Hsinchu

Hsinchu and its surroundings are unjustly reduced to its industrial complex, even though the city of Hsinchu itself boasts significant historical sites. Hsinchu County offers much more: remote mountains in Jianshi and Wufeng, Hakka culture in rural areas, a variety of old mines, and ancient villages in remarkable seclusion.

The narrow coastal strip in the west features well-preserved tidal flats and mangrove forests, with newly developed bike paths suitable for family outings. In the hilly outskirts of Hsinchu City, you'll find historical remnants of Japanese/Taiwanese mining operations. The culture of the Hakka, a minority from China, thrives here. Lion's Head Mountain, adorned with Buddhist and Taoist temples, stretches across multiple counties.

From the west's tidal flats, nature extends to the Xueshan mountain range, reaching over 3,000 meters in height. In Hsinchu, Jhudong, Nanzhuang, or Yangmei, you may not find contiguous old town districts, but you will discover a surprising array of temples, old farmsteads, alleys, and museums.

This comprehensive travel guide also describes lesser-known attractions, primarily aimed at those already in Taiwan or with prolonged business in Hsinchu. There are also some quirky places for the adventurous palate. The locations were personally visited by me, and information was gathered from on-site explanations, conversations with staff and residents, and supplemented by internet research.