Miaoli 苗栗 is just less an hour by high speed train from Taipei and yet it remains a hidden gem in Taiwan. After spending three relaxing and fulfilling days in Miaoli, I finally understand why Miaoli is a top destination for slow travel.
Miaoli is an enchanting region that is often overlooked by international travellers but it has so much to offer. Miaoli is three times the size of Singapore and it is home to lush mountains, leisure farms, Hakka culture, hot springs and more. Miaoli is the ideal place for retreat to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Do you know Miaoli’s nickname is Mountain Town 山城? Miaoli is surrounded by stunning scenery filled with mountains, plains and valleys. Miaoli people call their home Miaoli Country 苗栗國 because they are so proud of their culture, unity and sufficiency. Miaoli has everything and you can have an extended stay in Miaoli and not run out of things to do.
I am already thinking to bring my family to Miaoli the next time I visit Taiwan. Here’s a detailed travel guide to Miaoli where I highlight must-visit places in Miaoli recommended by the locals and share travel tips on the best places to stay and experience slow travel.
Introduction to Miaoli
Miaoli is nestled in the heart of Taiwan and it lies between Hsinchu and Taichung. Miaoli is easy to get to as it is just one hour’s drive from Taoyuan Airport and less than one-hour train ride from Taipei.
Miaoli 苗栗 refers generally to the entire Miaoli region that consists of Miaoli City 苗栗市 and Miaoli County 苗栗縣. Miaoli is vast and it is divided into 18 towns and cities.
I have compiled a “Miaoli travel table” with information about the 18 areas in Miaoli and their top attractions. I am still learning so much about Miaoli so I will update the table progressively.
*Note: I have tried to organise the areas from north to south.
Check out the official Miaoli Travel website for more information.
| Zhunan Township 竹南鎮 Zhunan is the northernmost township in Miaoli and known for its abundant natural landscapes, time-honoured railway development and rich cultural heritage sites. Attractions: Hotsu Longfong Temple, Zhunan Longfeng Fishery Port, Zhunan Brewery, Qiding Tunnels, Ten Ren Tea Culture Museum |
| Toufen City 頭份市 Toufen is the largest city in Miaoli and serves as a gateway to family-friendly destinations. It is a fully-developed city that has science and technology industries and shopping malls. Attractions: Yongzhen Temple, Yonghe Mountain Biking Path, Shang Shun World, Luzhunan Traditional Village, Yongheshan Reservoir |
| Houlong Township 後龍鎮 Houlong is a coastal township famous for its beaches, farms and scenic biking trails along the Taiwan Strait. Houlong has the largest tourist-commercial fishing port and attractions along the coastline including fish markets. Attractions: Hakka Round House, Waipu Fishing Port, Longfong Fishing Port, Ciyun Temple, Qinghai Temple, Tongxiao Beach, Houlong Old Street, Houlong Coastal Bike Path, Miaoli Taiwan High Speed Rail Station |
| Tongxiao Township 通霄鎮 Tongxiao offers serene coastal views and historical sites, ideal for birdwatching and exploring cultural landmarks. Attractions: Flying Cow Ranch, Baishantun Gongtian Temple, Baishatun Beach, Ma Village, Xinpu Station |
| Yuanli Township 苑裡鎮 Yuanli is an urban township in southwestern Miaoli County. Yuanli is surrounded by mountains, ocean and plains. It is known for its traditional straw hat weaving industry and the locals call Yuanli “the barn of Miaoli.” Attractions: Straw Hat Workshops, Yuanli Fishing Port, Fangli Old Town, Dongli Old House, Shanshuei Organic Rice Farm |
| Zaoqiao Township 造橋鄉 Zaoqiao is a rural Hakka village with picturesque countryside views and quaint Hakka villages for cultural exploration. Attractions: Wooden Kiln, Longsheng Lake, Lima Workshop, Shangrila Paradise |
| Miaoli City 苗栗市 Miaoli City is the capital of Miaoli and the main transportation hub to the rest of Miaoli. It is also a cultural hub showcasing Hakka heritage and art with historical sites and local markets. Attractions: Miaoli Railway Museum, Miaoli Ceramics Museum, Yingcai Night Market, Yuching Temple, Xindong Bridge |
