There is a little bit of everything for children in Hsinchu county. Whether your children are nature lovers or thrill seekers, there's a niche here for them to enjoy. Several protected ecosystems support a variety of wildlife, some of which can be viewed at a miniature zoo downtown in Hsinchu Park. More mainstream entertainment is available at Leofoo Village, where a variety of themed rides and other attractions await families outside of Hsinchu city proper.

Firefly Watching
The town of Neiwan is locally known as a haven for fireflies, and families with children will want to take in this attraction if they come during the early summer. May and June are the best months to visit, when iridescent clouds of these insects fill the air. There are literally millions of blinking fireflies flying through the air, huddling in trees and scouring the grounds. Fireflies glow in order to find a mate; and as the season wears on there is less lustre in Neiwan. This magical lightshow is a must-see for visitors in the early summer.

Hsiangshan Wetlands
If your children are nature lovers, then they'll enjoy a visit to the Hsiangshan Wetlands. There are countless varieties of small animals here—particularly fiddler crabs, molluscs and a several species of fish. As the tide recedes, the tidal mudflats retain a dense cross-section of the marine ecosystem in an easily viewed environment. Bird-watching is another popular pursuit at Hsiangshan, so be sure to bring a pair of binoculars for the children. This protected wetland environment officially stretches from the delta of Keya Creek to Hsinchu's border with Miaoli county.

Leofoo Village
Located on the edge of Hsinchu county, Leofoo Village theme park is a hit with children of all ages. The park is divided into several themed sectors, all of which emanate from a central plaza and its singing fountain. The jets of this fountain hum to life twice an hour and entertain guests with eruptions of water timed to music. An old-world mystique permeates the Arabian Palace section of the park, while an exciting array of animals are on display at Wildlife Kingdom. There is also a sector of the park dedicated to the tropical wiles of the South Pacific. Meanwhile, cowboys and Indians are the main attraction in American West. Every part of the park offers rides, performances and exhibits related to its respective theme. Website: www.leofoo.com.tw/.

Hsinchu's city centre and surrounding countryside are surprisingly rich in cultural attractions. The city is home to an impressive array of specialised museums, each exploring a unique facet of Hsinchu's history. Religious sites representing a variety of creeds are open for tours, and many are regularly frequented by worshippers. In many cases, visitors and tourists are encouraged to join in traditional customs at these religious sites, enriching cross-cultural exchange.

Catholic Cathedral
Though it isn't particularly ancient, having been built in 1957, the splendid architecture of this cathedral makes it worth a visit. As one of few Christian institutions in the region, it garners even more interest simply for its novelty. The church is still in use, with Mass held every Sunday. You can find the cathedral, sometimes referred to as Beida Church, at the corner of Chung Chen and Beida roads.

Confucius Temple
Also known as Wen Temple, this structure was built in the early 19^th century under the patronage of the Qing dynasty's Emperor Jahching. A ceremony to honour Confucius is held here every year in late September, a well-recommended event for any tourists fortunate to visit during this time of year. The temple is found in Chen Gong Li and receives visitors year-round, most of which come to explore the cultural relics and serene atmosphere.

Fire Department Museum
Part museum, part international archive, Hsinchu's Fire Department Museum contains a wealth of information on fire fighting and prevention. There's an extensive library with countless volumes dedicated to the subject. More interesting for the casual viewer are numerous exhibits with antique equipment and demonstrations of its use. Guides in this facility are very knowledgeable and will help to make your visit worthwhile. Phone: +886 3 5222050.

Garden Street Night Market
This is a relatively new addition to Hsinchu's cultural attractions. Opened in May 2000, this night market is located on Garden street (Hua Yuan street) underneath the hanging bridge on Dongda road. Sketch artists and street performers are found here, making strolling around the market a wonderful way to pass an evening in Hsinchu. For an authentic local experience, be sure to sample some traditional Hsinchu noodles followed by a locally-made dessert.

Hsinchu Municipal Glass Arts and Craft Museum
The Municipal Glass Arts and Craft Museum has been the central player in an ongoing mission to promote the work of local glassworkers. Before silicon took centre stage in the computer industry, glass was widely used here in the traditional production of glassware. During the annual Glass Festival, a number of events are held at the museum as well as in the surrounding Hsinchu Park. Heading out of the museum, the park is also home to a stadium, zoo and a Confucian temple. Phone: +886 3 5255481.

Image Museum
Constructed in 1933 by the Japanese colonial government, this building was Taiwan's first modern movie theatre, including such modern innovations as air conditioning and the best projector on the market at the time. The building's architecture is typical of classic Romanesque styles, with infusions of Arabic style throughout. Today, the building serves as a museum that chronicles Taiwan's journey into the age of motion pictures. Upon entering the main hall, visitors are greeted by a lavish oil painting depicting daily Taiwanese life in the 1930s. Exhibits include old-style cameras and movie projectors, along with one of the original antique air-conditioning units. Phone: +886 3 528 5840.

