In the Wind Backpackers Hostel ^中文版

Introduction

Nestled in a quiet alley in central Hsinchu, 在風中背包客 Hostel (Zài Fēng Zhōng Bèikè Hostel) is the ideal base for slow travelers exploring Hsinchu County’s charming blend of mountain landscapes, coastal culture, and street food traditions. More than just a budget place to lay your head, this cozy hostel leans into the backpacker ethos of connection and simplicity, putting you within walking distance of Hsinchu City’s best eats and day trip access to the county’s most beloved natural and cultural spots.

Hotel Overview

Located at Lane 167, Dongnan Street No. 32, East District, Hsinchu City, this family-run hostel caters perfectly to solo travelers, couples, and small groups on a budget. All rooms are non-smoking, fitted with air conditioning, heating, bedside charging outlets, and tea and coffee making facilities to help you start your day right. Bed linens are provided, and clean shared bathrooms come stocked with toilet paper, bidet seats, showers, hairdryers, and slippers for guest comfort.

The heart of the hostel is its spacious shared kitchen, equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, oven, full cookware, a coffee machine, and a large communal dining table where guests often swap travel stories over home-cooked meals or local snacks. Free Wi-Fi covers the entire property, and convenient services include daily cleaning, secure lockers, and free luggage storage for early arrivals or late departures. The friendly multilingual staff speaks both English and Mandarin, so you’ll always have help planning your itinerary. Note that there is no on-site parking, so drivers will need to use nearby public parking lots.

Nearby Attractions

Three can’t-miss local spots are easily accessible from the hostel:

• Chenghuang Temple Night Market: A 15-minute walk from the hostel, this is Hsinchu’s most iconic night market. Centered around the 18th-century Chenghuang (City God) Temple, it serves up legendary local snacks like Hsinchu meatballs, crispy oyster omelets, and pork rice, plus small stalls selling handmade traditional crafts.
• Beipu Old Street: A 40-minute drive from the hostel in inland Hsinchu County, this preserved Hakka old town is famous for its century-old red brick alleyways, traditional Hakka yongtayou (fermented bean curd), and the historic Zinan Temple, where visitors come to pray for good fortune and pick up lucky “gold ingot” charms.
• Shimen Mountain: A popular moderate day hike just 30 minutes from the hostel, this 521-meter peak rewards hikers with sweeping panoramic views of Hsinchu City and the Taiwan Strait. The well-maintained trail takes just two to three hours round trip, making it perfect for casual hikers.

Travel Tips

Since there is no on-site parking, we recommend traveling by public transport if you don’t have a car: the hostel is a 10-minute taxi ride from Hsinchu TRA Station, and local buses run regularly to out-of-town attractions. Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring old streets and hiking trails, and don’t forget to stock up on snacks from the night market to enjoy back at the hostel’s communal kitchen. The hostel is entirely non-smoking, so smokers will need to step out to the designated street area outside. Book well in advance during weekends and local festival periods, as this popular budget spot fills up fast.