HsinchuPlay Recommendations

Hsinchu Zoo, founded in 1936, is Taiwan's oldest zoo, set on roughly 2.7 hectares inside Hsinchu Park. After a cage-free renovation, it now uses a habitat-style design that emphasizes animal welfare and education, making it a friendly destination for family outings. To safeguard both animals and visitors, personal pets are strictly prohibited. Tickets are NT$50 full fare, NT$25 concession, with free entry for seniors over sixty-five, children under six, and Hsinchu City residents under twelve; group discounts also apply. The grounds hold a varied mix of exhibits and a natural ecology pond, allowing close-up viewing of raccoons, gibbons, Bengal tigers, and more - blending observation and learning.

Xin-Zhu-Ku is a creative vegan bistro housed in a 90-year-old Japanese-style police dormitory beside Hsinchu Train Station. The interior preserves the original wooden architecture, plating plant-based dishes that fuse Southeast Asian and Japanese flavors, with a menu centered on inventive vegan cooking and an equally varied drinks list. The antique setting is highly photogenic and pet-friendly - an inviting choice for travelers who love health-conscious, eco-friendly dining in a literary atmosphere.

Shu-Lin-Tou Dog Park, set inside Shu-Lin-Tou Park in Hsinchu's North District, spans about 2,320 square meters (roughly 700 ping) and is the district's first park designed exclusively for pets. The site is zoned into large-dog (about 1,696 sqm) and small-dog (about 524 sqm) areas, with lawns, jump platforms, balance beams, and other multi-use exercise equipment giving dogs safe room to move and socialize. Safety fencing, double-gate access, drinking and washing facilities, and clearly posted rules are all in place, with owners encouraged to use waste bags to keep the grounds clean. A flagship of Hsinchu's 'one pet park per district' policy - perfect for休闲 walks and fitness training with pets.

Si-Chang's Eat is a pet-friendly restaurant tucked into a lane off Zhong-Zheng Road in Hsinchu, with a focus on Japanese curry, donburi, and udon. The rustic countryside decor features roomy seating that accommodates strollers and pets, with QR-code ordering and cash/card payment. Beyond standard menu items, the kitchen crafts dedicated doggie meals, much loved by pet parents and families. The sweet-leaning Japanese curry draws steady praise from kids and online reviewers alike, and the photogenic setting suits social-media sharing.

Si-Chang Xiao-Ju is a brand-new pet-friendly bistro in Hsinchu, located near City God Temple and City Hall, which began trial operations on November 2. The room channels a nostalgic Taiwanese-industrial hybrid with classic oldies on the speakers for a relaxed, retro dining mood. The menu centers on inventive Taiwanese dishes, joined by global flavors like German pork knuckle and Korean spicy chicken wings; the drinks list spans cocktails, beer, and sake, with a playful 'workbook' design. Pets are welcome to share tables with their owners. Pricing runs around NT$200 per a la carte dish, with a minimum spend of NT$600 (including one drink) and cocktails around NT$300, putting a typical evening at roughly NT$1,000. Easy access makes it ideal for friend meet-ups, late-night bites, or relaxed nights out with pets.

Si-Chang Er is a pet-friendly izakaya in Hsinchu's East District centered on yakitori, fried bites, hot pot, soups, and a broad drinks list. The interior evokes a nostalgic schoolhouse, with student desks and hopscotch-patterned floors, creating a roomy, playful dining vibe, plus a semi-outdoor smoking area and scooter parking. Dogs are welcome at the table - there's even a resident shop dog to greet guests. Weekday hours stretch to 2:00 AM, extending to 2:30 AM on weekends and holiday eves. Seating is limited, with the counter holding just five to six. With budget-friendly prices, it's a great late-night pick for students, office workers, and pet parents alike.