Established in 1936, Hsinchu Zoo in Hsinchu Park is the oldest zoo in Taiwan. It is also one of the most popular visitor sites in Hsinchu City, receiving about 300,000 visitors a year. There are currently plans underway to integrate the zoo and park areas to create a Hsinchu Zoo Park, expanding the zoo from its current 2.7 hectares to 5.4 hectares.The zoo is currently home to over 300 animals of about 100 species, including hippos, ostriches, orangutans, Bengal tigers and Malay bears. There are over 70 animals of 23 protected species, including animals that were abandoned or confiscated. In line with international conservation trends and the protection of animal rights, the zoo has also been enhancing efforts in its major mission areas of conservation, education, and research, as well as improving the recreational functions of the zoo.Under the Hsinchu Zoo Park plan, the zoo will be more closely integrated with surrounding river, wetland and hillside environments in Hsinchu City. The new zoo will also add to its cultural attraction with the inclusion of the buildings of the Air Force No. 11 Village, old trees and various historic sites. A virtual education system will be installed, as well, to present the scientific and technological accomplishments of Hsinchu.
Hsinchu City god Temple (Chenghuang Temple) is regarded as the highest-ranking of all City God temples in Taiwan, due to the superior spiritual power of its City God in protecting the town.In front of the temple is a market with a lot of small stalls selling delicious Taiwanese snacks, including rice noodles, meat balls, thick cuttlefish broth, and Zhuqian Biscuit (Zhuqian is the original name of Hsinchu).Hsinchu is famous for a number of specialty foods, especially Hsinchu rice noodles, which are produced in Nanshr Village, Hsinchu City. Another famous product of Hsinchu is shiangfen, a traditional cosmetic powder which was used by women throughout Taiwan before the arrival of foreign-style cosmetic products. The powder is also used in offerings to Qiniangma, the guardian spirit of children. Only one store, run by the Tsai Family in Julian Street, still produces this powder. Although there are many stalls from which Hsinchu meatballs can be purchased, many are concentrated around the Chenghuang Temple. The famous Peanut Butter is sold mainly along Dongda Road, and if you want to try Zhuqian Biscuits, you should go to the Shinfujen Cake Shop at No.26 Beimen Street.
The 17-kilometer stretch of coastline from Nanliao Village south to Nangang in Hsinchu City brings together several visit-worthy destinations, including the Nanliao Recreation Wharf, Sea Park, Horizon Viewing Area, Nangang Canal, Mangrove Park, Splendor Coastline, Haishan Harbor Sea View Platform, Nangang Bird Watching Area, and the visitor center. Spectacular views, delicious local cuisine, recreations and cultural attractions all await at Hsinchu Citys premier coastal hot spot.
Enjoying pleasant weather, Neiwan Scenic Area is encircled by tall hills and run through with Youluo River. "Angling in Neiwan" is among the eight spectacles in Hsinchu. Neiwan Branch line is among the three infamous train branches in Taiwan. The Neiwan Branch Line of the Taiwan Railway will suspend operation from February 28, 2007, and reenter service in three and a half years. Visitors can take the Neiwan Branch train at Zhudong Township and go on a reminiscent trip.The limpid Youluo River before your eyes is 100 meters in width. Looking down from the riverside highway at the riverbank, the picturesque scenery of the emerald green woods and spectacular suspension bridges is as enchanting as a heaven on earth in movies. Neiwan is known far and near for the five suspension bridges over the riverbank. Under suspension bridges, visitors can enjoy catching shrimp and crabs in shallow areas by the riverbank or swimming until their hearts content in the stream, while the sandy beach serves as a perfect spot for barbecuing, camping, and holiday outings.The scenic spots of Guangji Temple, the train station, and the theater on the Old Street as well as NeiWan suspension bridges are full of a reminiscent atmosphere. Take a stroll here and there and you will remember some charitable past memories. You will also see the lively characters of Brother A-San and Great Auntie, which have long been symbols of NeiWan. Funny comics along the street and recent popular special products, such as ginger lily-flavored glutinous rice, further add to hospitality and friendliness on the Old Street.
These new Hsinchu inhabitants earn the second highest Annual Average Family Revenue in Taiwan which is only after Taipei. Therefore, they deserve a high quality, leisurely and free space for shopping, entertainment. Ear Eastern Group has devoted to the whole-selling and retailing industries in Hshinchu for a long time. This time the group gathers the strength of SOGO, A.Mart, City Super and Far Eastern Telecommunication to make the best use of the synergy. Hence, it presents “Far Eastern Big City Shopping Malls", which is full of positive and pleasant energy, to Hsinchu inhabitants who deserve to indulge themselves with the best.
The Shopping Mall is composed of two characteristic halls—World Expo Taiwan Pavilion and Culture and Creativity Museum, including culture, creativity, arts, exhibitions, performance, foods, technology, life, education, entertainment, and a variety of aspects. It is definitely the first choice for leisure activities for locals in Hsinchu and a must-go for the general public in Taiwan and international tourists.
Located in Beipu Township, Hsinchu County, Green World Ecological Farm is an international ecological farm in Taiwan of more than 70 Ha. It is an ecological farm featuring natural life of animals and plants in combination with leisure, educational, and recreational activities. The Farm consists of 38 areas, including macaw area, cute animals area, Amazon rain forest area, air plants area, toxic beings area, food court, green plaza, landscape toilets, international conference hall, tropical house, and Hakka historic relics area, etc.