Hukou Township, formerly known as "Dawokou" or "Dahukou," is located in the northwestern part of Hsinchu County, Taiwan. It lies at the transitional zone between hills and plateaus along the border of Taoyuan and Hsinchu. Its geographical location makes it an important gateway and regional center in northern Hsinchu County. To the north, it borders Xinwu and Yangmei Districts of Taoyuan City; to the west, it adjoins Xinfeng Township; it is bounded by Zhubei City to the south and by Xinpu Township to the southeast.
Administratively, Hukou is the third most populous area in Hsinchu County, following Zhubei City and Zhudong Township. It is also the most populous rural township ("xiang") in Taiwan.
Hukou’s natural environment is limited by its short rivers and scarce groundwater resources. Early residents responded to the lack of water by constructing multiple reservoirs. As agricultural practices shifted over time, the area of rice paddies declined, and many ponds were filled in, abandoned, or repurposed for aquaculture. This transition has made Hukou one of the most developed inland aquaculture townships in Hsinchu County.
Since the establishment of the Hsinchu Industrial Park in the 1970s, Hukou has gradually developed into an industrial hub of Hsinchu County. With the rise of the high-tech industry and the township’s proximity to the Hsinchu Science Park and convenient highway networks, Hukou has increasingly attracted high-tech companies, evolving into a modern township that balances industrial and residential functions.
Hukou also preserves a traditional local folk event known as "Shi Fu" (Eating Blessings). This tradition dates back to the late Ming and early Qing dynasties and has continued since the completion of the Hukou Sanyuan Temple in 1918. Originally a banquet prepared for Mazu during her pilgrimage rest stops, it evolved into a local “Spring Banquet” held annually. The event is hosted in turn by six villages in five administrative areas—Hujing, Hunan, Hukou, Chang'an, Changling, and Yangxiwo—on the first Sunday following the return of Mazu from Beigang on the sixth day of the lunar new year.
