Seventeen-Kilometer Coastal Scenic Area

Seventeen-Kilometer Coastal Scenic Area

Refers to the coastline of Hsinchu City, stretching from Nanzao in the north to Nangang in the south, approximately seventeen kilometers in length. It is an offshore accumulated coast, with over a thousand hectares of intertidal zones forming the largest coastal wetland in northern Taiwan, nurturing a large variety of shrimp, crabs, snails, and shellfish. The Seventeen-Kilometer Coastal Scenic Area includes eight major zones: the Hsinchu Fishing Port Recreational Fishing Boat Wharf, Gazing-at-the-Sea Park, Sea-and-Sky Horizon Viewing Area, Gangnan Canal, Meishan Azure Coast Zone, Mangrove Park, Haishan Fishing Port Observation Deck, and Nangang Bird Watching Area. In addition, there are other planned attractions such as the Sailing Sports Park, Nanzao Leisure Old Port, Eco-Leisure Park, Hsinchu City Nursery, Gazing-at-the-Sea Park, Environmental Education Museum, Gangnan Coastal Scenic Area, Jincheng Lake Bird Watching Area, Koya Water Resources Treatment Center, Xiangshan Wetland Nature Ecological Area, Nangang Crescent-shaped White Sand Bay, Wind Power Plant, five distinctive bicycle path bridges, and the Blue Sea Route from Nanzao Fishing Port to Haishan Fishing Port. These provide visitors with a delightful mix of gourmet food, scenic beauty, recreational activities, sports, and cultural experiences, making the Seventeen-Kilometer Coastal Scenic Area one of Taiwan’s most renowned tourist and leisure destinations.

Gazing-at-the-Sea Park was formerly a landfill site, featuring elevated terrain that offers excellent panoramic views. The park's 246-meter-long, 3-meter-wide seaside corridor walkway is equipped with railings on both sides, 11 rest benches, and four beach staircases, creating a complete pedestrian space. The fine sandy beach, together with the blue sky, forms a stunning seascape that has become a popular wedding photography spot. Information signs at Gazing-at-the-Sea Park display directional lines connecting the park with Quanzhou, Meizhou, Pingtan, and Fuzhou on the mainland, arranged from south to north, indicating distances of 160 nautical miles (260 km), 120 nautical miles (216 km), 90 nautical miles (162 km), and 140 nautical miles (260 km) respectively. Below the signs is a map showing the locations of attractions within the Seventeen-Kilometer Coastal Scenic Area, helping visitors better understand the geographical location of Hsinchu City’s seventeen-kilometer coastline.

Haishan Fishing Port is located in the Xiangshan area of Hsinchu City, facing the Taiwan Strait. It is home to the endangered endemic Taiwanese fiddler crab, which makes up 80% of the total population in the province. The fishing port yields catches such as hairtail, snapper, squid, hairtail, mackerel, and various shark species. Visitors can enjoy fresh and delicious seafood dishes here.

The coastal area of the Seventeen-Kilometer Coastal Scenic Area now features a dozen or more wind turbines, creating a unique landscape. Along the route, there are also wave-shaped pavilions, sea-view platforms, pedestrian overpasses crossing the West Coast Highway, dedicated bicycle arch bridges, bunkers, square stones, and more — all making up a series of attractive tourist spots. When you visit Hsinchu, don’t miss its captivating coastline.