| Touwu Township 頭屋鄉 Touwu is surrounded by water and Mingde Reservoir covers 200 hectares of land and supplies water to both households and factories. Attractions: Mingde Reservoir, Tung Flower Hiking Trail |
| Tongluo Township 銅鑼鄉 Tongluo produces a wide variety of agricultural products such as taro, mulberry and tea. Tongluo hosts the annual Tung Blossom Festival in March and April. Attractions: Tongluo Hakka Cultural Park. Tung Bike Trail, Tongluo Tea Factory, Tongluo Kiln, Rasume Soda Factory |
| Sanyi Township 三義鄉 Sanyi is Taiwan’s woodcarving capital and home to historical rail sites and unique art museums. Composed of a combination of hills, Sanyi is always covered in clouds and fog from November to March, also known as “foggy town.” Attractions: Longteng Broken Bridge, Old Mountain Line Rail Bike, Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum, Shuimei Wood Carving Street, Shengxing Station, Zhou Ye Cottage, Guandao Mountain Trail, Tiaotan Ancient Road |
| Xihu Township 西湖鄉 Xihu is a quiet town perfect for relaxation amidst nature and agricultural landscapes. Its comfortable weather and beautiful landscape makes it a beautiful place to visit. Xihu is famous for its highest life expectancy in Taiwan. Attractions: Hudong Leisure Farm, Jinlong Kiln, Miaoli Mr Brown Avenue |
| Sanwan Township 三灣鄉 Sanwan offers peaceful rural charm with fruits farms and authentic Hakka hospitality. Surrounded mostly by hills and winding rivers, Sanwan is known for its pleasant landscapes and Hakka culture. Attractions: Sanwan Pear Leisure Agricultural Area, Youju Leisure Farm, Tongjing Mountain Forest Trail, Yue Mei Suspension Bridge, Lao Chong Gui Trail |
| Nanzhuang Township 南庄鄉 Nanzhuang is a charming township with traditional Hakka streets and serene mountain trails. It is the gateway to Lion’s Head Mountain and Nanzhuang Old Street. Attractions: Nanzhuang Old Street, Lion’s Head Mountain, Shitoushan Quanhua Temple, Say-Siyat Cultural Museum, Xiangtian Lake, Shenxian Valley, Sud Vista Manor |
| Shitan Township 獅潭鄉 Shitan is located in the middle of Miaoli County and it is bordered by stunning mountains. There are many agricultural and forestry industries. Attractions: Shitan Old Street, Wenshui Old Street, Xianshan Hiking Trail, Lingdong Temple, Guanyu Hiking Trail, Shitan Township Cultural Center |
| Dahu Township 大湖鄉 Dahu is Taiwan’s strawberry capital and the top strawberry production region. Dahu is the place to try fruit-picking experiences and strawberry-themed treats. Attractions: Schokolake Country House, Dahu Strawberry Cultural Center, Shei-Pa National Park, Shengheng Temple |
| Zhuolan Township 卓蘭鎮 Zhuolan boasts fertile land and ideal climate for agriculture. It is famous for Miaoli’s best leisure farms, homestay experiences and agricultural attractions. Attractions: Flower Home, Le. Alley Autocamp Resort, Orange Farm House, Zhuolan Grand Canyon, Lixiping Leisure Agricultural Area, Lofi Land, the Forest Museum |
| Tai’an Township 泰安鄉 Tai’an is an aboriginal township surrounded by Xueshan Mountain, Manapang Mountain and Luchang Mountain. Tai’an is famous for its hot springs surrounded by lush mountains and Atayal indigenous culture. Attractions: Tai’an Hot Springs Area, Onsen Papawaqa, Xishuikeng Tofu Street, Henglong Historic Trail, Wugayan Bamboo Forest, Atayal Indigenous Cultural Park, Shuiyun Suspension Bridge |
| Gongguan Township 公館鄉 Gongguan is a river plain area surrounded by mountains and rice fields. It is known for its agricultural products, including red dates, and offers scenic countryside views. Attractions: Golden Town, Miaoli Ceramics Museum, Wuguu Cultural Village, Taiwan Oil Field Exhibition Hall |
Best places to visit in Miaoli
Flower Home Leisure Farm
Flower Home 花露農場 is one of the most popular leisure farms in Miaoli County. Located in the idyllic Zhuolan Township, Flower Home is known for its flower-themed attractions and picturesque gardens decorated with seasonal flowers.
