Maitreya Great Tao

No need to fly all the way to Aix-en-Provence to appreciate a soothing sea of lavender, a visit to Lavender Cottage will make you feel just like in the south of France. Lavender flowers only bloom between November and April. Even when they are not in season, there are still many other beautiful flowers, butterflies and nice reptiles to see in this quaint farm nestled in the midst of scenic mountains and lush greenery of Hsinchu. At most time of the year, Lavender Cottage is shrouded in a mist of magic, and a stroll through the misty cloud forest makes one feel like bumping into an oasis hidden deep in the mountains.

The admission fee (TWD100 per person) can be applied to purchases of restaurant meals, plants and souvenirs during your visit. Completed with its own restaurant, shops, merchandises and accommodation, Lavender Cottage is ideal for every traveler regardless of age and gender. The restaurant serves a mixture of Western and Eastern cuisines made from local produce and herbs with penetrating fragrance. You may also sit under the sunshade and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in the most natural setting possible.

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.

Located in northern Hsinchu, Star Moon Beach is suitable for activities such as sandboarding, surfing, windsurfing, treading on the waves, as well as playing with sand. The intertidal zone boasts a diverse ecology, where sand crabs are usually seen to crawl around. When the evening arrives, the sunset falling over the skyline with light glowing is a feast to the eyes.

Located in remote mountainous area in Hsinchu, the aboriginal Atayal tribe—Xinguang Tribe—is a two-and-half-hour drive from Hsinchu High Speed Rail Station. In the tribe, Xinguang Elementary School has served as a relay stop for tourists going to Zhenxibao (鎮西堡) and Smangus (司馬庫斯). The beautiful elementary school in the forest has once appeared in a commercial. A wonderful place for tourists who want to experience aboriginal culture, the tribe is experienced by sampling aboriginal specialties and private home wild plant dishes. The tribe has different looks in the four seasons: blossom in spring; fruits in summer; Chinese silvergrass in autumn; snow and maple leaves in winter. On the way to Xinguang Tribe, visitors need to apply for admission permits at Xiuluan (秀巒) Checkpoint.

Beipu Lei Cha is a traditional drink originating from Beipu Township in Taiwan's Hakka region, rich in cultural significance. The preparation process of this beverage is unique, utilizing a ceramic grinding bowl and a pestle made from guava tree branches. Ingredients such as peanuts, sesame, and tea leaves are ground until they release their oils and become a smooth paste, showcasing the essence of traditional culture. In addition, Lei Cha also showcases diversity in flavors. Besides the original flavor, it offers a variety of options such as almond, vitality, lavender, and rose, catering to the different preferences of consumers.

The history of Beipu Lei Cha dates back to 1998, when Beipu Lei Cha No. 39 was established in Beipu Township, becoming the first dedicated Lei Cha shop in Taiwan. Initially, the salty version of Lei Cha did not gain widespread recognition, leading to a shift towards developing sweet variants and the creation of "Lei Cha powder." This transformation gradually brought Lei Cha into the public eye, ultimately making it a popular drink. The perfect blend of traditional charm and modern innovation has led to Lei Cha being imitated in various coffee shops and tea beverage brands, promoting cultural dissemination.

In addition to offering various flavors of Lei Cha, Beipu Lei Cha shops also provide a DIY experience, allowing visitors to personally participate in the making process and appreciate the creation of this traditional beverage.

The Hsinchu City Glass Museum, commonly referred to as the Glass Museum, is located in the northwest of the park in the East District of Hsinchu City. The museum's history dates back to 1936 when it served as the Hsinchu Prefectural Autonomous Association Hall, hosting members of the Japanese royal family and senior officials. Over the years, the building has been repurposed several times, and in 1995, it was transformed into a glass craft museum aimed at preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Hsinchu's glass industry.

The exhibition area of the museum focuses on glass craftsmanship from the Hsinchu region, featuring a variety of glass products along with their characteristics, components, and manufacturing processes. The exhibits not only showcase physical items but also use models to help visitors understand the evolution of glassmaking. Additionally, the hands-on glass workshop is designed specifically for the public, equipped with kilns and processing tools, allowing visitors to personally experience the glass-making process and appreciate the unique charm of glass art.

Moreover, the Hsinchu City Glass Museum places great emphasis on its educational role, offering a range of workshops that attract visitors of all ages. Through guided tours and various educational activities, the museum fosters an appreciation for glass art among the public, enabling participants not only to admire artistic creations but also to engage in hands-on creation. In terms of accessibility, the museum has considered the needs of different types of visitors and is equipped with accessible restrooms and pathways, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their visit with ease.

In terms of transportation, the museum is about a 15-minute walk from Hsinchu Train Station, or visitors can conveniently reach it via public transportation such as the Hsinchu Bus. Nearby attractions include Hsinchu Park and the Confucian Temple, making the Glass Museum an ideal destination for tourists. Not only does it showcase the artistry of glassmaking, but it also represents an important part of Hsinchu's cultural history, drawing numerous visitors to explore and learn.