Introduction to Miaoli
Taiwan’s Hidden Countryside Gem
When people think of traveling in Taiwan, bustling cities like Taipei or the vibrant night markets of Taichung often come to mind. But tucked away between these urban centers lies a lesser-known treasure: Miaoli County. Often overlooked by mainstream tourism, Miaoli offers a peaceful and culturally rich alternative for travelers seeking natural landscapes, traditional experiences, and a slower, more reflective pace of life.
Known as the heartland of Taiwan’s Hakka culture, Miaoli is a destination where rolling hills meet terraced farms, where century-old temples stand quietly amidst blooming tung trees, and where you can sip locally grown tea after a day of hiking scenic mountain trails. It’s a place to reconnect—with nature, with history, and with the simple joys of Taiwanese countryside life.
Located in north-central Taiwan, Miaoli County is nestled between Hsinchu to the north and Taichung to the south. It’s easily accessible by train, Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR), and by road, making it a convenient destination for weekend getaways or day trips from major cities.
Despite its accessibility, Miaoli has maintained a sense of quiet charm, unspoiled by mass tourism. Its beauty lies in its understated authenticity—verdant hills, hot springs, rustic villages, and warm, welcoming locals.
Miaoli is a destination that perfectly blends nature, culture, and local flavors. Whether you’re hiking through the mountains, soaking in hot springs, or enjoying delicious local dishes, Miaoli offers an authentic experience that’s perfect for travelers looking to escape the crowds and explore Taiwan’s lesser-known gems. So take a trip to Miaoli, and discover the beauty and serenity of this hidden treasure in Taiwan.
What to Eat in Miaoli
Food in Miaoli is deeply tied to Hakka heritage, with an emphasis on preserved, pickled, and stir-fried dishes that reflect the culture’s resourceful roots. Miaoli is known for its delicious local cuisine, with fresh ingredients from the surrounding mountains and countryside. Whether at a roadside stall, local eatery, or traditional Hakka house, Miaoli’s culinary scene is a comforting and hearty experience. Here are some dishes you must try:
Hakka Stir-Fried Pork: A savory mix of pork, squid, and tofu
Lei Cha A traditional “tea soup” made with ground tea leaves, herbs, and grains
Ban Tiao: Wide rice noodles served with a rich soy-based sauce
Hakka Mochi: Chewy rice cakes filled with ground peanuts or sesame
Sanyi Meatballs: These savory meatballs are a local specialty, often served with a tangy sauce.
Dahu Strawberries: Miaoli’s Dahu Township is famous for its strawberries, especially in winter when the fruit is in season. Visit a strawberry farm to pick your own!
Rice Wine and Indigenous Cuisine: Try indigenous-style rice wine or dishes like wild boar stew and millet cakes.
Pro Tip: Visit Neiwan Old Street for a mix of local snacks, including puffed rice cakes and sweet tofu.
Things to Do in Miaoli
Nestled in the heart of Taiwan, Miaoli is a tranquil and scenic destination that offers a perfect balance of nature, culture, and local traditions. While often overshadowed by more popular cities like Taipei or Kaohsiung, Miaoli provides a peaceful escape with its lush landscapes, indigenous heritage, and stunning hiking trails.
Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or cultural explorer, Miaoli is a place that promises something special.
Neiwan Old Street
Tucked into the valleys of Miaoli County, Nanzhuang Old Street (南庄老街) is a scenic town that speaks of Hakka culture and mountain heritage. Its slate-tiled roofs, traditional theaters, and local eateries form a picturesque scene for cultural discovery.
Signature dishes include Hakka-style rice cake, savory glutinous rice, and techniques used in local craft shops—especially woodblock printing and handmade sweets.
The street’s surrounding area adds natural charm, with easy access to trails, waterfalls, and a romantic old railway. Nanzhuang Temple and the adjacent Yingcai Tang Theater enrich the cultural backdrop with temple ceremonies and opera performances.
The laid-back atmosphere makes it a perfect escape for those seeking peace and heritage.
Key Points:
Traditional Hakka street and craft shops
Historic theater and temple architecture
Access to waterfalls and scenic trails
Nanzhuang Old Street
Nestled in the mountains of Hsinchu County, Neiwan Old Street (內灣老街) offers a nostalgic trip back in time with preserved wooden shop fronts and slow-paced Hakka town life. The street is famous for its authentic Hakka cuisine—particularly glutinous rice balls, lei cha, and wild ginger sausage—as well as charming souvenir shops selling crafts and local preserves.
