It is the largest of the three districts in Hsinchu City.

Xiangshan was originally a township of Hsinchu County.

On 1 July 1982, the area was incorporated into the newly formed Hsinchu City as a district.

[1] The district consists of Gangnan, Hushan, Hulin, Jinshui, Shuxia, Puqian, Zhongpu, Niupu, Dingpu, Tungxiang, Xiangcun, Xiangshan, Dazhuang, Meishan, Zhaoshan, Haishan, Jiadong, Dahu, Nanai, Zhongai, Neihu, Yanshui, Nangang and Dingfu Villages.

[2] It is most well known locally for the Hsiangshan Industrial Park and for having the major portion of Hsinchu City's "17 km (11 mi) Scenic Coastline" boardwalk.