The farm is particularly famous for its hydrangea season from March to June where over 60,000 hydrangeas bloom. Other notable seasons include the lavender season from November to April, peony flowers from January to March, Christmas cactus season from November to February and tulips from July to October.
Flower Home is like a flower theme park and there is even a mini train in the farm. Visitors can spend a full day exploring the flower farm and taking photos with floral displays. The Orchid House is a curated green house that showcases different varieties of orchids.
Check out Flower Home’s Aroma Boutique to browse a wide range of floral essential oils and nourishing all-natural products like shampoo. You can also engage in DIY activities like making perfume and natural insect repellents infused with essential oils.
The leisure farm has a number of restaurants and the Rainforest Café serves a delightful array of Taiwanese dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Before leaving Flower Home, you must try their famous hydrangeas-shaped ice cream that comes in rose, chocolate and yogurt flavours.
Flower Home Leisure Farm also offers cozy homestay experiences with their castle-themed rooms that are spacious, equipped with modern amenities, and open up to beautiful views of the gardens.
- Flower Home 花露農場
- Address: No. 43-3, Xiping, Zhuolan Township, Miaoli County, 369, Taiwan (Google map)
- Website: http://flowerhometw.com/
Flying Cow Ranch
Flying Cow Ranch 飛牛牧場 is a popular leisure farm in Miaoli County in Tongxiao Township. This sprawling ranch offers a delightful day out for families and anyone seeking a taste of rural Taiwan.
The leisure farm has a daily schedule filled with interactive activities that children and adults can enjoy. You can experience milking a cow, feeding calf with milk, pony rides, and feeding a range of farm animals like rabbits, goats and chicks.
Flying Cow Ranch also features ecological zones with grasslands, butterfly gardens and water plants connected by scenic walking paths. Children can enjoy DIY workshops like painting cow figurines and making ice cream or egg pancakes.
There are many dining options in the farm. I enjoyed a delicious milk hot pot infused with fresh milk in the Flying Cow Hot Pot Restaurant. Red Barn Restaurant and the Flying Cow Restaurant serve different types of cuisine.
Flying Cow Ranch offers on-site accommodation in their Field Inn, Field Villa and camping grounds. Their rooms are spacious and great for families.
- Flying Cow Ranch 飛牛牧場
- Address: 35750, Tongxiao Township, No. 166, Miaoli County, Taiwan (Google map)
- Website: https://www.flyingcow.com.tw/en/
Remains of the Longteng Bridge
The remains of the Longteng Bridge 龍騰斷橋 is an icon of Miaoli. This red brick railroad bridge was built in 1907 and it was an architectural masterpiece but unfortunately, parts of the bridge collapsed during an earthquake. The remains of the Longteng Bridge, which is also known as Yutengping Bridge 魚藤坪斷橋, have become a photography hotspot.
The best ways to view the remains of the Longteng Bridge are to view the bridge up close or take the Miaoli Old Mountain Line Rail Bike and see it from a distance.
| Travel tip: There are two sections of the remains of the Longteng Bridge that can be viewed. Longteng Bridge northern section (龍騰斷橋北段): This part of the bridge is most popular and there are three remaining structures. (Google map) Longteng Bridge southern section secret spot (龍騰斷橋南段秘境): This part of the bridge is accessible via a narrower road and most people miss this. If you ride the Miaoli Old Mountain Line Rail Bike, you can walk to this at the rest stop. (Google map) |
Miaoli Old Mountain Line Rail Bike
Miaoli Old Mountain Line Rail Bike 苗栗舊山線鐵道自行車 is a fun excursion to explore Miaoli’s nature and history. This innovative attraction has creatively repurposed a historic Old Mountain Railway into an electric bike experience.
