Hsinchu Attractions | Explore 18 Mountain Peaks & More Outdoor Activities

Hsinchu is a city in northwest Taiwan that makes a wonderful daytrip from Taipei. The city is best known as the home to Hsinchu City God Temple, but Hsinchu attractions number way more than that! Guests will find outdoor activities at Eighteen Peaks Mountain Park and Green Grass Lake and modern wonders at Glass Museum of Hsinchu City.
Hsinchu City God Temple
Built in 1747 and regarded as Taiwan’s highest-ranking City God temple, Hsinchu City God Temple is a fantastic mix of heritage and culture. During Japanese rule from 1895 to 1945, the temple was renovated with works from local artists. Visitors can admire those renovations now in the many ornate wood sculptures, dragon columns, famous guardian lions and multiple other artistic touches that adorn the temple site. The temple also serves as host to the annual Chuchang Zhongyuan City God Festival, which takes place in the seventh month of the lunar year. Crowds gather regularly at the temple, especially because Chenghuang Temple Night Market sets up in front of it. The market, open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily, is one of the best places in the city to meet locals and dine on traditional Taiwanese street food, like pork meatballs, steamed cakes and Zhuqian biscuits. Zhuqian is the former name of Hsinchu.
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Yin Hsi East Gate (Yingximen)
Taking a selfie under the arch of Yin Hsi East Gate is a must-do activity in Hsinchu. The gate was built in 1826 and is the only remaining piece of the wall that once marked the boundaries of Hsinchu city. Visitors can view the gate and explore the public square near the monument to enjoy both historic and modern elements of the city.
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Green Grass Lake (Qing Cao Lake)
One of the best and oldest places to enjoy nature in Hsinchu is at Green Grass Lake, known locally as Qing Cao Lake. Used as a dam and water storage facility for Yaker River, the lake was the first project the Hsinchu government took on after it was established. Guests can walk over the lake via an ornate, concrete bridge and enjoy surrounding gardens, walking paths and birdwatching areas. At sunset, the views at Green Grass Lake are some of the most beautiful in the city.
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Photo credit: 寺人孟子, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Glass Museum of Hsinchu City
Not only can visitors appreciate the glass-working industry at Glass Museum of Hsinchu City, but they can create their own works of art! This hands-on museum celebrates the city’s glass crafters through displays and educational workshops and is aimed to promote Hsinchu’s unique glass industry. The museum opened in 1999 and sits conveniently next to Hsinchu Park and Hsinchu Zoo, two more can’t-miss Hsinchu attractions.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday)
Entry fee: 50 TWD (1.56 USD)
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Photo credit: ltsc1980, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Eighteen Peaks Mountain Park
Not too many places can boast about having a mountain range close to city center, but Hsinchu can! The awe-inspiring Eighteen Peaks Mountain Park is a top spot for locals for recreation and exercise, chiefly because it contains dozens of walking trails, lush forests and crisp, mountain air. Cars are not even allowed inside the park from midnight to 8 a.m.! Known as Shibajianshan, Eighteen Peaks Mountain Park contains, obviously, 18 different peaks to explore and is the ultimate go-to spot in Hsinchu for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can admire the scenic campus and lakes at nearby National Tsing Hua University and visit Gaofeng Botanical Garden, which sits at the foot of the park complex.
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