Beipu Old Street and Citian Temple are a well-preserved Hakka pioneering settlement in Beipu Township, Hsinchu County. Citian Temple, the settlement's spiritual center, traces its origins to around 1835 during the Daoguang era and was rebuilt as a formal temple in the 20th year of Daoguang (1840); it enshrines Guanyin and is now a county historic site. Nearby, the Jinguangfu Gong Guan and Tianshui Hall are both relics of the Qing-dynasty Jiang family's settlement effort, making this one of the most intact Hakka pioneering communities in Hsinchu County and an important place to try traditional Hakka lei cha.
Citian Temple traces to around 1835, when Jiang Xiuluan first enshrined a Guanyin image brought from mainland China in a small shrine; it was rebuilt as a formal wooden temple in the 20th year of Daoguang (1840) and underwent a major reconstruction in the 13th year of Tongzhi (1874) that produced its current two-hall layout. It was designated a county historic site on July 24, 2006 (having been graded a third-class historic site in 1985). The Jinguangfu Gong Guan was built around the 15th year of Daoguang (1835) as the administrative office of the Jinguangfu land reclamation organization, which operated for 52 years across four generations of leadership until the reclamation policy ended in the 12th year of Guangxu (1886).
What to see at Beipu Old Street and Citian Temple
Beipu's settlement history dates to the Daoguang era, when Hokkien and Cantonese migrants advanced into the foothills along what is now Provincial Highway 3 under the Jinguangfu land reclamation organization. The Jinguangfu Gong Guan served as the administrative base of that organization; its architectural layout is relatively well preserved. The adjacent Tianshui Hall is the Jiang family ancestral residence. Both stand in front of Citian Temple. The main hall of Citian Temple enshrines Guanyin, and the temple's decorative work blends Hokkien and Hakka craftsmanship. The forecourt is the focal point for festivals and daily gatherings.
Traditional shophouses line both sides of the old street, with lei cha shops, Hakka pastries, and local specialties as the main businesses. Lei cha is a traditional Hakka drink-and-snack made by grinding tea leaves, sesame, peanuts, and other ingredients. Many shops offer a hands-on grinding experience, good for families with children. The old street is compact — a full loop on foot takes about 30 to 40 minutes at a relaxed pace.
Tips for getting the most out of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and timing
- By car: Head from Zhudong or Neiwan following signs to Beipu. Parking is available near the old street entrance, though spaces are limited on weekends.
- Old street shops generally open after 9:00 a.m. Historic site exteriors can be viewed at any time; check on-site notices for interior opening hours.
Nearby connections
- Neiwan Old Street is about a 20-minute drive from Beipu — the two can be linked for a Hakka mountain day trip.
- Emei Lake is south of Beipu, about 15 minutes away — a good afternoon extension.
Sources: The Wikipedia entry for Beipu Old Street and Hsinchu County Cultural Affairs Bureau municipal historic site records. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Citian Temple established?
It traces to around 1835 during the Daoguang era, was rebuilt as a formal wooden temple in 1840, and was substantially reconstructed into its current form in 1874.
What deity does Citian Temple enshrine?
It enshrines Guanyin, using an image that Jiang Xiuluan brought over from mainland China.
What was the Jinguangfu Gong Guan used for?
It served as the administrative office of the Qing-dynasty Jinguangfu land reclamation organization, operating from 1835 until the reclamation policy ended in 1886, 52 years in total.
What kind of building is Tianshui Hall?
It is the Jiang family's ancestral residence, named for the family's ancestral seat of Tianshui, and descendants of Jiang Xiuluan still live there today.