Miaoli City
Shrine of Wenchang
The shrine plays a significant role in cultural and educational developments of Miaoli County. Formerly it was a private school, temporary office for county magistrate as well as a regular meeting site for poets, it is now a county designated historic site and religious center for examinees to pray for passing their exams. Unlike other temples, Wenchang Shrine’s simplicity represents the noble and immaculate features of an intellectual. Right in front of the main entrance is a pair of largest stone engraving across Taiwan and thus seen to be extremely precious.
Address：No.756, Zhongcheng Rd., Lu Miao Village, Miaoli City
Tel：037-333993
Miaoli Art and Culture Center
Miaoli City Art and Culture Center has begun its operation since 1999. With settings of exhibiting sites, performing stage and classrooms for seminar, it is a multi-functional site primarily used for exhibitions and performances secondarily. Since its opening, the center continually displays all kinds
of exhibitions or performances. Deeply acknowledged by artists, the center is of great benefits in terms of enhancing the public’s cultural values, arts appreciation ability and efforts of culture rooting. It fully meets the objective of sustainability of the local cultural centers.
Address：No 76, Fuqian Road, Miaoli City
Tel：037-331910＃223
Opening Hours：Mon. ~ Sun. 9:00~12:00,14:00~17:00（Open as usual during exhibition periods and public holidays）
Railway Museum
This is an outdoor exhibiting site for a range of real locomotives that includes steam, diesel and electric cargo train of 1918, trains used for forestry and sugar industry as well as the S400 switcher of Taiwan Railway in 1969. This is an excellent site for a better understanding on the cultural progress of railway in Taiwan.
Location: Behind Miaoli Train Station
International Culture and Tourism Bureau
Covering an area of over 1000 pings, the International Culture and Tourism Bureau has settings for Wenxin Gallery at its basement, the largest exhibiting area, 1st Exhibition Hall on Level 1, Zhongxing Painting Gallery and Shanyuehxuan on Level 2 to satisfy different needs of arts of various sectors. This multi-purpose exhibiting site is a place for the county residents to obtain enlightenment in art as well as providing the local artists a place for performances and recitals.
Add: No 50, Zizhi Road, Miaoli City
Tel: 037-352961~4
Website: http://www.mlc.gov.tw
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00(Closed at noon on public holidays), Closed on Mondays
Weixin Hakka Artifacts Museum
Occupying an area of 450 pings, this museum houses a collection of over 200 pieces of Hakka traditional artifacts such as wedding palanquin, bull carriage and modified trishaw. Roaming around the museum makes one feel as though being in a Hakka village of early days. Through careful study on these artifacts of significant historical background helps visitors have a better understanding on the lifestyle and intelligence of Hakka earlier residents.
Add: No 129, Fuxing Road Sec 2, Miaoli City
Tel: 037-322671
Touwu Township
Confucian Temple, Mt. Xiang
It was built in 17th Year of the Guanxu’s reign of the Qing Dynasty, when Taiwan was in the Japanese Colonization Period. In the attempt of the colonial government to enthusiastically destroy our nation’s traditional cultures, some of the patriotic local residents gradually established Yuheng Temple and open the Xiangshan Chinese School, where the altar for Confucius was placed and worshipped as a disguise for their patriotic operations. In 1974, a local noble suggested and segregated the Confucian altar as an independent temple. Highly elevated on a mountain slope, the Xiangshan Confucian Temple offers a panoramic view over the lush green plains of Miaoli Basin.
