Field Trip Itinerary
18 Peaks Mountain
Mingchang Vietnamese Restaurant
Field Trip Schedule
Sunday morning, we woke up to a beautiful day. It was just the perfect weather to go take a walk (散步 - sànbù, as most Taiwanese will call it).We invited our surveyor to go for a hike at 18 Peaks Mountain in Hsinchu. We must have to admit we checked our weather forecast before setting a date to go for our trip (must in Taiwan, as the weather tends to be bipolar), in any case, we were excited to explore the trail and spend time with friends.We took a bus to get there (route No.1). Our surveyor, GJ = Good Job(yes, it is easy to remember this acronym, right?), he was waiting for us in the main entrance. We were so ready to go up and guess what? We had an especial guest accompanying us, GJ’ s mom. Although she didn’t appear on camera, she did walk all the way with us, she never got apart from us (hey, GJ’ s mom, thanks for taking awesome pictures).The paths in this park are mostly paved and shady, now, let’s take a glimpse of what we did during our field trip. We divided our travel journal into sections to provide a better understanding of what you can do at 18 Peaks Mountain.
Introduction Traveling with disabilities, also known as "disabled travel" or "accessible travel" is on the rise nowadays. The travel industry is waking up to disabled traveler’s special needs by providing more services and greater accessibility to be able to enjoy the moment with ease traveling. Despite having common sense, considerable public sentiment and strength in numbers, travelers with disabilities frequently face inadequate facilities, prejudice, misinformation, general hassles and higher prices than other travelers. Our team, Outstanding A+ went to 18 Peaks Mountain park to observe the current situation of accessibility for disabled people. To collect the precise information and to firsthand experience, we visited the allocated destination with a disabled volunteer, GJ to complete the mission. The park, located in the eastern district of Hsinchu City, it is a forest park opened during the Japanese Occupation Era. The winding, crescent-shaped road on 18 Peaks Mountain Park is about 7 to 8 kilometers long and wraps around the south-eastern side of Hsinchu. 18 Peaks Mountain has literally 18 shallow peaks, and fragrant flowering plants line the paths. The main circular path takes about 40 minutes to walk and has several overlooks that provide excellent views of different parts of the city of Hsinchu. Looking from the peaks, one can see the majestic northeastern side of Hsinchu City, to the right is Fongshan creek and right in front is Taiwan Strait. It is not only such a nice place to exercise, but also to relax and appreciate the beauty of nature. Want to have some snacks? Often, vendors can be found outside the entrance selling fruits and vegetables, beverages and local foods.
The starting point of the park
Accessible parking lots:
There are a few parking spaces designated for the disabled. Three spaces on the 1st, another three on the 2nd floor and two spaces available on the 3rd floor. What a pity there are no elevators in the parking lot. Therefore, after parking, the disabled have to go out to the street to reach the entrance.
Accessible toilets:
The toilets are wide and all equipments are maintained in good conditions and well organized.
Places of interest The park has nice paths which make it great for walking. Nature is beautiful and we can see wildlife, such as butterflies, squirrels and different kind of birds, as well as abundant plants, like unique trees and flowers. There are bathrooms for the handicapped and if you are in need of a water break, there are enough water dispensers to fill up your bottle. Some people will go to jog and there are no bicycles along the route (not allowed, so do not worry to be hit by one).
In addition, we can take advantage of many exercise equipments installed around the route (sit up-benches, chin up bars, etc). Overall, it is a very great experience. If you visit 18 Peak Mountain during spring, you will be able to see a wide variety of flowers blooming. Keep going up and you will appreciate unique Hsinchu landscapes.
Restaurants After a long walking, what’s next? Fuel up your energy with food! This is the best part of going out (hands up foodies). There are 2 restaurants nearby 18 Peaks Mountain. The closest one is Mingchang Yue Shi, a Vietnamese restaurant. Another is 168新加坡美食, a Singaporean and Taiwanese style restaurant. Both two restaurants are located on Xuefu road, a short walk of 15 minutes from 十八尖山 (1 km).
