Plizio Visual Lab

Miaoli

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Miaoli

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Hike up Maolishan Park for a panoramic view of the city bowl and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Miaoli is the heart of Hakka culture; look for 'Hakka meat balls' (Ba-wan) which are served with a unique local white sauce.
The city is quite spread out; renting a scooter is the most efficient way to see the various cultural spots and shrines.
Visit the 'Hakka Round House' near the HSR station to see the traditional architecture of Hakka fortress dwellings.

🍽 Food

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Crystal Dumplings

Crescent-shaped dumplings with a translucent, chewy starch skin filled with savory seasoned pork.

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Hakka-style Ba-wan

Meatballs in a rice-flour skin, distinguished by their mild, creamy white garlic sauce unique to Miaoli.

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Gongguan Jujubes

A specialty from the nearby district; try dried red dates or fragrant jujube-infused tea.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Miaoli South Market

A bustling morning market where you can find authentic Hakka preserved foods and handmade noodles.

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Sanyi Woodcarvings

While Sanyi is a short drive away, you can find local shops in the city selling these fine artisan carvings.

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Maolishan Park

Gives shaded forest trails, historical monuments, and a peaceful escape from the urban bustle.

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Gongweixu Tunnel

A repurposed old railway tunnel lit with colorful LED lights; it is cool and quiet for a pleasant walk.

Miaoli City is the county seat of Miaoli County, situated in the hilly terrain of western Taiwan. The city is predominantly inhabited by the Hakka people, making it a significant cultural center for Hakka heritage in the country. Geographically, Miaoli is located along the Houlung River, which has historically provided resources for the local pottery and ceramic industries. The city developed significantly during the Japanese colonial era with the construction of the railway, which turned it into a logistical hub for the surrounding mountainous regions. Today, Miaoli is known for its Railway Museum and the preservation of traditional Hakka customs, language, and cuisine. The local economy is a blend of agriculture, light manufacturing, and government services. Despite modernization, the city retains a slower pace of life compared to the coastal metropolises, emphasizing its connection to the natural landscape and hills.

Location: Taiwan
Nearby: Toufen (11 km)
Population: ~86.327 (2025)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Jul, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	10	11	13	17	20	21	22	22	21	17	15	11
Rain mm	94	89	130	129	270	303	183	311	307	151	139	104

Geography

Population

86,327 (2025)

Coordinates

24.56400, 120.82000

Facts

Miaoli City was upgraded to a county-administered city on December 25, 1981.
The city covers a total land area of approximately 37.89 square kilometers.
Hakka people comprise more than 90% of the city's population.
The Miaoli Railway Museum houses several rare steam locomotives from the early 20th century.
The Houlung River flows through the city from east to west.
Miaoli is a major producer of strawberries and persimmons in the surrounding rural areas.