The Old Mountain Railway was built in 1908 and the train route consisted of three steel bridges, four stations and eight tunnels. The railway line closed in 1998. From 2019, with the opening of the Miaoli Old Mountain Line Rail Bike, visitors can ride four-seat, electric rail cars along the former Old Mountain Rally.
A popular spot to take the Miaoli Old Mountain Line Rail Bike is at Shengxing Station 勝興車站, a historic train station that has been conserved. The station was constructed using wood in a Japanese style and it is a nostalgic attraction now. There are many local and souvenir shops and traditional Hakka restaurants near the station for visitors to soak in the unique culture of Sanyi Township.
There are three routes and there a few timings each day for the rides. Book your tickets on Miaoli Old Mountain Line Rail Bike website in advance and this activity is becoming very popular.
| Route A: Sheng Hsing Train Station ⇆ Southern Broken Bridge Secret Site This route takes about 70-80 minutes and you will ride on Yutengping Iron Bridge and enjoy views of the Northern Longteng Broken Bridge and the Southern Longteng Broken Bridge Secret Site. Route B: Longteng Station ⇆ Sheng Hsing Station This route takes about 70-80 minutes and focuses on the second tunnel and Sheng Hsing Station. This option does not include the Yutengping Iron Bridge. Route C: Longteng Station (through the Yutengping Iron Bridge) ⇆ Tunnel 6 This route takes about 70-80 minutes and you will ride on the Yutengping Iron Bridge and enjoy views of Northern Longteng Broken Bridge, tunnels 3 to 6, Liyutan Reservoir and Neshikawa Iron Bridge All routes include a briefing at the start of the session. Each rail bike has four seats and will be “driven” by the front left passenger. Find out more on their website. |
After your bike experience, you can spend some time exploring Sanyi Township, which is renowned for its long-standing wood carving industry. Other places to visit: Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum, Shuimei Wood Carving Street and Zhou Ye Cottage.
Tai’an Hot Springs
Tai’an hot springs 泰安溫泉 is one of the top places to relax and rejuvenate in Taiwan. It is so beautiful and tranquil and is still not discovered by many international travellers. Tai’an hot springs refer to a collection of hot springs and hot spring hotels in the Tai’an Township. The hot springs were first discovered by the Atayal indigenous people and developed for recreational use by the Japanese.
Many of the Tai’an hot spring facilities and hotels are located along Wenshui River 汶水溪 and surrounded by lush nature. Tai’an hot springs are known for its colourless and odourless alkaline carbonate springs that have great health benefits.
If you have time, visit the Atayal Indigenous Cultural Park 泰雅原住民文化產業園區 and learn more about the history and culture of the Atayal community and their connections to the Tai’an area.
Schokolake Country House
Schokolake Country House 巧克力雲莊 is Taiwan’s first chocolate-themed leisure farm. They grow high quality cocoa beans in Educator and send them to Taiwan for processing and manufacturing. They use the best raw materials to make top grade chocolates.
There are many interesting spaces to explore in this chocolate wonderland. You can enjoy free guided tours in the Chocolate Story House and learn about the process of making chocolates. Buy chocolate souvenirs in the Chocolate Dream Hall. Gothenburg Restaurant is a relaxing place to enjoy contemporary cuisine. Schokolake Country House has great rooms if you like to spend more time in this chocolate-themed retreat.
Schokolake Country House opens some of their strawberry fields for picking in winter. The strawberry picking season is from November to April. I visited in December and I had the chance to pick strawberries in their farm.
I had the fortune to enjoy the seasonal limited edition strawberry shaved ice, 移山倒海, which means “move mountains and overturn sea” as the mountain of strawberries topped with chocolate sauce is really extraordinary. If you ever visit in winter and spring, don’t miss this!
