Tourism
Hsinchu is known for its technology industry and research institutions, but it also has a long history, friendly people and good local food. Before or after the conference, take some time to see the region and the rest of the island.
Exploring Taiwan
For this page we divide the island into five regions. Each has a distinct character:
| Region | Known for | From Hsinchu |
|---|---|---|
| Hsinchu | The conference host: coastal bikeway, Hakka old streets, temple food plaza | — |
| North | Taipei's museums, night markets, Jiufen and the Yangmingshan hot springs | ~35 min by HSR |
| Central | Sun Moon Lake, the historic town of Lukang, Taichung's cafés and architecture | ~30 min by HSR + local train |
| South | Tainan's temples and street food, Kaohsiung's harbor, Alishan, Kenting beaches | 1 h 15 min – 1.5 h by HSR + transfer |
| East | Pacific cliffs, the East Rift Valley, hot springs and a slower pace | 3–3.5 h by train |
Click a region on the map to see recommended places.
The conference host region
Hsinchu 新竹
Hsinchu City and County are home to the venue. Beyond the science park you will find a flat coastal bikeway, Hakka old streets in the foothills, and one of the most famous temple food plazas in Taiwan — all within an hour of the hotel.
Photo: Outlookxp / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
17 km Coastline Bikeway
十七公里海岸線自行車道
A flat, scenic multi-use path along the Taiwan Strait, from Nanliao Fishing Harbor south to Xiangshan. The full ride takes about 2–3 hours; bikes can be rented at Nanliao or outside Xiangshan Station.
Open in Google Maps ↗
Photo: Taiwankengo / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Nanliao Fishing Harbor
南寮漁港
A former fishing port turned leisure harbor, known for its "fish-scale" stone steps by the sea and a lively weekend market with dozens of food stalls.
Open in Google Maps ↗
Photo: Yang yang end / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Xiangshan Wetlands
香山濕地
Walk the heart-shaped crab-watching boardwalk that extends into the sea, spot crabs at low tide, and stay for the sunset over the strait.
Open in Google Maps ↗
Photo: Foxy Who \(^∀^)/ / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Shibajian Mountain
十八尖山
A gentle forest trail right in the city, popular for a morning walk before the day's sessions.
Open in Google Maps ↗
Photo: Nomad112 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Hsinchu City God Temple
城隍廟
One of Taiwan's most important City God temples, with exquisite wood and stone carvings; the food stalls on the temple plaza are the classic place to try rice noodles and meatball soup.
Open in Google Maps ↗
Photo: lienyuan lee / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Yingxi East Gate
迎曦門
The 1829 city gate of old Zhuqian, now the centerpiece of a lively public plaza a short walk from the station.
Open in Google Maps ↗
Photo: IWCN 2027 Organizing Committee, All rights reserved
Beipu Old Street
北埔老街
Seven historic monuments within a 200-meter street, including the Jin Guang Fu Hall and Jiang A-Xin Mansion; try Hakka lei cha (ground tea) and dried persimmons.
Open in Google Maps ↗
Photo: IWCN 2027 Organizing Committee, All rights reserved
Xinwawu Hakka Cultural District
新瓦屋
A restored Hakka clan settlement in Zhubei, close to the THSR Hsinchu Station, where traditional courtyard houses now host cafés and cultural spaces.
Open in Google Maps ↗
Photo: lienyuan lee / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Neiwan Old Street
內灣老街
A small Hakka town at the end of the Neiwan branch railway line, about an hour from Hsinchu by local train. The old street, the suspension bridge over the river and the 1950s Neiwan Theater are all a short walk from the station.
Open in Google Maps ↗
More information:
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Hsinchu County Tourism: https://travel.hsinchu.gov.tw/En
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Hsinchu City Tourism: https://tourism.hccg.gov.tw/entravel/app/artwebsite?module=artwebsite&id=15&serno=null