Walking tour
Season: Year-roundHsinchu old city walking tour
- The East Gate, the moat and the City God Temple
- Japanese-era buildings and the story of old Zhuqian
The essentials
| Location | North-west Taiwan, about 70 km south-west of Taipei |
|---|---|
| Population | About 450,000 in the city |
| History | Founded as Zhuqian; city walls built 1827–1829; named Hsinchu in 1875 |
| Time zone | Taiwan time (UTC+8), with no daylight saving time |
| Currency | New Taiwan dollar (TWD) |
| Airport | Taiwan Taoyuan International (TPE), about 50 km north |
| Plugs | Types A and B, 110 volts |
| Emergency numbers | 110 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance |
When to visit
Hsinchu has a subtropical climate, with hot, wet summers and mild, windy winters. Autumn is the favourite season, with dry, sunny days, clear air and the persimmon harvest in the county.
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| March to May | Warm and pleasant, with tung blossoms and fireflies in the hills in April and May. The plum rains begin in May. |
| June to September | Hot and humid, with afternoon storms and typhoons possible from July to September. The City God procession takes place in the seventh lunar month. |
| October to December | Dry and sunny, with a strong north-east wind. Persimmons dry in the fields of the county, and it is the best time for walking and cycling. |
| January and February | Cool, damp and windy, with Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival. Cold in the mountains. |
Weather and what to wear
Summer days are often above 30 °C and very humid. Winter days are mild, around 13 to 20 °C, but the wind makes them feel colder. The mountains are much cooler all year.
- Light, breathable clothes and an umbrella in summer
- A windproof jacket from October to March
- Warm layers and a rain jacket for the mountains
- Shoes with good grip for forest trails
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
Festivals and events
- Lunar New Year: in January or February, Taiwan’s biggest holiday, when many people travel and some shops close for a few days.
- Lantern Festival: 15 days after the new year, with lanterns and temple celebrations.
- Tung blossom season: April and May, when the Hakka hills turn white with flowers.
- Fireflies: April and May, along the streams around Neiwan.
- Dragon Boat Festival: the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, usually in June.
- The City God procession: around the middle of the seventh lunar month, usually August or September.
- Persimmon season: from about September to December in Xinpu and Beipu. See our persimmon season guide.
Money and costs
Hsinchu is good value. A bowl of rice noodles or a plate of snacks costs very little, and hotels are cheaper than in Taipei, especially at weekends. Carry cash for markets and small eateries, and get an EasyCard for transport and convenience stores. Tipping is not expected.
Safety and health
- Traffic: scooters are everywhere. Take care crossing the road, even on a green light.
- Typhoons: from July to September, check the forecast. Tours and trains may be cancelled, and mountain roads can close for days.
- Earthquakes: Taiwan has frequent small earthquakes. If you feel a strong one, take cover and follow local instructions.
- Water: boil or filter tap water. Bottled water is everywhere.
- Mountains: start hikes early, carry water and layers, and turn back if the weather turns.
Etiquette
- In temples, do not step on the raised thresholds, and keep your voice down.
- Ask before you photograph people, especially in Indigenous villages and at prayer.
- Take your shoes off when you enter a home or a homestay.
- Learn a few words of Mandarin. English is spoken in hotels and the Science Park, but less so in markets and the countryside.
