Things To Do
in Hsinchu
Hsinchu is a vibrant city located in northern Taiwan, known for its technology industry and historical sites. It is home to the Hsinchu Science Park, which is a hub for semiconductor manufacturing and research. The city also boasts beautiful parks and temples, offering a mix of modern amenities and traditional charm.
With a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery, Hsinchu is a city that seamlessly blends the old and the new.
- "Ni hao" - Hello
- "Xie xie" - Thank you
- "Zai jian" - Goodbye
- "Qing" - Please
- "Duibuqi" - Sorry
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the Hsinchu Science Park, where you can marvel at innovative technology. Enjoy a pleasant walk around the park to appreciate its modern architecture.
Visit the Hsinchu Zoo, which is home to various animals and offers a fun experience for all ages. Don’t forget to check out the nearby Guandi Temple for a touch of local culture.
Dine at one of the popular night markets, where you can sample delicious Taiwanese street food. Afterward, stroll through the lively streets and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
Begin your adventure at the 18 Peaks Mountain, perfect for a refreshing hike. Enjoy the beautiful views while getting some exercise.
Explore the National Hsinchu Living Arts Center, showcasing local art and culture. Participate in a workshop to create your own piece of art.
Head to the city center for dinner at a traditional Taiwanese restaurant. Enjoy the warm local hospitality as you savor authentic dishes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Hsinchu is a major technology hub known for its semiconductor industry and is home to many high-tech companies.
- The city has a pleasant climate, with mild winters and comfortable summers, making it enjoyable year-round.
- Hsinchu offers a blend of traditional and modern culture, with historic temples and modern shopping centers.
- The city has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including high-speed rail and easy access to other cities.
- Hsinchu is known for its excellent educational institutions, including National Chiao Tung University and National Tsing Hua University.
- The cost of living, particularly housing, can be relatively high due to its status as a tech hub.
- Traffic congestion can be an issue, especially during peak hours, making commuting challenging.
- The rapid pace of development can lead to a sense of over-crowding in some areas.
- Air quality can be a concern due to industrial activities and traffic pollution.
- Cultural and social activities may be more limited compared to larger cities like Taipei.
Best Activities in Hsinchu
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy hiking, biking, or picnicking around the scenic reservoir area.
Explore the national park's lush forests, majestic peaks, and diverse wildlife through hiking, camping, and nature photography.
Stroll through the historic streets, indulge in local delicacies, and experience the charming atmosphere of Neiwan.
Places to Visit in Hsinchu
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers picturesque old buildings and traditional architecture, great for photography
Scenic area with beautiful lake views and lush greenery, perfect for photography
Provides stunning panoramic views of Hsinchu City and the surrounding mountains
Features charming old streets and historic buildings, ideal for capturing the local culture
Food in Hsinchu
Hsinchu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Hakka dish consisting of ground tea leaves, herbs, and nuts mixed into a flavorful paste, served over rice or noodles. Try this unique dish at Shu Shin Bou in Hsinchu's East District.
Must-Try!
A type of Taiwanese meatball made from a combination of rice flour, corn starch, and meat, usually pork. You can find delicious Ba-wan at Hsinchu's traditional morning markets or at Lao Cai Ba-wan, a famous shop in the city.
Known for its smooth and chewy texture, Hsinchu rice noodles are often served in a hearty broth with bean sprouts and minced pork. Sample this local favorite at Lao Dong Beef Noodle, a beloved spot in Hsinchu serving delicious rice noodles.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the most popular night markets in Hsinchu, offering an assortment of street food ranging from oyster omelets and grilled skewers to bubble tea and crispy fried chicken. Don't miss the opportunity to savor authentic Taiwanese street food here.
Located near the iconic Hsinchu Cheng Huang Temple, this market is famed for its array of traditional snacks such as savory meat buns, sesame cakes, and stinky tofu. It's a great place to experience local street food culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
1. Respect for Elders: In Hsinchu, it is important to show respect for elders by using polite language and gestures, such as bowing slightly when greeting them.
2. Gift Giving: When visiting someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift as a token of appreciation. Gifts such as fruit, pastries, or flowers are common choices.
3. Tipping: Tipping is not a common practice in Taiwan, including Hsinchu, as it is already included in the bill at restaurants and hotels. It is considered polite to simply thank the service staff for their assistance.
Safety
Tipping in Hsinchu
Ensure a smooth experience
In Hsinchu, Taiwan, tipping is not a common practice and is not expected in most situations. Some higher-end restaurants and hotels may include a service charge, but tipping is not customary in other establishments or for services such as taxi rides.
In Hsinchu, Taiwan, cash is widely used for everyday transactions, although credit and debit cards are also accepted at many businesses, especially in more urban areas. Foreign visitors should be aware that some smaller establishments may only accept cash, so it's advisable to carry a sufficient amount of local currency for convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for the beautiful cherry blossoms and comfortable temperature.
Expect hot and humid weather with occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
Ideal time to visit with mild and pleasant weather, as well as the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration.
Cool and occasionally rainy, good for enjoying hot springs and taking part in Lunar New Year festivities.
Hsinchu at Night
Hiking in Hsinchu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic area with lush forests, waterfalls, and several hiking trails suitable for all skill levels.
A popular hiking spot with diverse trails, offering panoramic views of Hsinchu city and surrounding mountains.
Famous for its unique rock formations and beautiful hiking trails, it provides both challenge and stunning scenery.
Features picturesque trails along the river, ideal for hiking and enjoying nature, especially during the spring bloom.
While not a traditional hiking spot, it offers nearby trails to explore the beautiful countryside and local culture.
Aiports
How to reach Hsinchu by plane.
The largest international airport in Taiwan, located approximately 50 kilometers west of Hsinchu. It serves as the main gateway for international flights.
Located about 150 kilometers south of Hsinchu, it is the second-largest airport in Taiwan, providing both domestic and international flights.
Situated around 70 kilometers away in the heart of Taipei, this airport primarily handles domestic flights but also offers limited regional international services.
Approximately 150 kilometers to the east of Hsinchu, it serves mainly domestic flights but has some regional international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Hsinchu, comprising various subgroups that share linguistic and cultural ties.
Various indigenous tribes, such as the Tso'an and Puyuma, who have their own distinct languages and cultures.
A significant number of foreign workers, including labor migrants from Southeast Asia, contributing to different sectors such as manufacturing and caregiving.
A smaller but notable community of expatriates, including professionals and academics from various countries, particularly in the tech industry.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is widely played in Hsinchu, with many local courts and teams participating in leagues at various levels.
Baseball enjoys a strong following in Taiwan, including Hsinchu, where local schools and communities engage in recreational and competitive play.
Soccer has gained popularity among youth in Hsinchu, with various clubs and schools promoting the sport.
Badminton is a popular indoor sport in Hsinchu, with facilities available for both casual and competitive players.
Volleyball is played in schools and community centers, and there are local tournaments that foster interest in the sport.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hsinchu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Hsinchu's traditional cuisine often features meat-based dishes, many restaurants and street vendors in the city offer vegetarian and vegan options. Look for Buddhist vegetarian restaurants and stalls in the markets for plant-based delights.
For those seeking gluten-free options, some eateries in Hsinchu provide rice-based dishes and noodle soups that are naturally free from gluten. Communicating dietary needs with the staff can help in finding suitable choices.