A ride on the narrow-gauge Neiwan railway adds to the street’s nostalgic allure and connects visitors to forested hiking trails above the village.
Throughout the year, Neiwan hosts cultural festivals, especially during spring cherry blossom or autumn maple-viewing seasons, making it a scenic and cultural getaway from the city.
Outdoor enthusiasts also enjoy combining a stroll through the street with nearby trails and suspension bridges—such as the iconic Neiwan Suspension Bridge—blurred by mist and mountain greenery.
Key Points:
Nostalgic wooden architecture and Hakka snacks
Scenic railway access and hiking options
Seasonal natural beauty with cherry blossoms and maple leaves
Wood Carving in Sanyi
Sanyi, in Miaoli County, is the cultural heart of Taiwan’s woodcarving tradition. The town hosts the renowned Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum and numerous open-air workshops, where visitors can watch artisans carve graceful forms from camphor and Taiwan red cypress.
Public art installations and streets lined with wooden sculptures offer constant visual delight.
Annual woodcarving festivals and hands-on workshops allow outsiders to try their hand at carving or painting, fostering cultural exchange and community pride.
Whether it’s large-scale sculptures along roads or intricate miniature craft pieces, the artistry here beautifully demonstrates the connection between wood and culture.
Key Points:
Hub for Taiwan’s traditional woodcarving craft
Live demonstrations and interactive workshops
Sculpture-lined streets and museum exhibitions
Tongluo Tung Blossoms
Every spring, Tongluo (銅鑼) in Miaoli County transforms into a sea of delicate white tung blossoms, creating a magical “snowy” landscape. Blossoms line the fields and village paths, often scattered on rustic farmhouses and traditional stone bridges. Flower-viewing trails are popular for photography, picnics, and peaceful strolls amid drifting petals.
Local festivals coincide with the bloom, offering Hakka cuisine, flower crafts, and cultural performances. This seasonal event provides a tranquil yet vibrant cultural atmosphere, showcasing both the natural beauty and the living traditions of rural Taiwan.
Key Points:
Seasonal tung blossom scenery creating “snowy” vistas
Flower-viewing trails and photography opportunities
Local festivals with Hakka culture and seasonal snacks
Taian Hot Springs
Nestled in the hills of Miaoli County, Taian Hot Springs (泰安溫泉) is one of Taiwan’s lesser-known onsen-style destinations. The sulfur-rich hot springs are said to relieve muscle pain and skin ailments, with several small resorts and public baths providing soothing natural relaxation.
The setting—enveloped by forested slopes and bamboo groves—adds to the sense of escape.
Outdoor trails around the springs allow for post-soak exploration, and the gentle mountain air intensifies the experience. Taian’s renown for its therapeutic waters makes it a serene and restorative stop for travelers seeking rest amid scenic landscapes.
Key Points:
Natural sulfur hot springs in a mountain setting
Resorts and public baths ideal for relaxation
Nearby forest trails for post-soak walks
Miaoli Hakka Round House
The Miaoli Hakka Round House (苗栗客家圓樓), located in Tongluo Township, is a modern homage to traditional Hakka communal architecture. Designed for cultural gatherings and events, its circular wooden framework reflects interconnectedness and shared heritage.
The hall hosts cultural exhibitions, craft workshops, and Hakka-language performances, making it a living cultural center.
The peacefully landscaped grounds and visitor-friendly displays offer a perfect introduction to Hakka customs and architectural philosophy. Nearby snack stalls and teas further lend authenticity, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in both the design and flavors of Hakka culture.
Key Points:
Modern structure inspired by Hakka roundhouse design
Cultural exhibitions, performances, and craft workshops
Peaceful setting with interpretive signage and snacks
Shei-Pa National Park
Shei‑Pa National Park (雪霸國家公園) spans Taiwan’s central mountain range, offering majestic peaks, deep forests, and rare wildlife like Taiwan macaques and Formosan pangolins.
Hiking trails include moderate treks to day-hike options and more challenging routes up peaks like Xueshan (Snow Mountain) and Dabajian Mountain. Alpine flower viewing and natural hot springs add seasonal variation to park exploration.
The park’s ecological diversity is distinguished, and park centers provide extensive interpretive programming about geology, ecology, and conservation. The mountain air is cool and crisp, making it a refreshing escape from the crowded lowlands.
