Beipu Old Street
Address: Beipu Township, Hsinchu County
Beipu is a pocket of history where Hakka traditions thrive. Here, we tried our hand at making Lei Cha, grinding tea leaves, rice and nuts into a paste for a surprisingly refreshing drink. Let’s just say after all that pounding, we understood why farmers used to drink this for energy. It’s just so packed with nutrients and fills the stomach truly.
The food crawl that followed was every Taiwan traveler’s dream. Hakka are known for creative cuisines, and mochi so soft it felt illegal not to buy some, dried persimmons tasting like sunshine and taro cakes gone too soon. Beipu may be small, but it packs a punch in culture and flavor.
Travel to Taiwan
Taiwan has extended its visa-free entry program for Philippine passport holders until July 31, 2025, and I was fortunate enough to be invited by the Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) for a media tour. Funny enough, I had written about this before — back in July 2024, when the 2024 Taiwan Tourism Workshop brought the spirit of Taiwanese tourism to Cebu.
The event, held at Radisson Blu Cebu, featured top travel partners and operators, strengthening tourism ties between Taiwan and the Philippines through presentations, product showcases and cultural performances. Little did I know that a year later, I’d actually be setting foot in Taiwan myself. The stars truly aligned.
Five days weren’t enough, and honestly, I don’t think any amount of time would be. Taiwan has a way of drawing you in, making you want to return, to dig deeper and to experience more than what a single trip can offer.
If it weren’t for the carefully curated tours by the TTA, I don’t think I’d be bringing home such meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime memories. The newly opened Taiwan Tourism Information Center (TTIC) in the City of Makati serves as a dedicated hub for Filipino travelers, offering guidance on itineraries, must-visit attractions and unique experiences that Taiwan has to offer. S
