By Jasmine Niu Whenever I introduce myself during a new semester, and I tell my classmates I’m from Hsinchu, they always stare at me and say, “That’s where the science park is, but is there anything fun there?” I realize that people know very little about the city, except maybe that it is windy all the time. Follow me to know more about this lovely place. Hsinchu is in northwestern Taiwan and about a one hour drive from Taipei. Unlike some cities in Taiwan, Hsinchu is not famous for sightseeing. It is well-known for the Hsinchu Science and Technology Industrial Park, attracting high tech investment to Taiwan and making the area the economic center for the information industry. Also, when it comes to Hsinchu, people think of pork balls and rice noodles. But Hsinchu is more than that. TRA Hsinchu StationThe city is most accessible from the Hsinchu Station, which is on the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) Western Line. The station is worth a look because it’s built in Gothic architecture. The oldest train station in Taiwan, Hsinchu Station was built in 1913, when Taiwan was still under Japanese rule. Besides, the station is also a starting point for many bus lines in Hsinchu, so it is a very important connection spot. Cheng-Huang Temple Night MarketAfter a 10-minute walk from the train station, you’ll see a populous market full of all kinds of stands, the well-known Cheng-Huang Temple Night Market, where people can enjoy local cuisine. Here you’ll find truly delicious and original pork balls and rice noodles. You’ll love the chewy texture of pork balls, a Chinese meatball made from minced pork, starch, and sometimes cuttlefish. Also, rice noodles with hot soup make a perfect fit. In addition to foods in the night market, there are also amazing shops. Hsin Fu Jean LimtedFounded in 1898, Hsin Fu Jean Limted have been experts in traditional Chinese cake making for over a century. Its signature product, chu-chan cake, is easily recognized by the crispy flaky skin and the tender moist filling. It is especially loved by the people from China who came to Taiwan in 1949. In addition, garlic cake and tangerine mochi are also popular. These Chinese cakes are perfect presents if you want to bring something back home to share with your family and friends. A-Zhong Ice ShopAfter enjoying a lot of salty and greasy foods, you will definitely want to try something sweet and cool. Then A-Zhong Ice shop is for you. Founded in 1963, A-Zhong Ice shop makes delicious shaved ice with a unique pineapple syrup. They cut fresh pineapples into chunks and boil them without water so they produce juice. By adding granulated sugar, the unique pineapple flavor is created. Shaved ice with other ingredients, such as red beans, is perfect as a summer treat. Cheng-Huang Temple in HsinchuThere are a lot of Cheng-Huang Temples in Taiwan, but the one in Hsinchu is the oldest. In Chinese religion, Cheng-Huang is a Chinese god of the underworld. Every county has a Cheng-Huang. He is a god but also a governor who rules the county. So people gather here to pray for security and happiness. Sites in the City CenterCats on the RiverbankAt first sight of the shop name, you may wonder whether it sells cat products. But in fact it’s a drink shop which is popular among students and local people. It sells bubble tea, juice, and so on. When you get the menu, you’ll find it interesting that a lot of names are related to cats. And the pearl milk tea is named as migululu in Chinese, just like the sound of drinking pearl milk tea through a straw. The Museum of the Black Bat 34th SquadronHsinchu has been an important air force base since the Cold War. In 1953, a corps of reconnaissance plane pilots in Taiwan were trained by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). They flew missions over China and gathered military signal intelligence around military sites. Now there is a museum about the squadron. In the museum, the history of the squadron, important events, and how they executed their missions are all well explained. If you’re lucky enough, you may even meet retired pilots here. Sometimes they serve as volunteer guides. Hsinchu Fish HarborIf you want to go to places outside the city center, Hsinchu Fish Harbor is a good choice. You can take a bus from Hsinchu Station, and the ride takes about 30 minutes. Here you can ride a bike along the famous “17 Kilometers of Splendid Coastline.” It is recommended that you arrive the harbor at noon. Then you can spend the whole afternoon riding a bike and enjoying the cool wind or even a beautiful sunset. Or you can bring some kites and fly them. Besides, there are many seafood restaurants. Have dinner in the evening after your bike ride! Before the tripThe city is small but complete in every detail. There are many motorcycles, but as you go around it won’t be too crowded or noisy. Instead, you find peace. So it is the great choice for a short trip. But before you embark, let me give you a friendly reminder. Hsinchu is nicknamed the windy city for a reason. Don’t forget to bring a light coat, even in summer. In winter, cold winds often make Hsinchu the coldest city on the island. By the way, a raincoat is necessary for when the winds destroy your umbrella! Enjoy your trip!
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The Taida Student Journal has been active since 1995 with an ever-changing roster of student journalists at NTU. Click the above link to read about the authors Archives
May 2024
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