Things To Do
in Hsinchu
Hsinchu sits in northern Taiwan as a dynamic blend of high-tech prowess and traditional charm. The city is famed for its world-class science parks, historic temples, and lively street markets. Nestled near coastal breezes and rolling hills, it offers easy day trips to tea plantations and scenic viewpoints.
With compact downtown neighborhoods, friendly locals, and abundant dining options, it’s an inviting base for culture, cuisine, and outdoor exploration.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day at the iconic East Gate, a preserved relic of Hsinchu’s Qing Dynasty fortifications. Stroll around the nearby old streets, soaking in the blend of traditional architecture and modern life. Stop by a local café to savor a cup of freshly brewed Taiwanese tea while watching the city awaken.
Visit the Chenghuang Temple, dedicated to the City God, where locals come to pray and make offerings. Wander through the bustling markets surrounding the temple, sampling traditional snacks like rice cakes and steamed buns. Take time to explore nearby artisan shops showcasing Hsinchu’s famous bamboo crafts and glassware.
Head toward the lively Hsinchu Night Market, where the aroma of grilled seafood and stinky tofu fills the air. Indulge in local delicacies such as pork ball soup and oyster omelet while mingling with friendly vendors and visitors. End your evening with a leisurely walk along the city’s illuminated streets, enjoying vibrant street performances and the warm night atmosphere.
Start your day with a visit to the Hsinchu Science Park Visitor Center to learn about Taiwan’s tech industry and innovation history. Walk through interactive exhibits showcasing cutting-edge semiconductor and electronics technology. Capture photos of the sleek, modern architecture blending seamlessly with green spaces.
Book a guided tour of one of the technology factories or R&D centers for a behind-the-scenes look at semiconductor production. Enjoy lunch at a nearby café frequented by engineers and scientists, tasting fresh Taiwanese-style bento boxes. Later, explore the nearby Hsinchu Municipal Glass Museum to admire exquisite glass artworks and learn about the city’s glassmaking heritage.
Dine at a contemporary fusion restaurant in the Science Park area, where local ingredients meet international flavors. After dinner, relax at a modern rooftop bar with panoramic views of Hsinchu’s skyline lit up against the night sky. Reflect on the day’s discoveries in Taiwan’s Silicon Valley amid a stylish, vibrant atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🚌Local transit fare | $0.5-2 |
| ☕Coffee or tea in cafe | $2-5 |
| 🥟Street snacks | $1-4 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $40-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact city center with easy day trips to tea regions and coast
- Strong food scene, affordable street snacks, and respectful culture
- Excellent accessibility by rail and bus; university vibe adds energy
- Friendly locals and English-friendly services in larger venues
- Very hot and humid summers; typhoon season can disrupt plans
- Some areas in the outskirts require a car or bike to reach easily
- Language barriers can occur in smaller markets or family-run eateries
- "你好" - Hello
- "謝謝" - Thank you
- "請問洗手間在哪裡？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "這個多少錢？" - How much is this?
- "你會說英文嗎？" - Do you speak English?
- "對不起，我不太懂" - Sorry, I don’t understand well
Places to Visit in Hsinchu
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful temple architecture and bustling lanes offer vibrant street photography and atmospheric night scenes.
A scenic lakefront with bridges and reflections—great for sunrise or golden-hour shots.
Iconic red-brick academic buildings and tranquil courtyards ideal for architectural and student-life photography.
Rich heritage architecture and tea-terraced landscapes provide rustic, cultural backdrops.
Food in Hsinchu
Hsinchu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A comforting Taiwanese staple with tender beef, rich broth, and chewy noodles; widely available in casual eateries throughout the city.
Must-Try!
A popular night-market dish featuring crisp omelette, fresh oysters, and a savory glaze.
Thin rice noodles tossed with garlic, soy, and vegetables for a quick, flavorful meal.
Plum tea and plum products from Beipu, a regional specialty known for its bright, refreshing flavors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively hub for fried snacks, seafood bites, and sweet treats—great for a food-forward evening stroll.
Market stalls offering plum sweets, tea products, and local snacks in a historical setting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings with a nod or brief bow are common; queueing and waiting your turn is expected in markets and elevators.
Dress modestly, remove hats, and avoid loud behavior inside temples; showing respect by keeping voices low is appreciated.
Address elders with polite forms and defer to local customs when offering seats or entering crowded spaces.
Sharing dishes is common in groups; try to sample a variety of foods and use serving utensils when possible.
Safety
Tipping in Hsinchu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; most service charges are included in bills of larger venues, but rounding up or small tips for exceptional service are appreciated in some places.
Cash is widely accepted; credit cards are common in larger shops and restaurants; mobile payments (e.g., Apple Pay, LINE Pay) are increasingly popular; EasyCard or localized transit cards work for buses and trains.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make city walks pleasant; a good time for outdoor photography and temple visits.
Hot, humid, and prone to rain and typhoons; plan early-morning activities and stay hydrated; air-conditioned interiors are common for breaks.
Comfortable temperatures with clear skies; ideal for outdoor markets, hill hikes, and sunset vantage points.
Cool but rarely freezing; evenings can be chilly, and rain is possible; pack a light jacket and enjoy quieter city scenes.
Hsinchu at Night
Hiking in Hsinchu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle to moderate trails through tea fields and scenic valleys, offering fresh air and rural scenery.
Walks among tea terraces with viewpoints over the surrounding countryside and distant hills.
Airports
How to reach Hsinchu by plane.
Major international gateway to Taiwan, about an hour or more by high-speed rail or car from Hsinchu; frequent international and domestic flights.
Closer to Taipei; convenient for domestic flights and short regional trips, with good connections to northern Taiwan.
A smaller airport serving general aviation and some regional flights; most travelers use TPE or TSA instead.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of the population includes university students and professionals working in the nearby science parks, contributing to a lively, youthful energy.
Traditional neighborhoods with temples and markets sit alongside modern developments, reflecting a diverse mix of cultures.
Supporting unique cultural traditions and regional cuisine that influence the local food scene.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport across Taiwan, with local leagues and casual play in parks.
Common in schools and community centers; pickup games are easy to find.
Frequent in gyms and clubs, especially among students and younger residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hsinchu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many stalls and restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for dishes featuring tofu, vegetables, or mushroom-based recipes, and ask for no meat stock or fish sauce.