MiaoliPlay Recommendations
Featured
Illustrative Lijingguan Cafe B&B in Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County, pairs European-style wooden cabins with the local mountain landscape for a pet-friendly stay. Rabbits and cats roam freely around the courtyard, and visiting dogs can run across the spacious lawn. A communal lounge serves several coffee and tea drinks, letting travelers relax and chat under starlit skies and forest views. The hosts are warm and happy to share tips on local ecology and sights; breakfast is light, so travelers with special dietary needs should mention them ahead of time. Large dogs are not accepted, and a pet cleaning fee applies, so it is best to confirm details before booking.
Illustrative 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.
Play
Illustrative 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.
Illustrative Yanchuan Leisure Farm sits inside a primeval forest in Zhuolan Township, Miaoli County, where a full-length mountain stream and wide groves make it a perfect summer retreat. A shallow stream invites children to splash around safely, and the farm offers showers, DIY wind-chime and piggy-bank painting, plus on-site meals and afternoon tea for relaxed breaks. Admission is TWD 150 for visitors 100 cm and taller, free for overnight guests, and the fee is fully redeemable against food and activities. It is an ideal all-ages destination for family outings, hands-on play, and gentle nature immersion.
Illustrative 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.
Illustrative 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.
Illustrative 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.
Illustrative 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.