Vietnamese food and accessibility
This is a great restaurant where you can enjoy foreign delicacy in Taiwan. The restaurant prepares a variety of good foods from the Vietnamese cuisine. We found out, it has a proper ramp for disabled to access the place. However, there is no friendly toilet for them to answer the call of nature.
Singaporean food and accessibility
We were ready for the round two. Good news! This restaurant also has a ramp for disabled (high five). Happily, we got in the restaurant. Before we started to eat, we washed our hands (yeah, hygiene first), however, the provided toilet is just for ordinary people without any disability (we encountered a two step stairs).
Non-accessible items for disabled
Public phone
There is no access to dial via payphone in case of emergency.
Water dispenser
Although there was a water dispenser located next to our surveyor, GJ had a hard time to get this important liquid.
No ramp
Want to reach the highest point of the mountain? Let’s climb stairs! Got injured? Still climb stairs! This is an obstacle for the disabled people, no alternative route to get there. There is no way for them to step on the Peaks point.
Conclusion What a day! Time flies when you are having fun. Without realizing it, half day has already passed. Overall, 18 Peaks Mountain offer gradual and steep paths that will adjust to your necessity. We completed our daily 散步 ( sànbù). Healthy body, healthy mind.
It doesn’t matter if you are going solo, with friends, or with family, you will enjoy the trail. You can do the whole walk, or just a part, depending on the mood you have. If you are in Hsinchu and you want to walk and immerse yourself with the locals, then this park is the best place for you to get closer with elderlies. Elderlies? Yes, have you ever heard about the older the wiser? Oh, yeah, share your story with them and they will share theirs with you. It is an unique and enriching experience, suitable for all ages. Even though we encountered some difficulties for disabled people, it is still a very pleasant hike. Hands up for Hsinchu City Government for their concern towards smart, sustainable and inclusive places.
At the same time, visitors can grasp a chance to try meals from different country cuisines (Singapore and Vietnam), what an opportunity to shoot two birds with a stone. Want to build a friendship relationship or connect with nature? Come to 18 Peak Mountain to take a breath, relax and socialize. After a short walk, you will feel like new, tired yet energized; we promise it!
Transportation - How to get there?
18 Peaks Mountain 十八尖山
● 一般公車及低底盤公車 (by Buses, including low-floor buses) ● 火車 (by Train) ● 開車 (by Car) - Personal Transportation (By car) Nat'l Hwy 1 → Exit at the Hsinchu Interchange → Sec. 2, Guangfu Rd. →Xuefu Rd. → Bo'ai St.
- Public Transportation (By bus) 1. From TRA Hsinchu Station → Hsinchu City Bus (No. 1, 2, 31) to Shuiyuandi stop. 2. From TRA Hsinchu Station → Hsinchu City Bus (No. 20) to Jieshou Mountain Entrance stop.
Mingchang Yue Shi Restaurant 明昌越式餐廳
- Public Transportation : Take bus No.1 from TRA Hsinchu station (新竹火車站) to Shuiyuandi (水源地) bus stop. Then, cross the road and walk toward Xuefu road (100 meters). The restaurant will be on the left. - Personal Transportation: From TRA Hsinchu station → Turn right to Minzu road → Turn right to Section1, Dongda road → Go straight to Nanqing road → Turn left to Nanda road → Turn right to Section 2, Guangfu road → Turn right to Xuefu road, then the destination will be on the right.
168新加坡美食
- Public Transportation: Take bus no.1 from TRA Hsinchu station to National Hsinchu Commercial & Vocational High School (新竹高商) bus stop. The restaurant is at bus stop opposite to Post bank (Chunghwa Post). - Personal Transportation: From TRA Hsinchu station → Turn left to Linsen road → Turn left to Xida road → Go straight to Baoshan road → Turn left to Jianhua street → Turn right to Xuefu road, then the destination will be on the left.
