Postcard
24 has travelled to Hsinchu City. We know
Tiffany likes it very much!
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| Aerial view of Hsinchu. Cities wikia.com |
WHERE IS HSINCHU?
Hsinchu officially
known as Hsinchu City (Chinese: 新竹市), is
a city in northern Taiwan. Hsinchu is popularly nicknamed "The Windy
City" for its windy climate. Hsinchu is administered as a provincial city
within Taiwan.
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| Location of Taiwan. Wikipedia |
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| Location of Hsinchu within Taiwan. Wikipedia |
HSINCHU CITY IS FAMOUS FOR
…being one of the
most focused educational centers in northern Taiwan. It has six universities.
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| The Logo of Tsing Hua University. Wikimedia Commons |
PLACES TO VISIT
18 Peaks Mountain Park
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| 18 Peaks Park, Miramar-Hsinchu.com |
18 Peaks Mountain
Park was designated a forest park back in 1928 during the era of Japanese rule.
The park stretches eight kilometers from north to south in a crescent shape,
embracing the city from the southeast. As its name suggests, the mountain is composed
of 18 peaks. The Jieshou Pavilion of Longevity sits at the highest point in the
park, 131.79 meters above sea level. Winding through dense woods, the trails
used to be rough and remote. But in recent years, the city has redone the trail
system here, paving some trails with asphalt, and adding an "Osmanthus
Alley" so that the going is easier and adding pavilions so that hikers can
stop to rest and drink free tea.
Green Grass Lake or Qingcao Lake
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| Green Grass Lake. Guide-Taiwan Adventures |
This lake has been
opened for quite some time now and is part of a reservoir which stores water
from the Yaker River. Although small in size, the lake is the oldest scenic
spot in Hsinchu and fringed by centuries old temples amid lush greenery.
Qingcao Lake used
to be a mini-sized lake hundreds of years ago, which was also used as a dam.
After the end of the Japanese colonial period in Taiwan, the first magistrate
of Hsinchu County ordered to reconstruct the dam, resulting in a 30 square
kilometer area for storing water. It was the first large-scaled construction in
Hsinchu since the establishment of the local government.
First Hsinchu Station
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| Hsinchu station |
Hsinchu Station is
a railway station on the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) Western Line and
the Neiwan Line. It is located in East District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan. Hsinchu
Station is a major station on the Western Line and the western terminus of the
Neiwan Line.
The main building
of this station is one of the oldest train stations alongside Taiwan's Western
Main Line, its Baroque style main structure was built in 1913 during the Japan
Occupation Era, and has been appointed as National Heritage Site.
The East Gate
Established in
1733, the city used to be surrounded by bamboo groves. Hence, it was given the
name "Chuchien," which means "bamboo wall." In 1826,
members of the local gentry asked the authorities to erect a city wall made of
brick and stone, and the request was granted. Construction started in 1827, and
four gate towers were erected. As a result of city planning during the Japanese
era, the wall and other gates were torn down in 1902, leaving only the East
Gate.
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| Hsinchu East Gate. Wikimedia Commons |
The East Gate has
a granite foundation with an arched doorway and a tower on top. Originally a
wooden structure, the tower was later rebuilt with concrete. It has 24 pillars
and a gable-and-hip roof with double eaves. Elegant pendants hang below the
upturned swallowtail eaves. Square loopholes on the battlements were used to
shoot through. A stele beside the gate documents the history of Chuchien.
Built in the
mid-18th century, this temple was commissioned by an officer of Tamshuen Jen
Z-ing. The temple is fronted by a pair of stone-carved lions and is otherwise
characterised by delicate wood carvings. Inside, it is possible to spend an
hour or more simply admiring the intricately-crafted decor.
LIFESTYLE
Taiwan is a
modern, free, democratic society whose people are hardworking, fun-loving,
educated and friendly. While eagerly embracing the future, the people of Taiwan
hold onto traditional values and ideals. The family, including ancestors, is of
utmost importance; education and scholarship are held in high esteem. The
family, including ancestors, is of utmost importance; education and scholarship
are held in high esteem.
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| Taiwanese traditional dance. Roc-Taiwan.com |
Hsinchu City,
Taiwan is a high-tech community blessed with mountain and coastal scenery. Its
green mountains and blue water are simple, yet pleasant and beautiful to
behold. Aiming to promote a dual theme of technology and culture, the local
government is making strong efforts to set up more parks, plant more trees and
flowers so that Hsinchu City also becomes a garden city with birdsong,
fragrance, happiness, abundance, health, success.
Sources:
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