Hsinchu isn’t just about the sound of the sea. These 9 ultra-popular “free” attractions are also super Instagrammable

▲ Nanliao Fishing Port boasts a blue-and-white Greek-style vibe, and its iconic “Bell of Happiness” makes for stunning photos. (Photo/IG@bibibo_777)

Reporter Li Zi-yi / Comprehensive Report

The newly popular spot in Hsinchu, “Sounds of the Sea,” has made a comeback thanks to its heavenly-looking pathway that’s gone viral, attracting many travelers who come just to snap beautifully atmospheric photos. Since you’re in Hsinchu, why not explore other attractions while you're at it? ETtoday EBC has specially selected 9 popular photo spots in Hsinchu that are perfect for any angle — come plan a short trip to Hsinchu now.

Hsinchu City

▲ The “Windmill Bell Tower” at Nanliao Fishing Port is also a must-photograph local attraction. (Photo/IG@linlinisdog)

Nanliao Fishing Port
▪Nanliao Fishing Port has recently become a popular Pokémon GO destination in the Hsinchu area. The nearby visitor center, with its unique blue-and-white Mediterranean-style architecture, has also become a favorite photo spot.

Along the 17-kilometer coastline, whether you're taking a stroll or cycling, you’ll find travelers stopping by the “Bell of Happiness” and “Windmill Bell Tower” to take beautiful photos. Guys come here for Pokémon, girls for Mediterranean-style atmospheric shots — one spot satisfies everyone, no wonder couples are often spotted dating here.

Address: Nanliao Street, North District, Hsinchu City

▲ Before the typhoon, Sounds of the Sea had a long seawall that seemed to reach the sky, as if walking on a path to heaven. (Photo/Awei Su)

Sounds of the Sea
▪“Here, you can only hear the sound of the sea!” If you’ve been to Sounds of the Sea, you’ll surely agree. Once a hidden gem among photography enthusiasts, this Hsinchu spot suffered severe damage from Typhoon Soudelor in 2015, leaving only part of the seawall. Though much shorter now, it still retains some of that dreamy “in the middle of the sea” feeling, especially breathtaking at sunset.

Perhaps professional photographers don’t consider it its most beautiful anymore, but for general visitors, the current Sounds of the Sea is still charming beyond its flaws, with mesmerizing sunset views. It has evolved from a photography lover’s secret spot to a popular Instagram check-in location.

Address: No. 106, Lane 106, Nanjing Street, Xiangshan District, Hsinchu City

▲ Tofu Rock has become a recent IG-favorite new photo spot due to its unique terrain. (Photo provided by netizen Dai Wei; no unauthorized reproduction to avoid copyright infringement)

Tofu Rock
▪Tofu Rock in Hsinchu rivals Yilan’s Eagle Rock Peak and Beitou’s Battleship Rock in popularity. With its neatly arranged square rocks, the stream running between them, and the endless blue sky, it has become a new pilgrimage site in the Hsinchu area.

Originally a popular photography spot, many photographers would come here to capture the city’s light changing with the sky, shooting their own unique sunset scenes. Riding the wave of the recent rocky landscape photo trend, young people have their own styles — by standing on rocks of different sizes and shooting at various times, they create their distinctive looks. Just visit to see how incredibly photogenic it is.

Address: Touqian River, East District, Hsinchu City

▲ Hsinchu Veterans Village Museum. (Photo/IG@smile2343333333)

Veterans Village Museum
The Veterans’ Village Museum exudes a strong sense of nostalgia from the inside out, making it a must-visit attraction for retro-loving hipsters. The entire wall of vintage murals and the red gate are iconic photo spots, frequently seen on Instagram as travelers flock here to take pictures. Inside, you can find oversized chess sets, old-fashioned noodle stalls on the alleyway, and other nostalgic decorations that offer a glimpse into the living environment of veterans in the old military dependents' villages, transporting you back in time.

