Hsinchu

Located in the Guanxi Township of Hsinchu, Leofoo Village is an amusement park that has rides for the entire family and really brings friends and family together. Their one and only ecological resort hotel in Asia not only offers up-close interactions with animals but also allows guests to spend the night at the zoo, sleeping right next to rhinos and zebras and waking up with wildlife. This overnight adventure provides a unique opportunity for animal lovers of all ages to see the zoo like never before!

The theme park is divided into five sections, and one of them is dedicated to water rides only. The rest are African Safari featuring all kinds of adorable animals, Arabian Kingdom where fantasy thematic experiences are expected, South Pacific with rides going to the extreme, and finally, Wild West where one becomes a real cowboy. The water park is open only in summer, but the tickets for other sections can be purchased separately. For a more fun way to get around the amusement park, don't forget to hop on the “beasty bus” or take the train to experience a ride on a real steam engine. The mascots are no doubts the favorites of the kids. These "walk-around" or "meetable" characters are often spotted dancing and having a good time with the little ones, who always break out in a huge smile. The fun is not limited to the rides. At Leofoo Village, dining is also a fun adventure as each section comes with different theme restaurants. If you like to shop, make your trip to Leofoo VIllage memorable with their fun selection of souvenirs, from character-themed souvenirs and apparel to valuable collectibles.

Whether you are visiting Leofoo Village as a family, a bunch of thrill seekers or animal lovers, they offer different itineraries for different age groups to ensure everyone is having as much fun as possible. No matter where you come from or who you come with, you will be sure to have a good time at Leofoo Village as everybody does.

Neiwan Old Street (內灣老街) used to prosper as a hub for forestry and mining due to its strategic location. Now it has transformed into a tourist town showcasing Hakka culture, with a plethora of Hakka and local delicacies such as Hakka noodles and ginger flower rice dumplings that are must-try for visitors. The highlights also include the opportunity to see fireflies and tung oil flowers in spring, and to enjoy a barbecue under Neiwan Suspension Bridge in summer.

A visit to Neiwan Old Street (內灣老街) offers the chance to step back in time at the still-operating traditional Neiwan Theater, where one can watch old movies while savoring Hakka cuisine. It's important to note that some shops only open at noon on weekdays, and the area tends to get crowded on weekends, leading to potential traffic congestion.

South Liao Fishing Port is located in the North District of Hsinchu City, Taiwan, and boasts a rich history and cultural significance. As an important fishing harbor in Hsinchu City, South Liao Fishing Port was once known as Zhukeng Harbor in the 18th century, serving as a vital trade route for western Taiwan. Over time, it has undergone multiple transformations and planning efforts, showcasing the adaptability and evolution of the fishing port. Since its official opening in 1949, South Liao Fishing Port has gradually developed into a well-known tourist attraction in the Taoyuan-Hsinchu-Miaoli area.

The facilities at South Liao Fishing Port are highly developed, featuring a direct seafood sales center that offers locally fresh-caught seafood and a variety of seafood delicacies. The dining area can accommodate 1,500 people, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious seafood dishes. The breakwaters and observation platforms surrounding the port provide stunning ocean views, making it an ideal spot to relax.

In addition to its seafood products, South Liao Fishing Port is also one of Hsinchu City’s key tourist destinations. The 17-kilometer coastline attracts numerous visitors who can admire the beautiful coastal scenery along the way. Visitors can also stop at several attractions, including the Xiangshan Wetland Crab-Watching Trail and the Xiangshan Harp Bridge, enjoying a delightful connection with nature. Furthermore, the opening of the Wave Market has injected new vitality into South Liao Fishing Port. The market's architectural concept is inspired by ocean waves and operates from Thursday to Sunday, where vendors offer a variety of seaside snacks to satisfy visitors' taste buds.

South Liao Fishing Port is not just a fishing port; it is also an ideal place for family outings. Visitors can sample the freshest seafood, enjoy breathtaking sea views, and even ride bicycles along the coastline at a leisurely pace. For families seeking recreational activities, there is a free wading beach and an indoor slide, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone who visits.

The Hsinchu Dongmen Market is an important landmark in Hsinchu City, boasting a history of over a hundred years. In the past, this market was one of the largest traditional markets in Taiwan, attracting countless vendors and consumers. However, over time, the market's prosperity faced challenges. In recent years, Dongmen Market has successfully undergone renovations and revitalization, drawing in many young people and creating a unique culinary and cultural atmosphere.

