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- Taishan Gouzaiqian Old Street 泰山溝仔墘老街
Taishan Gouzaiqian Old Street is a small historic area of the Taishan District in New Taipei City. Here you can find old brick buildings, temples, and a century-old well, which were once the heart of a bustling commercial area in their time. This is not a touristy old street, but you can find lots of food options nearby on the main road.
🏯 Planning your trip to Taipei? 🏮
Here are some top travel tips for you:
- Best time to visit: March-May, and October – November when the temperatures are nice and there is not as much rain
- You can buy tickets to Taipei’s Science Museum for a discount on Klook here
- How to get there: Taiwan High Speed Railway and Inter-City Bus
- Best places to stay: Yuanshan Grand Hotel or Fu Chang Hotel
- Book tours and activities in Taipei on Klook
- Stay connected with a local SIM
- Rent a car to explore distant sights
Historical Background:
Gouzaiqian Old Street in Taishan District, New Taipei City—originally a key Qing-era route linking Xinzhuang and Linkou—whose name means “by the irrigation ditch,” and which today survives as Taishan’s only old street along Mingzhi Road, symbolizing growing local identity despite the area’s faded past prosperity. It traces Taishan’s historical development from early Minnan (Anxi, Quanzhou) settlement, through Qing and Japanese administration, to its separation from Xinzhuang in 1950 and upgrade to a district in 2010, with its name derived from the local deity temples Upper and Lower Taishan Temples. Nearby attractions include the two Taishan temples, Mingzhi Academy, and the Taishan Doll Industry Cultural Museum.
Hours:
24/7
Price:
Free
Where to stay:
We recommend Fullon Hotel, which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here).
We have stayed at and recommend Gold Mountain Ranch, which is a horse ranch and glamping destination in Jinshan. You can book a night at Gold Mountain Ranch on Klook here. You can also check out our full blog on the ranch here.
We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home, which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here).Activities in Taipei:
There are many activities available to enjoy in Taipei, such as kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, SUP/paddle boarding, water biking, and more activities, which you can book on Klook here or KKday here.
How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: From Taipei, take Provincial Highway 1 southwest to Taishan and then turn onto Highway 106. The old street is on the left. There is paid parking under the Taishan Doll Industry Cultural Museum.
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here.
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 MRT/Bus: Take the airport line MRT to Xinzhuang Fuduxin. The old street is within walking distance. You can also book an MRT travel pass 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 use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here.
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here.Map:
Please see below to see:
Our Journey:
I have been to Taishan Old Street once. It is a surprisingly quiet old pedestrian walkway, next to a very busy main street in Taishan. There are some cool buildings to explore here, and is some good signage showing the history of the area. Come check it out if you are interested in Taiwan’s history!
From here, you would probably never guess there was an old street nearby.
The old street starts out at this stone wall/monument.
Old Street Splendor
“When Taiwan was predominantly agrarian, the area between the main irrigation canals of Tucheng River and Kuitzihleng River was criss-crossed with ditches and waterways. Indeed, a channel carrying water from Tiktung River served to flow beneath the pavement in front of the Town Government building. Often this irrigation served nearby agricultural land; homes built on either side of the channel used it as their primary source of water. Today Lane 256, Section 1, Mingchi Road is known as ‘Old Street.’ It can be difficult to associate this area with the better-known images of old streets in Sanhsia, Hsinchu or Hualien, because off to one side of the structures were mud buildings with straw roofs and no baroque-type stores. Many years ago this area had no large downtown streets, though Kuitzihleng was known to those who lived at the foot of the mountain as ‘Shiqiuping Street.’ However, the beauty of this old street lies in the fact that it was neither the site of brisk commercial activity, nor the scene of important historical events. Indeed, with monuments of space and time, people, events and objects of any place have their own irreplaceable nostalgia and unique shared memory.”
