MiaoliPlay Recommendations

Dahu Strawberry Farm in Dahu Township, Miaoli County, is Taiwan's renowned strawberry mecca. The strawberry season runs from November through April of the following year, with cool weather producing sweet, juicy berries. Admission is free and picking is charged by weight, suitable for both families and couples. The farm features elevated picking beds so elderly visitors and children can pick without bending, plus a white-strawberry zone for guests who favor pale-hued fruit. The grounds are clean and well-equipped, with free parking and a simple rest area. Weekday visits are recommended, especially Tuesday through Thursday when crowds are smaller and strawberries are at their freshest. Dahu Strawberry Farm is the ideal destination to experience farm fun and enjoy freshly picked strawberries.

Perched on a hill in Xihu Township, Miaoli County, Grimm Fantasy Forest is a themed park renowned for wedding photography and Instagram-worthy scenes. More than a hundred dreamlike sets span the grounds, including European-style chapels, a water-top chapel, a Hobbit village, a Venetian gondola, and European castle facades, with both indoor and outdoor areas offering air conditioning and shaded spots so the park stays comfortable even in high summer. Beyond wedding shoots, day visitors are welcome to explore and photograph at their leisure, making it a must-see for couples and photography enthusiasts.

Tucked into the mountains of Tai'an Township, Miaoli County, Taian Hot Spring is one of Taiwan's celebrated alkaline carbonate springs, locally nicknamed the 'beauty bath' for its silky, slightly milky, weakly alkaline water that leaves skin soft and smooth. Surrounded by peaks, the area is within easy reach of Qing'an Tofu Street, Wenshui Old Street, Hushan Suspension Bridge, and several nature trails, blending hot-spring relaxation with mountain scenery and local culture. It is remote but reachable by car or public bus, and perfect for travelers seeking a quiet soak far from urban bustle.

Shenxiangu Waterfall (Shenxian Valley) in Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County, sits at roughly 650 meters elevation and is known for its dramatic canyon, double-tier cascade, and suspension bridge. The trail is gentle, with only about a five-minute walk from the entrance to the viewing platform, so it suits visitors who want a relaxed stroll. The valley was a filming location for the epic movie Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale and carries both geological interest and Atayal legend. Reachable by car or public transit, with an Olive Tree Cafe and homestay nearby, the site is free to enter and a refreshing summer nature stop.

Penglai River Fish Protection Trail in Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County, is a roughly 1.6-kilometer riverside forest path dominated by gentle steps. The trail curves alongside the crystal-clear Penglai River under a dense, shaded canopy, making it an ideal summer escape from the heat. A free parking lot and public restrooms are available, and a small farmers' market at the entrance provides a spot to rest. Along the way visitors can watch dense schools of fish and varied riverside plants. The full walk takes about one to one-and-a-half hours, the footing is good, and the trail is suitable for all ages.

Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area in Miaoli County sits at roughly 2,000 meters elevation and is one of Taiwan's finest summer refuges from the heat. Each season brings a different mood: fresh green foliage and blooms in spring, cool mountain air in summer, frequent seas of clouds in autumn, and mist-shrouded cold peaks in winter. The protected primeval forest offers several hiking trails, with the 846-meter Cloud-Mist Trail and the Guanwu Giant Tree Trail the most popular; hikers can spot red cypress giants, Mikado pheasants, and Formosan Reeves' muntjacs along the way. Guanwu also offers high-altitude blueberry picking in season, and on-site lodging lets guests soak up the early-morning and nighttime forest atmosphere. Driving is recommended, and visitors should bring warm layers and basic supplies.