Hsinchu E-Book

Claudius Petzold

• Herausgeber: epubli
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Hsinchu and its surroundings are unjustly reduced to its industrial complex, even though the city of Hsinchu itself boasts significant historical sites. Hsinchu County offers much more: remote mountains in Jianshi and Wufeng, Hakka culture in rural areas, a variety of old mines, and ancient villages in remarkable seclusion. The narrow coastal strip in the west features well-preserved tidal flats and mangrove forests, with newly developed bike paths suitable for family outings. In the hilly outskirts of Hsinchu City, you'll find historical remnants of Japanese/Taiwanese mining operations. The culture of the Hakka, a minority from China, thrives here. Lion's Head Mountain, adorned with Buddhist and Taoist temples, stretches across multiple counties. From the west's tidal flats, nature extends to the Xueshan mountain range, reaching over 3,000 meters in height. In Hsinchu, Jhudong, Nanzhuang, or Yangmei, you may not find contiguous old town districts, but you will discover a surprising array of temples, old farmsteads, alleys, and museums. This comprehensive travel guide also describes lesser-known attractions, primarily aimed at those already in Taiwan or with prolonged business in Hsinchu. There are also some quirky places for the adventurous palate. The locations were personally visited by me, and information was gathered from on-site explanations, conversations with staff and residents, and supplemented by internet research.

Leseprobe

Claudius Petzold

Hsinchu

Travel guide and subcontractor for tour operators in Taiwan; Ph.D. in the international legal status of Taiwan; lawyer in Taipei, with several publications on travel and indigenous peoples in Taiwan

Taiwan City Travel Guide

Hsinchu

Claudius Petzold

Impressum

Texte:   © Copyright by Claudius PetzoldUmschlag: © Copyright by Claudius Petzold

Verlag:  Claudius Petzold

Gaopeng Rd. 22, Lane 22

Preface

Hsinchu and its surroundings are unfairly reduced to its industrial complex, even though the city of Hsinchu itself boasts places of historical significance. Hsinchu County offers much more: remote mountains in Jianshi and Wufeng, Hakka culture in the countryside, a variety of old mines, and ancient villages in astonishing seclusion.

The narrow coastal strip in the west features a preserved tidal flat and mangrove forests, with newly developed bike paths suitable for family outings. In the hilly outskirts of Hsinchu city, you'll encounter the historical remnants of Japanese/Taiwanese mining operations. The culture of the Hakka, a minority from China, is vibrant. Lion's Head Mountain, adorned with Buddhist and Taoist temples, spans across multiple counties. From the tidal flat in the west, nature extends to the mountain ranges of Xueshan at over 3,000 meters in height.

In Hsinchu, Jhudong, Nanzhuang, or Yangmei, discover not just fragments of old town charm but a delightful assortment of temples, ancient homesteads, winding alleys, and captivating museums.

This travel guide is your passport to a detailed exploration, shedding light on both prominent landmarks and hidden treasures. Tailored for those already in Taiwan or with extended business in Hsinchu, each location has been personally visited. Information is sourced from on-site explanations, conversations with locals, and supplemented by thorough internet research.

Embark on an immersive journey with us as we unveil the rich tapestry of Hsinchu and its surroundings, inviting you to discover the stories etched into its landscapes and communities.

A General explanation about history, culture and nature

The Atayal are an indigenous tribe in the north. Because they live in remote areas and their numbers are relatively large, they can still preserve their language and parts of their culture. The historically warrior-like Atayal were hunters and farmers. They have a very strong sense of community, sharing, and support, surpassing that of the Han Chinese. They often reside in areas of tourist interest, which brings income and a sense of self-esteem.

Atayal childrenin Smangus

(Lahui Iceyh)

Banyan Tree: The Chinese Banyan (Ficus microcarpa) is cultivated as an ornamental plant and shade provider in the tropical belt along streets, parks, and gardens. Noteworthy are its large aerial roots, which interconnect, and its distinctive growth that gives the tree a somewhat enchanting appearance.

Bodhisattva is a being who has dedicated themselves to achieving Buddhahood (enlightenment) and, in the process, has chosen to remain in the cycle of birth and death to help all sentient beings attain liberation. The Bodhisattva path is characterized by compassion, altruism, and the pursuit of wisdom. In Buddhism, Bodhisattvas are revered figures, and they play a crucial role in Mahayana Buddhism, which emphasizes the universal enlightenment of all beings.Guanyin (觀音) in white attire is a female Bodhisattva of compassion, also revered in popular belief as a goddess (including the mother of all creatures).

