MiaoliPlay Recommendations

Sanyi, a mountain town in Miaoli County, features the Guandao Mountain campground at 800 to 1,000 meters elevation, making it an excellent summer cooling-off choice. The campgrounds occupy a broad lawn surrounded by verdant mountain forest, with evening temperatures dipping to 20-25 degrees Celsius for a naturally cool experience. Site facilities are simple but complete, including seated and squat toilets, individual shower rooms and parking you can drive right up to. After dark, sunset and star-filled skies reward visitors, making it ideal for families, couples or nature lovers seeking quiet mountains and beautiful stargazing. Access is easy: about a 30-minute ride from Sanyi Station Old Street, making it the perfect summer escape from city heat.

Sanyi Woodcarving Old Street in Sanyi Township, Miaoli County, owes its distinctive woodcarving tradition to its long reliance on camphor wood as a raw material. The old street preserves red-brick tile-roofed houses and traditional architecture, with over a hundred woodcarving studios and craft stalls lining both sides where visitors can observe artisans up close and purchase handcrafted pieces. Nearby, the Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum and Shendiao Village provide in-depth introductions to woodcarving history and techniques. By car from Taipei or Taichung, exit at the Sanyi Interchange on Freeway 1, then walk about 5-10 minutes to the old street core. Parking is limited, so arriving before 10 AM is recommended to secure a spot. Sanyi Woodcarving Old Street is a must-visit destination not only for craft lovers but also for travelers who want to experience Hakka culture and woodcarving artistry.

Dongguashan Trail runs up Xishui Mountain (also called Donggua Mountain) in Tai'an Township, Miaoli County, covering about 1.6 kilometers at elevations between 600 and 1,200 meters. Along the way hikers pass primeval forest, natural stone walls and towering nine-bark and Zelkova trees, with views of distant Hu Mountain, Shangdao Mountain and Jiali Mountain. The trail's endpoint is a roughly 37-meter-tall millennium-old Zelkova, one of the largest known in Taiwan, which draws many visitors for photographs. The trailhead lies beside a concrete industrial road near the Dabizu Stream Trail, about a 5-minute drive from Longan Bridge. Although rope sections exist, the route is part of the national trail system and requires caution. Dongguashan Waterfall is also nearby, with clear water suitable for splashing, though the depth is limited; visitors are advised to focus on walking and viewing.

Jialishan Trail in Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County, ascends to about 2,220 meters and is nicknamed the Taiwan Fuji for its Fuji-like silhouette. The roughly 6-kilometer trail threads through broadleaf forest, ferns and shade-tolerant vegetation, passing landmarks such as Fengmei Stream and Marker No. 9. Summers stay refreshingly cool, making it a popular cooling-off destination, while rope sections and scrambling zones suit hikers who relish a challenge. From the summit, hikers gain sweeping views of the Xueshan Holy Ridge and nearby Luchang Mountain. Rated intermediate in difficulty, the trail calls for ample water and sun protection, with attention to swift streams and steep sections.

Nanzhuang Old Street in Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County, features a century-old post office, a cluster of Japanese-era heritage buildings and the Kangji Suspension Bridge, with streets lined by Hakka-flavored snacks and distinctive souvenirs. A stroll along Osmanthus Lane brings wafts of osmanthus syrup, handcrafted osmanthus egg rolls and assorted Hakka rice dishes that let visitors taste traditional flavors while soaking in the rich Hakka culture. The district is pet-friendly, with many shops offering water bowls and welcoming spaces for four-legged companions, making it ideal for exploring with furry friends. Whether you amble, sample the snacks or tour the heritage buildings, Nanzhuang Old Street is a must-visit destination on any Miaoli itinerary.

Grand Canyon Huoyan Mountain in Miaoli County is a popular summer escape. The mountain forests stay cool, making it well-suited to summer hiking and outdoor activities. After reaching the summit, visitors can picnic and relax with friends while enjoying the natural scenery and fresh air. The site offers multiple hiking trails that range from beginner-friendly to advanced, making it an ideal cooling-off destination during the heat of summer.