Play Recommendations
Bamboo forest whispers, castle ruin cherry blossoms, chance encounters under neon lights — every spot becomes a memory.
Featured
Illustrative National Museum of Marine Science and Technology (NMMST) sits in Ba-Dou-Zi, Keelung, a popular indoor family attraction in the north. The museum includes a Children's Hall, Deep Sea Hall, Marine Science Hall, and Marine Theater, with a wide range of marine ecology, science interactives, and exploration experiences. Signature features include a mini double-decker bus, an RB-02 rescue boat boarding experience, and a large spiral slide, suitable for visitors from infants to seniors. General admission is NT$200; children under 6 enter free, and kids under 12 with ID also enter free of charge. Plan for a half-day to a full day to explore.
Illustrative At Section 2, Huhai Road, Waimushan in Anle District, Meow Meow Café pairs sea views with a cat theme in a pet-friendly setting. The café is home to several American Shorthair cats, and leashed or on-chair pet companions are welcome to visit, letting cat lovers interact and snap photos. Beyond feline company, the menu features coffee, waffles and garlic thick toast, with outdoor seating overlooking Dawulun coastline. Open from 2 p.m., it is a relaxing weekend-afternoon pick for pets, coffee and sea breeze.
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Illustrative →Little Ding-Dong Science Land
Little Ding-Dong Science Theme Park in Hsinchu County is a family-friendly summer destination that combines interactive science experiences with snow play and water games. The grounds feature snow-tube slides and dedicated snow-play zones, alongside water jets, fountains and other aquatic facilities that let visitors beat the heat with a refreshing chill. Beyond the thrill of skiing and water activities, the park offers hands-on science exhibits and a giant tipping bucket, so the whole family can play and learn together. Lockers, shower stalls and free hair dryers are provided for visitor convenience.
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Illustrative →Mountain Lodge
Shan Shang Ren Jia, perched at roughly 1,200 meters elevation in Wufeng Township, Hsinchu County, is a four-season destination that combines a working farm, forest trails and overnight lodging. Spring ignites the tea fields with a sea of富士 and Yoshino cherry blossoms, summer brings comfortable 18-22C temperatures that make it a popular escape from the heat, with fireflies dancing after dark. Autumn paints the ginkgo and bald cypress in gold and orange, turning the walking paths into a natural carpet, while winter offers the best views of the dramatic sea of clouds. The grounds offer dining and lodging services with admission around NT$200, making it ideal for families, couples and photographers seeking a fusion of nature and culture.
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Illustrative →Laoying Creek Trail
Laoyingxi Trail, located in Yufeng Village, Jianshih Township, Hsinchu County, is a roughly one-kilometer route that takes 40 to 60 minutes round-trip. Built with natural-construction techniques, the trail's second half features wooden boardwalks suspended above the streambed, hemmed in by dense forest canopy that creates the feel of pristine mountain and river-valley wilderness. At the trail's end, Lipu Waterfall cascades about 15 meters high and 20 meters wide in crystalline water that is especially refreshing in summer, making it an ideal cooling-off destination. Facilities are complete with portable toilets, a fish-watching pavilion and vendor stalls, plus paid parking (NT$100 for cars, NT$50 for scooters). The short, gentle grade makes it suitable for the whole family, including young children, and offers a satisfying short hike and nature-observation experience.
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Illustrative →Fengxiang Waterfall
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.
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→Qingcao Lake
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.
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→Mawudu Exploration Forest
Mawudu Exploration Forest in Guanxi Township, Hsinchu County, sits at elevations of 700 to 1,300 meters and preserves a pristine forest canopy laced with gentle walking trails that suit all ages, including families with children. The park is anchored by the historic Green Light Elementary wooden cabins, the filming location for the drama Green Forest, which preserves a strong cultural atmosphere. The loop trail takes about 2-3 hours to complete, passing waterfalls and forest streams along the way, while summer temperatures stay refreshingly cool and the air is rich in phytoncides and negative ions for a deeply restorative walk. Access is easy: take the Guanxi Interchange off the Second Freeway north, follow County Road 118 for about 1.8 kilometers to the entrance, then walk in after parking. No specialized hiking gear is needed; just a relaxed stroll brings the full benefits of high-altitude forest bathing.
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