The 17km Coastline is a coastal leisure corridor along Hsinchu City's shoreline, running roughly 17 kilometers by bicycle path from Nanliao Fishing Harbor in the north to the Xiangshan District coast in the south, and connecting fishing harbors, sand dunes, and wetlands. Strong, consistent sea winds make this stretch of coast a well-known destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and it is one of the best spots in the region to watch the sun sink into the Taiwan Strait.
The 17km cycling path runs from Nanliao Fishing Harbor in the north to around the Keya River estuary (with routes extending to Haishan Fishing Harbor in Xiangshan District), covering roughly 17 kilometers and passing landmarks including the Fish Scale Sky Ladder, Sea-Viewing Park, Harp Bridge, and the Xiangshan Wetland crab-watching boardwalk, a roughly 250-meter elevated walkway sometimes nicknamed 'northern Taiwan's Gaomei Wetland.'
What to see along the 17km Coastline
Hsinchu's topography channels powerful northeast monsoon winds in autumn and winter, turning the shoreline into an ideal venue for windsurfing and kitesurfing. On weekends you can see colorful sails dotting the water. The entrance to the 17km recreation area is on the north bank of Nanliao Fishing Harbor, where a visitor center and bicycle rental point serve as the starting point for most visitors.
Beyond the cycling path, some sections of the coast preserve natural sand dunes and windbreak forest, and migratory birds can be spotted resting along the shore. At sunset the westward-facing coastline is set ablaze as the sun drops into the Taiwan Strait on clear days — this is one of Hsinchu City's most popular sunset-watching spots.
Tips for getting the most out of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and timing
- By car: Nanliao Fishing Harbor has a car park, though spaces are limited on weekends — arrive early in the morning.
- By public transit: Take a Hsinchu City bus to Nanliao; service is infrequent, so check the timetable before you go. Parts of the cycling route run along the coast road — be mindful of strong cross-winds while riding.
Nearby connections
- The southern Xiangshan section adjoins Xiangshan Wetland; combine the two for a full-day coastal ecology itinerary.
- Nanliao Fishing Harbor to the north connects to the Keya River cycling path, which links into parts of the city.
Sources: Hsinchu City Government tourism information and the Wikipedia entry for Hsinchu City Coastline. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the 17km Coastline?
The cycling path runs from Nanliao Fishing Harbor in the north to the Xiangshan District coast in the south, covering roughly 17 kilometers.
What water sports suit the 17km Coastline?
Strong, stable northeast monsoon winds in autumn and winter make it a well-known spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
What is distinctive about the Xiangshan Wetland crab-watching boardwalk?
The roughly 250-meter elevated boardwalk crosses the wetland and is nicknamed 'northern Taiwan's Gaomei Wetland,' a good spot to observe fiddler crabs and other wetland life.
When is the best time to visit the 17km Coastline?
Arriving an hour before sunset lets you watch the sun sink into the Taiwan Strait, a popular sunset-viewing spot in Hsinchu.
Sources
- 十七公里海岸風景區－交通部觀光署 — 交通部觀光署官方旅遊資訊
- 新竹市觀光旅遊網－17公里自行車道 — 新竹市政府官方景點介紹