Hsinchu Sights and Landmarks Guide, Taiwan

Although it is not the typical tourist hot spot, as most of the travelers come here for conferences and the like, Hsinchu is still a good place to visit. The city is a mixture of the past and present juxtaposed together to give a very unassuming vibe despite being a highly technological area. Also, the city provides high class hotels and transportation links that make staying and touring in the city pleasurable to the travelers. Hsinchu Sights guarantees a fun time for every tourist – young and old alike.

Hsinchu Sights – Famous Landmarks

Despite the city’s high tech reputation, numerous ancient structures and historic sites have remained intact and blended well with the city streets. Most of them are found in the center of the city itself and have been a source of pride for the locals living in the area.

East Gate. Situated at the intersection of Dongmen and Zhongzheng roads, it is the city’s most notable landmark. Designated as a Class 2 historic site, the ancient East Gate of Hsinchu lies in the center of the city and rightly merits the name ‘Heart of Hsinchu.’ It was originally built of bamboo poles and granite base then renovated in concrete in 1826.

Cheng Huang Temple. Located at the junction of Zhongshan Road and Dongmen Street is a mid-18th century Taoist temple having a pair of stone-carved lions on its façade. The temple was commissioned to be built by the officer of Tamshuen Jen Z-Ing in 1784. An added attraction to this temple is its most important relic, board sign, saying “the protection of the Golden Gate,” which was given by Qing Emperor Guangxu.

Hsinchu Zoo. Famed as the oldest and smallest zoo in Taiwan, the zoo is home to over 300 animals of about 100 species, with 23 protected species. Founded in 1936 by the Japanese, Hsinchu Zoo is one of the most visited sites in Hsinchu City.

Municipal Glass Arts And Crafts Museum. Officially opened in December 1999, the museum was opened to showcase Hsinchu’s long history in glass making. One of the two museum structures was once used as a Japanese royalty residence and banquet hall in 1936. It can be found in the north western quarter of Second Park right behind the railway station.

Hsinchu Sights – Scenic Spots

Apart from the many historic sites found in the city, Hsinchu is blessed to be surrounded with a naturally beautiful rural environment, owing to its funnel shaped topography.

Eighteen Peaks Mountain. Boarding the eastern and southern neighborhood of Hsinchu is a crescent shaped mountain named after its 18 peaks. It offers scenic views of the city below and beyond and is a perfect place for trail trekking.

Green Grass Lake. Considered as one of the best and oldest scenic places in Taiwan, Green Grass (Cingcao) Lake also functions as a water reservoir, storing water coming from Yaker River. Lined with ancient temples and lush greenery, the lake proves to be a great place to lay back and relax.

These relatively breathtaking spots in Hsinchu Sights made a mark for the city to be recognized not only in Asia but in the world alone. Learn about this spectacular continent through Taipei Sights and Taichung Sights.