New Highlights at Houlong's Colorful Tunnel: Five Must-Visit Spots at Miaoli's Cape of Good Hope

By MOOK Scenic Spots Christopher / Compiled Report

“Sunrise at Alishan, Sunset at Cape of Good Hope.” Miaoli’s Houlong Township not only boasts magnificent coastal views but also features historic cultural heritage sites. Among them, the Cape of Good Hope is a well-known tourist attraction in Houlong, often drawing visitors for photos and exploration. Below are five distinctive attractions around the Cape of Good Hope area that are worth visiting, including popular photo spots, newly built colorful tunnels, and picturesque locations favored by photography enthusiasts—perfect for travelers planning an in-depth trip to Miaoli.

1. Banianliao Cape of Good Hope
 
The Cape of Good Hope Scenic Area is a popular photo spot, featuring a vast observation deck and massive wind turbines. It’s ideal for leisurely walks, seaside views, sunsets, and train photography for rail fans. A pathway beneath the observation deck leads to a flat road by the sea—it’s recommended to go down around sunset. During holidays, more vendors set up stalls, making it a fun and photogenic destination well worth a special visit.

2. Guogang Old Tunnel
 
The area around the Cape of Good Hope in Houlong Township, Miaoli County, was once home to a coastal railway line. However, after the railway was rerouted, the century-old Guogang Old Tunnel complex has been transformed into a new tourism highlight. Recently, the Houlong Township Office secured NT$20 million in funding from the Tourism Bureau to install colorful decorative lighting in the tunnel, and the surrounding area also offers sea views, making the Houlong Cape of Good Hope a new spot for outdoor excursions.

3. Houlong Qinghai Temple
 
With the flourishing of faith culture, several giant statues of Mazu have been erected across Taiwan to convey deep religious devotion. One of them is located at Qinghai Temple in Houlong, Miaoli. From the nearby Cape of Good Hope Scenic Area, you can see the silhouette of the Mazu statue in the distance, exuding an image of protecting the nation and its people. Walking less than 10 minutes from the southern side of Qinghai Temple, apart from enjoying the coastal scenery, you can also witness trains passing by the Mazu statue, even capturing the surreal sight of Mazu seemingly riding a train. However, visitors are advised to pay extra attention to safety when taking photos.

4. Sea Corner Paradise
 
At the coastal area of the Cape of Good Hope, you can see a prominent rainbow-shaped structure. Originally a landfill site, it has been transformed through artificial landscaping into a popular photo spot and seaside attraction. The area includes pavilions, large wind turbines, driftwood sculptures, and coastal scenery.