"Hsinchu" Hsinchu by erikd

Hsinchu on the west coast of Taiwan is best known internationally for the Science Park where a large portion of the world's computer equipment is manufactured. The Science Park is a modern area with many foreigners working as engineers and programmers.

A few restaurants exist. Obviously the cuisine has a local influence, but you will find Italian, French, Indian, Vietnamese, Thai and other flavours to feast on. For those that are not that adventurous, there is always KFC, MacDonalds and Subway.

Taiwan, like most Asian countries, has a serious traffic problem. The same applies in Hsinchu. Rules of the road are largely for the birds and they are not enforced, unless you are a hapless foreigner driving over here. Be on the lookout for scooters and cars hurtling through intersections or traffic lights.

Just east of Hsinchu you will have the opportunity to see the indigenous Hakka people.

Hsinchu is regarded as the windy city, but it is mostly sheltered from typhoons that regularly wreak havoc on the east coast. Even though earthquakes regularly occur on the east coast, again, Hsinchu usually only suffer minor tremors and quakes.

So, enjoy your visit to the city if you are on a business trip or if you will be working here. Otherwise head off to Sun Moon Lake or to Kenting in the south or to Toroko Gorge as there isn't that much to see that you won't see in another city.