Former Residence of Principal Hsin Chih-Ping 辛志平校長故居

The Former Residence of Principal Hsin Chih-Ping

While in Hsinchu, you’ll quickly discover that you’ll never run out of coffee shops to visit and historical houses to roam around. While the ones fit for tourists are still just a fraction of what is available. Hsinchu still has plenty of traditional Japanese-style houses as well as Taiwanese homes where you can step back into the past. Many of the houses are museums and exhibition halls, but several of these historic buildings in Hsinchu will even let you experience the home firsthand. The Former Residence of Principal Hsin Chih-Ping is no exception.

Nothing quite completes the illusion of having a nearly century home old to yourself than kicking back and sipping on some coffee. While some may consider another coffee shop in a historic building to be unimaginative. It is still the best way to support a place you love and spend extra time appreciating the grounds and beauty of the home.

Looking for more quiet spots around Hsinchu? Check out Fangwai Coffee!

Finding the Former Residence

The  Former Residence of Principal Hsin Chih-Ping tops the list of most famous houses in Hsinchu. A close second is the gorgeous Former Residence of Dr. Li Kecheng. Similar to the other historic Japanese buildings in Hsinchu, the Former Residence of Principal Hsin Chih-Ping is hidden in plain sight. You could walk down Dongmen Street a million times without knowing you have been strolling right past it.

The Former Residence of Principal Hsin Chih-Ping is walled in at the intersection of Dongmen Street (東門街) and Dongmen Street Lane 34 (東門街34巷). Only being open between the hours of 10:00 to 5:00, you have a short window if you want to try and visit the grounds. For your average working-class person, you’ll find the gates to the residence closed shut on your way to and from work. Unknowing what is within its walls.

Visiting the Home of Hsin Chih-Ping

If you can fit it into your schedule, visiting the Former Residence of Principal Hsin Chih-Ping is a must. This museum has been made to look as close to what the principal’s home would have looked like nearly a century ago. Although it lacks a lot of pictures and knick-knacks that would make the house feel warmer, you can still imagine someone reading a book in the corner or someone busily cooking up dinner in the kitchen.

So who exactly was Hsin Chih-Ping? Born in China, Hsin Chih-Ping moved to Hsinchu, Taiwan after the Japanese surrender. He then took the job as principal of the Japanese-built Hsinchu Middle School. He also took the traditional Japanese dormitory as his home. Hsin Chih-Ping helped sculpt the local school into how it looks today. The principal lived in the home from 1945 untilhis death in 1985.

If you’re looking for more local culture, be sure to visit Guandi Temple in Hsinchu!

A Cup of Coffee

Prior to the home of former principal Hsin Chih-Ping being a museum, it actually housed a coffee shop. The coffee shop has since moved to a nearby shipping container, converted into a trendy lounge. You may think that this coffee shop is merely just another way to appeal to younger hipsters, but you’re actually going to be surprised how much clout this unassuming cafe has with the industry.

VWI 辛志平 (Vapour Water Ice) is part of the larger brand known as VWI by Chadwang. Chad Wang (王策) is a WBRC Champion, who now uses his coffee skills to train baristas around Taiwan. Each of the baristas you encounter at the coffee shop is trained by him. VWI also works in partnership with an upscale restaurant within the compound known as TAIVII餐酒館. For your average traveler, a coffee at VWI is already considered splurging. Dinner at TAIVII is a meal that will surely eat through your wallet.

Another historic Japanese home is the Residence of Dr. Li Kecheng. You can read more here!

Coffee Hopping

One thing is for sure while traveling through Hsinchu, you’ll never be low on energy. While visiting any trendy spot or historical sight around the city, you’re sure to stop for a cup of coffee as well. The Former Residence of Principal Hsin Chih-Ping tops the list of things you must do in Hsinchu. The walls of the compound keep out all of the crowds and noise of the city, leaving you in a tranquil oasis.

The museum inside the house is completely free. Even if you decide not to splurge on a coffee or dinner, you can still enjoy wandering around the grounds and soaking in the atmosphere of this nearly century-old structure. The home of Hsin Chih-Ping is just the beginning though. You’re bound to find even more exciting things to do in Hsinchu. Especially if you go off the beaten path.

You can find a full list of things to do in Hsinchu here!