Explore Taiwan’s Hakka culture through the ongoing Romantic Route 3 Arts Festival. First stop: Beipu.

The News Lens
Date: 2019/11/20
By: Syrena Lin

Beipu (北埔), the Hakka capital of northern Taiwan, is a small village in the Hsinchu county and home to around 10,000 people, mostly of Hakka origin.

Traditionally, Beipu is known for its well-preserved Hakka culture with local flavors. When we think of Beipu, things like Oriental Beauty Oolong Tea, Lei Cha (擂茶), dried persimmons, and cold springs come to mind, but Beipu offers more than that.

Most people in Taiwan may have stopped by Beipu during their road trips, but the ongoing Romantic Route 3 Arts Festival (浪漫台三線藝術季) will revitalize their impressions of this small town. As one of the destinations featured by the festival, Beipu is showcasing contemporary art exhibitions with the theme “The Upcoming Past" throughout its old street and countryside areas.

What is “Romantic Route 3” about?

The festival aims to encourage travelers to explore a Hakka city on their own as if they’re on a scavenger hunt. They won’t be spending time in museum buildings, but will rather discover artworks in narrow alleys, by a temple, or out in a rice field.    [FULL  STORY]