{"id":8347,"date":"2025-12-24T17:00:13","date_gmt":"2025-12-24T09:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/?p=8347"},"modified":"2025-12-23T18:44:05","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T10:44:05","slug":"sanwan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/en\/sanwan\/","title":{"rendered":"Miaoli \u25e6 Sanwan | Enchanted Silver Bald Cypresses | TAIWAN 368-60"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s Christmas Eve\u2014wishing everyone a Merry Christmas! Among all the bald cypress groves I\u2019ve 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.<\/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 History of Sanwan<\/span><\/h6>\n

The name Sanwan traces back to the early days of settlement. As the Zhonggang River flowed through the area, it curved three large bends in succession, depositing fertile soil that formed a vast plain. The early settlers chose this land to cultivate and build their lives, giving rise to the name Sanwan (\u201cThree Bends\u201d). Most of the early inhabitants were Hakka farmers. To adapt to the terrain and meet agricultural needs, they dug numerous irrigation ponds, which gradually laid the foundation for the region\u2019s development.<\/p>\n

\u25e6 Attractions in Sanwan<\/span><\/h6>\n
01\uff5cSanwan Bald Cypress Forest<\/h6>\n

The Sanwan Bald Cypress Forest is part of a privately owned estate. The owner is remarkably generous, opening the grounds to visitors free of charge, while also providing thoughtful amenities such as a viewing platform and restrooms. Paid parking is available both inside and outside the estate, so there\u2019s no need to worry about parking.<\/p>\n

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What sets this place apart is that the bald cypresses are planted in ponds. Their reflections on the water create an endless sense of depth, and once the leaves fall, the silver-white branches add a magical touch to the scene. During this visit, I happened to meet an artist. His abstract style of painting offered a fresh perspective, allowing the scenery before us to break free from traditional ways of appreciation.<\/p>\n

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Sanwan Bald Cypress Forest<\/strong>\r\n\r\nTry searching \u201cSanwan Bald Cypress Forest\u201d on Google Maps.<\/pre>\n
02\uff5cSanlianpi (Three Connected Ponds)<\/h6>\n
In the history of Sanwan\u2019s development, irrigation ponds once played a vital role due to the area\u2019s terrain. Located at the tail end of the irrigation system, Sanwan often struggled with maintaining a steady water supply. To address this, early settlers dug numerous ponds, which became the main water source for farming.\nWith the later construction of the Yongheshan Reservoir, these ponds gradually lost their function, and many eventually disappeared. To preserve this unique landscape, Beipu Village in Sanwan incorporated the ponds into local tourism. The most representative example is Sanlianpi, formed by the connected Guanyin Pond, Liyu Pond, and Dahuangpu.<\/p>\n
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A winter visit offers an added charm\u2014you\u2019ll find rows of bald cypress trees creating a picturesque seasonal scene.<\/p>\n
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Sanlianpi<\/strong>\r\n\r\nTry searching \u201cSanlianpi\u201d on Google Maps.<\/pre>\n
03\uff5cLaochungkui Trail<\/h6>\n
When I first saw the name \u201cLaochungkui,\u201d I couldn\u2019t help but ask a friend how to pronounce the middle character. It\u2019s pronounced \u201cch\u00f2ng\u201d (\u9283) and refers to firearms; together, \u201cChungkui\u201d indicates an armory or storage for guns and ammunition. This place name reflects the early settlers\u2019 history of using armed defense to cultivate the mountains and forests.<\/p>\n
The Laochungkui Trail was originally part of a Han Chinese frontier defense system. Over time, it gradually became a transportation route. In recent years, the local government renovated the old road, transforming it into a gentle nature trail perfect for enjoying the Tung trees in bloom. The trail is about 1.5 kilometers long, flat and easy to walk, lined with old camphor trees along the way. It\u2019s a comfortable stroll, ideal for families to explore together.<\/p>\n
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Laochungkui Trail<\/strong>\r\n\r\nTry searching \u201cLaochungkui Trail\u201d on Google Maps.<\/pre>\n
04\uff5cSanwan Old Street<\/h6>\n
Whenever I visit a new place, I like to ask locals about the best food and sights\u2014and Sanwan Old Street was no exception. After asking several people, the answers were more or less the same: \u201cNothing special, I guess,\u201d or \u201cI\u2019m not sure\u2014maybe ask someone else?\u201d Indeed, if it weren\u2019t for the wooden sign at the street entrance, Sanwan Old Street looks much like any ordinary town street. It\u2019s filled with the rhythms of everyday life, a stark contrast to the bustling, lively streets we often imagine when we think of an \u201cold street.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Yet, if you slow down and look closer, you\u2019ll discover charming little corners: a tea shop inviting visitors in for a cup, and the front of a local leader\u2019s home, rich with character. These subtle details add layers of story and warmth to Sanwan Old Street.<\/p>\n
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Sanwan Old Street<\/strong>\r\n\r\nTry searching \u201cSanwan Old Street\u201d on Google Maps.<\/pre>\n
05\uff5cSanwan Wugu Temple<\/h6>\n
Located on Sanwan Old Street, Sanwan Wugu Temple is the street\u2019s most historically rich building.<\/p>\n
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In the early days, settlers arrived in Sanwan along the Zhonggang River. To pray for favorable weather and bountiful harvests, people traditionally had to walk all the way to Zhunan Wugu Temple for worship during important festivals. The journey was long and exhausting, so they requested that the deity Shennong be enshrined locally in Sanwan. According to records, Sanwan Wugu Temple was built in the 2nd year of the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty (1852). Today, it remains the most important center of faith for the Sanwan community.<\/p>\n
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Sanwan Wugu Temple<\/strong>\r\n\r\nNo. 46, Zhongshan Rd., Sanwan Township, Miaoli<\/pre>\n
\u25e6 Restaurants and Snacks in Sanwan<\/span><\/h6>\n
01\uff5cSanwan Roast Goose<\/h6>\n
In stark contrast to the quiet streets of Sanwan Old Street, Sanwan Roast Goose is bustling with people\u2014a lively scene that left a strong impression on me.<\/p>\n
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One of the shop\u2019s specialties is its smoked goose. After roasting, the meat is first drizzled with brine and goose fat, then sprinkled with a special pepper-salt blend. The skin is tender and chewy, the meat juicy and savory, with a delicate smoky aroma that\u2019s utterly irresistible. It was so delicious that I couldn\u2019t resist ordering Goose Rice and a soft-boiled marinated egg. The rice portion is generous, packed with shredded goose, and paired with crisp bamboo shoots, creating a refreshing yet satisfying meal.<\/p>\n
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A word of caution: Sanwan Roast Goose does not take reservations. Once they sell out, the shop closes early. To avoid missing out on this local favorite, it\u2019s best to arrive early.<\/p>\n
Sanwan Roast Goose<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1030-1500, closed on Tuesday & Wednesday.\nNo. 28, Zhongzheng Rd., Sanwan Township, Miaoli<\/pre>\n
\u25e6 Flying Over Taiwan<\/span><\/h6>\n