Hsinchu

best described as a large hill or small mountainous area circling the eastern and southern suburbs of Hsinchu. The highest of the 18 peaks is 131.79 m and the lowest 50 m. It has a lot of well-maintained stepways, concrete paths and Tarmac pathways, making it ideal for walks in the forest without the hardships of true country hiking. It can get very crowded at weekends or in the early morning, and some may find the canned music a little unnatural. If you do not mind crowds the best time to visit is during a flower festival, at this time you may be lucky enough to be able to visit the Japanese underground shelters that are sometimes opened on these occasions. From some locations you are able to enjoy views of Hsinchu, but generally there are limited views of the city due to heavy tree cover.

has some great hiking trails and provides the opportunity to become acquainted with more than 300 varieties of Taiwan's indigeneous flora.

Also called Qing-cao Hu, off Ming-hu Road is a parkland surrounding a lake - a great place to relax and watch water fowl gliding with the clouds.

This is the oldest and smallest zoo in Taiwan, founded by the Japanese in 1936. The zoo has been very tastefully renovated and proudly displays 250 animals and 70 species, including tigers, crocodiles, monkeys, bears and all kinds of birds. The grounds are lovely and garden like and the animals seem to be having a good time. A great place to bring children.

Built in 1748, on the corner of Zhongshan Road and Dongmen Street. It is a typical Taoist temple with lots of colorful frescoes.

Built in 1776, on the corner of Wenchang St. and Zhongshan Road. It is noted for its refined ornamentation and inscriptions carved by local scholars on the temple pillars.

Constructed from granite and with a distinctive arched entrance, the historic East Gate is the city center's most well known landmark. It is at the junction of Dongmen and Zhongzheng Roads.

Built in 1913 in the classic Baroque style that was popular in Taiwan at the beginning of the 20th century. There is nothing to see inside, but the facade provides a good backdrop for souvenir photographs of the city.