During the Qing Dynasty, the Confucian temples were significant symbols of civilization and culture, constructed on new land by Han settlers in Taiwan. They are not inherently Taiwanese but rather represent a part of the Chinese roots in the region.

Creek: Taiwanese rivers are predominantly short, flowing from the central mountainous regions to the lowlands, often with steep terrain. Here, a creek refers to a relatively small watercourse through a valley or gorge. During heavy rain, creeks can swell rapidly and become dangerous.

Ghost houses/places are locations where a person died due to unnatural causes. Taiwanese people tend to avoid such areas because they are believed to bring misfortune.

Guan Yu (關羽) was a Chinese general who lived during the Three Kingdoms period. He is still worshipped in numerous temples and glorified as a god-like figure. Symbolizing loyalty, courage, and justice, he is often depicted as a red-faced, long-bearded warrior. Artistic interpretations often blend historical facts with mythology. As a deity, he is also referred to as Holy Emperor Guan (關聖帝君), Guandi, or Guangong (關公).

The Hakka people are a Chinese minority originating from various regions in China who migrated to Taiwan alongside other Chinese settlers. Their Chinese term "客家" means "guests." Many of their distinctive red brick houses are still preserved, typically featuring a main building with auxiliary structures arranged three-sided around a courtyard. Traditionally, Hakka women wear loose, blue upper garments. Hakka have their own unique and diverse dialect, and they are perceived as traditional. In the past, they were often farmers. Their cuisine is highly flavorful, rich, and considered a delicacy.

Eating Hakka cuisine is highly recommended. It is well-seasoned and rich, including dishes such as:

-White Rice Noodles (客家粄條)

-Stir-fried Pork Intestines (薑絲炒大腸) with sour sauce and ginger

-Stir-fried Assortment (客家小炒) of braised pork, dried tofu, dried squid, spring onions, and garlic

- Meat-filled Rice Balls wrapped in wild ginger leaves (野薑花粽)

Han Chinese refers to the ethnic majority from China, including the early settlers in Taiwan who originated from the Chinese mainland.

Hoffmann Kiln: The principle of the continuous firing of bricks using a circular kiln was patented by F.E. Hoffmann in 1859. In a round firing channel, the fire can circulate, simultaneously firing bricks in a high-temperature chamber and preheating raw bricks in adjacent chambers with the hot exhaust air. The high productivity of these kilns fueled the global construction boom from the late 19th to the last third of the 20th century.

The Holy Trinity of the West (西方三聖)" refers to the three Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in the Western Paradise: Amitabha, Avalokitesvara, and Mahasthama.

The Kingdom of Tungning: 1661–1683, founded by Koxinga, a Ming loyalist on Taiwan. However, it only controlled parts in the south. Following an unresolved succession issue, it was defeated by the Qing court (the new ruling Chinese dynasty), leading to the formal integration of Taiwan into China.

The Lin Shuangwen Rebellion was an uprising in Taiwan against the Qing rule from 1787 to 1788. Lin Shuangwen killed the then-governor and established a resistance army. Initially, Hakkamilitia among others fought against the rebellion.

Mainland Chinese can refer contextually either to the current residents of China or to the Chinese who arrived in Taiwan with the Chinese army after 1945. There were many conflicts extending well into the 90s between the mainland Chinese and the old residents of Taiwan.

The goddess Mazu is accompanied by two beings, 1000-Mile Eyes and 1000-Mile Ears (using Li as the unit in the original), as they possessed supernatural abilities. Both were generals under the despotic King Zhou, who could only be defeated through cunning, by beating drums and waving flags. Although they were killed, they continued their mischief as evil spirits. Mazu could conquer them. Mazu was previously a fisher girl who, through her actions, ascended to become a goddess.

Morning and Night Markets: Traditionally, local morning markets align more with the scenes from old films. Preserved in their original form in rural areas, they often exist amidst a maze of streets, sometimes under metal roofs. On the other hand, night markets have become a tourist habit.

The Three Kings or the Three Officials are solely under the authority of the Jade Emperor. They are responsible for the elements of heaven, earth, and water, serving as the gods of the sky, earth, and water respectively. They also possess the authority to forgive sins.

The Queen Mother of the West (西王母) is one of the oldest Chinese deities, prominently featured in Daoism as an immortal, teacher, and mediator between the heavenly and earthly realms.

