It feels like stepping into a beautiful private Kyoto-style garden — free to visit

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Houfen Back Garden in Miaoli boasts lush forest scenery that rivals the coastal beauty of Cape Good Hope and the mountain-town charm of Nanzhuang. A private garden called “Pinyuan” located in Houfen not only features Kyoto-inspired garden landscaping but also European-style mansion architecture and a bird park. The owner believes in sharing joy with others, opening up this 7,000-ping (approximately 23,000 m²) beautiful space for visitors to stroll and enjoy for free.

Pinyuan is the residential estate of a businessman, covering nearly 10,000 ping, with over 1,000 ping used as the residence and the remaining 7,000+ ping opened to visitors for free. The owner noticed that locals exercising by the roadside was unsafe, so he built this estate to provide a safe space for recreation. Unlike typical mansions, a sign welcoming visitors is hung at the entrance.

In addition to the Japanese garden and bird park, the estate includes pavilions, walking paths, and rest areas with tables and chairs, making it comparable to an ecological park. This private garden is open to visitors, and guests are encouraged to help maintain the environment by not littering or damaging the plants and wildlife.

【Info】
Pinyuan – A Beautiful Garden
Address: No. 20, Lane 3, Shuangxi Street, Toufen District, Miaoli County