Things To Do
in Houlong
Houlong is a coastal township in Miaoli County, Taiwan, where fishing harbors, paddy fields and Hakka culture meet a gently sloping coastline along the Taiwan Strait. The town is quiet and rural compared with Taiwan’s big cities, offering scenic train rides, riverside walks and small traditional temples. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, local markets and a slow-paced experience of authentic Taiwanese small-town life.
Houlong also makes a convenient base for exploring nearby Miaoli attractions like old railway stations, coastal trails and mountain hikes within a short drive.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful beaches of Houlong, where the golden sands meet the azure waters. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore, listening to the gentle waves and feeling the morning sun on your skin. You can also partake in water sports for an adventurous start to your journey.
After a relaxing morning, grab lunch at a local seafood restaurant, where the catch of the day is fresh and flavorful. Post-lunch, head to the nearby Houlong Wetlands, where you can enjoy birdwatching and explore the stunning natural surroundings. Take photographs of the picturesque landscapes and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the area.
As the sun sets, return to the beach for a breathtaking view of the horizon painted in pastel hues. You can enjoy a beachside dinner with freshly caught seafood while savoring the cool evening breeze. End your day with a leisurely walk on the beach, feeling the sand beneath your feet under the starlit sky.
Delve into the rich culture of Houlong by visiting local temples and cultural sites such as the historic Cheng Huang Temple. Spend the morning learning about the customs and traditions that shape this vibrant community, marveling at intricate architectural details. Don't forget to interact with local residents to get a deeper understanding of their way of life.
Continue your cultural adventure by exploring nearby art galleries and artisan workshops where traditional crafts are still practiced. Participate in a pottery or calligraphy class to create a unique souvenir that reflects your experience. Enjoy a light lunch at a nearby café offering local delicacies, fueling up for the rest of the day.
As night falls, find a local night market that offers an array of street food and handmade goods. Sample tasty treats and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as locals and tourists mingle. Enjoy live performances that often take place in these markets, providing a glimpse into the local arts scene.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee (local café) | $2.5-4 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.7-1.5 |
| 🚆Regional train ride (short) | $1-3 |
| 🛏Budget guesthouse/night | $30-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful coastal and rural scenery ideal for relaxation and photography
- Fresh seafood and authentic small-town Taiwanese/Hakka culture
- Convenient access to historic rail sites and nearby Miaoli attractions
- Lower costs and fewer crowds compared with major cities
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options locally
- Public transport can be infrequent outside peak times—best with a car or careful planning
- Weather can be disruptive during typhoon season
- Fewer international-standard services (some accommodations and restaurants may not accept cards)
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (xiè xie)" - Thank you
- "請問… 在哪裡？ (qǐngwèn… zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is…?
- "多少錢？ (duōshao qián?)" - How much is it?
- "我是素食者 (wǒ shì sùshí zhě)" - I am a vegetarian
- "對不起 (duìbuqǐ)" - Sorry / Excuse me
Places to Visit in Houlong
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide skies, water reflections and migrating birds make the estuary a peaceful spot for sunrise and golden-hour photography.
Colorful boats, nets and working fishermen offer authentic maritime scenes and sunset compositions.
Historic railway stations and tracks with passing trains are photogenic—especially the timber stations and old bridges in the greater Miaoli area.
Seasonal patterns—flooded paddies, green shoots and harvest-time browns—create classic rural Taiwan landscapes, great for wide-angle and drone shots where permitted.
Food in Houlong
Houlong Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled or stir-fried fish, clams and squid are common near the harbor—try the daily catch at local family-run restaurants along the coast.
Must-Try!
A savory, slightly sweet braised pork served with rice—find it in local diners and Hakka kitchens in the region.
A classic street-food dish available at night markets and food stalls—crispy, savory and often served with sweet-spicy sauce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small morning markets and wet markets sell fresh seafood, produce and snacks—great for buying fruits, seafood and tasting soy-pudding or savory pancakes.
For a larger street-food selection, visit night markets in Miaoli City or neighboring towns where you can sample skewers, stinky tofu, scallion pancakes and sweet treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite nod or ‘ni hao’ (hello) is welcome; address older people with respect and avoid overly loud behavior in public spaces.
Remove shoes when entering someone’s home; show respect in temples—no loud talking, no flash photography where signs prohibit it, and avoid pointing at religious icons.
Queue politely for services and public transport; use both hands to give or receive items like business cards or envelopes.
Safety
Tipping in Houlong
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; small tips are appreciated but not expected. Round up fares or leave small change at cafes if you wish, and tipping in higher-end hotels or for exceptional service is acceptable.
Cash (NTD) is widely used at markets and small shops. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants. Use EasyCard (or iPASS) for buses and some regional rail, and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Line Pay) are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blossoming scenery and fewer tourists—good time for cycling and countryside walks; occasional rain showers are possible.
Hot, humid and sunny; coastal breezes help but expect high humidity, strong sun and the typhoon season (June–September) which can bring heavy rain and storm closures.
One of the best times to visit: cooler, drier weather and clearer skies—ideal for outdoor activities, hiking and seaside photography.
Mild and cooler with occasional cold snaps; fewer tourists and good deals, but evenings can be chilly and some mountain trails may be wetter or foggier.
Houlong at Night
Hiking in Houlong
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short, scenic trail that leads to the historic Longteng Broken Bridge—photogenic ruins and views; accessible by car from Houlong within 20–40 minutes.
Gentle walks around the preserved wooden railway station and rail-trail sections, with opportunities for landscape and heritage photography.
Low-elevation coastal walks along headlands and beaches for tidewatching and sunsets; watch for slippery rocks and tides.
Airports
How to reach Houlong by plane.
Taiwan’s main international gateway, about 1.5–2 hours drive north from Houlong depending on traffic; frequent bus and train connections to Miaoli/Taipei and onward local transport.
Smaller international/regional airport south of Houlong (around 1–1.5 hours by car), convenient for some domestic and regional flights; good access via highways and local buses.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Houlong and greater Miaoli have a significant Hakka population, preserving language, festivals and culinary traditions.
Many residents work in fishing, agriculture or small businesses—traditional livelihoods shape local culture and the weekly market schedule.
Some residents commute to larger cities for work, while the area is also home to older generations who maintain village life and customs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is widely followed across Taiwan, with local youth leagues and community games popular in Miaoli County.
Cycling is popular for both commuters and recreational riders, with scenic coastal and rural routes favored for day trips.
Basketball courts are common in towns and schools; pickup games are a common social activity.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Houlong.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in Taiwan; look for Buddhist/vegetarian restaurants and order vegetable stir-fries, noodle soups without meat, or tofu-based dishes, but always confirm no fish-based broths are used.
Vegan choices exist but require care—many dishes include soy sauce or fish sauce; gluten-free is harder because soy sauces and wheat-based noodles are common, so ask and carry translations explaining restrictions.
Seafood is prevalent—if you have shellfish or fish allergies, communicate clearly in Chinese (or show a translated note) and avoid small stalls where cross-contact is likely.