Green World is an ecological farm in Beipu Township of Hsinchu County. It features over 70 hectares of open area, petting zoos, a reptile center, butterfly area, bird park, swan lake, and features animal shows. It is the largest and most diverse tropical rainforest ecological area in Asia and is definitely worth a trip.
Background: Green World Ecological Farm was established in 2004 and covers roughly 75 hectares of land, making it the largest and most diverse tropical rainforest ecological area in Asia. Over 50 hectares of land have been left as a nature preserve. The park features six main areas: swan lake, butterfly ecological park, discovery land area, bird ecological park, water plants park, and biodiversity adventure area. The park is popular with families and children and can get pretty packed on weekends and holidays. Price: 380 NT per person Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Website: www.green-world.com.tw/en/about.php How to get there: By Car/Scooter: From Zhudong, take provincial highway three south until you reach the signs for Green World. You have to drive down a mountain road to get there. Parking is paid, even if you park on the side of the road. By Bus: Take bus 5608 from Hsinchu Station to Zhudong, then switch to bus 5626A which stops at Green World. The total bus journey takes about two hours. Map: Please see below:
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Hsinchu's Beimen Street is the oldest merchant street in Hsinchu, dating back to the Kindom of Tungming. Due to the completion of the railway and urban planning in the Japanese area, this street lost its importance, but many historical buildings here are still intact. It is one of the most impressive historical sites in Hsinchu and is worth a visit for anyone in the area.
Background: After the settlement of the area by Han Chinese farmers in about 1711 during the Kingdom of Tungming, what was then known as Zhuqianshe became the most important economic area in northern Taiwan. By 1723, a walled city was built here out of bamboo, because brick walls were forbidden for fear of a revolt against the Qing authorities. The name Zhuqiancheng (竹塹城) literally means bamboo moat city. The bamboo-walled city had four gates and its perimeter was about 1.4 KM long. In 1806, the city was upgraded with earthen walls. Beimen Street literally means North Gate Street, because it used to lead out to the north gate of the city, toward Bangka (modern Taipei), along the main road linking northern Taiwan. It was the most important economic area in Hsinchu until the end of the Qing Dynasty. Goods were brought from the old harbor to this street, where they were then distributed to other places nearby. Unfortunately, a fire took place here in 1901 which destroyed much of the original old wooden structures. After Japan took control of Taiwan, they created a new urban plan for the city. which moved the city center about 500 meters to the south around the East Gate. This along with the new Hsinchu TRA station meant that Beimen Street would gradually lose its economic importance. However many rich families still based their livelihood on this street, including the Beimen Gentry. There was also an incident during WWII when allied bombers attacked a mansion on the street, mistaking it for the Japanese governor's mansion. Hours: 24/7, but I recommend visiting at night when the night market it open. Price: Free How to get there: The old street is within walking distance of Hsinchu TRA station. Map: Please see below: 
Hsinchu City God Temple, or Chenghuang Temple, dates back to the Kingdom of Tungming and was built in the middle of the old bamboo-walled city of Zhuqian. Currently, it is the religious center of the city and also has its own night market. It is one of the most impressive historical sites in Hsinchu and is worth a visit for anyone in the area.
Background: After the settlement of the area by Han Chinese farmers in about 1711 during the Kingdom of Tungming, what was then known as Zhuqianshe became the most important economic area in northern Taiwan. By 1723, a walled city was built here out of bamboo, because brick walls were forbidden for fear of a revolt against the Qing authorities. The name Zhuqiancheng (竹塹城) literally means bamboo moat city. The bamboo-walled city had four gates and its perimeter was about 1.4 KM long. In 1806, the city was upgraded with earthen walls. In 1748, the Chenghuang City God temple was completed, being built in the center of the city. The temple was refurbished and restored in 1792, 1799, and 1924. In 1891, the Guangxu Emporer visited Taiwan and held a prayer meeting here. He left a plaque that still stands today which reads "Golden Gate Protection (金門保障)," which is meant that the temple would provide protection to the entire island of Taiwan. The temple also features six different halls. Parades and activities are held regularly at the temple. There is also a night market that surrounds the temple known as the Chenghuang Temple Night Market (新竹市城隍廟夜市). Hours: 24/7, but I recommend visiting at night when the night market is open. Price: Free How to get there: The temple is within walking distance of Hsinchu TRA station. Map: Please see below: 
Beipu Old Street is a popular old street in Beipu Township of Hsinchu county. Once an economic center for tea production, as well as coal mining in the area, later it became well-known for its traditional Hakka cuisine. Currently, the old street is crowded with tourists on weekends who come for treats such as Persimmon cakes and Taro Mooncakes.
