Miaoli

Miaoli (苗栗) is a city in northwestern Taiwan and the capital of Miaoli County. The city is the heart of Hakka culture in Taiwan, known for its traditional Hakka cuisine, the Miaoli Hakka Roundhouse, and its position as a gateway to mountain attractions like Sanyi and Nanzhuang.

The climate is humid subtropical. October to March are the best months. The city centre is compact and walkable.

By Plane

Taichung International Airport (RMQ) is about 50 km south. A taxi takes about 50 minutes and costs around NT$1,200–1,500.

By Train

Miaoli Station (苗栗車站) is on the TRA west coast line, served by local and express trains. From Taipei, Tze-Chiang trains take about 1 hour 15 minutes (NT$250–350). The Miaoli HSR station is located in neighbouring Houlong.

By Car / Road

Miaoli is accessible via Freeway 1 (Miaoli exit). From Taipei, drive south for about 1.5 hours. From Taichung, drive north for about 40 minutes.

The city centre is walkable. YouBike stations are available. Local buses connect to surrounding towns.

• Miaoli Hakka Roundhouse (苗栗客家圓樓) — A replica of a traditional Fujian Hakka roundhouse with cultural exhibits.

• Miaoli Park — A city park with a Japanese-era shrine and views.

• Miaoli Railway Station — The historic station building.

• Miaoli Night Market — A lively evening market.

• Nanzhuang Old Street — 20 minutes east, a charming Hakka street.

• Explore the Hakka Roundhouse and cultural exhibits.

• Sample Hakka cuisine at local restaurants.

• Walk the city market streets.

• Visit nearby Sanyi for wood carving.

• Cycle the Hakka countryside.

Miaoli is one of the best places for Hakka cuisine.

• Hakka stuffed tofu (客家釀豆腐), salt-baked chicken (鹽焗雞), and stir-fried pork.
• Miaoli teng ban — A local rice noodle dish.
• Night market stalls serving meatballs and noodle soups. NT$50–150.

Hakka lei cha (擂茶, pounded tea) is the local speciality. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Guesthouses near the station, NT$800–1,200.
• Mid-range: Business hotels, NT$1,500–2,500.

• Hakka preserved vegetables and specialty foods.
• Sanyi wood carvings — Available in the city's craft shops.
• Hakka rice wine and local tea.

• Sanyi — 15 km south. Famous for wood carving and the old mountain railway.
• Nanzhuang — 18 km east. Hakka mountain town with old street and hot springs.
• Houlong — 8 km west. Coastal town with a historic station.
• Tongxiao — 15 km southwest. Coastal area with wind turbines.
• Dahu — 12 km east. Strawberry farming and rural scenery.