Hsinchu Tofu Rocks (Chessboard Rocks) 新竹豆腐岩

Best Thing To Do In Hsinchu

Even when compared with the City God Temple (城隍廟), Hsinchu’s Tofu Rocks (豆腐岩) often takes the prize for being the most popular attraction in the city. These river breakers are truly nothing out of the ordinary. The wave breakers are simply placed in Touqian River (sometimes spelled Toucian River) in order to reduce erosion. On top of that, Hsinchu’s Tofu Rocks are not even the only wave breakers in Touqian River (頭前溪). So why then are these glorified boulders so famous?

Like most famous places around the world, it all comes down to capturing a destination’s good side. Even a sight as uninteresting as a handful of stones lined up in the middle of a river can end up attracting tourists from all over the country. Hsinchu’s Tofu Rocks rose to fame after a slew of photographers captured the water breakers with long exposure during the evening. After making their rounds on the internet, the Tofu Rocks have suddenly become a sensation in Hsinchu. Thus ranking them among the top sights in the city.

If you’re wanting to get off the beaten path in Hsinchu, check out the Military Cultural Park!

Touqian River Bike Path

Like most famous sights, it is the journey that is memorable, not necessarily the destination. Taiwan is a country full of bike paths, and Hsinchu is no exception. Throughout the city, you’ll find trails following both the coast and the river bank. One of the most famous bike paths in Hsinchu is the Touqian East Bank Bike Path (新竹左岸自行車道).

Following the Touqian River, which divides Hsinchu (新竹) from Zhubei (竹北), the East Bank Bike Path links Nanliao (南寮) all the way to Zhudong (竹東). The entire length of the bike path is over 16km long and will showcase both the beauty of the city and the countryside. The Touqian River Bike Path is actually divided into two parts. One is maintained by the Hsinchu Government, while the other is by Hsinchu County. The border is at a tributary of Touqian River called Kezi Lake River (柯子湖溪).

From downtown Hsinchu, the best place to start your adventure is at Touqian Riverside Park (頭前溪河濱公園). Simply grab your bike and ride down Zhonghua Road Section 2 (中華路二段) until you hit the river. When you start biking, you’ll find that there are actually two bike paths. The wider, well-maintained path will have you getting to your destination quicker. The smaller, winding path will also take you in the same direction, but slower. Showcasing the nearby wetlands and ponds along the way.

One spot you won’t want to miss in Hsinchu is the unique Putian Temple!

Touqian River Bridge

The first stop on your trip to the Tofu Rocks is the Touqian Bridge (頭前溪橋). Many photographers can be seen taking shots of the water breakers below and the trains crossing over the water. This bridge is also a part of the Taiwan Cycling Route No 1 (環島1號線). This bike path takes travelers all around the island of Taiwan. Even if you’re not looking to push your body to the limit, you can still get some great views of the city right by the cycling path.

Below the bridge, you’ll find more than just the Touqian River Bike Trail (頭前溪自行車道). The Touqian Riverside Park consists of a lively dog park, a skate park, as well as many Ecological Parks. From the Riverside Park, it is just 4.5 km to the Tofu Rocks and should take under 20 minutes to get there.

On the weekend, be sure to stop by the Hsinchu Flower Market!

Tofu Rocks

After a 20-minute bike ride along the Nanliao-Touqian Bikeway, you’ll find yourself turning off the main path to see the famous Tofu Rocks. On the weekends, expect to find just as many families and couples stumbling on the rocks as you had to avoid on the bike path on your way to the rocks. For many, Hsinchu’s Tofu Rocks can be a little underwhelming, especially when you have to deal with crowds and crying children.

If you’re wanting to see the best side of Touqian River’s Tofu Rocks, be sure to visit during sunset on a weekday. This is the best time to visit the Tofu Rocks for several reasons. First of all, you won’t have to deal with the crowds. And second, you’ll be able to slowly watch the city light up in the distance and reflect on the water before cascading over the concrete square slabs.

If you’re wanting more history, be sure to check out the Former Residence of Principal Hsin Chih-ping!

Xinglong Bridge

Further down past the Tofu Rocks are even more wave breakers in the river. Underneath Xinglong Bridge (興隆大橋), more of these stones can be seen making waves in the river. Although nowhere near as famous as its neighbor, you’ll at least be able to enjoy the sound of the river without being elbow to elbow with other tourists.

Atop Xinlong Bridge, travelers will also find a lookout where they can kick back, watch the river, and hear countless cars go blaring by. If you’re not wanting to end your bike trip here, the Touqian River Cycling Path continues all the way to Zhudong. There are no Ubike stations in Zhudong. If you’re tired, you’ll have to bite the bullet and cycle all the way back to the city.

Another one of the best temples in Hsinchu is Chulian Temple! Read more here!

Biking Hsinchu City

The Tofu Rocks are merely a sideshow attraction along the Touqian River Trail. Stretching all the way from the coast up to the foot of the mountains, travelers will have all the best parts of Hsinchu showcased in a single trip. Along the way, bikers will be passing lush wetlands, lively parks, and tranquil ponds.

You will probably find yourself like so many travelers coming before you. You hopped on your bike just to tick a box next to the most famous thing to do in Hsinchu. What will make you fall in love with this city is the ease of travel and the changing landscape as you go whizzing by on your bicycle. Before you know it, you’ll be exploring even more of what lays along the banks of the Touqian River.

Want all of the best things to do in Hsinchu? Check out all of our articles here!