Background: The area around Beipu was first inhabited by Saysiyat Aboriginal peoples and was first settled by Han Chinese farmers in 1835. A wall of bamboo was built around the city to ward off attacks from Aboriginals. Later during the Japanese era, Beipu housed an experimental tea farm. Later in the ROC era, coal mining became the main economic activity nearby. Also, provincial highway 3 was built to skirt around the town, which meant that many shops decided to move off the old street. However, due to the many delicious Hakka snacks sold and restaurants on the old street, Beipu still attracted many tourists. Famous historical buildings along the old street include Jinguangfu Mansion, Shui A-Hsin Mansion, and Beipu Citian Temple. A period TV drama series called "Gold Leaf 茶金" was filmed here, based on novel by Huanh Kuo-hua, filmed in 2021. It went on to receive 16 nominations at the Golden Bell Awards. Maybe you have heard of it. It's on Netflix. Now Beipu Old Street has become a popular tourist location and can be very crowded on weekends. Hours: 9 AM to 5:30 PM every day. Price: Free How to get there: By car/scooter: Take highway 122 or expressway 68 to Zhudong, then turn south on Provincial Highway 3. The Old Street is hard to miss in the center of Beipu. There is free parking on the side of the road outside the old street. By bus: From Zhudong TRA station, you can take the 5700 shuttle bus to the old street, which takes about 20 minutes. Map: Please see below: 
Hsinchu City's East Gate, or Yingxi Gate, is the last standing gate of the old walled city of Zhuqian, and also one of the last remnants of the entire city wall itself. It is one of the most impressive historical sites in Hsinchu and is worth a visit for anyone in the area.
Background: After the settlement of the area by Han Chinese farmers in about 1711, what was then known as Zhuqianshe became the most important economic area in northern Taiwan. By 1723, a walled city was built here out of bamboo, because brick walls were forbidden for fear of a revolt against the Qing authorities. The name Zhuqiancheng (竹塹城) literally means bamboo moat city. The bamboo-walled city had four gates and its perimeter was about 1.4 KM long. In 1806, the city was upgraded with earthen walls. In 1828, the city walls and gates were finally made into brick, with the perimeter covering 2.7 KM, and walls 5 meters high, the center of the city being the Chenghuang City God Temple. The east gate was known as Yingxi Gate (迎曦門), the west gate was known as Yishuang Gate (挹爽門), the South Gate was known as Gexun Gate (歌薰門), and the North Gate was known as Gengchen Gate (拱宸門). The east, west, and south gates all had cannons. There were also four main roads named after each gate. Outside the city, a moat was built. During the Opium Wars, another earthen half-circle of wall was built to fend off the English who had attacked the nearby. This earthen city was much bigger than the original brick city wall and included 8 more city gates. In 1901, the Japanese government decided to redesign the City of Hsinchu and destroyed all the gates and walls except the existing East Gate. Part of the old moat exists still as well. The East Gate has been preserved, recently being renovated in 1999, and has now been made into a park and square, as well as an art exhibition space. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free How to get there: The north gate is within walking distance of Hsinchu TRA station. There is limited paid parking nearby. Map: Please see below: 
Hukou Cultural Creative Park (or literally Hukou Village Hospitable (Haoke) Agricultural Cultural Creative Park 湖口鄉好客農業文化創意園區) is a small agricultural and cultural museum in Hukou Village of Hsinchu County, and provides visitors a taste of local agricultural products, as well as Hakka culture and traditions. It also features a modern built Hakka Roundhouse with an electronic God of Agriculture inside.