Add: No 39 Kongsheng, Xiangshan Village, Touwu Township
Tel: 037-252408
Gongguan Township
Golden Town
Amid the busy moments of haying period, there is a golden yellow patch lying idly within the paddy fields. As the sunset shines on the patch of hay, it glitters even more in golden yellow. In midsummer, the golden shower trees alongside Provincial Highway 6 are at their full bloom, giving rise to yet another bright golden view atop of the tree branches. As the flower falls, they resplendently cover the entire land. These fascinating views at different seasons make Gongguan being naturally regarded as “The Golden Town”. Embracing Guannan, Fuxing, Fuji, and Shiqiang-Sicun, the Golden Town is also well-known for its ceramics, bamboo weaving, tourist orchards, flowers nurseries as well as feature café and restaurants. Holidaymakers can leisurely experience the relaxing country lifestyle and the fascinating scenery of the township.
Location: 4 villages of Guannan, Fuxing, Fuji, Shiqiang, and Gongguan Township
Related Community：The Golden Township Development Association
Tel：037-237698
Taiwan Oil Field Exhibition Hall
Situated by the Houlong River, behind Kaikuang Village of Gongguan Township, the exhibition hall is the earliest spot where petroleum was first discovered in Taiwan. It is currently under the jurisdiction of Taiwan Meteorological Observatory Headquarters of the China Petroleum Corp. The museum has settings for the displaying of meteorological literatures, well-drilling, production of petroleum and petroleum gas treatment; which detailed historical facts on exploring and excavating of Taiwan petroleum and its industrial change over the century has been documented.
Add:No 36 Kaikuang Village, Gongguan Township
Tel: 037-221300#235
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Closed on Mondays)
Miaoli Ceramics Museum
The museum holds a collection of over 1500 pieces of ceramic works. Within an exhibition area of over a thousand pings, the museum is divided into different thematic displaying areas: The Truth of the Gongguan, Anti-Communist Military Camp, Miaoli, the Homeland of Ceramics, Old Pottery Masters of A Century, Ceramics in Miaoli, The Elegance of Wine Jars and Ornamental Ceramics, The Once Thriving Ceramic Industry of Miaoli, Traditional Crafts of Ceramic Making and The Innovation of Contemporary Fire-burned Ceramic from Traditional Techniques. The museum is best suited for ceramic playing and appreciation by holidaymakers, as well as a great chance for mutual learning between parents and children.
Address：No 352 Nan Village, Gongguan Township
Tel：037-236224.236225
Opening Hours︰Monday through Sunday 09:00~17:00
Taiwan Silkworm and Bee Insects Educational Park
Level 1 mainly focuses on dynamic activities like silkworm breeding, silk fiber extracting, printing and dying, hand weaving and others. Level 2 is mainly for exhibition of historical artifacts such as introduction on the historical development of silk, the silk path and Liu Ming Chuan, the ancestral founder of silk industry in Taiwan, as well as the evolutionary techniques, equipment, machinery and historical artifacts of all kinds in the silk industry.
Add: No 261 Guannan Village, Gongguan Township
Tel: 037-222111
Shiwei-qiang
Formerly regarded as Shiwei-qiang, Shiqiang Village of Gongguan Township is blessed with favorable conditions like excellent soil quality and clean water resources as well as the cool refreshing river wind (easterly wind). Hence agricultural products like red dates and yam that are of excellent quality can be produced here. Gongguan is the sole professional red dates plantation area in Taiwan with the largest production in Shiqiang Community. Every year between July and August, when the red dates enter into its mass production season, tourists come mostly with the entire family and have fun in red dates picking
Location: Shiqiang Village, Gongguan Township, Miaoli County
Tel：037-223169
Related Community: Gongguan Township Shihciang Community Development Association
Tel：037-237698
Xihu Township
Situated between the Mountain and Coastal Line of the railway system in Miaoli, Xihu Township is cut across by Sihu River, which meanders along and eroding the topography into a lake. The embankments alongside the river are filled with crisscrossing paths. Together, the lushly grown fields offer a fascinating view. Having lovely landscapes, refreshing air and clean water of excellent quality, Xihu gains itself the reputation of The Secluded Paradise. Xihu produced pomelos are of thin skin and well-known to be succulent and sweet with a mild honey taste that is exceptionally unique.