Today, Dongmen Market has become a beloved gathering place for food lovers in Hsinchu, offering a wide variety of international cuisines. The selections here include Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Korean, and Italian dishes, ensuring that different diners' needs are met. For instance, the seafood taro rice noodle soup from the Dongmen Rice Noodle stall is renowned for its sweet broth and an assortment of seafood toppings, making it a mouthwatering choice. Meanwhile, the Bangkok Market specializes in Thai snacks, allowing customers to choose their desired level of spiciness; both the moon shrimp cakes and red curry chicken rice are unforgettable.

Additionally, Dajiao Ramen attracts patrons with its exquisite Japanese ramen, featuring a refreshing and non-greasy chicken broth that is very popular. Enjoying the seafood noodle from Xi Lai Chen, guests are treated to a delightful experience both in flavor and presentation. The culinary options at Dongmen Market enable every visitor to find their favorite dish and share Instagram-worthy photos, further enhancing the market's appeal.

Beyond its diverse food experiences, Dongmen Market has also successfully transformed the traditional market image into a trendy hotspot favored by modern youth. Some stores, such as "Dongmen Market 4.8 Ping," attract numerous young customers with their minimalist designs, creating a fresh and relaxed atmosphere. This transformation not only preserves the market's cultural history but also brings vitality to Hsinchu City.

Hukou Old Street, located in Hukou Township of Hsinchu County, is a historical and culturally rich street that attracts many visitors keen to explore Taiwan's history. The architectural style here is well-preserved, featuring red brick Baroque facades complemented by traditional Minnan-style house structures, creating a unique blend of residential and commercial spaces. The exquisite relief decorations on the buildings lining both sides of the street enhance the elegant atmosphere, allowing visitors to feel a strong sense of history as soon as they step in.

The history of Hukou Old Street is closely tied to the development of the railway. It was once home to the "Dahukou Train Dock," making it the center of commercial prosperity. However, as the train station relocated, the old street gradually declined until recent years when it was renovated and revitalized, regaining its historical charm. Along this street, one can still find many well-preserved historical buildings, such as the county-designated historical site Hukou Sanyuan Temple and the old Hukou Catholic Church, which is built on the original site of the old train station, holding special cultural and historical significance. In Hukou Old Street, apart from the historical buildings, the local cuisine is also very tempting. Hakka delicacies shine here, including traditional handmade moon cakes and the classic Hakka dishes from Aunt Qiu, allowing visitors to savor authentic Taiwanese flavors.

Additionally, the Hukou Creative Cultural Park offers a wealth of cultural and creative experiences and shopping options, enabling tourists to enjoy artistic creations while sampling delicious food. Hukou Old Street's attractions include the Hukou Sanyuan Temple, an important spiritual center dedicated to deities such as Guanyin and Mazu, which, together with the Catholic Church, serves as a religious pillar for the local community. During festivals and celebrations, these sites become lively focal points, attracting devotees for pilgrimage, making them moving places that combine culture and religious belief.

Smangus is a high-altitude Atayal tribe located in the Jianshi Township of Hsinchu County, Taiwan, at an elevation of about 1,500 meters. The natural environment here is remarkably beautiful, with the snow-capped mountains at its back and facing the Takjing River Valley. It boasts rich ecological resources and pristine forests. Due to its high mountain location, the climate in Smangus is cool, making it an ideal place for summer retreat and cherry blossom viewing. Especially in spring, when thousands of cherry trees bloom, it attracts numerous tourists eager to admire the scenery.

Another highlight of Smangus is the grove of giant trees near the village. This sacred forest not only serves as the guardian of the tribe but is also an important tourist attraction, drawing nature enthusiasts. The grandeur and elegance of these giant trees evoke a sense of nature's power and beauty, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to explore Taiwan's primitive forest landscape.

Historically, the Atayal people of Smangus originally came from Ren’ai Township in Nantou. Due to population growth, they migrated to this area. During the Japanese colonial period, conflicts arose between the tribe and other Atayal sub-tribes, leading some residents to settle in lower-altitude regions. For a long time, due to inconvenient transportation, Smangus remained relatively isolated, not gaining electricity until 1979 and opening a road for external access only in 1995.

With the development of tourism, Smangus has gradually promoted a model of "coexistence with the land and shared tourism," while preserving its unique culture and way of life. Local residents operate guesthouses and restaurants that offer traditional Atayal cuisine, allowing visitors to deeply experience the flavors and warmth of this land. Culturally, the Atayal people in Smangus are also devout Christians, referring to their community as “God’s tribe,” blending faith with traditional culture.

The cherry blossom season from February to March is a grand event in Smangus, attracting a large number of tourists and photography enthusiasts. These characteristics make Smangus not only a tourist destination but also a place for conveying culture and history, undoubtedly securing a place on Taiwan's tourism map.

