Located in the central northern area of Taiwan, Miaoli has a coastal region and a mountain region (Xueshan range) with many sights to see and experiences to be had between the two. This fun-loving county has comfortable temperatures year round. The wet season runs from late March through mid-September. With such favorable weather, Miaoli offers a variety of tourist-friendly activities year round.
1. Learn about an ancient culture: Miaoli Hakka Culture Park
One in every eight people are of Hakka descent and their history goes back to before the ancient Nan Song dynasty in 1270 when they migrated from the north to south China. Learn about the Hakka food, Hakka costumes and Hakka history in this cultural park of sleek modern buildings. The park is English speaking friendly and suitable for all ages with a special discovery area for children.
The central park green space is suitable for picnics if you don’t get full from the Hakka food stands. Hakka Chinese food is found throughout Miaoli. It is hallmarked by textural contrast. Be sure to try some!
Miaoli Hakka Culture Park
Address: No.6 Tongke South Road, Jiuhu Village, Tongluo Town
Price: from 5 USD
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Duration: around 3 hours required
Contact: +886 3 798 5558
Food: Hakka food available in the park or you can bring a picnic
Website: Maioli Hakka Culture Park
2. Get close to the animals: Flying Cow Ranch
Duck quacks, cow moos, and lamb baas let you know unmistakably that you’re on a farm. Bunnies don’t make sounds but they are here too! This cuteness overload on the 50-hectare (123-acre) ranch property is green and grassy peppered with flower beds and shade trees.
You can feed the animals, visit the butterfly garden and take a class on ice cream making, cookie baking, and butter churning. Paint a ceramic cow, bottle feed a calf or milk a real dairy cow. There is a red farmhouse set in rolling hills and a common area with picnic tables to enjoy the landscape and eat from the restaurant on the property. On the weekends, there are three times daily where the duck feeding parade happens and it’s very entertaining if your schedule allows. Check with the farm before you go about the current feed times.
Bring coins for the feed if you want to feed the pasture animals and rabbits (feed rabbits early before their tiny bellies are full and lose their appetite later in the day) so you’re not scrambling around trying to find a spot to make a change. The ranch is cash only. If weather allows, plan to spend a leisurely day here among the animals. There is a lodging option on the ranch and an overnight activity to keep you entertained.
Flying Cow Ranch
Address: No.166, Nanho Village, Tongxiao Town, 35750 Miaoli Country, Taiwan
Price: from 6 USD
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Closed on public holidays.
Contact: 886 37 782999
Near by Food: Located on the ranch in concession area.
Website: Flying Cow Ranch
3. Shengxing Station and Lonsheng Fallen Bridge
This charming station was built without nails during the Japanese era. At one point it was the highest stop along the Western Trunk Line (main line), which runs along the densely populated western corridor of Taiwan. A small village that is meant for tourists was built up soon after the line closed in 1997 and the area has taken on a new charm.
Nature has beautifully taken hold and the old brick houses have become filled with cafes, Hakka restaurants, and tea houses. The station itself still has train schedules posted and many photo ops on the tracks and surrounding areas. Come for lunch, as there is plenty to eat! Take some time to see Lonsheng Bridge on your way to the station. The 1935 Shinchiku-Taichu earthquake first caused its collapse and a second time more structural damage was done in 1999.
4. Zhong She Guanguang Flower Market
Is that the smell of flowers in the breeze? Here at the Zhong She Guanguang Flower Market, there are nearly 6 hectares (15 acres) of blooms on display in beds and strategic structures with a mountain backdrop. A must see for flower lovers when visiting Miaoli. Flowers bloom year round but timing your visiting during peak months will give you the best variety of blooms and color.
Zhong She Guanguang Flower Market
Address: No. 469-13, Sanfeng Rd, Houli District, Taichung City, Taiwan 421
Price: from 3 USD. Rates vary by season. Check market website.
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. weekends
Duration: around 3 hours required
Contact: 04-2557-6926
Website: Zhong She Guanguang Flower Market
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
5. Green World Ecological Farm
If you are traveling with children, you can take them about 45 minutes out of Miaoli to Hsinchu County. This zoo style park focuses on ecological education. There are a variety of water fowl in swan lake, butterfly park, desert greenhouse of cacti, reptile rainforest conservatory and a show of parrots, showcasing their talents every 90 minutes.
They are the stars of the park or so they like to believe! Which will be your favorite? You can eat in one of the farm’s three eateries and spend the day here.
Green World Ecological Farm
Address: No. 20 Neighborhood 7, Dahu Village, Beipu Township, Hsinchu County Taiwan
Price: 11 USD, discounts for disabled, seniors and children
Opening Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 a.m. daily
Duration: around 3 hours required
Contact: +886 3 580 1000
Website: Green World Ecological Farm
6. Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum
“How do they do that with wood?” will cross your mind and your lips as your move around through this attraction. Dedicated to the ancient craft of woodworking, this museum has modern and traditional Taiwanese woodwork. The museum has multiple levels where the artwork of all sizes and varying degrees of intricacy will enchant you. There is a spacious community art room with color splattered tables that visitors of all ages can select a wood piece to paint and leave their own table mark.
Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum
Address: 367 Taiwan, Miaoli County, Sanyi Township
Price: from 7 USD with some qualifying discounts
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., last entry at 4:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Duration: around 2 hours required
Access: Parking can be limited so plan ahead to find on the street or take public transit.
Contact: ++886 3 787 6009
Near by Food: Hakka Style restaurants in walking distance.
Website: Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum
7. Eat and shop on Naujhuang Old Street
If you only go to one “old street” in Miaoli, this is the one! A vibrant energy is flowing up and down Naujhuang. A big appetite will serve you well as you walk along the red lantern lined food stalls and trinket shops. This street has green mountain backdrops, traditional Taiwanese building structures and flowering bushes giving it more visual appeal than other “old streets” in the area.
8. Shang Shun World
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you find yourself on a rainy day while traveling to Miaoli County, head over to Shang Shun World. It’s an amusement part inside of a shopping mall. Grab a Starbucks, have a bite to eat and get on some amusement rides to forget it’s even raining outside! Ride the carousel, challenge yourself to the indoor off ground obstacle course and play arcade games. It’s fun even if the sun is out!
Shang Shun World
Address: No.105 Zhongshan Road, Toufen Town, 351 Miaoli County, Taiwan
Contact: +886 3 753 9999
Website: Shang Shun World
9. Mingde Dam Scenic Area
This picturesque area in Miaoli is built around the Mingde reservoir area. A relaxing way to spend a few hours of a beautiful day with food and tea stands. There is a suspension bridge, grassy areas for picnics, boat rides, and scenic photo ops.
Maybe you’ll even see some wildlife! If you want to challenge yourself, there is a marathon run here every April. Try the course yourself any time of year and see how well you do!
Mingde Dam
Address: No. 54, Mingde Vil., Touwu Township, Miaoli County, Taiwan
Near by Food: Many eateries on site
Enjoy the outdoors!
Spend a few days here learning about Hakka culture, meeting the animals and enjoying outdoor attractions!
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to