History, culture and scenery make Miaoli City one of the most enchanting destinations in Taiwan. Visit museums celebrating the city’s Hakka heritage, eat your way through bustling night markets and visit the ruins of a grand Japanese-era bridge. Known as Mountain Town by locals, the city is an excellent base for hiking in Shei-Pa National Park.
Things to do in Miaoli City
Miaoli City celebrates the rich history and heritage of the indigenous Hakka people. In the city centre, the Miaoli Hakka Roundhouse museum features exhibits on Hakka traditions. It also moonlights as a venue for cultural performances. Local restaurants will tempt you with local Hakka specialties such as braised meat, wild mushrooms and fresh bamboo shoots.
With more than 50 mountains to discover, Shei-Pa National Park immerses you in the raw and rugged natural beauty of Taiwan. Miaoli City is a good base for exploring the 770-square-kilometre park, where you’ll find tumbling waterfalls, ancient forests and snow-capped peaks.
Miaoli Yingcai Night Market promises all the excitement of a traditional Taiwanese market. It’s an ideal place to try local dishes such as “guabao” Taiwanese hamburgers made with soft steamed buns, braised pork and greens.
Longteng Broken Bridge is an easy day trip from Miaoli City and is one of the finest examples of Japanese-era architecture in Taiwan. While it collapsed in an earthquake in the 1930s, the ruins are still beautiful and remain one of the most photographed landmarks in Miaoli County.
Getting around Miaoli City
Miaoli City is easy to get around on foot or you can use local taxis. Trains run between Miaoli City and other major cities such as Taipei, Hsinchu and Taichung. Long-distance buses are also a fast and affordable way to travel. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Miaoli County at your own pace.