This morning we checked out of our Taipei hotel and took the high-speed rail to Hsinchu. The train ride was quick, quiet, and smooth and felt more like riding on a plane than a train, especially when a beverages cart rolled down the aisles. Everything was clean and there was more than enough space between each row, making it easy to move in and out of the seats, even when the seat in front of me was stretched back. It was a bit surreal how quickly we went from a dense cityscape to open stretches of countryside, and then into another bustling urban area.
Our first stop in Hsinchu was the Science Park, which felt very different from the rest of what we’ve seen so far in Taiwan. The whole area had a very modern, clean, almost corporate feel—lots of glass buildings, wide streets, parking lots/charging stations for Teslas, and not much foot traffic. In Taipei, the streets, though clean, felt very dingy in comparison, for lack of better words. It’s clear this place plays a huge role in Taiwan’s tech industry. What stood out to me was how separated it felt from the rest of the city, like a world designed for business and innovation, not daily life. Like we were told in our itinerary, this was the Silicon Valley of Taiwan.
Later, we visited Hsinchu’s old city center, and the contrast was immediate. The older streets had much more character—narrower walkways, small shops, and street vendors. It made me think about how Taiwan manages to hold space for tradition and progress at the same time. You can be surrounded by cutting-edge industry in one moment, and then immersed in a space that feels like it hasn’t changed much in decades. When we got back on the bus, Professor Chen surprised us with a local treat—these flaky pork cakes (or biscuits?) that are famously sold near the city gate. I didn’t expect to like them as much as I did; they had this savory-sweet balance and buttery texture that was really tasty! It was such a thoughtful gesture, and honestly one of the moments I’ll remember most from today.
Before heading to our hotel in Taichung, we made a quick stop to the Rainbow Village, a small but incredibly colorful neighborhood. On the way there, Peter told us about the story of the village. It used to be military housing, but it was almost torn down until one of the last residents, an elderly man, started painting every wall, door, and sidewalk with bright, playful images. Walking through, I was amazed by how much personality and creativity filled such a small space. Each corner had something new and fun to look at, from cartoonish animals to bold patterns. It was cool to see how one person’s art not only saved the village but turned it into a beloved local landmark. It really made me think about how creativity can bring history and community to life in beautiful and unexpected ways.
After settling in at the hotel, a few of us went to a nearby night market for dinner. It was lively, crowded, and full of great smells—grilled meats, stinky tofu (which I still haven’t tried and unfortunately don’t think I will in my time here), fruit juices, and bubble tea everywhere. It felt good to just wander and snack as we spent time together. We also happened to run into some Americans from Penn State who seemed to be here on a Mormon mission trip…? It was definitely an interesting interaction but it was nice to see people from our home country.
Today really showed the contrast between Taiwan’s high-tech present and its cultural roots. I keep noticing how well those two things seem to exist side by side here. It’s something I’m still trying to wrap my head around, but I like it!