan’s tea cultivation history, head to the Ten Ren Tea Culture Museum, which is based around the concept of “Discovering Taiwan’s uniqueness”. Through interactive exhibits and tea artefact displays, you can learn exactly what it is that sets Taiwan’s tea apart from the rest. Alongside the museum is a restaurant where you can sample Tea Ren tea and tea-inspired dishes.
On the edge of Zhunan Sports Park is the Northern Miaoli Art Center, which provides a cultural hub for the visual and performing arts. Set across seven floors (two of which are housed underground), it features a 1,090-seat Performing Hall, an Experimental Theater and an Outdoor Performing Stage. Coincide your visit with one of the drama, dance and music performances that take place here or attend one of the centre’s art exhibitions and workshops.
Getting around Zhunan Township
Zhunan Township is around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Hsinchu City and around an hour from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Trains connect from destinations across Taiwan to the Zhunan railway station and buses travel throughout the township. The centre of Zhunan Township can easily be explored on foot.