Mazu Rock Sculpture
The holy statue of the Mazu Rock Sculpture has a total height of 26.66m. Assembled from 299 pieces of Granite 603, this statue was beautifully accomplished in Macau in 1998. It was regarded as the world’s tallest Mazu Rock Sculptured Statue with total height of 19.99m. Despite being a landmark and popular scenic spot of Xihu Township, the Mazu Rock Sculptured Statue is also a religious center for many believers.
Add: No 4 Sanhu Village, Xihu Township
Contact No: Wulong Temple Administration Council, Xihu Township
Tel : 037921680
Wu Zhuo Liu Art & Culture Museum
It was established in 2003 to commemorate Mr. Wu Zhuo Liu’s contribution towards the literature of Taiwan. It is aimed not only to promulgate the literary works of Mr. Wu but at the meantime to consolidate literature, arts, tourism, landscape and cultural resources for the sustainability of cultural development.
Situated at Level 2 of Wuhu Activity Center, the center is divided into two sections: the Main Hall is to keep a collection of books written by Mr. Wu, and there is a space where exhibition themes of all kinds are regularly arranged and open to booking in advance by creators of all sectors.
Address: No 194-4 13th Neighborhood, Wuhu Village, Xihu Township
Tel:037-921515＃57
Opening Hours︰8:00~17:00（Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays）
Xuanwang Shrine (Yunti Academy)
Formerly being the Yunti Academy, Yunti Shrine was founded by the Liu Family in the 9th Year of Emperor Daoguang’s reign during the Qing Dynasty (A.C. 1829) as a private school. It then underwent reconstruction in 1976 and named as Xuanwang Shrine after its accomplishment in 1982. The Main Hall of this shrine worships Confucius and the Three Gods of Benefactors. The most valuable relic that is being kept in this shrine is the Xizi (Literacy) Pavilion. Situated at the left wing of the external yard, it was built when the school was just founded. This stone carving pavilion has a base on the lower level. Used for note paper burning, the mid-level is where the Jingsheng Pavilion stands. On the upper level is a little shrine for the worship of Cang Jie, a legendary figure credited with the invention of the written Chinese language.
Add: No 10 Xuetangxia, Sihu Village, Xihu Township.
Toufen Township
Under the alluvial process, the area lying from Douhuanping and below of Zhonggang River and Zaoqiao down to the estuary of Nangang River branch flow has become a plain of wide expanse namely the Zhunan Alluvial Plain. Toufen is essentially one of the two largest townships within the plain. Its fertile land gives rise to thriving agro-industry. Pengfeng tea and bee related products are of its two largest special local products. As stings from Tea Greenleaf-hoppers(Tea jassids)are needed during the cultivation of Pengfeng tea, the use of pesticide is strictly prohibited. The tea leaf has a unique mix of color from white, green, yellow and brown. Its delightful, strong aroma with a smooth and sweetish taste had gained itself the honor of “Oriental Beauty Tea” from Her Majesty, The Queen of England.
I-min Temple (Zhongyi Pavilion)
In the 51st Year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign (1786), Lin Shuang Wen led a rebellion against the Qing Government. Forming into a troop of volunteer army, the Cantonese people around the vicinity of Xinpu in Hsinchu assisted the Qing Government by having a vicious battle with the rebels. After the blood-shedding event, the residents conducted a group burial for the martyr at Fangliao, Hsinchu. In commemoration of the sacrifices and loyalty of these martyrs, Emperor Qianlong had then awarded his honorary inscription that on an imperial decree and wooden tablet. Initially, the fourteen large townships of Hsinchu including Zhonggang and Toufen, took turns to conduct commemorative rituals for the martyrs. The long distance, however caused inconvenience for the participation of the residents. Hence, in the 15th Year of Emperor Guangxu’s reign (1886), I-min Temple at Toufen was built for the residents’ convenience.