Background: The Hukou Cultural Creative Park was completed in November of 2018, after 12 years of construction, covering 1.23 hectares of land. It also acts as the headquarters for the Agricultural Association of Hukou Village. Before 2018, the agricultural association was located under an overpass and many people complained that it was hard to access. The park commemorates over 300 years of culture of the Hakka people after moving from China to the island of Taiwan. The area often creates events such as promoting local products and providing workshops on traditional Hakka Culture. The area consists of about five main buildings, including museums, exhibits, a Hakka Roundhouse, and the association headquarters. Hours: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Price: Free How to get there: By Car/scooter: Take Hsinchu County Road 8 west toward Hukou and it will be on the right. There is free parking on the side of the road. By TRA/Bus: The only way there via public transport is walking from Hukou TRA station or Hukou Bus Station. Map: Please see below: 
Nanliao Harbor (aka Hsinchu Fishing Harbor) along Taiwan's west coast in Hsnichu City includes includes a seafood market and a wide grassy area (International Kite Park 國際風箏場). There is also a long sandy intertidal area nearby. It is a popular location for its seafood, kite flying, and ocean scenery.
Background: The Hsinchu Fishing Harbor at Nanliao dates back to 1731 when the Qing Dynasty first built a harbor in Hsinchu at the head of the Touqian River to aid with international trade. Over the centuries, the harbor went through various changes which included silting in many times, until its current form which was completed in 1991, to combat silting that occurred before the 1980's. Currently the main purpose of the harbor is to dock fishing vessels. During Dragon Boat Festival, dragon boat races are also held here. Kite flying is also a popular activity at the park. There is an international kite flying competition every September at the grassy park next to the harbor. On weekends you can also find many people relaxing here. In August 2020, a three year old was caught in a kite and flow 30 feet into the air. Luckily no one was injured by the kite activities were suspended for the rest of the day and it became viral news. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free How to get there: By Car: From Taipei, take National Freeway 1 from Taipei and once in Hsinchu head west on expressway 68. The harbor is at the end of the road. Parking can be hard to find on weekends. By Scooter: From Hsinchu, drive along expressway 68 until you reach the harbor. By Train/Bus: Take the TRA to Hsinchu Station, then switch to BL15 shuttle bus and take it to Nanliao Station. Map: Please see below: 
The first time I heard of Neiwan old street was when I asked my Mioali native coworker what there is to do in Miaoli. She told me there was a fun place called Neiwan. It turns out, Neiwan isn't even in Miaoli, its in Hsinchu, but obviously it is one of the most popular places in north-central Taiwan. I am not an expert about this location, but I would like to share my experience here with the world.
History: During the Japanese rule of Taiwan, Neiwan was mainly a lumber driven town, as well as other industries such as mining and mineral extraction. Many Japanese era buildings still remain in the city, such as the well preserved police station. The main ethnicity here is Hakka, and you can still find lots of traditional Hakka food in Neiwan like their famed Zongzi. Some popular destinations for tourists are the Neiwan Theatre (内灣戲院）, built in 1950 and and now converted into a restaruant, as well as Neiwan Suspension bridge （pitcured above). The Neiwan railway was started in 1944 by the ruling Japanese, but construction was interrupted by WWII. It was completed by the ROC government in 1951 to help transport mainly lumber and lime. Now it is used as a commuter train for the suburbs of Hsinchu as well as a destination for tourists. How to get there: By Train: Get off at Zhudong station and then take the Neiwan Liujia line. This takes about an hour from Hsinchu. By Car: From Taipei, take National Highway 3 to the Guanxi Exit and travel down provincial highway 3 to Neiwan. Map: |
Author 作家We are US Expats that have extensive experience living, working, and travelling in Taiwan. In our day, we had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But we have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. Our blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. We are just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country. Archives 檔案
January 2023
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