- Schokolake Country House 巧克力雲莊
- Address: No. 49-2, Shuiweiping, Fuxing Village, Dahu Township, Miaoli County, Taiwan (Google map)
- Website: https://www.schokolake.com.tw/
Le. Alley Maze Strawberry Farm
Fruits picking can be enjoyed in other parts of Miaoli County and not just in Dahu Township. Le. Alley Maze Strawberry Farm 小巷迷宮草莓園 is one of the newest strawberry farms in Zhuolan Township. Le. Alley Maze Strawberry Farm is part of Le. Alley Autocamp Resort 小巷清風. The farm has a unique strawberry growing area where the elevated rows of strawberry beds are arranged like a maze so you can have to make your way out of the maze while picking strawberries.
There are greenhouses cultivating different types of strawberries. The strawberries are so sweet and luscious and it is such a joy to savour freshly picked strawberries.
- Le. Alley Maze Strawberry Farm 小巷迷宮草莓園
- Address: 369 Zhuolan Town, Miaoli County, Taiwan (Google map)
- Website: https://www.lealley.com.tw/
Lion’s Head Mountain
Lion’s Head Mountain 獅頭山 straddles Hsinchu County and Miaoli County and it is part of the Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area. From Miaoli, you can easily access the mountain and many interconnected hiking routes from Nanzhuang Township.
Standing at 492 metres at its highest point, Lion’s Head Mountain is an ideal spot to experience forest bathing for half a day or a full day for beginners. There are many interconnected hiking routes on the mountain that can be accessed from Lion’s Head Mountain Visitor Centre on the Hsinchu side. Check out my Guide to Forest Bathing in Taiwan for a detailed guide to Lion’s Head Mountain.
Fun fact: Why is the mountain called Lion’s Head? Back in the Qing Dynasty, a Hsinchu County Magistrate Li Sheng-Yi observed the mountain during a ceremony. He saw a mountain that resembled the head of the majestic head and decided to name it Lion’s Head Mountain.
Nanzhuang Old Street
Nanzhuang Old Street 南庄老街 offers a nostalgic journey into Hakka culture with its red-brick buildings and traditional wooden architecture. Atayal and Saisiyat indigenous people were the first settlers in the area. After the Han Chinese moved into the area, they set up Hakka villages.
Nanzhuang Old Street’s most famous lane is the Osmanthus Alley that is lined with shops selling osmanthus-infused products. Named for the fragrant osmanthus trees planted long ago, the alley has become synonymous with the flower’s aromatic flavours used in teas, cakes, egg rolls, noodles and more.
| Travel tip: Visit the Nanzhuang Visitor Center 南庄遊客中心, which is just a few minutes’ walk from Nanzhuang Old Street, to get free maps and information about Miaoli, the Lion Head’s Mountain, and more. Google map. |
Baishatun Gongtian Temple
Baishatun Gongtian Temple 白沙屯拱天宮 is an important Taoist temple in Tongxiao Township. This magnificent temple is a spiritual landmark dedicated to Mazu, the sea goddess revered by locals.
The atmosphere in the temple is buzzing with locals making prayers and offerings. The temple is surrounded by shops selling religious and worship items, local products, food and more. I felt immense honour to have the chance to visit the temple with the locals and learn more about the history of the temple.
Baishatun Gongtian Temple is famous for the Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage, one of Taiwan’s most important religious events. This sacred pilgrimage takes place every day in April-May and it is a spiritual spectacle. Thousands of devotees embark on a an extraordinary 400-kilometre round trip walk with the statue of Mazu from Baishatun Gongtian Temple in Miaoli to Chaotian Temple in Yunlin County. Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage is so well-known because its route and duration is not predetermined and it is believed to be guided by Mazu on the spot.
A highlight of the temple visit is to view the exclusive Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage – 百年香隨－白沙屯媽祖進香文化展 in Baishatun Mazu Cultural Museum 白沙屯媽祖文物館, which is just behind the temple. I was so captivated by the informative and touching tour and sharing by a local expert. Maybe one day I will try to participate in the Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage!
