Hsinchu City is located in northwestern Taiwan, bordering Hsinchu County to the north and northeast, facing the Taiwan Strait to the west, and adjoining Miaoli County to the south. The city's total area is approximately 104.1526 square kilometers, with a generally flat terrain, except for the southern part, which belongs to the Zhudong Hills region. Hsinchu City was established in 1718 and is the earliest city founded by Minnan people in northern Taiwan. In its early days, it was known as "Chuchien," a name derived from the "Chuchien Society" of the indigenous Taokas tribe. Due to the strong northeast monsoon winds in the area, Hsinchu City is also known as the "Windy City."
Development of the High-Tech Industry
Hsinchu City is a crucial hub for the global high-tech industry. As early as the Japanese colonial period, in 1936, the Taiwan Governor-General's Office established the Natural Gas Research Institute here, which was Taiwan's first industrial research institution. After World War II, the institute underwent several name changes and reorganizations, eventually becoming the Industrial Technology Research Institute in 1973. In the 1980s, the establishment of the Hsinchu Science Park attracted investments from domestic and international companies, along with an influx of high-tech talent, driving the rapid development of Taiwan's high-tech industry and making Hsinchu City the core of the technology sector.
Climate Characteristics
Hsinchu City has a maritime subtropical monsoon climate, with evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year. However, water shortages are relatively common in both summer and winter.
- Summer: Rainfall mainly comes from typhoons in the Western Pacific and afternoon convection showers. In the early summer, the prevailing wind is from the southwest, which later shifts to the southeast to east due to the northward movement of the Pacific high-pressure system, often accompanied by afternoon thunderstorms.
- Winter: Influenced by the northeast monsoon, temperatures are relatively low, with occasional cold waves. Early morning temperatures may drop due to radiative cooling effects. On January 24, 2016, snowfall was recorded—although the Central Weather Bureau classified it as sleet, locals observed complete snowflakes.
- Spring: Mainly influenced by the continental cold high-pressure system, with prevailing northeast winds and occasional southerly winds. Late spring weather is pleasant, and advection fog may occasionally occur.
- Autumn: Winds gradually shift to the northeast. When strong easterly winds strike, temperatures may rise, accompanied by rainfall brought by typhoons.
The term "Bamboo Wind and Orchid Rain" describes the typical autumn and winter weather pattern in northern Taiwan. The wind zone extends from Miaoli County to New Taipei City, while the rain zone stretches from New Taipei City to Yilan County, with the boundary approximately around Tamsui and Bali. During the plum rain season in May and June, Hsinchu City experiences higher precipitation compared to areas north of Changhua, which is closely related to its topography.
Hsinchu City not only boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage but has also become Taiwan’s leading high-tech city thanks to the development of the science park. With its distinct four-season climate, Hsinchu City offers an ideal environment that balances industry and culture, making it a desirable place for living and innovation.
