Hidden Breathtaking Seascapes Beyond the Tourist List: A Relaxing Trip from Tongxiao to Houlong

By Sharelife (Sharing Life)

Nestled along Provincial Highway 61 between Miaoli and Houlong lies a mysterious stretch of coastline. Its starting and ending points just happen to be famous major attractions: the southern end begins at Tongxiao’s Baishatun Gongtian Temple, and the northern end reaches Houlong’s Cape of Good Hope. These two spots are bustling with pilgrims and tourists on holidays, yet few notice the romantic charm of this five-kilometer coastal gem.
▲ Baishatun Gongtian Temple is highly revered, and the annual Mazu pilgrimage and homecoming ceremony are the liveliest times in this small fishing village.

▲ Banbianliao Cape of Good Hope is a renowned sunset spot in Taiwan. Local farmers often sell their homegrown produce here, and the place is crowded with visitors on holidays.

The starting point of this coastline is Baishatun Fishing Port, located right behind Gongtian Temple. It’s a small local harbor where not many boats are usually docked. However, its expansive sandy beach and tranquil scenery make it a popular spot for wedding photo shoots.

▲ Baishatun Fishing Port isn’t a major tourist attraction, typically frequented only by a few locals. Its long stretches of beach are incredibly refreshing.

This coastal stretch features a bike path that closely follows the seawall, with wind turbines lining this rugged seaside trail. Unlike other places where you view them from afar, here you can directly experience their grandeur and elegance.

▲ This quiet path sees little traffic, whether vehicles or pedestrians. Bringing some snacks can turn it into a perfect afternoon getaway.

▲ The straight bike path leading to the sea offers romantic views ideal for couples.

Besides enjoying the magnificent seascape and leisurely cycling during the day, the evening scenery is the real highlight. With a gentle sea breeze and ever-changing clouds, the views are dazzling and enchanting.

▲ Sunsets vary with the weather, offering a new surprise with every visit.

Along Provincial Highway 61, the section passing through Nangangli to Zhonghelì sees a brief wild lily blooming season around August each year—a rare sight in Taiwan’s western coastal towns. The sight of lilies blooming along the road during peak season is unforgettable. Due to the local geography, strong winds make it difficult for trees to thrive, so come autumn, the hills are covered in silvergrass. The interplay of yellow, brown, gray, and green creates a vast and desolate atmosphere rarely seen in the city.

▲ The area is not heavily developed, so pristine natural landscapes—like something out of a computer wallpaper—are everywhere.

The local population is sparse, and the people are simple and kind, mostly engaged in growing drought-resistant crops like sweet potatoes and peanuts. If you’re lucky, you might even encounter the now-rare sight of a “shepherd” herding sheep. Passersby are always drawn to these flocks of goats—after all, how often do you spot a herd of sheep while cycling on the road?

▲ Every afternoon, the “granny” shepherd uses a bamboo pole to lead the goats to nearby grasslands to graze.

Got a free half-day with nothing to do? Why not escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a relaxing, enjoyable afternoon along Miaoli’s coastal route?

This article is published with authorization from “Sharelife (Sharing Life).”Read the original article here