Mount Shihtou Scenic Area
On first glance, visitors may assume that this is merely an outdoor area that features natural attractions at a high altitude. However, the Mount Shihtou Scenic Area is actually an important centre of Buddhism and is listed as one of Taiwan's most important sites. The resounding toll of bells emanating from the heavy concentration of temples in this region draws crowds of pilgrims throughout the year. An old paved walking trail accommodates worshippers who follow the track of temples across the mountainside.

Shopping facilities in Hsinchu are very modern, with many upmarket department stores selling international brands. Shopping complexes in this area are typically large and dense, and some of Taiwan's most impressive shopping outlets are found here. Windance Shopping Centre is the most impressive of these outlets. In addition, Sogo and RT Mart (also known as Da Ren Fa) are good places to go shopping.

Hsinchu's biggest claim to fame is its leviathan computing industry, with the vast majority of the world's motherboards originating here. More than half of the world's notebooks are also built here in Hsinchu. Generally, lighter electronics such as MP3 players can be picked up at internationally competitive prices.

Despite the booming silicon industry, citizens of Hsinchu aren't privy to any special discounts on computers and higher-end electronics. Regional competition with Japan and Korea is strong, and visitors should expect to pay just as much for computer parts in Hsinchu as they would at home.

Popular souvenirs capitalise on Hsinchu's windy status. Inexpensive, traditional kites are widely available, as are flying lanterns. These are fun items to purchase for entertainment while visiting Hsinchu, and they also make excellent gifts for those back home.

It is also possible to find traditional handicrafts for sale in and around Hsinchu. The indigenous tribes that live in the surrounding countryside craft traditional wares which they then bring into commercial areas to sell to tourists.

Diners are unlikely to grow restless in Hsinchu, as there is an endless variety of food to explore. Steamed dumplings (dim sum) stuffed with pork, crab and other ingredients are popular snacks. Many nicer restaurants serve roast duck, 'drunken chicken' (prepared in a light wine sauce), as well as lamb dishes. Fermented soybean sauces, oyster sauce and pickled vegetables (especially mustard greens) contribute to the unique flavours found here.

Taiwanese cuisine draws on a variety of influences. The mainstream culture that has drifted over from the Chinese mainland throughout the centuries has brought with it traditional flavours and cooking methods. A great deal of Taiwan's cuisine incorporates the freshest local seafood; and dishes like steamed grouper, crab or milkfish porridge and oyster omelette are commonly served throughout Hsinchu.

The winds that sweep through the city are perfect for air-drying freshly made rice noodles, and to this day traditional noodle-makers in Hsinchu forsake modern technology and insist on using this old-fashioned technique. The noodles are used in delicious noodle and meatball soups served in a light, spicy broth that has tasted the same for centuries. Several vendors around the City God Temple specialise in noodle dishes, and Hsinchu's annual Rice Noodle Festival is held in September.

Sweet, colourful snacks are widely available. Dumplings stuffed with sweetened fillings, shortbread, glutinous rice cakes and pineapple cakes will satisfy any sweet tooth. An aromatic tea with an infusion of milk, known as pearl milk tea, originated in Taiwan. Children are especially fond of this sweet drink with its soft, flour-ball 'pearls' that can be sucked up through an oversized straw.

Hsinchu's 10-mile Coastline Scenic Area is an ideal place to enjoy any number of outdoor activities, and many of the town's tour operators take advantage of the first-rate facilities available here. Cycling and jogging are popular forms of exercise among locals, and the related infrastructure is very well developed. It is also possible to get involved with local sporting clubs, to enjoy a day at the beach, or to charter a sailboat and explore the coastline. Local travel agencies can get you started on any of these activities.

Cycling
Cycling is a wonderful way to explore Hsinchu and the surrounding area. The 10-mile Coastline Scenic Area is a great place to launch an exploratory cycling excursion. The city has invested in broad biking paths here that can accommodate a heavy flow of cyclists. Shops and outfitters throughout the city rent bicycles at hourly, daily or weekly rates, and it is possible to find any model or calibre of bicycle in Hsinchu. For more ambitious cyclists, Taiwan Cyclist Federation organises 11-day cycling tours that circle the entire island. Tours includes food and accommodation and are relatively inexpensive.

Jogging
Jogging is an extremely popular pastime among locals in Hsinchu. If you are an enthusiastic jogger, then you'll definitely want to get in contact with the Hsinchu chapter of the Hash House Harriers. This group of avid athletes meets on the last Saturday of every month and embarks on a running tour of the city. Visitors are encouraged to get involved, making this an excellent way to mix with locals and expats while getting some exercise. Website: www.hsinchuhash.com.

Water Sports
Hsinchu has a long stretch of coastline that invites visitors to dive in and explore. Scuba diving is possible offshore, and local diving schools cater for diving enthusiasts and aspiring amateurs alike. Snorkelling is also possible in some areas, and dive shops can also help arrange snorkelling tours. In addition, windsurfing is popular in Hsinchu's coastal areas. As Hsinchu's climate is not tropical, most water-based activities are only available for enjoyment during the hottest months of the year. The most popular place for water-based pursuits is the 10-mile long Coastline Scenic Area.