Home to the Hsinchu Science and Industrial Park, Hsinchu East encompasses the eastern part of the oldest city in northern Taiwan. The indigenous Taoka people originally inhabited it before being settled by the Han in 1711, with the name “Hsinchu” adopted at the end of the 19th century under the reign of Qing Dynasty Emperor Guangxu.
Things to do in East District
At the heart of Hsinchu East is 18 Peaks Mountain Park, a lunar-shaped landscape of small hills that is blanketed in thick forest. Follow one of the walking trails that lead to its peaks (the highest of which is 132 metres), and stop to see the beautiful Guanyin statues along the way. It’s a popular place for locals to exercise throughout the day and admire Hsinchu East’s suburbs through the trees.
On the southern edge of the park lies the Gaofeng Botanical Garden, which was established in 1932 during Taiwan’s Japanese rule. Learn about the island’s native plant life as you wander along the marked trails, with interpretive signs indicating some of the species to keep an eye out for. If you’re visiting in the spring, don’t miss a visit to Hsinchu Park, which is renowned for its cherry blossom displays.
For a cultural fix, visit Hsinchu City Art Gallery & Reclamation Hall, which occupies a two-storey brick building dating back to the 1920s. It combines both Japanese and European architectural styles, with its interior featuring exhibits detailing the city’s past and artwork from various historical periods.
Getting around East District
Hsinchu East is around an hour’s drive from Taipei and 40 minutes from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Trains stop at both Hsinchu and North Hsinchu railway station while buses travel throughout the district.