- Baishatun Gongtian Temple 白沙屯拱天宮
- Address: No. 8, 357, Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County, Taiwan (Google map)
- Website: https://www.baishatun.com.tw/
Best places to stay in Miaoli
Onsen Papawaqa
Onsen Papawaqa 泰安觀止溫泉會 is one of the best and most luxurious hot spring resorts in the Tai’an hot springs area in Miaoli. When I first saw photos of the hot spring hotel, I was so drawn to it. I was beyond excited to secure a reservation as I heard that the hotel is very popular and it is difficult to book a room, especially during the peak seasons from spring to winter.
Onsen Papawaqa is so beautiful to explore as its stunning architecture blends modernist design with natural materials like cedar wood and stone. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows provide guests panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Wenshui River flowing past the scenic area.
The highlight of my stay is the hot springs. The luxurious room is furnished elegantly and the spacious wooden private bath comes with both hot and cold spring waters. It is the ultimate indulgence to soak in the private bath. I am very impressed that they provide essential oil in the bath so I could enjoy an aromatic soak.
The public spa facilities are extensive with a mixed-gender infinity pool, outdoor hot spring pools, and separate-gender, private bathing areas. Bonus: The outdoor pools open up to picturesque scenery of the mountain and river. Day-trippers can book their bath suites to enjoy their hot springs for a few hours.
If I have a chance to vist Onsen Papawaqa, I will maximise my time in this beautiful place and not leave until check out time!
- Onsen Papawaqa 泰安觀止溫泉會
- Address: 365, Tai’an Township, No.58, Miaoli County, Taiwan (Google map)
- Website: https://www.papawaqa.com.tw/Papawaqa/EN/
Orange Farm House
Orange Farm House 橘舍三食 is the most unique and unforgettable place I have experienced in Taiwan. Orange Farm House is a luxurious glamping retreat that has gained immense popularity as it was featured in the Taiwanese TV show Light the Wild 光露營就很忙了.
The main attraction of Orange Farm House is the retro Airstream campervans that have been retrofitted with comfortable and high end amenities. There are three types of Airstream campervans to choose from: Classic (34 ft), Sport (22 ft) and Bambi (16 ft). I stayed in the Classic Airstream campervan and it was an incredibly fun experience. I was so amazed by the luxurious yet compact facilities and I had a mini adventure exploring the interior of the campervan.
You can also choose to stay in high-end bohemian tents for a more “out in the wild” experience. Once you check into Orange Farm House, you are welcome to join a range of activities from farm-to-table dining, DIY workshops like making fruit jam and outdoor adventures like hiking and cycling.
Orange Farm House Mountain Kitchen 山里廚房 has gained recognition for its delectable wood-fired cuisine. Guests are invited to enjoy innovative dishes made using local ingredients in this beautifully decorated restaurant.
The campsite is so gorgeous at night with atmospheric lighting and a glowing camp fire. What a memorable escape from urban life!
- Orange Farm House 橘舍三食
- Website: 369 No. 43-15, Xiping, Zhuolan township, Miaoli County (Google map)
- Website: https://www.orangefarmhouse3.tw/
Le. Alley Autocamp Resort
Following the success of Orange Farm House, Le. Alley Autocamp Resort 小巷清風 is another campervan resort that offers newer and more types of Airstream campervans. Le. Alley Autocamp Resort is the first resort in Taiwan to exclusively feature only Airstream campervans.
While I did not have a chance to experience staying in a campervan in the resort, I was lucky to have a tour of the campsite and their wide collection of campervans. I was blown away by the lavish furnishing of the interior of the campervan.
The camping grounds are spacious and surrounded by postcard-like views of Liyu Lake and the Central Mountain Range. Guests can get around the campsite easily with free-to-use bicycles, electric bikes and even unique Spanish-brand parent-child tricycles.
The onsite facilities are well-designed and the Glass House Restaurant is an elegant space to enjoy meals and it is also a popular venue for celebrations like weddings.
