A Youthful Cultural Getaway in Miaoli: Visit These Three Free Attractions That Are Perfect for Photos and Fun

By ShareLife

Miaoli County boasts beautiful landscapes and a rich blend of cultures, combining Minnan, Hakka, and indigenous elements. Among them, the Hakka Roundhouse, Yingcai Academy, and Atayal Cultural Museum represent distinct cultural expressions. To boost tourism, Miaoli County Government has opened these sites for free visits. What unique charm does each hold? Let ShareLife tell you.

Hakka Roundhouse: A World Cultural Heritage Site

Located near Miaoli HSR Station, the "Hakka Roundhouse" was built in the style of traditional earthen roundhouses from the Hakka homeland in mainland China. It not only represents traditional residential architecture but has also been recognized as part of the world’s cultural heritage. Covering an area of 1,385 square meters, it features a structure with one underground level and three above-ground floors. From above, it resembles a circular building and, together with the nearby Beishi Creek Waterfront Promenade, is hailed as the "Heart of Beishi Creek." At night, the lighting makes the roundhouse reflect beautifully with the moon and stars, creating a romantic scene mirrored in the pond.

The first floor of the roundhouse houses a circular performance theater, with large Chinese characters reading "Hakka Opera Stage" on the platform and flower-patterned lanterns hanging on both sides. Traditional wooden benches serve as seating. The second floor is a static exhibition space divided into the "Hakka Opera Museum," "Hakka Music Museum," and "Urban Cultural Exchange Exhibition." The third floor focuses on interactive experiences, using virtual synthesis technology to allow visitors to take photos with other Miaoli attractions and buildings. There's also a DIY workshop where you can create unique items. The basement level includes a multimedia screening room that plays related films.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00–17:00 (Closed on Mondays)
Phone: 037-732940
Address: No. 295, Xin Gang 3rd Rd., Xueyi Li, Houlong Township, Miaoli County

Yingcai Academy: A Living Historical Building

Situated by Beishi Creek, Yingcai Academy—originally named "Minnan Academy"—draws inspiration from various Minnan academies across regions. Covering 1,387 square meters, its architectural design and exterior adopt a classical style, while the surrounding water features, bridges, and garden landscapes evoke a literary ambiance. It serves as a Min-style academy with functions of "teaching, worship, and scholarly cultivation."

Inside, you’ll find the Wenchang Shrine, Dacheng Hall, Lecture Hall, static exhibition area, dynamic exhibition area, and open spaces designed as a Minnan cultural education center, integrated with eco-friendly and sustainable park concepts. Walking along the Book Fragrance Bridge, you can admire the beauty of the white-walled, red-tiled academy and imagine the sounds of "the wind, the rain, and the reading voices all entering the ears"—a truly refined scholarly atmosphere.

Opening Hours: 09:00–17:00
Phone: 037-559687
Address: No. 700, Xin Gang 3rd Rd., Houlong Township, Miaoli County

Atayal Indigenous Cultural Industry Zone: A Miniature of Atayal Culture

Miaoli is not just home to Hakka villages—it also has a rich Atayal culture. To preserve and promote Atayal heritage, the special "Atayal Indigenous Cultural Industry Zone" has been established. Spanning 1.67 hectares, it consists of the "Atayal Cultural Museum" and the "Dabulas Hot Spring Park." Combining features of the Tai’an Hot Spring area, it includes a cultural museum and hot spring experience zone, serving as a key platform for preserving and promoting Atayal culture.

The exhibition hall displays the tribal distribution and migration of Tai’an Township, introduces local Atayal annual ceremonies with photos, and showcases indigenous crafts such as wood carving, rattan weaving, and textiles. Additionally, there’s a nighttime forest experience area and a traditional bamboo house zone for immersive cultural encounters. Outdoors, besides the hot spring experience area, weekend cultural performances and food stalls offer a taste of the deep-rooted indigenous heritage.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00–17:00 (Closed on Mondays)
Phone: 037-941805
Address: No. 46-3, Yuandun, Jinshui Village, Tai’an Township, Miaoli County

Visiting Miaoli isn’t just about coastal scenery and wind turbines, nor is it limited to mountain hikes and lake views. There’s also a wealth of profound culture here, giving travelers not just recreation but also educational enrichment.

Photos / Miaoli County Government Cultural Affairs Bureau, WIKIMEDIA

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