Hsinchu CountyPlay Recommendations

Fengxiang Waterfall sits along a forested lane off County Road 35 in Fengxiang Village, Hengshan Township, Hsinchu County. Admission is free, with complimentary parking and a flat asphalt road leading to a short three-minute walk to the streamside. The pool beneath the waterfall is only calf-deep with crystal-clear water, making it an excellent summer spot for families to splash and try their hand at catching small fish. Steps and an observation platform provide unobstructed views of the full cascade, while the surrounding area features a century-old sticky-rice bridge, a Tudigong shrine and a sweet-gum walking trail, forming a compact rest area that blends nature with local culture, perfect for relaxed cooling-off with family or friends.

Qingcao Lake in Hsinchu County was originally built as an irrigation reservoir and has since evolved into a popular leisure destination for families and couples. A gentle 2-kilometer lakeside loop trail (about 30 minutes on foot) suits strolling, leisure cycling and morning runs, with photo-worthy stops along the way including Yingyue Bridge, Yufei Island and the Xinxin Xiangyin Pavilion. The lake itself hosts swan boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and dragon boats, while the surrounding grounds offer picnic lawns and dedicated bike paths. Parking is NT$30 per hour, and YouBike rentals are also available. With ongoing environmental improvements in recent years, the lake makes for an excellent family day out or a relaxed escape from the city.

Yuanyang Valley Waterfall Group Trail in Jianshih Township, Hsinchu County, threads through forest along the Shuitian Forest Road, linking three waterfalls of markedly different character: Man (Male) Falls, Woman Falls and Yunü Falls. The trail is densely shaded and gently graded, making it ideal for families and half-day casual hikes. Along the way visitors enjoy the clear stream water and observe a rich insect ecosystem, and the route makes an excellent summer cooling-off choice. Parking is limited, so arriving early is recommended; the full outing takes about two hours.

JAI Zhai is a pet-friendly Italian restaurant with branches in Hsinchu Big City Mall, Taichung and Ximending, Taipei. The interior adopts a jungle-themed Instagram aesthetic with spacious seating and elevator access, making stroller and pet-carrier access effortless, so guests can dine and snap photos alongside their furry companions. The menu centers on pasta, Italian dishes and refined desserts, attracting both younger crowds and pet owners in search of a stylish meal with their pets.

JiNHer Italian Bistro on Jiafeng 5th Road in Zhubei City, Hsinchu County, specializes in Italian dining fare and creative desserts within a pet-friendly, photo-ready setting. The decor fuses classical and opulent styles, with dreamlike chandeliers and Instagram-friendly walls designed for shooting and sharing. The menu centers on brunch, pasta and risotto, with signature new items including black-gold bamboo charcoal custard caramel creme brulee crepes and three-dimensional latte-art beverages that delight both eye and palate. The restaurant sits within walking distance of Zhubei Park, Magic Bean Adventure Park and the Xinwawu Hakka Cultural Preservation Zone, with metered street parking and parking lots nearby, making driving there equally convenient.

PHOENIXCAFE is tucked into the historic alleys near Hsinchu City God Temple, an untimed, pet-friendly cafe with full Wi-Fi and freely available power outlets. The interior blends light-wood and concrete-gray tones to create a bright, design-forward, indie atmosphere that suits solo work with a laptop, gatherings with friends or quiet moments with a pour-over coffee alongside a furry companion. The signature house-made mille-crepe cake comes in matcha, Earl Grey and tiramisu flavors, all well-reviewed and paired beautifully with the coffee. With a parking lot right beside the cafe and convenient transportation, it serves as a hidden afternoon retreat in Hsinchu.