Address: No. 105, Section 2, East Da Road, North District, Hsinchu City 300

▲The vast green grasslands of Qingqing Grassland look like a scene straight out of a Taiwanese idol drama, absolutely stunning. (Photo/IG@sylvia_613Provided)

▲Qingqing Grassland also features a rare retro terrazzo slide, not commonly seen nowadays. (Photo/Provided by Hsinchu City Government)

Qingqing Grassland
Spanning 19 hectares, Qingqing Grassland in Xiangshan, Hsinchu, opened this July with “the longest terrazzo slide in northern Taiwan,” stretching 54 meters, quickly becoming the newest popular slide.

The endless green meadow, complemented by blooming tung flowers, maple leaves, and cherry blossoms in season, enriches the natural landscape. It’s not only great for walks, dog-walking, but also an excellent spot for photos.

Address: Qingqing Grassland, Xiangshan District, Hsinchu City

▲The slide at Yangguang Elementary School in Hsinchu has seven chutes—super fun to ride down. (Photo/Taken fromYangguang Elementary Schoolofficial website)

Yangguang Elementary School
Located in Hsinchu City, Yangguang Elementary School is like a small amusement park, attracting many visitors with its two-story-high “seven slides” and grass-green running track.

Established in 1999 (the 88th year of the Republic of China), Yangguang Elementary School features whimsical and nostalgic interiors that blend playfulness with retro vibes, perfectly suiting young people’s tastes. The most eye-catching feature is the row of seven slides on the second floor—it’s actually quite thrilling to slide down. Viewed from afar, it looks spectacular, as if sliding down from a castle, making it a lot of fun.

Address: No. 200, Minghu Road, Hsinchu City

Hsinchu County

▲Donuts scattered across the grass create a cozy, dreamy and pleasant vibe. (Photo/Posted by an online user on IG, pinkpink413please do not repost without permission to avoid copyright infringement)

Xinwawu
The Hakka Cultural Preservation Area of Xinwawu has recently gained popularity thanks to several giant donut installations. Huge, mouthwatering donuts placed across the large lawn are completely irresistible to girls, sparking a wave of check-ins on Instagram.

In fact, these are part of an art installation titled “Afternoon Tea on the Grass,” created by students from the Department of Visual Arts at Taipei University as part of their collective exhibition “Memory.” Made using spray paint and Styrofoam to represent the foreign food item—the donut—the installation highlights changes in dietary culture.

Address: No. 123, Section 1, Wenxing Road, Zhubei City, Hsinchu County
Exhibition period: Expected to run until the end of the year

▲%The self-service photo booth designed for capturing sweet memories? It's a fun addition to the venue, especially for couples looking to preserve their joyful moments. (Note: The original Chinese sentence was unclear and partially reconstructed; key idea preserved without CJK.)HeXing Train StationOfficial Facebook page, Hsinchu County Government)

HeXing Train Station
Once facing the threat of closure, HeXing Train Station was transformed over two years ago into a romantic “love station.” Its retro wooden Japanese-style building, love bell, love waiting room, and heart-shaped designs on the railway tracks fill the station with a sweet, loving atmosphere, making it a must-visit photogenic spot for couples.

Address: No. 17, Section 1, Zhongshan Street, Hengshan Township, Hsinchu County

▲The mangroves grow taller than people, almost connecting on both sides, resembling a natural tunnel. (Photo/IG@iop24Available)

Hsinfeng Hongmao Harbor Recreation Area
While the Tamsui Mangrove Forest is located in the north, Hsinfeng Hongmao Harbor in Hsinchu boasts an 8.5-hectare mangrove forest, with its unique landscape becoming a hidden gem among locals.

Here, you can observe iconic mangrove ecosystems such as fiddler crabs and mudskippers, providing fun for both adults and children. With the gentle sea breeze blowing, stroll along the long wooden boardwalk, surrounded by mangroves that tower over you on both sides—like walking through a tunnel—the scenery is absolutely stunning!

Address: No. 156, Chifu Road, Hsinfeng Village, Hsinfeng Township, Hsinchu County