Travel to the Taiwanese city of Hsinchu, China's Windy City
2010-03-12
When most visitors embark on an excursion to China, their destinations are
limited to the imperial city of Beijing, the industrial capital of Shanghai or
the luxurious port city of Hong Kong. Yet in recent years, many western visitors
have been branching out in their journeys to find new and unique travel
destinations, one of which is the Taiwanese city of Hsinchu.
Hsinchu is
located in the Northwestern area of Taiwan and its history can be traced back
for nearly 400 years when it was originally named Chuchang. The city is known
for its glass production; an art introduced during the Japanese colonial era and
has developed as business capital for the Island.
Tourists can explore
the city's skill with glass at the Craft Glass Museum, which features an
extensive gallery dedicated to some of the city's greatest artisans. Art fans
might also enjoy a trip to the Municipal Image Museum, where photography and
performance art converge, and the warehouses behind the railway station, which
have become workshops and exhibitions for local artists.
Travelers can
also find cultural sites like the Taoist City God Temple and the historic East
Gate, or explore the natural environment at the Hsinchu Botanical Garden and
Green Grass Lake.