{"id":5405,"date":"2024-10-09T17:00:51","date_gmt":"2024-10-09T09:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/?p=5405"},"modified":"2025-03-22T10:01:47","modified_gmt":"2025-03-22T02:01:47","slug":"houlong","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/en\/houlong\/","title":{"rendered":"Miaoli \u25e6 Houlong | A Hakka Town with a Sea of Silver Miscanthus | TAIWAN 368-09"},"content":{"rendered":"

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!<\/p>\n

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\u25e6 Miaoli Travel Guide<\/span><\/h6>\n

01\uff5cTransportation in Miaoli<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83d\ude84 Taiwan High Speed Rail<\/a>
\n\ud83d\ude97 Cross-city chartered one-day tour from Taipei<\/a><\/p>\n

02\uff5cPopular Attractions in Miaoli<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfab Shang Shun World Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Hobbit Valley Admission Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Zhou Ye Cottage Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Flying Cow Ranch Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Miaoli West Lake Resortopia Ticket<\/a><\/p>\n

03\uff5cThings To Do in Miaoli<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfd5\ufe0f Cabin Getaway at Blue Magpie Resort<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfd5\ufe0f Bell Tent Glamping Experience in Whispering Tree Campground<\/a>
\n\u2668\ufe0f Open-Air Hot Spring and Nude Bath at Shine Mood Resort Yuanli<\/a><\/p>\n

\u25e6 The Past of Houlong<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u25e6 Attractions in Houlong<\/span><\/h6>\n
01\uff5cCape of Good Hope<\/h6>\n

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!<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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Cape of Good Hope\r\n<\/strong>Near the Coast of Bantianliao<\/pre>\n
02\uff5cCape Paradise<\/h6>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Cape Paradise\r\n<\/strong>Miaoli Route 33 Coastal Bike Path<\/pre>\n
03\uff5cHoulong Ciyun Temple<\/h6>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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Houlong Ciyun Temple<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0600-2100\nNo. 120, Sanmin Rd., Houlong Township, Miaoli<\/pre>\n
04\uff5cTongxing Old Street<\/h6>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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Miaoli Bookstore<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1000-1700, open only on weekends.\nNo. 97, Tongxing, Houlong Township, Miaoli<\/pre>\n
05\uff5cYingtsai Academy<\/h6>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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Yingtsai Academy<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0900-1650, closed on Monday.\nNo. 700, Xingang 3rd Rd., Houlong Township, Miaoli<\/pre>\n
06\uff5cHakka Round House<\/h6>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Hakka Round House<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0900-1650, closed on Monday.\nNo. 295, Xingang 3rd Rd., Houlong Township, Miaoli<\/pre>\n
\u25e6 Restaurants and Snacks in Houlong<\/span><\/h6>\n
01\uff5cXie Family Traditional Noodle Shop<\/h6>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Xie Family Traditional Noodle Shop<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1100-1400, 1700-2000, closed on Monday and Thursday.\nNo. 199, Zhonglong St., Houlong Township, Miaoli<\/pre>\n
\u25e6 Flying Over Taiwan<\/span><\/h6>\n