Hsinchu has a certain charm that many travellers find simply bewitching. Life is neither as fast-paced nor hectic as Taiwan's bigger cities, which is a big attraction. Your chosen travel itinerary can be as laid-back as you can make it, but you’ll still be able to see most, if not all, of the essential must-sees here.

There are many things to see and do in Hsinchu, and most of them are found around the older part of the city. Once you’ve ticked those off, you can spend more time hiking and exploring the beautiful countryside – something that isn’t really possible in Taipei or other major cities around Taiwan.

What are the best things to do in Hsinchu?

  • 1

    Chenghuang Temple

    Chenghuang Temple
    • Budget
    • Families
    • History
    • Photo

    Also known as the Hsinchu City God Temple, Chenghuang Temple is visited by tourists from all over Taiwan. It’s one of the most vibrant places in the city. The market stalls in front of the temple offers tempting varieties of Taiwanese street food. A must-try are the Hsinchu meatballs, a yummy savoury delicacy that’s sure to pique your taste buds. Traditional Taiwanese opera is performed here in the expansive courtyard, but be sure to come early if you don’t want to miss it.

    Location: No. 75, Zhongshan Road, North District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300

    Phone: +886 (0)3 522 3666

    Map

    photo by lienyuan lee (CC BY 3.0) modified

  • 2

    Gangnan Coastal Area and Canal

    Gangnan Coastal Area and Canal
    • Budget
    • Families
    • Group

    The Gangnan Coastal Area and canal used to be a swimming beach for locals but, seeing the potential as a nice attraction site, the city government took steps to develop the canal area. Today it features numerous facilities including shady picnic spots, beautiful bridges and bicycle paths. The canal is equally as picturesque at night.

    Map

    photo by Yuriy kosygin (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 3

    Green Grass Lake

    Green Grass Lake
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Group
    • Photo

    Also known as the Ching-Tsao Lake, this scenic spot is highly popular among couples – so popular in fact, that some have been known to propose to their loved ones by the lake.

    The island in the middle of the lake is especially charming. You can reach it across the decorative Yingyue Bridge and, once there, can enjoy the simple but pretty garden. There’s a small patio facing to the west – if you’re going to pop the question, doing so there at sunset would be extra-romantic.

    Location: East District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300

    Map

    photo by 陳文振 (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 4

    Gaofeng Botanical Garden

    Gaofeng Botanical Garden
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families

    The Gaofeng Botanical Garden is also known as the Green Library of Hsinchu City. Back in the 1930s, when it was first founded, the garden was known as the Tsu Too Chih Forest Experiment Field. Today, you’ll find as many as 300 different varieties of plants in the nurseries. There are both saplings and trees as old as 50 years and above. You can learn more about the Taiwan acacia, eucalyptus, Ceylon olive and plenty of other species.

    Location: Baoshan Road, East District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300

    Map

    photo by lienyuan lee (CC BY 3.0) modified

  • 5

    Hsinchu Science Park

    Hsinchu Science Park
    • Families
    • History

    At the heart of Hsinchu City’s modernity is the Hsinchu Science Park. This high-tech town is surrounded by a manmade lake and a spacious park. There are also barbecue pits for those who want to indulge in a bit of picnicking. You do, however, need to ask permission from the Hsinchu Science Park authorities beforehand.

    Location: No. 2, Hsin Ann Rd, East District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300

    Phone: +886 (0)3 577 3311

    Map

    photo by Tony Tseng (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 6

    Hsinchu Zoo

    Hsinchu Zoo
    • Families

    Hsinchu Zoo may not be the biggest in the region, but it is quite possibly one of the best maintained. Adept staff members conscientiously care for its 250 inhabitants. The Primate Enclosure is one of its most popular spots – the chimpanzees are a hit with both children and adults alike.

    Location: No. 111, Bo'ai Street, East District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300

    Phone: +886 (0)3 522 2194

    Map

    photo by MiNe (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 7

    Image Museum of Hsinchu City

    Image Museum of Hsinchu City
    • Families
    • History
    • Photo

    Image Museum of Hsinchu City is a great place to learn more about the culture of this historical city, mostly through the medium of classic cinema. It’s based in a beautiful building with a history of its own. Built in 1933, it was the first theatre to be equipped with air conditioning in Taiwan. After the Japanese occupation ended, the government refurbished the complex and it became the popular cultural hub in Hsinchu it is today, where regular performances and shows are held.

    Location: No. 65, Zhongzheng Road, East District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300

    Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9.30 am to 12 pm, from 1.30 pm to 5 pm and from 6.30 pm to 9 pm

    Phone: +886 (0)3 528 5840

    Map

    photo by MiNe (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 8

    NCTU Bamboo Lake

    NCTU Bamboo Lake
    • Budget
    • Families

    The Bamboo Lake on the National Chiao Tung University campus grounds provides a great place to relax and unwind while taking in the beautiful sights. Willows and bamboos can be found in abundance, and the Chen Wu Pavilion makes a great scenic spot for photographs.

    Location: No. 1001, Daxue Road, East District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 30010

    Map

    photo by Milkmom0529 (CC0 1.0) modified

  • 9

    Hsinchu Moat Park

    Hsinchu Moat Park
    • Budget
    • Families
    • History

    The Hsinchu Moat Park is constructed around the oldest moat in Hsinchu City. Flowering shrubs and shady trees can be found throughout, giving you a brief respite from the hot sun and the hustle and bustle of the city. Cafés dot the area around the moat, and you can also enjoy cultural performances and mini concerts on the 2 small stages erected along the canal.

    Location: Zhongyang Road, East District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300

    Map

    photo by lienyuan lee (CC BY 3.0) modified

  • 10

    Jincheng Lake

    Jincheng Lake
    • Budget
    • Families

    Although originally known as the Devil’s Lake, there is nothing demotic about Jincheng Lake. On the contrary, the rolling verdant hills of this scenic spot are a pleasant sight to behold. Besides that, you can also feast your eyes on the many wild fowls and migratory birds. Tip: September to May is the best time to indulge in some bird-watching, so come equipped with your binoculars and a picnic lunch.

    Location: Xiangshan District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300

    Map

    photo by Outlookxp (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 11

    Feifeng Mountain

    Feifeng Mountain
    • Adventure
    • Unusual

    Also known as Feifengshan, this mountain to the south-east of Hsinshu City offers many a scenic spot. Feifeng was so named because the locals pointed out that the shape of the slope resembled the shape of a descending Phoenix.

    The hiking trail to the peak is relatively easy and not as taxing as you’d expect. There are plenty of wooden benches and gentle slopes for you to rest periodically, and refreshments are sold near the top. It’s said that you can see the famous Taipei 101 building at the peak, if the weather is clear.

    Location: Qionglin Township, Hsinchu County, Taiwan 307

    Map

    photo by lienyuan lee (CC BY 3.0) modified

  • 12

    18 Peaks Mountain

    18 Peaks Mountain
    • Adventure
    • Budget
    • Families
    • Group

    There is a sprawling boulevard near the 18 Peaks Mountain and it’s perfect for a stroll on a cool morning. Otherwise, explore the park before embarking on a hike to the top of the mountain. The highest peak stands at 131.79 metres, so be prepared to start early or you may not be able to finish the hike on time.

    One of the other peaks is Shibajian, where you’ll find 33 stone statues of Kuan Yin, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Each is about 1 metre in height, but they’re scattered about, so finding all 33 can be quite a challenge.

    Location: East District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300

    Map

    photo by Foxy Who (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

Stephan Audiger | Compulsive Traveler