Shitan

Shitan (獅潭) is a rural mountain township in eastern Miaoli County, Taiwan, located along the historic Old Mountain Railway route. The area is known for its Hakka culture, scenic mountain landscape, and the Shitan Fish Farming industry.

The climate is subtropical. October to March are the best months. The township is small and quiet.

By Plane

Taichung International Airport (RMQ) is about 60 km south. A taxi takes about 1 hour and costs around NT$1,400–1,700.

By Train

The nearest TRA station is Miaoli Station (25 km west). From Miaoli, take a taxi or bus.

By Car / Road

Shitan is accessible via Provincial Highway 3 and County Road 126. From Miaoli City, drive east for about 30 minutes.

A car or scooter is essential.

• Shitan Old Street — A quiet historic Hakka street.

• Shitan Fish Farms — Traditional freshwater fish farming ponds.

• Shitan Temple — A local Hakka temple.

• Mountain landscape — Scenic views of the surrounding hills.

• Walk the quiet old street.

• Cycle the rural roads.

• Hike in the nearby hills.

• Small Hakka eateries serve simple meals. NT$50–100.

Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Limited. Day trip from Miaoli City.

Hakka preserved foods and local agricultural products.

• Miaoli City — 25 km west.
• Nanzhuang — 10 km north. Mountain town.
• Dahu — 12 km west. Strawberry farms.
• Sanyi — 20 km southwest. Wood carving.
• Tai'an — 15 km southeast. Hot springs.