Things To Do
in Dahu
Dahu (大湖) is a rural township in Miaoli County, Taiwan, best known for its strawberry farms and Hakka cultural flavor. The landscape is rolling hills, orchards, and scattered villages that make it an appealing slow-travel destination for food and nature lovers. Visitors come for strawberry picking (seasonal), farm-to-table treats, and to explore nearby trails and woodcarving towns.
The pace is relaxed, with small local markets, agricultural attractions, and easy day-trip access to wider Miaoli sights.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to one of Dahu's famous strawberry farms, where you can pick fresh strawberries directly from the lush fields. Enjoy the refreshing morning air as you stroll through the rows of vibrant red berries, learning about the cultivation process from friendly local farmers. Afterward, treat yourself to a delicious strawberry smoothie or dessert at the farm's café, savoring the sweet taste of your morning harvest.
In the afternoon, explore the quaint town of Dahu, visiting charming boutiques and local shops that showcase handmade crafts and strawberry-themed products. Stop by the Dahu Cultural Park, where you can stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens and appreciate traditional Taiwanese architecture. As you wander, take in the scenic views of the surrounding mountains, making for perfect photo opportunities.
As evening falls, head to a local restaurant to enjoy a traditional Taiwanese dinner featuring seasonal ingredients. Relish dishes such as grilled fish, stir-fried vegetables, and rice, all while enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the town square, where you can catch live music performances or cultural shows that reflect the vibrant spirit of Dahu.
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Dahu Temple, dedicated to the goddess Mazu. Marvel at the intricate architecture and colorful carvings that adorn the temple, while learning about its significance to the local community. Participate in a morning prayer session, immersing yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of this revered site.
After your temple visit, take a guided tour of the Dahu Historical Museum, where you can delve into the rich history of the town and its cultural heritage. The museum's exhibits will give you insights into the traditions and lifestyles of the local people throughout the years. Spend some time in the museum's garden, reflecting on what you've learned while surrounded by nature.
In the evening, join a local cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Taiwanese dishes using fresh ingredients. Under the guidance of a skilled chef, you'll create a delicious meal, enhancing your culinary skills while enjoying the company of fellow travelers. Share stories and laughter over dinner, celebrating the flavors of Dahu together.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| ☕Café coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚌Local bus ride / short taxi | $1-6 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / farm stay (per night) | $40-80 |
| 🍓Strawberry picking fee (per person, seasonal) | $8-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Famous strawberry farms and seasonal picking experiences
- Peaceful rural scenery and authentic Hakka culture
- Good base for exploring Miaoli’s woodcarving, tea and hiking
- Lower prices and fewer crowds outside peak season
- Limited nightlife and few upscale dining options
- Public transport is sparse—best reached by car or organized tour
- Seasonal nature of the main attraction (strawberries) means timing is important
- Some signage and menus may be only in Chinese/Hakka
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (xiè xie)" - Thank you
- "請問…在哪裡？ (qǐng wèn... zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is...?
- "這個多少錢？ (zhè ge duō shǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "我想採草莓 (wǒ xiǎng cǎi cǎo méi)" - I’d like to pick strawberries
Places to Visit in Dahu
Visit one of these nice places.
Rows of low plastic-covered beds and abundant strawberry plants make colorful close-up and lifestyle shots in season (Dec–Apr); morning light is best.
Small local hilltop viewpoints offer wide vistas of terraced fields and rolling farmland—great for golden hour landscapes and panoramic photos.
Intricate wood sculptures, workshops and historic streets provide compelling detail shots and cultural portraits.
Low-key temples and traditional Hakka architecture offer colorful details, rooflines and cultural context for storytelling photography.
Food in Dahu
Dahu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Locally grown strawberries eaten fresh or in shortcakes, shaved ice, jams, milkshakes and pancakes; best found at farms, the Cultural Center, and local bakeries.
Must-Try!
A traditional Hakka tea-based, herb-heavy ground tea served with rice and assorted vegetables—hearty and healthy, available at Hakka restaurants and community eateries.
Slow-cooked pork with soy flavors served over rice; common in home-style eateries around Miaoli and Dahu.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small cluster of stalls and roadside shops near the farms selling fresh strawberries, jams, pastries, dried fruit and drinks—ideal for sampling and buying souvenirs.
On weekends and peak season you'll find temporary markets near popular farm entrances selling snacks, grilled items and local produce—good for quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be polite and soft-spoken in rural communities; ask before photographing people or private properties and remove shoes if entering private homes or some traditional spaces.
Mandarin is common; many locals also speak Hakka. A simple '你好' (nǐ hǎo) and '謝謝' (xiè xie) go a long way.
When visiting temples, dress modestly, follow signage, and avoid loud behavior; observe how locals perform rituals and mirror respectfully.
Safety
Tipping in Dahu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; you may leave small change at cafes or for exceptional service, but it’s not expected. For organized tours or guides, a modest tip is appreciated but optional.
Cash (NTD) is widely used in rural Dahu—carry cash for farms, markets and small eateries. Credit cards and mobile payments (LINE Pay, Apple/Google Pay) are accepted at larger cafés and some farm stores. EasyCard (transport card) is useful for buses and trains in urban areas but less relevant for small village vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Peak strawberry season (roughly December–April); cool, pleasant weather with busy weekends at farms. Book farm tours and accommodation in advance for peak months (Jan–Mar).
Warm and humid; strawberry season is over, greenery is lush and afternoon showers are common. Rural attractions are quieter; good time for hiking but prepare for heat and rain.
Comfortable temperatures and clearer skies; harvest season for other crops and a pleasant time for outdoor activities and photography.
Mild and cool—chilly nights but rarely freezing. Some farms may still offer late-season strawberry events; fewer tourists and lower prices.
Dahu at Night
Hiking in Dahu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A well-known Miaoli hiking area with temples, forested trails and carved rock features; offers moderate hikes and cultural sites about a short drive from Dahu.
Numerous short village trails and ridge walks between farms for easy half-day hikes and panoramic views—good for casual walkers and photographers.
Near Sanyi’s woodcarving town, there are trails with rock formations and viewpoints; combine with a visit to the sculpture workshops for a cultural-nature day.
Airports
How to reach Dahu by plane.
Major international gateway to Taiwan (about 1–1.5 hours by car to Miaoli County in good traffic). From Taoyuan you can take a bus/train to HSR stations and then a local bus or taxi to Dahu.
Smaller regional airport approx. 50–70 minutes drive from Dahu; good option for domestic or regional connections and a shorter transfer to Miaoli via car or bus.
Primarily domestic and short international flights; reachable by combination of public transport and car but not the most convenient for Dahu.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Dahu is part of Miaoli County, a stronghold for Taiwan’s Hakka population—Hakka language, food and festivals are important to local identity.
Many residents work in agriculture (fruit, tea) or run family businesses; the area also has an older demographic compared with big cities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling on rural roads and designated routes is popular among locals and visiting cyclists because of scenic, low-traffic roads.
As across Taiwan, baseball and basketball are widely played and followed at school and community levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dahu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in tiny village eateries; lei cha and vegetable side dishes are good options. Carry basic snacks and confirm ingredients as broths and sauces may contain fish/ham.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are scarce in rural Dahu—plan ahead, bring essential items, and use larger nearby towns (Miaoli or Taichung) for specialty dining. Communicate needs in Mandarin for best results.