中部丨MIDLAND

It’s Christmas Eve—wishing everyone a Merry Christmas! Among all the bald cypress groves I’ve visited across northern, central, and southern Taiwan, none capture the festive spirit quite like the one in Sanwan! The water reflects the trees as they shift from lush green to fiery orange-red, while the bare, silver-white branches left behind after the leaves fall add a touch of enchantment to the scene. As the cypress season nears its end, I highly recommend a trip to Sanwan to experience its unique sense of romance.

Gongguan Township in Miaoli County is predominantly a Hakka community, with agriculture serving as its economic backbone. It is renowned for its specialty agricultural products, such as pickled mustard greens and red dates. Thanks to its high-quality clay, Gongguan emerged as a major hub for the ceramics industry during the Japanese colonial period. Numerous ceramic factories once lined the area, and its pottery products were celebrated throughout Taiwan. However, as industries shifted, traditional ceramics gradually declined. Today, Gongguan actively integrates traditional pottery into modern life, striving to showcase its innovative spirit and carry forward the cultural legacy rooted in its rich pottery heritage.

Yuanli Township is situated in the southwestern region of Miaoli, bordered to the north by Tongxiao, to the west by the Taiwan Strait, to the east by Huoyan Mountain, and to the south by the Da'an River. It is one of the earliest developed areas in Miaoli. Known as the "Granary of Miaoli," Yuanli is renowned for its abundant agricultural resources. The cultivation of rice and rush grass, along with innovative craftsmanship, gives Yuanli a unique charm that sets it apart from other towns.