Hsinchu Zoo 新竹市立動物園

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Hsinchu Zoo is the oldest zoo in Taiwan and is the third-largest public zoo in the country. Admission here is only 50 NT and includes over 300 animals such as tigers, bears, hippos, monkeys, ostriches, emus, goats, and more. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Hsinchu.

Background:
The Hsinchu Zoo was first established during the Japanese era in 1935 as part of a child's amusement park. During WWII, the animals in the zoo were moved to the Yuanshan Zoo in Taipei. The Hsinchu Zoo was then reopened after the war in 1953.  The zoo later underwent renovations and expansions in 1960, 1971, and 1982. The zoo was also closed for two years for renovations between 2017 and 2019. Now it is a popular attraction visited mainly by local residents. 

Price:
50 NT per person

Hours:
9 AM to 5 PM
Closed Mondays

How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: The Zoo is on Shipin Road in the east District of Hsinchu City. There is plenty of pain parking near the zoo.
By TRA: The zoo is within walking distance of Hsinchu TRA Station.
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Map:
Please see below:

Our Journey:

I have been to the Hsinchu Zoo once. It is very small compared to the Taipei Zoo, and there is almost nothing here that you cannot see at the Taipei Zoo, so there is really no reason to come to Hsinchu just to see this zoo. But it is still worth visiting to compliment a trip to Hsinchu.

Entrance to the recently reopened (two years ago) Hsinchu Zoo. During the latest renovation (2017-2019) it seems like the entire zoo was rebuilt from the ground up. Everything is new. 

"Hsinchu Zoo Guide Map"
"Established in 1936, the Hsinchu Zoo is the most historical and oldest preserved zoo in Taiwan. Originally, it belonged to the Hsinchu Park. At the time, many expatriates and citizens supported the zoo with their donations of animals, and the zoo received many wild animals from the locals. This unique experience made Hsinchu Zoo one of the most precious memories of the community. In 2019, the zoo has completed its renovation plan in 2019 to make it home of many animals as well as a place for people to learn the environment and life."

View of a llama from the main entrance. 

The main entrance is raised above the rest of the zoo, so you can look over the whole park, such as these goats. 

Looking out over the desert goat enclosure. 

Walking down from the entrance.

Emu enclosure.

More emus from above.

Amphitheater in the middle of the zoo.

Child net climbing area in the middle of the zoo.

Another view of the net climbing area. There is pretty much no other playground equipment here.

Do you see the tiger?

There is the tiger.

Malayan Sun Bear.

Another view of the bear.

Emus.

Formosan Muntjac and an orangutan. 

Closer view of the orangutan. 

Indoor enclosure under construction. 

Bird area. I am no birder.

View near the monkey enclosure, 

Closer view.

The back of the zoo is more of a park with lots of gardens.

Formosan Macaques. 

Another view of the monkey enclosure.

Fish pond.

There were tons of fish in this pond. It probably gave us the longest pause out of any exhibit in the park.

Another view of the fish pond.

Pigmy hippo. It seems like it would be easy to fall in here. 

Flamingos.

More garden area.

Ducks.

What animal lives here?

An ostrich.

More people checking out the ostrich enclosure.

History of the zoo.

Llama enclosure. He did not want to come out and see us.

The Iranian mountain goat also did not want to come out. 

Racoons.

More of them coons. 

Racoons in their artificial environment.

Gift shop.

Cool wooden puzzle of Taiwan's counties. I almost bought it. It's much cooler than a certain drawing of Taipei City missing Nangang District. 

Also right at the front of the zoo is this rainforest café, and this is their menu. It is pretty much the only place to eat there and it can get pretty crowded. 

Animal shaped waffels.

Beef salad.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more of our blogs on Hsinchu to come!

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