- Le. Alley Autocamp Resort 小巷清風
- Address: 369 No. 109-8, Xiping, Zhuolan township, Miaoli County (Google map)
- Website: https://www.lealley.com.tw/
The Forest Museum
The Forest Museum 寨酌然 is a unique eco-friendly resort that combines luxury accommodations with artistic and cultural experiences. Located in the same area as Orange Farm House and Le. Alley Autocamp Resort in the Zhuolan township, the Forest museum offers a tranquil escape with stunning art installations and sustainable living practices.
Guests can choose from a diverse offering of accommodation from palatial villas that come with private pools and extravagant rooms to wooden cabins and campervans. Guests can relax in thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage mindfulness and connection with nature.
The resort features an on-site restaurant serving farm-to-table meals made from locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining while taking in breathtaking forest views.
- The Forest museum 寨酌然
- Address: 369 No. 43-20, Lixiping, Zhuolan Town, Miaoli County, Taiwan (Google map)
- Social media: Facebook
Lofi Land
Lofi Land 自然圈農場 is one of Taiwan’s most exclusive eco-adventure resort. The resort has created an environment where guests can immerse in outdoor living in nature.
The highlight of the Lofi Land experience is “lazy camping” or “glamping” as guests can camp comfortably in nature without the hassle of pitching the tent or bringing camping gear. The tents are set up and furnished and guests just have to check in and enjoy a day of curated outdoor fun.
There are two themed areas – “temperate forest” and “cactus wilderness” – are filled with luxurious tents, outdoor and indoor cooking facilities and even hot springs.
Guests can embark on an adventure and become characters like the farmer, artist, baker, gardener and explorer through engaging activities like farming, outdoor bread-making, farm-to-farm dining and learning about wildlife, plants and even insects.
Lofi Land is perfect for vacation with your loved ones and friends and even for events like celebrations and weddings. I am very intrigued by the concept of Lofi Land and I hope to a chance to camp here next time!
- Lofi Land 自然圈農場
- Address: No. 36-20, Xiping, Zhuolan Township, Miaoli County, Taiwan 369 (Google map)
- Website: https://www.lofiland.tw/
Sud Vista
Sud Vista 蘇維拉莊園 is a fairy tale-like, European-inspired resort nestled in a lush forest in Nanzhuang Township. Sud Vista is like a whimsical manor as it covers a vast landscape and offers imaginative spaces for you to spend a magical night. Treehouses, mushroom cottages, train carriages, campervans and luxurious cabins – you can choose what your heart desire!
The resort is famous for creating a fantastical getaway experience where guests can stay in enchanting buildings and enjoy scenic views of the mountains, overlooking the Nanzhuang village and Zhonggang River.
Children and adults will be entertained in the resort as there is a giant forest slide, a dinosaur-themed playground and hiking trails. There are also many dining spots in the resort like the Village restaurant, Magic Mirror Restaurant and Bliss Restaurant.
- Sud Vista 蘇維拉莊園
- Address: 353, Nanzhuang Township, Siwan, No. 92, Miaoli County, Taiwan (Google map)
- Website: https://sudvista.com/
When to visit Miaoli?
Miaoli experiences a comfortable subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The weather varies throughout the year and offers different experiences for visitors.
Spring (March to May): Spring in Miaoli is vibrant, with the Tung Blossom Festival in Tongluo Township being a highlight. The mild weather makes it perfect for hiking and exploring the countryside amidst blooming flowers. Hydrangeas bloom during the rainy season in May to June. The spring season is ideal for nature lovers and those interested in cultural events.
Summer (June to August): Summer brings warmth and vitality to Miaoli. It is a great time to enjoy the coastal areas and participate in water activities. Summer evenings are lively with night markets and festivals. Grapes and red dates are harvested in summer.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn is a season of harvest and tranquillity in Miaoli. The comfortable temperatures make it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Visitors can experience local harvest festivals and enjoy the scenic countryside with its changing foliage.
Winter (December to February): Winter in Miaoli is serene and peaceful. It’s the perfect time to visit hot springs, such as those in Tai’an Township, and enjoy birdwatching. Winter is perfect for picking strawberries.
