Miaoli Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety, and transportation options in Miaoli with this comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to Miaoli
- List of Places to Visit in Miaoli
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Miaoli
- Best Things to Do in Miaoli: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Miaoli
- Food and Drink Scene of Miaoli
- Where to Stay in Miaoli: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Miaoli: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Miaoli
- Best Time to Visit Miaoli
- Do’s and Don’ts of Miaoli
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Miaoli: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Miaoli
- Where to Go Next from Miaoli: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Miaoli
Miaoli is a beautiful destination located in Miaoli County, in the central region of Taiwan. Featuring stunning natural landscapes, cultural attractions, historical sites, and outdoor activities, Miaoli offers a unique and memorable travel experience for visitors. Whether you prefer exploring museums, hiking, biking, or enjoying local food, Miaoli has something for everyone.
List of Places to Visit in Miaoli
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Hakka Cultural Park: A themed park that showcases the unique culture and history of the Hakka people in Taiwan.
- Mingde Reservoir: An impressive dam with a beautiful lake that features scenic views, water activities, and a stunning suspension bridge.
- Tongluo Tinhau Temple: A historic temple that dates back more than 200 years, featuring impressive architecture and traditional ceremonies.
Natural Attractions of Miaoli: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Shitoushan Park: A natural park that features stunning views, hiking trails, and a beautiful Buddha statue.
- Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum: A unique museum that showcases exquisite wood carvings, including traditional Taiwanese art.
- Miaoli Railway Museum: A fascinating museum that displays the history of the railway system in Taiwan and features a real steam locomotive.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Miaoli
- Miaoli Coastal Bike Route: A beautiful scenic route along the coastline of Miaoli that connects various historical sites and natural attractions.
- Dabajianshan Trail: A challenging hiking trail that leads to the summit of Mt. Dabajianshan and features beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Cihu Trail: A picturesque hiking route that passes through rice fields, bamboo forests, and beautiful waterfalls, perfect for a relaxing day trip.
Best Things to Do in Miaoli: Activities and Tours
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: Experience a thrilling hot air balloon ride with a stunning aerial view of Miaoli’s landscapes.
- Fruit Picking: Enjoy fresh and delicious fruits while picking your own at a local fruit farm.
- Tea Tasting: Visit a traditional tea house and try some of the best tea in Taiwan, including Oolong, Black, and Green tea.
Week-Long Itinerary for Miaoli
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hakka Cultural Park, Mingde Reservoir |
| 2 | Tongluo Tinhau Temple, Shitoushan Park |
| 3 | Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum, Cihu Trail |
| 4 | Miaoli Railway Museum, Dabajianshan Trail |
| 5 | Hot Air Balloon Ride, Fruit Picking |
| 6 | Tea Tasting, Miaoli Coastal Bike Route |
| 7 | Relaxing Day at a Local Spa or Hot Spring |
Food and Drink Scene of Miaoli
Must-Try Dishes
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Miaoli Meatballs: A popular local dish made with pork, bamboo shoots, and shiitake mushrooms, served with a flavorful sauce.
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Oyster Vermicelli: A delicious and savory soup that features chewy vermicelli noodles and plump oysters, perfect for a cold day.
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Iron Egg: A unique Taiwanese snack made by coating hard-boiled eggs with a mix of spices and sauces.
Local Beverages
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Miaoli Wine: A sweet dessert wine made with locally grown grapes that contain no preservatives or additives.
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Hakka Tea: A traditional tea made by brewing a mix of leaves and flowers, perfect to enjoy any time of the day.
Where to Stay in Miaoli: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
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Miaoli Hotel: A modern and stylish hotel located in the heart of Miaoli city, featuring comfortable rooms and excellent amenities.
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Shianghu Hotel: A cozy hotel that offers a tranquil stay among beautiful scenery, including a sun terrace and a garden.
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Casa Time Traveler: A unique and quirky guesthouse that features an interior inspired by time travel with cozy and comfortable rooms.
What to Buy in Miaoli: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
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Miaoli Wine: A delicious and unique souvenir that showcases the local grape culture and traditions.
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Suncake: A popular pastry made with sweet and savory flavors that is perfect as a snack or a gift for friends and family.
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Wooden Sculptures: Take home a beautiful piece of traditional Taiwanese art, in the form of unique wooden sculptures crafted by local artisans.
Local Culture and Customs of Miaoli
In Miaoli, the Hakka culture is very prevalent and offers a unique insight into Taiwan’s cultural history. They have their own dialect, cuisine, festivals, and traditions, from tea ceremonies to ancestral worship.
Best Time to Visit Miaoli
The best time to visit Miaoli is during the Spring and Fall seasons, when the weather is mild, and the scenery is picturesque.
Do’s and Don’ts of Miaoli
Do:
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Respect the locals, their customs, and traditions.
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Learn some basic Mandarin or Hakka phrases to communicate with the locals.
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Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.
Don’t:
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Don’t litter or damage the natural environment in any way.
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Don’t point with your finger, as it is considered rude in Taiwanese culture.
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Don’t use red ink when writing someone’s name, as it is considered unlucky.
Safety and Health
Safety in Miaoli
Miaoli is a safe destination with low crime rates, and visitors can feel comfortable exploring the city’s attractions and natural wonders.
Health in Miaoli
Visitors to Miaoli should be aware of hydration and sun safety in the hot climate, and be mindful of food safety when trying local food.
Getting to Miaoli: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Miaoli
The nearest airport to Miaoli is the Taichung International Airport, which is located 65 km away from Miaoli City.
Bus Stations Near Miaoli
The Miaoli Bus Station is the main bus station in the city, offering services to other major Taiwanese cities.
Other Options
Visitors can also rent a car, hire a taxi, or take a private shuttle to reach Miaoli from nearby cities or towns.
How to Get Around in Miaoli
Public transportation is readily available in Miaoli, including buses and trains. Taxis and rental cars are also available for visitors who prefer more flexibility in their transportation.
Where to Go Next from Miaoli: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Miaoli is located within easy reach of several other popular destinations, including Taipei, Taichung, and Sun Moon Lake, offering visitors endless options for exploring other regions of Taiwan.
Conclusion
Miaoli offers visitors a unique and unforgettable travel experience with its stunning natural landscapes, cultural attractions, historical sites, and outdoor activities. With so much to see and do, Miaoli is definitely worth a visit for anyone traveling to Taiwan.
