Japanese Travel Delegation Explores Historical Sites in Hsinchu's Old City

(CNA, Hsinchu, by reporter Lu Kang-chun, May 21) A delegation from the Tokyo Travel Agents Association visited Hsinchu City today, touring the Glass Museum, which served as a reception hall for Japanese royalty during the Japanese colonial period, and inspecting the national historic site, Hsinchu Prefectural Hall. They delved deep into Hsinchu's old city area to experience the city's historical richness and architectural aesthetics. The Hsinchu City Government's Department of City Marketing hosted the "Tokyo Travel Agents Association and Media Fam Tour" today, organizing a tour of Hsinchu's tourist attractions and an exchange program. The department stated that besides its tech industry, Hsinchu City has preserved a century of historical heritage, making it suitable for cultural exploration, local cuisine, and leisurely nature travel. In recent years, the city government has promoted the "Hsinchu Mountain, Lake, Sea" tourism brand, guiding visitors into the old city's alleys and local communities. The department pointed out that this Japanese delegation's itinerary included a visit to the Hsinchu City Glass Museum, whose building was used as a lodge for Japanese royalty and high-ranking officials during the Japanese rule, holding significant historical meaning. Afterwards, they visited the national historic site, Hsinchu Prefectural Hall. The department said that the group, guided by volunteers, conducted an in-depth inspection of the modern architecture that blends Baroque and Japanese-Western styles, experiencing the urban landscape of Hsinchu's old city that combines historical depth with modern vitality. According to statistics, the city government stated that Hsinchu City has had nearly 290,000 foreign overnight stays, of which 135,000 were by Japanese tourists. This confirms the significant effectiveness of Hsinchu's targeted marketing to Japan in recent years, establishing Hsinchu's leading position as the "top choice for an extended travel destination in Taiwan" for Japanese tourists.