Hsinchu Zoo established in 1936 is Taiwan’s oldest zoo, which has over 280 animals from more than 70 species in its collection and attracts over 300,000 visitors every year. The entrance fee of TWD20 can be paid by EasyCard (a stored-value card of the Taipei Rapid Transit Association). There is even a sandpit that allows children to indulge in the sheer pleasure of digging and making sand castles.

The zoo sits right within Hsinchu Park, in the middle of Hsinchu City. As small as it may seem, the zoo is in fact divided into six different zones: Children's Zoo, Primates’ Families, Birds' Paradise, Tropical Rain Forest, Reptile Kingdom, and Deer's Wonderland. Large animals such as hippos, orangutans, Bengal tigers and sun bears can all be spotted here. The collection is not huge in size, but the zoo offers a close-up look for kids to have an exciting and educational experience. This is a great place for the family as there is so much to see and do! In the proximity of Hsinchu Zoo, there are many other attractions also worth a visit, inclusive of Hsinchu City Glass Museum and Lichi Park. Hsinchu has a wide variety of ideas for family activities if you know where you go. So do a bit of planning ahead and make the most efficient use of your time in Hsinchu.

The Mawudu Exploration Forest is located in Guanxi Township, Hsinchu County, covering an area of 450 hectares with an altitude ranging from 600 to 1,300 meters. This forest area stands out for its diverse natural ecology and unique landscape setting. Whether you wish to get closer to nature or go for a hike, the Mawudu Exploration Forest is an ideal choice.

Firstly, the ecosystem in this area is exceptionally rich. Positioned at the end of the northeast monsoon, the Mawudu Exploration Forest showcases a distinct ecological phenomenon as it transitions from tropical to cool temperate forest types. There are extensive forests of Taiwan red cypress, and the lush vegetation contributes to fresh air, allowing visitors to enjoy a forest bath while feeling the soothing effects of nature around them. The pathways within the park connect to several beautiful waterfalls, especially the Rainbow Bridge Waterfall and the Mawudu Waterfall, which undoubtedly provide adventurers with a captivating natural experience.

Among its highlights, the Green Light Elementary School stands out as a remarkable feature of the Mawudu Exploration Forest, as this school was a filming location for the popular 2005 television drama "Green Light Forest." The original forest trail behind the school is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy natural scenery while experiencing the atmosphere of the scenes featured in the show. The biodiversity in this area allows visitors to see various tree species, including the national treasure species, the bayberry tree.

The name Mawudu comes from the Atayal language, meaning a gathering place for people and resources, reflecting the local cultural and historical roots. During the Japanese occupation, this area was known as "Jinshi Mountain," and the filming of the 2005 television drama further elevated its profile, attracting many tourists eager to discover its unique charm.In summary, the Mawudu Exploration Forest is not only a natural attraction but also a culturally rich travel destination, allowing every visitor to find comfort for the soul and a space for relaxation within this forest.

Green World Ecological Farm is located in Beipu Township, Hsinchu County, covering an area of approximately 70 to 75 hectares. It is the largest subtropical rainforest ecological park in Asia, combining ecological conservation with agriculture to offer visitors a rich experience with diverse flora and fauna. The park features multiple themed areas that are irresistible, making it an ideal destination for family outings or simply for enjoying nature.

The park's uniqueness lies in its specially designed thematic areas. Surrounding Swan Lake, water birds such as swans and mandarin ducks soar freely, while the Exploration Zone allows visitors to engage in various activities for close-up observations of plants and animals. The Aquatic Plant Park showcases a variety of aquatic plants, and the Butterfly Ecological Park is a perfect spot for viewing different species of butterflies. The Bird Ecological Park offers opportunities to observe numerous bird species, including toucans and the Taiwan Blue Magpie, letting nature enthusiasts immerse themselves in the environment.

Additionally, Green World Ecological Farm features many distinctive attractions such as the Macaw Area, where visitors can admire colorful macaws. In the Cute Animal Zone, one can see various adorable small animals. The Orchid and Herb Plant Area displays a collection of beautiful orchids and aromatic herbs, while the Bamboo Grove Trail provides a scenic walking path through nature. The Ancient Tree Area showcases the approximately 200-year-old bamboo timber, all of which contribute to the unique charm of Green World Ecological Farm.

In terms of animal interactions, Green World Ecological Farm also specially hosts Alpaca walking sessions and feeding shows with pelicans during weekends. These interactive activities not only enhance visitors' engagement but also foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the daily habits of these charming animals.

Since its establishment, Green World Ecological Farm has gradually become an important ecotourism destination in the Hsinchu area. Many animal areas feature open designs that allow visitors to get up close with the animals, while the use of green building techniques and efforts to restore the subtropical rainforest environment highlight its commitment to energy conservation and carbon reduction. The overall construction and operational philosophy of this ecological farm exemplify a love for nature, serving both educational and recreational purposes.