Add: No 135,Zhongshan Road, Renai Village, Toufen Township
Tel: 037-663017
Nanzhuang Township
Nanzhuang Township is mainly populated by aboriginal tribes of Atayal and Saisiyat as well as the Hakka people. Its picturesque of misty mountains within the clouds with refreshingly cool breeze blowing through the river flows offers a spectacular view of natural landscape. Coupled with landscape restaurant and featured homestay, Nanzhuang resembles an undisturbed land of purity and thus becomes a popular recreational spot.
Nanzhuang Post Office
Restored in 1935 (10th Year of the Showa reign), after the massive earthquake in mid-Taiwan, the Nanzhuang Post Office underwent some slight alteration after the Restoration of Taiwan. Nonetheless, it does retain the simplicity and plainness as seen at other Japanese style Government Offices. Standing on the west facing the east, the lateral part is being utilized as the front of the post office. The south facing entrance is the main feature of this building.
Address：No 5 Wenhua Road, Nanzhuang Township
Tel：Education and Cultural Development Association, Nanzhuang Township 037-822520/
Yongchang Temple Administration Council 037-822326
Tongluo Township
Well-known for its fascinating view of Hang (Chinese) Chrysanthemum, Tongluo is situated in mid-Miaoli, slightly towards the south. Surrounded by mountains, the township derived the name from its geographic landscape resembles a flat, round musical instrument, Tongluo. With the entire area surrounded by mountains and meandering flows, the township has a natural and relaxing atmosphere and boasts fascinating views in its serenity.
Chong Guang Clinic
Situated beside the Tongluo Train Station, this was the clinic where Dr. Liu Zhao Fang practiced for several decades. Built in 1949, the main building is a wooden house that blends together the Chinese, Japanese and Western architectural features. While serving as a residence, the utilization and settings of the interior space are entirely different to that of the traditional courtyard house that adopts the theory of symmetrical configuration regardless of external or internal part of the architecture which has the extremely unique architectural features. It had also been a shooting location for the movie
“A Summer at Grandpa's", directed by Hou Xiao Xien and Zhu Tian Wen, Dr. Liu’s grand daughter is the scriptwriter. Gaining glamour of colors globally, there were even fans came all the way from Japan
just to visit this famous clinic.
Add: No 10 Wusheng Road, Tongluo Village, Tongluo Township
Miaoli Story Museum
Having a strong passion for traditional toys since he was young, the owner of this museum of traditional folk crafts, Huang Yuan Chun had been through streets and lanes, visiting over 50,000 families in search of his collection of over 80,000 items of traditional folk play(toys) today. Despite appreciating his own precious collection, Mr. Huang also open to the public’s sharing of his collection. Among every exhibiting item available that ranges from paper, earthenware and glass, there are numerous things that we ate or play with before. Walking into the museum, every single childhood memory can be recaptured.
Add: No 192 Zhongcheng Road, Tongluo Township
Tel: 037-981736
Sanyi Township
Well-known globally for its wood sculpture, Sanyi Township is situated at the southernmost of Miaoli County. Every year from November to March, the township is regularly affected by mist day and night. At this period, the township is mystically covered in low flying white fog that resembles a Heavenly Paradise. Hence, it is also regarded as the Misty City of Taiwan.
Imperial Memorial Hall of JianZhong Elementary School
It was set up to place the Imperial Rescript on Education awarded by the Emperor of Japan. Being the sole remaining imperial memorial hall across the county, it bears significant historical and cultural meaning. Positioned in the west, facing east, the opening of the hall also faces east, symbolizing the east rising sun and the respect paid to the sun by the Japanese. Phoenix ornaments are affixed on the peak roof to the rooftop. On the east facing, black wooden door are two patterns of paulownia crest ornaments, a symbolic sign of the Japanese Imperial family.
