Miaoli Travel Guide, Discover this Amazing Mountainous Backwater 苗栗旅遊懶人包

How to get around in Miaoli?

As always, we recommend renting a scooter as the best way to see Taiwan. However, you can also a great deal of Miaoli by taking the train, inter city bus, or local bus. Getting around in a car is also a convenient option as there is plenty of parking pretty much everywhere in this less crowded county. 
By scooter: Looking for scooter rental in Miaoli? Check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. 
By car: If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. ​
By bus: You can book tickets to travel to Miaoli via inter-city bus on Klook here. 
You can book tickets to Miaoli via high speed rail (HSR)  on Klook here or KKDay here. 
Book tickets via the normal train (TRA)  on Klook here.
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. 

Tours:

There are many tours and activities available in Miaoli such as Schokolake Chocolate Factory, Shangshun World, West Lake Resortopia, Suweila Manor, Baba Kengdao, Hobbit Valley, Zhuo Ye Cottage Duck Box and more on Klook here or KKday here. 

Where to Stay:

We have stayed at and recommend Beautiful Landscape Resort, a fish farm and resort near Nanzhuang Old Street (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here), and Yuan Motel, a high-class car motel which includes a great breakfast buffet (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend Flying Cow Ranch which includes cabins and camping right on the tourist ranch; you can book a room on Agoda here, Booking.com here, or Trip.com here. 
Looking for a hotel? Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

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Nanzhuang Old Street 南庒老街

Nanzhuang Old Street is a large tourist street and shopping area in central Miaoli. It is actually three old streets combined into one, and includes a night market too. You can find all kinds of food options here, and authentic Hakka dishes. Nearby, you can also find amazing hiking trails and mountain scenery to enjoy…(read more)

Valley of the Gods Waterfall 神仙谷瀑布

Shenxiangu (aka Valley of the Gods or Fairy Valley) in Donghe Township of Miaoli County is an amazing scenic area with multiple waterfalls flowing into a small mountain valley. The trail is short and includes a suspension bridge over the waterfalls, offering beautiful views of the area. It is a worthwhile stop for anyone visiting the area…(read more)

Hobbit Valley 哈比丘森林

Miaoli’s Hobbit Valley is a recreational farm that strongly resembles Hobbiton from The Lord of the Rings. Here, visitors can experience a Lord of the Rings-style visit without buying a plane ticket to New Zealand. There are also capybara, sheep, a restaurant, and great views of the surrounding area…(read more)

Jialishan 加里山

View of Jialishan from Nanzhuang in Miaoli, a popular hike that has great views of the central mountain range and western Taiwan.

Tai’an Hot Springs 泰安溫泉

Tai’an Hot Spring is a popular natural hot spring location in Miaoli. Here you can find hot spring resorts, Tai’an Old Street, as well as nature trails, historical sites, and wild hot springs. It is one of the best hot spring getaways in Taiwan…(read more)

Shitoushan (Lion Head Mountain) 獅頭山

Shitoushan in Miaoli is a popular hiking destination near Nanzhuang Old Street, one of Taiwan’s lesser 100 peaks, and has one of the highest concentrations of temples for any hiking trail in Taiwan. Here you can get away from it all and be swept up in the rugged beauty of Taiwan’s central foothills. It is definitely a worthwhile adventure for any traveler…(read more)

Dahu 大湖

Dahu is a large valley in the hills of Miaoli inside Shei-Pa National Park, known for its strawberries, which are in season from November to March, and is also called the Kingdom of Strawberries. Here you can pick your own strawberries for a discount and bring them home. In the meantime, you can enjoy the amazing scenery and Hakka culture in the area…(read more)

Shokolake Country House Chocolate Factory 巧克力雲莊

Shokolake Chocolate Factory (aka Shokolate Country House) is a tourist factory, museum, and resort in rural Miaoli, Taiwan. Here you can taste all kinds of chocolate, enjoy gardens, cherry blossoms, and beautiful scenery, try out DIY activities, and more. It is a fun experience for the whole family…(read more)

Price:
300 NT per person.
You can buy tickets at a discount on Klook here or KKday here.  

Wenshui Old Street 汶水老街

Wenshui Old Street is an old trading hub in central Miaoli, close to Dahu, which is known for strawberry farming. On the old street, you can find lots of Hakka traditional cuisine and strawberry-themed snacks. In the meantime, you can enjoy the historical sights and Hakka culture in the area…(read more)

Sanwan Old Street 三灣老街

Sanwan Old Street is a historic area of the small town of Sanwan in rural Miaoli County. Here you can find historical buildings, rural scenery, and wildlife. You can also discover more about Hakka culture in the most Hakka town per capita in Taiwan…(read more)

Places we missed:

Taiwan Hakka Culture Museum 台灣客家文化舘
Shei-pa National Park 雪霸國家公園
Mt. Sylvia (Dabajianshan) 大霸尖山
Shangshun World 尚順育樂世界
West Lake Resortopia 西湖渡假村
Suweila Manor 蘇維拉莊園
Baba Kengdao 八八坑道
Zhuo Ye Cottage 卓也小屋
Duck Box 三義鴨箱寶 

​Don’t wait for a blog to tell you where to go, just take the train or rent a scooter, look on Google Maps, and start exploring!
You can also check out our full travel guide to Taiwan here.