population: 0.45 million

extension: 104.15 square kilometers

Museums

If you are in Hsinchu and interested in museums, you may want to visit the National Museum of Natural Science located in Taichung, which is about an hour's drive or train ride away. Alternatively, you can also check out the Hsinchu City Glass Museum or the Hsinchu Science and Technology Museum if you prefer something closer to your location.

Food

Some popular and typical dishes to try in Hsinchu include:

1. Hsinchu rice noodles (新竹米粉): a type of vermicelli made from rice flour served in a savory broth with toppings such as braised pork, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms.

2. Bei Gang steamed buns (北港割包): a type of Taiwanese-style sandwich filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, and ground peanuts.

3. Ba-wan (肉圓): a type of Taiwanese meatball made with a translucent, gelatinous wrapper filled with seasoned ground pork and served with a sweet and savory sauce.

4. Hsinchu meatballs (新竹肉圓): another type of Taiwanese meatball that's larger and chewier than ba-wan and typically served with a clear soup.

5. Fried tofu (炸豆腐): crispy fried tofu cubes served with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce.

6. Pork ball soup (肉丸湯): a clear soup with tender pork balls and sometimes other ingredients like seaweed or bamboo shoots.

7. Oyster omelette (蚵仔煎): a popular Taiwanese street food dish made with eggs, oysters, and vegetables cooked on a hot griddle.

8. Pineapple cake (鳳梨酥): a traditional Taiwanese pastry filled with sweet pineapple jam.

These are just a few examples of the delicious local dishes you can enjoy in Hsinchu!

Activities

Sure! Here are some fun activities that locals enjoy doing in Hsinchu:

1. Visiting the night market - Hsinchu has several night markets, including the famous Dongmen Night Market, where locals and tourists alike can enjoy a variety of Taiwanese street food and try their luck at carnival games.

2. Exploring the city's historical sites - Hsinchu has a rich history, and there are many historical sites to explore, such as the Hsinchu City God Temple, the Eighteen Peaks Mountain Park, and the Hsinchu East Gate.

3. Enjoying nature - Hsinchu is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, and locals often go hiking or biking in the nearby mountains or visit the beaches along the coast.

4. Attending festivals and events - Hsinchu hosts many festivals throughout the year, including the Hsinchu City International Glass Art Festival, the Hsinchu City Music Festival, and the Hsinchu City Fireworks Festival, which are all popular among locals.