Address：No 80 Guangsheng Village, Sanyi Township
Tel：Jianzhong Elementary School 037-872007
Shengxing Train Staion
Built in 1906, Shengxing Train Station was formerly known as Shiliufen Signal Site. It was then renamed in 1958 as its current name. On September 23, as the last southbound train parked in bay, the New Mountain Line completely took over the operation of theOld Mountain Line which made a perfect ending and Shengxing had remained a history. There are two unique features of Shengxing Station, one is being at the highest elevation of Taiwan's Railway and secondly, her Japanese styled station features a tenon and mortise jointed beams that did not require any nailings during its construction. Being over 90 years of age, the station still preserves her original appearance and therefore it is regarded as the most valuable historical and cultural heritage of the Old Mountain Line.
Ruins of Longteng Bridge
Being regarded as The Excellent Art of Taiwan Railway, this bridge was built 90 years ago. Originally, the bridge was formed with cement and brick without using an steel, and the arch bridge across Longteng River of the Jingshan Branch River Flow, the bridge had once stood magnificently before the Guandaoshan Massive Earthquake, which had been severely destructed beyond repair on April 21, 1935. Today, there remains the historic remains of the red, stained bridge buttresses; 6 on the northern end and another 4 on the southern end. The arch remains of the bridge makes an excellent spot for railway photography, and it makes a more beautiful scene when photoing the newly built bridge or the entire mountains covered in Tung flower beside the ruins of the bridge.
potholing
Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum
Established in April, 1995, it is the only national museum in Taiwan that takes wood sculpture as its theme. A total of eight displaying themes include Brief Interpretation on the Art of Wood Sculpture, Prodigious Workmanship of Chinese Statues, Wood Sculpture of the Austronesian, The Origin of Sanyi Wood Sculpture, Architecture and Fittings, Special Exhibition of the Art of Wood Sculpture, Temples and Religion and Special Exhibition of Multi-media Arts. Through careful planning of show time and decoration of the exhibition hall, the museum seeks to display arts of all kinds in their best appearances to the nation.
Address：No 88 Guangsheng Xincheng, Guangsheng Village, Sanyi Township
Tel：037-876009 Website：http：//wood.mlc.gov.tw
Opening Hours︰9:00~17:00(Closed for entry after16:30.Closed on Mondays, Chinese New Year, Mid-autumn Festival and Dragon Boat Festival)
Zhuolan Township
Situated at the mid-stream of Daan River, Zhuolan enjoys a mild and comfortable climate. With fertile land, the township makes an ideal growing place for fruit trees. Fruits of excellent quality are produced all year round, making Zhuolan being regarded as “The Kingdom of Fruits”. Among all, pear, grape, star fruit and orange are the four major fruits with the best quality and highest yield in Taiwan. Besides, Zhuolan is also a professional cultivation area for fruit trees of Miaoli County. With these features, it offers self-picking at tourist fruit orchards when they are in season.
Elun Temple
Built in the Daoguang’s reign of the Qing Dynasty, the temple mainly worships Sanshan Emperor. Being a religious center of Zhuolan residents, it is also the oldest temple within the Zhuolan Area. The ancient clock at this temple bears a windy historic tale. In 1941, the Japanese army forcibly took away all copper and steel wares from the residents to produce bombs. Similarly, the bell was also taken and sent to Dahu County Office. A few decades later, assuming that the ancient clock had been turned into weapons and no longer exists, it was then accidentally discovered by Mr Zhang Li-Cun, an old temple keeper of Elun Temple, when he passed by the Dahu Police Precinct (former site of County Office). The “alarm” as it was taken, was discovered at the backyard of the police office. Having found the ancient clock of Elun Temple that he used to scrub, several negotiations were carried out by the Elun Temple Administration Council, the ancient bell was finally returned to the temple’s clock tower in 1982, right after being lost for 40 years.
Add: No 10, Lane 81, Zhongcheng Road, Jongjie Village, Zhuolan Township
Tel: 04-25891148