Panel 2 – Decorative Architectural Style
“Often the most exquisite decorative elements of a building are concentrated on the façade, front and elevated points. As such, to truly appreciate the beauty of a traditional home it is often useful to start with the very front of the building and the roof. Because these features function as protection against the elements, two commonly seen decorations are ‘Cut-and-Paste’ and ‘Clay sculptures.’ ‘Cut-and-Paste’ are made from a steel wire frame which is covered and shaped using plaster. A craftsman then cuts out different colored decorative pieces in a radial pattern. Although the work is free-flowing, it is also very difficult. The finished result highlights a special decorative beauty.”
Walking down the street we see some old brick buildings. Someone parks a car up this thing!
Historical house covered in a tin roof.
Another small alleyway. The main old house here was under construction.
Another historical house on the old street.
Closer view of another historical brick house.
Older two-story brick house.
And you can see on of the most beautiful old brick houses here was destroyed.
A sign pointing to Taishan Lower Temple, Century-old Well, and the Township office.
Century-old Well 百年古井
View of the 100-year-old well.
View down into the well, which still has fresh water.
An old wall which has now been turned into a dragon fruit garden.
A hallow shell of a house.
Another old house.
Three-sided courtyard.
You can also check out this hiking trail that connects to the hills in the back.
Taishan Lower Temple 下泰山巖顯應祖師
At the end of the old street, you will come to Taishan Lower Temple.
Lower Taishan Yan (Xia Taishan Yan) is a temple on Mingzhi Road in Taishan District, New Taipei City, dedicated to the monk Xianying Zushi from Anxi, Quanzhou, Fujian, and was founded in the late Qing Guangxu era by three clans who brought a divided spirit from Qijiao Taishan Yan, giving rise to the distinction between “Upper” (Top Taishan Yan) and “Lower” temples and even contributing to the place name “Taishan.” The temple holds annual celebrations on the lunar 9th month, 18th day for Xianying Zushi’s birthday, and enshrines a rich pantheon including guardian generals Lin and Zhang, Mazu with Qianliyan and Shunfeng’er, the Earth God, and on the main altar figures such as Qingshui Zushi, Shennong, the Lord of Law, Laozi, Sun Wukong, Guan Gong, and others, while the upper pavilion venerates the Jade Emperor, Erlang Shen, Pagoda-Bearing Li Tianwang, the Queen Mother of the West, Guanyin, and attendant deities—reflecting the temple’s role as a major local religious and cultural center tied to Gouzaiqian Old Street and Upper Taishan Yan.
Offering tables being set up for the gods.
View of the main shrine.
In front of the temple there is a vegetable market.
View of Mingzhi Road, the main road next to the old street.
Ritualistic supply shops can be found nearby.
You can also find a little hot pot and most other shops you would normally find on a Taiwan main street.
Another peak back into the old street.
Fried chicken and other snacks.
Another view into one of the small alleyways that connects to the old street.
More snacks across the street.
And how could your trip be complete without a trip to KFC?
Taishan Doll Museum 泰山娃娃產業文化館
The Taishan Doll Museum (aka Taishan Barbie / Mattel Museum) is a small museum near the site of Mattel’s former factory in Taiwan, which was once home to the production of most of the world’s Barbie dolls. Here you can learn about the history of Mattel in Taiwan as well as its workers. You can also see hundreds of historical dolls on display here…(read more)
Check out our Taipei Old Street guide here.
Check out our guide to Taipei here.
Check out our full guide to Taiwan here.
The Taishan Doll Museum (aka Taishan Barbie / Mattel Museum) is a small museum near the site of Mattel’s former factory in Taiwan, which was once home to the production of most of the world’s Barbie dolls. Here you can learn about the history of Mattel in Taiwan as well as its workers. You can also see hundreds of historical dolls on display here.
