Nanliao Harbour

Why visit

Nanliao Fishing Harbour is a working harbour that has become Hsinchu’s favourite place for an afternoon by the sea. Fishing boats unload in the harbour, the market sells the catch, and on windy days the lawns are full of kites. As the sun sets over the Taiwan Strait, couples and families gather on the waterfront.

What to see and do

• The fish market: stalls of fresh fish, shellfish and crabs, with restaurants that will cook what you buy.
• The waterfront lawn: a wide grassy area by the sea, one of the best kite-flying spots in Taiwan thanks to the wind.
• The cycle path: the 17 km coastline starts here and runs south along the shore, flat and easy, with bike hire near the harbour.
• The Xiangshan Wetland: at the southern end, a curving boardwalk leads out over tidal flats where fiddler crabs scuttle and wading birds feed.
• Sunset: the coast faces west, so the sun drops straight into the sea on clear evenings.

The Windy City

From October to March, the north-east monsoon blows hard down the coast. It is great for kites and keeps the air clear, but it can be chilly and strong enough to make cycling hard work. Bring a windproof jacket.

Tips

• City buses run from the station to Nanliao. A taxi takes about 20 minutes.
• The cycle path is mostly flat, but allow extra time if you ride against the wind.
• Weekends are busy, especially in the late afternoon.
• Families should read our guide to Hsinchu with kids.