Shennong (神農, "Divine Farmer") is considered a cultural hero in Chinese mythology. Shennong not only taught the Chinese agricultural practices but also the use of herbal medicine. Additionally, he is credited with inventing tools such as the hoe, plow, axe, and well-digger.

Taisui (太歲) is a Chinese term for the stars that, in the astronomical calendar, are opposite to the planet Jupiter. These stars are personified as deities and hold significance in astrology, Fengshui, and Daoism, but are less emphasized in Buddhism. Specific constellations are believed to bring challenges or difficulties.

The term "Taiwanese" refers to the early settlers from China (starting from the 16th century) until around 1900. Ethnically, they are Han Chinese, and the term is to be understood in a historical-geographical context.

Taiwaneselanguage is understood as a dialect of Standard Chinese, with the greatest similarity lying in shared written characters. Many Chinese dialects are not easily understood, even by native Chinese speakers, without specific language instruction.

During the White Terror era, the KMT (Kuomintang) enforced its claim to power in Taiwan through significant human rights violations against the Taiwanese people.

The Three Officials in Hukou

B Practical tips for a visit

Admission fees for museums are moderate, usually below 100 NTD.

ATMs are accessible 24/7 outside convenience stores and banks. Conversion rates are similar. It can be challenging to exchange currency outside of airports and large hotels (often more expensive), and the process at banks can be cumbersome.

Bribery: It is strongly advised against attempting bribery. Bribery is only encountered in very large projects and can lead to significant trouble in daily life.

Car rental services can be cautious towards foreigners; it is advisable to rent cars in advance from your home country. Otherwise, you may be limited to choosing from major providers at the airport or high-speed rail (HSR) stations. An international driver's license and a credit card are mandatory. Traffic rules roughly align with international regulations, but there are no general right-of-way rules. There is a strict ban on alcohol in traffic with harsh penalties.

There is generally tolerance towards children in Taiwan. However, nursing and changing facilities are usually available only in some public buildings. In case of need, assistance will be provided in most stores. Please avoid breastfeeding in public. Exception: Drivers do NOT care about kids, please be very alert.

Chinese names are provided when it is necessary to show the characters to a Taiwanese person, especially in remote areas. Pronouncing Chinese words accurately without long training may be challenging.

The climate in Hsinchu: From May to November, it is very hot, with the summer being uncomfortably humid and hot, making outdoor activities unpleasant. The summer months mark the typhoon season. In January and February, there can be continuous rainfall.

Costs: Taiwan is not a budget destination; however, public transportation and admission fees (affordable) as well as local restaurants are exceptions. Overall, costs are not significantly lower than in Central Europe. Restrooms are free of charge. Prices are fixed even at the night markets.

Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, HiLife, or Family Mart can fulfill almost all daily needs, including disposable clothing, mosquito repellent, and food.

Discrimination and racism are not highly prevalent, but they do exist, with the latter being rare towards white individuals or tourists from affluent countries.

You require an International Driver's License, not an EU driver's license. Enforcement is now in place, and driving without the appropriate license will result in a lack of insurance coverage.

Explanations in English and contact persons with proficient language skills in police and government offices have improved. Taiwanese people may struggle with strong local dialects. Apologies, Texas.

General rules of conduct go beyond clichéd travel advice. Taiwan is tolerant towards tourists, and locals can be quite robust themselves. Friendly restraint is the only sensible boundary, especially when it comes to sensitive political topics. Avoid sticking chopsticks vertically into the rice bowl (see below), and dress modestly when entering temples. Specific rules are often explicitly illustrated, and unintentional breaches are usually kindly reminded. Generally, people tend to be slightly more reserved towards the opposite gender, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Line-cutting at public stations is almost non-existent, and on escalators, stand on the right, walk on the left. Red seats on trains are reserved for individuals with disabilities; while you are allowed to sit there, be prepared to vacate the seat if necessary without being asked.

Graves and Cemeteries: Death in Taiwan is still surrounded by strong taboos and fears. Be particularly cautious at these locations; for instance, no Taiwanese person would take a photo of a funeral shrine or cemetery. Taiwanese avoid bringing children to such places as the immature child's soul is considered vulnerable. Pay attention to this aspect when your partner is Taiwanese. If tents are set up on the street and adorned with flowers, it is either a business opening or a funeral ceremony. In the latter case, people tend not to look.