Hsinchu (which translates as "New Bamboo") is situated on Taiwan's west coast. On-island, it is known as "the Windy City", and the cooling influence of the sea breeze from the Taiwan Strait is particularly welcome to residents in the summer months. The city is a little over an hour's drive from the capital, Taipei, and forty minutes from the Taoyuan International Airport. The home of Taiwan's leading science and techology universities (Chinghua University and Chiaotung University) and associated high-tech research institutes, Hsinchu is a lively city which retains its friendly provincial character. Through the last two decades the growth of the Hsinchu Science-Based Industry Park has been phenomenal, gaining the city an international reputation and considerable prosperity. As Taiwan's Silicon Valley it continues to expand rapidly. The city's facilities are developing apace, with the establishment of major department stores, culture centers, shopping malls, hotels, parks and leisure areas.

Hsinchu City is located in the northwestern part of Hsinchu County. The town was first developed in 1723, and first gained the name Hsinchu in 1875. In 1982, the town was upgraded to a provincial city. The highest point of Hsinchu City is about 120 meters above sea level. The Hsinchu plain, where the city is located, slopes upward to the east and merges into Tapachienshan (Tapachien Mountain) and Nioupushan (Nioupu Mountain). Most of the eastern part of Hsinchu County is covered with foothills and small mountains. The city itself covers an area of about 104 square kilometers. Famous scenic spots include a 17KM Coastline bike path, Hsinchu Zoo, 18-Peak mountain Park and the Chenghuang Temple.