Key Points:
High-altitude trails and rare mountain wildlife
Peaks such as Snow Mountain and Dabajian Mountain
Interpretive centers and alpine flora viewing
Mount Jiali
Mount Jiali (加利山) sits within Shei‑Pa’s eastern watershed near Xindian, offering a quieter yet scenic option for hikers. Trails lead into mixed forest, bamboo groves, and occasional alpine meadows, culminating in sweeping hillside views of Miaoli County and inland rice terraces.
Compared with shear peaks, Jiali mountain trails are moderate and suitable for half-day hikes.
The mountain’s relative seclusion means fewer crowds and opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography. Indigenous cultural markers and occasional trail shrines hint at deeper historical ties to the region—evoking a meditative experience for those attentive to nature’s subtle call.
Key Points:
Moderate forested peak ideal for half-day hikes
Great vantage points over inland scenery
Calm trail environment with cultural and ecological interest
How to Get to Miaoli from Taipei
Miaoli is one of Taiwan’s most underrated gems. Located in north-central Taiwan, this scenic county is rich with Hakka culture, rolling hills, tea plantations, and hot springs.
Whether you’re heading to Sanyi’s woodcarving town, Nanzhuang Old Street, or just enjoying a peaceful countryside getaway, Miaoli offers a relaxing escape from the city bustle.
Option 1: Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) – Fast and Convenient
The fastest way to reach Miaoli from Taipei is by Taiwan High-Speed Rail.
Route: Taipei HSR Station → Miaoli HSR Station
Travel Time: ~40 minutes
Cost: NT$350–400 (standard class)
Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes
Miaoli HSR Station Location: Located in Houlong Township, not far from Sanyi
Pros:
Fastest option from Taipei
Comfortable and reliable
Great for visiting Sanyi or Houlong
Cons:
HSR station is not in Miaoli City – requires additional transport to town centers
Tip: If you’re heading to Miaoli City, you can take a local train or taxi (~15–20 minutes) from the HSR station to downtown.
Option 2: Taiwan Railways (TRA) – Direct to Miaoli City
The TRA train is the most budget-friendly and direct way to reach Miaoli City or surrounding town centers.
Route: Taipei Main Station → Miaoli TRA Station
Travel Time:
Tze-Chiang Express: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Chu-Kuang Express: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Local Train: ~1.5–2 hours
Cost: NT$141–177
Frequency: Every 20–40 minutes
Pros:
Direct to Miaoli City or Sanyi
Budget-friendly
Access to smaller stations across the county
Cons:
Slower than HSR
May be crowded during peak times
Tip: If you’re heading to Sanyi, take a train that stops at Sanyi Station. From there, taxis or buses can take you to the woodcarving museum or old street.
Option 3: By Car – Best for Exploring Rural Areas
Driving to Miaoli gives you the most flexibility, especially if you’re visiting Nanzhuang, Taian Hot Springs, or remote mountain villages.
Route: National Freeway No. 1 or No. 3 → Miaoli Interchange
Travel Time: ~1.5–2 hours (depending on traffic and destination)
Costs: Toll: ~NT$100
Fuel: ~NT$200–300
Pros:
Total freedom and flexibility
Great for scenic drives and hidden spots
Ideal for groups or families
Cons:
Parking can be limited in town centers
Roads in mountainous areas may be narrow and winding
Tip: Combine your road trip with stops in Dahu (for strawberries in winter) or Tai’an hot spring resorts.
Option 4: By Bus – Limited But Possible
While not the most common choice, intercity buses do serve some parts of Miaoli from Taipei.
Departure: Taipei Bus Station (near Taipei Main Station)
Operators: Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport, Fengyuan Bus
Travel Time: ~2.5–3 hours
Cost: ~NT$200–250
Destinations: Usually Miaoli City or Toufen
Pros:
Budget-friendly
Comfortable and air-conditioned
Cons:
Fewer routes and less frequent
Can be slower than train or HSR
Tip: Double-check bus schedules online before your trip, especially on weekends.
Final Travel Tips
Book train tickets in advance for holidays and weekends—Miaoli is a local favorite for short getaways.
Best time to visit is during spring (for flowers and tea fields) or winter (for strawberry picking in Dahu).
Download Taiwan Railways, THSR, or Bus+ apps for live schedules and bookings.
If you’re staying in Miaoli, rent a scooter or bike to explore local villages and scenic routes.
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