Taiwan's Oldest Zoo - Hsinchu Zoo

Hsinchu Zoo is absolutely perfect for bringing kids along! Unlike other zoos that are massive, you can complete a full tour in about 1-2 hours, so there's no need to worry about walking until your legs give out. Plus, the design here is quite unique, featuring a "no cages" concept that offers better views of the animals and makes you feel closer to them!

One thing to note is that since the zoo isn't very large, the variety and number of animals are not as extensive as those in Taipei Zoo. If you're looking to see super large or rare animals, this might not be the place, but it's definitely a fantastic spot for a half-day family outing!

🐒 Atmosphere/Facilities:
The layout of the zoo is well-planned, making it easy to navigate. The star attraction here is undoubtedly "Lele the Hippo"! You can view Lele from both above and below the water, and its wide-open mouth is absolutely adorable—kids will be thrilled to see it.

In addition to the hippo, there are Bengal tigers 🐯, orangutans, Malayan sun bears 🐻, and other larger animals. Personally, I love the monkey area, where you can watch them swing through the trees—it’s incredibly soothing. The zoo has preserved many old trees, providing plenty of shade, so it’s not too sunny, and the overall environment is very comfortable.

💰 Ticket Information:
General Admission: NT$50 (super affordable!)
Discounted Ticket: NT$25 (for children aged 6-12)
Free Admission: Children under 6, seniors over 65, and individuals with disabilities.

🚍 Transportation Information:
🔺 By Car: The zoo has an underground paid parking lot, but spaces are highly sought after on weekends.
🔺 On Foot/Public Transport: It’s about a 15-20 minute walk from Hsinchu Train Station, or you can take a bus. Along the way, you can also explore the city center.

📣 Hsinchu Zoo is located within "Hsinchu Park," right next to the Glass Art Museum, the Insect Museum, and the stunning Japanese-style building "Lakeside Pavilion." You can easily turn this into a full-day trip! Spend the morning at the zoo, grab lunch nearby, and then explore the park and museums in the afternoon for a packed itinerary.

🕰️ Opening Hours:
Daily: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Ticket sales end at 4:30 PM).
Closed on Mondays and Lunar New Year's Eve.