🏯 Planning your trip to Taipei? 🏮
Here are some top travel tips for you:
- Best time to visit: March-May, and October – November when the temperatures are nice and there is not as much rain
- You can buy tickets to Taipei’s Science Museum for a discount on Klook here
- How to get there: Taiwan High Speed Railway and Inter-City Bus
- Best places to stay: Yuanshan Grand Hotel or Fu Chang Hotel
- Book tours and activities in Taipei on Klook
- Stay connected with a local SIM
- Rent a car to explore distant sights
Historical Background:
The Mattel plant in Taishan began in the early 1960s as a joint venture between the U.S. toy maker and local Taiwanese investors. What started as a single workshop quickly expanded into a sprawling complex by the 1970s, employing thousands of workers and at its height producing well over one million dolls annually for export markets worldwide. The facility was organized into specialized departments—molding, painting, assembly, quality control, and packaging—where early automation technologies worked alongside skilled local craftspeople to achieve the company’s exacting standards. By transforming a once‐quiet rural district into a bustling manufacturing hub, the Taishan factory played a pivotal role in both the region’s economic development and Mattel’s rise as a global leader in the toy industry.
Hours:
9:30 AM to 5 PM, closed on Mondays
Price:
Free
Where to stay:
We recommend Fullon Hotel, which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here).
We have stayed at and recommend Gold Mountain Ranch, which is a horse ranch and glamping destination in Jinshan. You can book a night at Gold Mountain Ranch on Klook here. You can also check out our full blog on the ranch here.
We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home, which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here).
Activities in Taipei:
There are many activities available to enjoy in Taipei, such as kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, SUP/paddle boarding, water biking, and more activities, which you can book on Klook here or KKday here.
How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: From Taipei, take Provincial Highway 1 southwest to Taishan and then turn onto Highway 106. Turn onto Lane 26, Fengjiang Road. There is paid parking under the museum location, which Taishan District Local Cultural Center.
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here.
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 MRT/Bus: Take the airport line MRT to Xinzhuang Fuduxin. The museum is within walking distance. You can also book an MRT travel pass 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 use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here.
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here.
Map:
Please see below to see:
Our Journey:
I have been to the Taishan Barbie Museum once. I first heard about it from the Formosa Files Podcast, and my interest was piqued. I took my whole family there. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience, but I was sad that I was not allowed to take photos of the inside.
We drove a car, and parked here in the underground parking.
We made it to the outside of the Taishan Cultural Center.
It was freezing outside at only 14 degrees. Burr!
There was a small park and a panda display outside.
The doll museum is on the fourth floor.
You have to sign in to enter the museum, and you cannot take photos inside.
“美系流行娃娃介紹”
“Introduction to American Fashion Dolls”
• Barbie – Created in 1959 by Mattel, Barbie revolutionized the doll market. She was the first adult‐bodied fashion doll and has since appeared in hundreds of careers and hundreds of outfits.
• American Girl – Launched in the 1980s by Pleasant Company, these dolls each come with a historical back-story and companion book, aimed at teaching American history through imaginative play.
• Our Generation, Baby Alive, etc. – A short overview of later U.S. brands that targeted younger children with interactive features (feeding, talking, changing diapers), emphasizing lifelike play patterns
“世界娃娃介紹”
“Introduction to Dolls of the World”
- 俄羅斯套娃 “Russian Matryoshka Dolls”
Summary: Nested wooden dolls, each smaller doll fitting inside the next. Originating in late 19th-century Russia, they symbolize family unity and fertility. - 台灣原住民人偶 “Taiwan Aboriginal Dolls”
Summary: Hand-carved and woven dolls representing the island’s indigenous tribes. Used in ritual, festivals, and as teaching tools about each tribe’s dress, tools, and legends. - 中國明代陶娃 “Chinese Ming-Dynasty Clay Figurines.”
Summary: Glazed and unglazed pottery figures were once used as funerary objects or children’s toys. They depict court ladies, soldiers, animals, and mythic creatures, reflecting Ming-era aesthetics.
Exit to the museum.
Closed doors as we were read the rules to the msuem.
“泰山產業史” “Industrial History of Taishan”
“清領泰山” “Taishan under Qing Rule”
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Taishan was a rural hinterland supplying rice and tea to the lower basin. Water-control projects linked it to the Tamsui River, enabling small-scale mills and tea presses. Villages sprang up around ancestral shrines and river fords.
“日治泰山” “Taishan under Japanese Rule”
From 1895–1945, the colonial government paved roads and extended the railway. This turned Taishan into a hub for camphor, sugar, and camellia oil processing. Large distilleries and rice mills were built, and a modern administrative district took shape.
