Things to do in Hsinchu

Smangus truly is a paradise on Earth, living up to its reputation as 'God's Tribe.' It was rainy, wet, and cold before we set off, but unexpectedly, the weather gradually cleared up as we approached Smangus. My jacket even felt like too much, and I even got a bit sunburned. I'd recommend coming 10-15 days earlier for an even better experience; some green shoots are starting to appear now, but it doesn't detract from the viewing or enjoyment. The only minor drawback was that the driver didn't offer much of a tour once we arrived at Smangus, simply letting us explore on our own. He also smoked by the car and chewed betel nut once we were back in the vehicle, and the smell made an already dizzying journey even more uncomfortable. While the quality of drivers can be a hit or miss, I would still sign up for this trip again if I were to return. Also, there's a fixed time for descending the mountain, so you really must gather at the designated time, or you'll be left behind...

Although the journey was long and bumpy, I really appreciate the tour guide, Qiang Qiang, for taking us hiking for two days and driving us back to Taipei for several hours! The hike wasn't too difficult, and this itinerary is very friendly for hiking beginners who like to explore nature. Although we didn't see the cherry blossoms in full bloom, the scenery along the way was worth remembering. Immersed in the mountains surrounding Smangus, a Tayal tribe village located deep in the mountains has its own culture and way of life, which is the purity and tranquility that cannot be seen in the city. The children of Xinguang Elementary School riding bicycles on the only small road left a deep impression on me. The grandma at Yaya Homestay kept urging us to eat well because it was cold in the mountains, as if she was treating her own grandchildren, and she actively offered more food. This human touch makes people feel warm. I would want to go back again, and it's worth recommending!

The space is well-planned. Both the sauna and relaxation areas are very clean. After a good sweat, I felt very relaxed and my skin was noticeably smoother. The shower area is excellently designed, with separate dry changing areas and wet shower areas, so you don't have to struggle to get dressed. The shower gel and shampoo also have a lovely, refreshing natural essential oil scent.

This was my second visit, and it happened to be with the same therapist. I've had spinal fusion with rods, and they were very careful with the pressure. After the massage, my entire neck, shoulders, back, and waist felt relaxed. The store directly reimburses the parking fee with cash upon presentation of the parking receipt, which is awesome! 😎

The RV camping area has gravel, and there are also wiggle cars for rent. You need to purchase a key first, which costs $100 per car, plus a $50 deposit, totaling $150. After use, lock the car back up and return the key, which is a bit inconvenient. The track has a slight incline, and with kids vigorously using them, some cars were damaged on the way back and discarded. We also ordered a BBQ set and asked the staff to defrost it in advance, but it was still frozen when we received it. The mattress was a bit hard, but the water bottle and amenities inside the RV were very good and clean.

Facilities: The surrounding environment appears slightly cluttered, and more organization could be done in terms of cleanliness. The bathroom facilities are fully functional. Experience: The night view is great, you can see a lot of stars. The heating pad inside the tent is very comfortable to use in winter. The meals are simple, but the amount of vegetables in the hot pot at night could be increased, or offered as an add-on for an extra charge. More choices for dipping sauces could be added. The service staff is friendly.

A great place to relax and get away from it all ❤️ The owner is also very kind. Even though I arrived late, she was paying attention to our arrival. I would just suggest arriving before the sun goes down 🛬 because the mountain road up there has no streetlights and is quite dangerous ⚠️

The Hsinchu Zoo is located in the Hsinchu City area. It's not very large, but the admission is very cheap, only $50 NTD for a full-price ticket. There's an underground parking lot available for parking, costing $20 NTD per hour on weekdays. You can see Formosan rock macaques playing and grooming each other in the Malayan macaque area. If you're lucky, you might spot squirrels running along the roadside. It's a great place to take kids.

The computer randomly selects beginner, intermediate, or advanced levels. The game lasts about 30 minutes, providing an incredibly fun experience. Afterward, you can take photos of your progress. The next time you visit, show your record to a staff member, and you can continue your game from where you left off.