How to get to Miaoli?
Miaoli is easily accessible from different parts of Taiwan. There are various transportation options for you to travel to Miaoli from major travel hubs like Taipei, Taichung, Tainan and more.
Once you get to Miaoli, the best way to get around Miaoli is to drive. You can either rent a car from main transportation hubs like Miaoli City or Zhunan Township. You can also engage a local driver or ask your accommodation to help with transportation.
Method 1: Train
Taiwan Administration Rail (TRA)
Taipei -> Miaoli City (TRA Miaoli station station): The most direct way to get to Miaoli City is to take the local TRA train. The fastest train Tze-Chiang Limited Express takes only 1 hour 40 minutes and the scenic train ride is comfortable.
I took the Tze-Chiang Limited Express at 7:00am from Taipei Main Station and arrived at TRA Miaoli station at 8:41am. From TRA Miaoli station in Miaoli City, you can explore Miaoli City and connect to other parts of Miaoli County.
Taiwan High Speed Train (THSR)
Taipei -> Miaoli County (THSR Miaoli train station): The train ride is only 46 minutes. THSR Miaoli station is in Houlong Township, not in central Miaoli. You can may walk from exit from THSR Miaoli Station Exit 5 to reach TRA Fengfu Station, then transfer to TRA trains to reach other parts of Miaoli. Northbound to Zaoqiao Station, Zhunan Station, and others; or southbound to Miaoli Station, Sanyi Station, and others.
Method 2: Bus
Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 台灣好行 has a convenient Nanzhuang route (南庄線 5805A) that brings visitors to popular sightseeing spots like the Nanzhuang Old Street 南庄老街 and Lion’s Head Mountain 獅頭山.
The Nanzhuang route (南庄線 5805A) bus route starts from TRA Zhunan train station. You can get off and explore different areas and hop on the next bus.
Taiwan Tour Bus
If you like to enjoy a hassle-free trip to Miaoli, you can join a package tour with Taiwan Tour Bus. Taiwan Tour Bus 台灣觀巴 has tour packages that take you to different parts of Miaoli. These tours are convenient and include tour guide and pick up/drop off services at Taipei. Some of the tours require a minimum number of pax so check out more information on their webpages below. Here are the Taiwan Tour Bus itineraries that feature Miaoli.
- Nanzhuang Hakka Cultural Tour in Miaoli County (one-day tour)
- Experience the Beauty of Shuei Yang and Cape Good Hope in Miaoli (one-day tour)
- Miaoli Zhuo Ye Cottage, Old Mountain Line, Taichung and Changhua (two-day tour)
Travel deal: Taiwan Tour Bus has a promotion for 2 persons travel for the price of 1 till the end of October 2025.
Method 3: Car
Via National Freeway No. 1
- Get off at the Toufen Interchange to reach Toufen and Sanwan.
- Get off at Touwu Interchange to reach Zaoqiao and Touwu.
- Get off at Miaoli Interchange to reach Miaoli City and Gongguan.
- Get off at Tongluo Interchange to reach Tongluo.
- Get off at the Sanyi Interchange to reach Sanyi.
Via National Freeway No. 3
- Get off at Zhunan Interchange to reach Toufen.
- Get off at Dashan Interchange to reach Dashan and Zaoqiao.
- Get off at Houlong Interchange to reach Miaoli City and Houlong.
- Get off at Tongxiao Interchange to reach Tongxiao and Tongluo.
- Get off at Yuanli Interchange to reach Yuanli and Sanyi.
Want to enjoy more savings for your Taiwan holiday? Check out my Taiwan travel guides to plan a free and easy vacation!
Use my special Klook promo code WENDYKLOOK to enjoy 5% any Klook purchases (no minimum spend; capped at USD $10).
Klook.comIf you find this travel guide useful, please support me and buy me a coffee ☕! With your kind contribution, I can sustain my website and share more travel guides and tips with you!
I strongly believe in empowering travellers to know better, travel better! I value privacy and transparency. The article contains affiliate links so I may be compensated to run the website and continue to create content if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.