Autumn is coming! Every year from October to November, it's the season when the miscanthus blooms. Whether in the mountains or by the river, you can admire the miscanthus swaying like silver waves. Houlong Cape of Good Hope , located at the highest point of the hills, is an excellent spot to appreciate the miscanthus. Besides the miscanthus, Houlong's unique Hakka characteristics continue to surprise me!
Contents
◦ History of Houlong
In the past, Houlong was a gathering place for the Pingpu people, specifically the Taokas tribe. It was originally named Alan Village. During the Kangxi period, the Han settlers who came to cultivate the land mispronounced "Alan" as "Houlong," and the new name appeared by chance. Another theory suggests that the name Houlong came from the long, undulating terrain behind the village.
◦ Attractions in Houlong
01｜Cape of Good Hope
Cape of Good Hope is the most famous attraction in Houlong, located about a 20-minute drive from THSR Miaoli Station. On one side, you can see the endless coastline, while on the other side, there are lush green hills. A line of pure white wind turbines glistens under the clear blue sky. The breathtaking scenery makes me reluctant to leave!
After half an hour of enjoying the breeze, having a cup of meticulously cooked sweet soup with tapioca balls near the parking lot feels especially delightful.
Cape of Good Hope Near the Coast of Bantianliao
02｜Cape Paradise
Cape Paradise used to be a landfill, but after the town office's greening project, it has transformed into a popular weekend leisure spot. Here, branches serve as a reminder for people to care for the environment. Peering through them towards the sea and wind turbines on the other side evokes a sense of thought-provoking beauty.
Cape Paradise Miaoli Route 33 Coastal Bike Path
03｜Houlong Ciyun Temple
If you ask about the temples of Miaoli, many people might first think of the famous Baishatun Gong Tian Temple. However, there is an even older Mazu temple located in Houlong.
Houlong Ciyun Temple was built in the 35th year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign (1770), making it the oldest temple in Houlong. Visitors can explore numerous valuable historical artifacts, such as an ancient table from the Qianlong period and a plaque with the seal of Emperor Guangxu.
Houlong Ciyun Temple Opening Hours: 0600-2100 No. 120, Sanmin Rd., Houlong Township, Miaoli
04｜Tongxing Old Street
How short is the shortest old street in Taiwan? It's less than 100 meters long, and you can see the end of it at a glance. Most of the houses on both sides have been demolished, rebuilt, or left in ruins, which evokes a sense of melancholy.
However, if you observe closely, you'll notice that the local residents have preserved some of the old houses. The once bustling trade and lively atmosphere can still be felt among the bricks and tiles.
Within the seemingly dilapidated old street, there is an incredibly hidden gem: Miaoli Bookstore. This bookstore has a special charm, as it only exchanges books instead of selling them. This makes reading not just a personal hobby but also a bridge for spiritual exchange with others. Unfortunately, since I visited on a weekday, the bookstore was closed. I look forward to visiting again and flipping through books that once touched others' hearts.
Miaoli Bookstore Opening Hours: 1000-1700, open only on weekends. No. 97, Tongxing, Houlong Township, Miaoli
05｜Yingtsai Academy
Covering an area of about 3,000 pings, Yingtsai Academy is not a historical site but a replica designed in the style of a traditional Min-style academy.
The large academy includes areas such as the Wenchang Temple, the Dacheng Hall, and the student quarters. Visitors can also experience a 3D ritual through multimedia interactive devices, providing a sense of both the strict order of a Confucian temple and a refreshing departure from traditional frameworks.
Yingtsai Academy Opening Hours: 0900-1650, closed on Monday. No. 700, Xingang 3rd Rd., Houlong Township, Miaoli
06｜Hakka Round House
Opened in 2014, the Hakka Round House is designed to resemble the renowned Fujian Hakka Tulou "Zhencheng Lou," symbolizing Miaoli's Hakka culture. This circular building has now been transformed into a performing arts center dedicated to promoting the Eight Notes traditional Hakka music, allowing the public to experience the beauty of Hakka opera.
Hakka Round House Opening Hours: 0900-1650, closed on Monday. No. 295, Xingang 3rd Rd., Houlong Township, Miaoli
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Houlong
01｜Xie Family Traditional Noodle Shop
After visiting the historic Ciyun Temple, I felt hungry. The nearby noodle shop had just opened, and customers were already arriving, which made me think this place must be special. Every time I visit Miaoli, I make sure to eat crystal dumplings. When I saw the "Pumpkin Crystal Dumplings" marked with a star on the menu, I couldn't resist ordering a portion. The dumpling skin, infused with the aroma and sweetness of pumpkin, perfectly complemented the savory filling. Although the portion was small, the delightful taste was a pleasant surprise.
Xie Family Traditional Noodle Shop Opening Hours: 1100-1400, 1700-2000, closed on Monday and Thursday. No. 199, Zhonglong St., Houlong Township, Miaoli
◦ Flying Over Taiwan
＊All aerial photography operations are conducted within legal airspace. During flight, regulations stipulated by the Civil Aviation Law are strictly followed, maintaining the required distance from buildings and crowds. Zooming and post-production techniques are used to ensure compliance, making the flights fully legal.
＊Anyone citing these images and text must provide proper attribution. Unauthorized or illegal use of the images and text is prohibited and may result in legal liability.