“戰後泰山” “Postwar Taishan”
Body summary: After 1945, industrial parks replaced old mills. Electronics, plastics, and textile factories arrived in the 1960s–70s, drawing migrant workers and creating urban sprawl. By the 1990s the old town’s factories had mostly closed or moved, giving way to commuter dormitories and light‐industry zones.
Model of the old Mattel Factory.
“娃娃社團” “Doll Clubs”
Local enthusiast groups first formed in the 1970s. Members swap outfits, trade accessories, and hold monthly meet-ups to display their collections. Some clubs even bring in overseas experts for guest lectures and styling workshops.
“娃娃人” “Doll Enthusiasts”
Profiles of four veteran collectors. Each shares how they discovered doll-collecting, their favorite rare pieces, and advice for newcomers on maintenance, repair, and ethical trading.
“曲終人不散—” “When the Music Ends, the People Stay Together”
Body summary: Describes an annual doll convention that has run unbroken since 1985. Despite the fanfare of contests and performances, the true highlight is the late-night swap sessions and camaraderie that keep members returning year after year.
“美華工廠” “The Mattel Factory”
Outlines the location and footprint of the original Xinzhuang plant. Built in 1960, it grew from a single workshop to a sprawling complex by the 1970s, employing thousands.
“美華工廠的成立與規模” “Establishment and Scale of the Mattel Factory”
Body summary: Traces the factory’s founding partnership between U.S. Mattel executives and Taiwanese investors. Details annual output, export destinations, and peak years when it produced over one million dolls annually.
“美華工廠的生產部門” “Production Departments of the Mattel Factory”
Describes major divisions—molding, painting, assembly, quality control, and packaging. Includes notes on how each department was organized, the use of early automation in the 1970s, and the role of local craftspeople in hand-finishing.
Sadly, I do not have photos of the hundreds of Barbie dolls in the museum. You can go discover them for yourself!
Taishan Gouzaiqian Old Street 泰山溝仔墘老街
If you have time, you can also check out Taishan Old Street nearby.
Taishan Gouzaiqian Old Street is a small historic area of the Taishan District in New Taipei City. Here you can find old brick buildings, temples, and a century-old well, which were once the heart of a bustling commercial area in their time. This is not a touristy old street, but you can find lots of food options nearby on the main road…(read more)
Check out our Taipei Museum guide here.
Check out our guide to Taipei here.
Check out our full guide to Taiwan here.
Tai’an Hot Spring is a popular natural hot spring location in Miaoli County, Taiwan. Here you can find many hot spring resorts, Tai’an Old Street, which is full of delicious snacks, as well as nature trails, historical sites, and wild hot springs. It is one of the best hot spring getaways in Taiwan.
🏯 Planning your trip to Miaoli? ☀️
Here are some top travel tips for you:
- Best time to visit: Summer when it is warm and less windy
- How to get there: Taiwan High-Speed Railway and Inter-City Bus Book a room at Tangyue Resort on Agoda here
- Book tours and activities in Miaoli on Klook
- Stay connected with a local SIM
- Rent a car to explore distant sights
Historical Background:
Tai’an Hot Spring is a well-known hot spring area located in Jinshui Village, Tai’an Township, Miaoli County, Taiwan. The hot springs were originally discovered by the local Atayal Indigenous people. In 1910, during the Japanese colonial period, the Taiwan Governor-General’s Office established a police sanatorium at the site for officers and their families and named it “Kamishima Hot Spring.” After Japan’s defeat in World War II, the Nationalist government took over, and the Miaoli County Police Bureau acquired the water rights, renaming the facility the “Tai’an Guesthouse.” In 1963, the springs were called “Hushan Hot Spring,” and in 1978, Premier Chiang Ching-kuo officially renamed it “Tai’an Hot Spring,” which is the name still used today.
Hours:
24/7
Price:
Free
Cherry Blossom Season:
Cherry Blossoms can be seen here from February to late March. Check out our full guide to Cherry Blossom Season in Taiwan here.
Firefly Season:
Firefly season is from May to June. Check out our firefly season guide here.
