 Hsinchu, the oldest city in northern Taiwan, can be reached in just over an hour's drive from the capital city of Taipei. Often referred to as Asia's 'Silicon Valley,' more than half of the world's notebook computers and a great share of its motherboards originate here in Hsinchu.
The city is sometimes called the ‘Windy City' due to constant, year-round winds that sweep pollution and smog away while keeping temperatures low. These winds have become an integral part of the city's culture, as seen through local pastimes like kite flying and the traditional practice of air-drying rice noodles.
This strong, silicon-based economy has taken great strides towards strengthening the region's international appeal. Infrastructure here is well-suited to tourists and there are a number of interesting museums and attractions to explore. The historic centrepiece of the town is East Gate, which is all that remains of the 18th century walls that once protected the city.
Taiwan was home to aboriginal tribes that lived here long before Chinese, European and Japanese settlers arrived. This demographic is still present today, and the Hakka tribe in particular is found throughout Hsinchu and the surrounding area. Hiking tours into the countryside reveal traditional Hakka villages continuing a lifestyle that hasn't changed much in several thousand years.
 The city is home to an impressive array of restaurants serving a variety of food. There is a commanding expatriate community in Hsinchu, and several fine restaurants serve well-made international fare. Locally, pork balls and rice noodles served in a light broth is one of the most popular dishes. Rice noodles are traditionally associated with Hsinchu, and sampling this locally-made product is a must for all visitors.
Accommodation is plentiful and representative of all tastes and budgets. International hotel chains are located throughout the business and tourist sectors of Hsinchu, but there are just as many quaint establishments well-located in Hsinchu's historic district. One of the nicest places to stay is along the scenic moat near East Gate, where a variety of restaurants also capitalise on the old-world nostalgia that lingers in these alleyways.
The wonderfully modern city of Hsinchu receives a great influx of international tourists every year. With so much history and first-class infrastructure, visitors often find more to do than time permits. In conjunction with the local hospitality, these attractions make a holiday in Hsinchu a truly memorable event.
History
There is evidence of human civilisation in Taiwan dating back 30,000 years ago, though the country's modern inhabitants didn’t descend from the island’s original settlements. Taiwan's second wave of immigrants arrived 4,000 years ago and shared common ancestry with modern Polynesians, and today's aboriginal groups descended from these ancient tribes.
Waves of Chinese Han settlers arrived from the mainland in the 13th century, though the island wasn't a particularly coveted trading destination at that time. Ancient Chinese records indicate that Taiwan was previously known to Chinese dynasties as far back as the 3rd century, though this remains disputed.
Taiwan entered the world scene in the 16th century when a Portuguese vessel caught sight of the island and put it on the international mariners map. Dutch and Spanish settlers arrived a century later and began building infrastructure on the island. Hsinchu, along with the rest of northern Taiwan, was administered by Spain, and Jesuit missionaries began proselytising among the aboriginal tribes.
The Spanish and even larger Dutch colonial presence were quickly driven off Taiwan by Qing dynasty forces from mainland China. Rising and falling political forces in China kept Taiwan in perpetual limbo during the 17th century. The island was officially annexed by the Qing dynasty in 1683, and throughout the coming years, China exerted great influence over the island while making land provisions for its aboriginal inhabitants.
 Japanese interest in Taiwan played an increasing role in the island's history from the 17th to the 19th centuries. By the late 1800s, Japan had wrestled Taiwan from Qing dynasty forces and gave Chinese loyalists two years to move to the mainland. Japan made impressive strides in industrialising Taiwan, strengthening sanitation and transportation infrastructure.
 A period of political unrest followed WWII. Taiwan was ceded to the ROC administration, headed by Chiang Kai-shek. The Chinese Civil War ultimately went to the communist party, and the Kai-shek administration began to view itself as a government in exile. Over the next few decades, a harsh military dictatorship was maintained exclusively by the Chinese Nationalist (KMT) party.
In the 1980s, Chiang Kai-shek's son and successor began to ease the reigns of dictatorship and founded a second political party to compete democratically with the KMT. Tensions during the Cold War prompted some Western nations to embrace Taiwan's non-communist regime, and the country entered an age of economic prosperity. Claims of autonomy continue to counter claims of administration by the People's Republic of China.
Today, Taiwan is a prospering, modern democracy with a rich and diverse history. Hsinchu city was formerly established in 1982, and its recent success in the silicon industry has resulted in an economic boom for the region. As a result, visitors continue to be greeted by ultra-modern amenities set against a rich tapestry of colonial, Qing and aboriginal historic sites.
Weather
Hsinchu is often referred to as the ‘Windy City,' and the powerful gusts of wind that the city experiences sweep smog and other pollutants out of the atmosphere, fostering a pleasantly crisp and clear environment. These winds have also been instrumental in air-drying rice noodles, a traditional craft for which Hsinchu is well-known.
The early part of the year is typically very pleasant, and sees a heavy influx of international tourists. However, Hsinchu's windy climate can drive temperatures down in this season, and the Chinese New Year celebrations often see temperatures averaging at 15°C.
Temperatures continue to rise from March until August, when they typically approaching highs of 30°C. This warm season is also characterised by humid atmospheric conditions. Temperatures drop to 20°C after August and continue to drop throughout the remainder of the year.
Hsinchu, along with the rest of northern Taiwan, undergoes a wet season from January until late March. Rains intensify during the months of May and June, in a Pacific weather pattern known as meiyu. Typhoons are also not unheard of, and they can bring periods of erratic weather to Hsinchu during this part of the year. October and November are the driest months of the year, but even when it isn't raining Hsinchu is subject to overcast skies.
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