Cultural events in Hsinchu during fall semester

By Jacek Michal Fleks, Class of 2023

Cultural events in Hsinchu during fall semester

Hsinchu is best known for its Science Park, area filled by leading global tech-companies, research institutes and of course universities.

But in time off studying or working, it is worthwhile to pay a visit to local festivals and events. For the passing fall semester this beautiful city offered two big surprises: Light Coming Festival and Open House Hsinchu.

Light Coming Festival

Light Coming Festival is event that combines many audio-visual techniques of various illuminations and effective 3D video mappings on the city’s buildings and squares. This event completely transformed the usual appearance of well-known buildings around the city and tourist spots into cinematic installations.

This year festival was renewed due to previous cancelation in early 2021. The traditional lantern festival is the annual cultural highlight in Taiwan that attracts millions of visitors, but because of the pandemic this year the concept of it was adapted to the current conditions as it took place in October under the name “Light Coming Festival”.

Main themes of this festival were “Digital Habit” and “The Home of The Wind” as those are Hsinchu’s characteristics.

Famous city center areas such as “Eki” building in front Hsinchu main train station, Dongmen Circle, City Hall and Cathedral were used as a video mapping on large-scale facades of buildings. Digitalization techniques were used to display relevant artwork on installations and succeeded in creating an artistic link between digital art and Hsinchu.

Open House Hsinchu

Open House Hsinchu is a project promoting Hsinchu's local cultural spaces and events that started in 2021 and will last for the next three years. The event's main objective is to open the city's architectural spaces to the public for 48 hours during the December of each consecutive year. The organized event invites everyone to visit the prepared spaces, gather in activities and join cultural events.

The motto of Open-Hsinchu is to make every corner of the city spontaneously open its doors to urban culture, which is a great way to get familiar with interesting locations around all over the city. At the 48-hour limited-time event, the open spots attract the community to explore them individually or in groups.

During that time, they can experience the intricacies and uniqueness of Hsinchu regional charm - an original opportunity to explore the city's history and culture. Coworking spaces, education centers, cafes, landmarks, microbreweries, and others all welcome visitors to take a look on what hidden goodness is to be found here.

Hi-tech nature of the city

This city is not advertised as a tourist destination or festival location but it’s worth to pay attention to events popping-up in city area. Because of the hi-tech nature of the city installations might be very complex and unique, definitely worth paying a visit.