Where to stay:
You can book hot spring resorts at Tai’an such as Tangyue Resort on Agoda here or Booking.com here.
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.
Activities in Miaoli:
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.
How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: Central Miaoli, take Provincial Highway 6 or Expressway 72 east to Dahu. The chocolate factory is right off the main highway (62) and is hard to miss.
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here.
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 TRB/Bus: From Miaoli station, take bus 5657 or 5656 to Fayun Temple. Shokolake is about a ten-minute walk from the bus stop. The whole trip should take an hour, one way. You can also book an TRB travel pass 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 use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here.
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here.
Map:
Please see below:
Our Journey:
We have been to Tai’an Hot Spring once during the summer. It was not suitable for a dip during that time, so we decided to forgo the hot spring baths and just enjoy the countryside. But I definitely want to go back for a dip soon.
Beautiful mountain valley as we neared closer to Tai’an.
Another view up the river.
Vertical view.
View downriver from Tai’an.
Another view from near the springs.
After passing by a bunch of resorts and Tai’an old street, we made it to the Tai’an Hot Spring parking lot.
From here, you can go on a trail upriver to see the natural hot springs.
Cars are not allowed, and you can only travel on foot.
We didn’t make it all the way, so this blog is kind of a dud. But hopefully it piques your interest. I know I want to go back and discover more of the hot spring area. It is like the Beitou or Wulai of Miaoli.
Check out our full guide to Miaoli here.
Check out our full guide to Taiwan here.
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.
🏯 Planning your trip to Miaoli? ☀️
Here are some top travel tips for you:
- Best time to visit: Summer when it is warm and less windy
- Book tickets to Hobbit Valley for a discount on Klook here
- How to get there: Taiwan High-Speed Railway and Inter-City Bus Book a room at Shokolake on Agoda here
- Book tours and activities in Miaoli on Klook
- Stay connected with a local SIM
- Rent a car to explore distant sights
Historical Background:
Hobbiton in Miaoli started operating in July, 2019. Officially known as “Hobbit Hill Tea Tree Forest,” it lets visitors experience a “Lord of the Rings”-style hobbit village without flying to New Zealand. The park features four main attractions: Taiwan’s most beautiful hobbit houses, the island’s highest and most scenic sky swing, the best capybara viewing area in western Taiwan, and smiling sheep from the Swiss Alps. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal flower displays, including autumn maple leaves in November–December and blooming Australian tea trees in April.
Hours:
9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Price:
200 NT per person.
You can buy tickets at a discount on Klook here or KKday here.
Cherry Blossom Season:
Cherry Blossoms can be seen here from February to late March. Check out our full guide to Cherry Blossom Season in Taiwan here.
Firefly Season:
Firefly season is from May to June. Check out our firefly season guide here.
Where to stay:
You can book a room at Shokolake on Agoda here or Booking.com here.
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.
Activities in Miaoli:
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.
How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: Central Miaoli, take Provincial Highway 6 or Expressway 72 east to Dahu. The chocolate factory is right off the main highway (62) and is hard to miss.
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here.
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 TRB/Bus: From Miaoli station, take bus 5657 or 5656 to Fayun Temple. Shokolake is about a ten-minute walk from the bus stop. The whole trip should take an hour, one way. You can also book an TRB travel pass 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 use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here.
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here.
Map:
Please see below:
Our Journey:
We have been to Hobbiton in Miaoli once. It was fun and definitely much cheaper than travelling to New Zealand. It is also a great place to enjoy the countryside in Miaoli and connect with nature. Overall, it is a fun visit for the whole family.
We drove to Hobbiton. There is some free parking here, but the road is really steep.
When we stopped, there was someone there to collect money for entrance tickets. The price is 200 NT per person.
You can buy tickets at a discount on Klook here or KKday here.
We also fed some ponies here.
We had fun feeding the pony, but my little toddler did get a little scared. Lol.
Two ponies begging for food.
Feeding the horses some carrots.
As you can tell, this place is a selfie and Instagrammer wonderland.
There are quite a few different houses here to choose from.
More people come to take a photo.
There is also a restaraunt here with great views.
We ordered some pizza and chips, but I do not remember it being cheap.
View of the restaruant menu here.
There is also a giant swing you can see below.
There are also public bathrooms here.
Another different style hobbit home.
When I first came to Taiwan, one of my friends thought that the gravesites in Taiwan looked like hobbit homes.
Hobbit window.
View from the behind the hobbit home.
Some people enjoying the swing.
View from the restaraunt.
Chickens in the grass.
Goats and geese.
Another wooden swing.
Trail down to a bell.
Treehouse.
View from the top of the treehouse.
Flower garden.
View of the sky.
View of a bamboo forest from near the treehouse.
You can buy tickets at a discount on Klook here or KKday here.
Check out our full guide to Miaoli here.
Check out our full guide to Taiwan here.
For you expats or foreigners who have never left Taipei, Miaoli is a large rural county in central Taiwan. From the ocean to hills, to mountains, and more mountains, Miaoli is an outdoor paradise. There are also many interesting cultural and historical sites here. Below, I will list some of the best places in Miaoli that I have visited. I will be sure to update this blog as I visit more places later.
🏯 Planning your trip to Miaoli? ☀️
Here are some top travel tips for you:
- Best time to visit: Summer when it is warm and less windy
- How to get there: Taiwan High-Speed Railway and Inter-City Bus
- Best place to stay: Beautiful Landscape Resort or Yuan Motel
- Book tours and activities in Miaoli on Klook
- Stay connected with a local SIM
- Rent a car to explore distant sights
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.
Map:
You can see a map of all the places that we will visit in this blog below:
Here is our list:
Miaoli Hakka Roundhouse 苗栗客家圓樓
Price:
Free
Hours:
9 AM to 5 PM, closed Mondays.
You can book tickets to travel to Miaoli via inter-city bus on Klook here.
Miaoli Yingcai Night Market 苗栗市英才觀光夜市
Hours:
Friday: 6:30-11:30 PM
Saturday: 5-10 PM
Sunday: Closed. Moves to Houlong Night Market, which is open from 5-11 PM.
Wednesday: 5-10 PM
We have stayed at and recommend Yuan Motel, a high-class car motel that includes a great breakfast buffet near downtown Miaoli.
Longteng Broken Bridge 龍騰斷橋
Hours:
24/7
Price:
Free
You can book tickets to Miaoli via high speed rail (HSR) on Klook here or KKDay here.
Sanyi Old Mountain Rail Train Ride 三義舊山線小火車
Hours:
Train times: 9:20-11:05, 11:40-13:05, 14:20-15:45, 16:20-17:45
Price:
200-275 NT per person
Website:
https://www.oml-railbike.com/_pages/info/index.php
We have stayed at and recommend Beautiful Landscape Resort, a fish farm and resort near Nanzhuang Old Street.
Zhuolan Grand Canyon 卓蘭大峽谷
Price:
Free
Huoyanshan 火炎山
Price:
Free
Hours:
24/7
Time needed to hike (round trip):
3-4 hours, easy hike
Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here.
Flying Cow Ranch 飛牛牧場
Hours:
7 AM to 10 PM every day
Price:
220 NT per person (including a free dairy product)
50 NT per car
You can book tickets to Flying Cow Ranch for a discount on KKday here or on Klook here.
Accommodation:
3000-5000 NT per night (1000+ NT per campsite), you can book a room here.
Website:
https://www.flyingcow.com.tw/en/
Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum 三義木雕博物館
Price:
80 NT per person
Hours:
9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Website:
https://wood.mlc.gov.tw/eng/content/index.aspx?Parser=1,15,62,54
You can also book Wifi and SIM cards for Taiwan on Gigago here.
Liyutan Reservoir 鯉魚潭水庫
Hours:
24/7
Price:
Free
Tongxiao Beach 通霄海水浴場
Hours:
8 AM to 5 PM (from May to October)
Price:
May, June, September, October: Free
July and August: Roughly 100-200 NT per person (can be spent at local shops along the beach)
Looking for a hotel? Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.
Guangsheng Old Street (廣盛老街)
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.