Things To Do
in Touwu
Touwu (頭屋) is a quiet, rural township in central-northern Taiwan’s Miaoli County, known for its Hakka culture, reservoir scenery, and agricultural landscapes. The area centers on Mingde Reservoir and surrounding tea terraces, rice paddies and small Hakka villages that offer a glimpse of traditional island life. Touwu is a good base for low-key nature activities—cycling, short hikes and birdwatching—while nearby towns like Sanyi and Nanzhuang provide more tourist services.
Visitors come for slow-paced outdoor exploration, seasonal blossoms and authentic Hakka food rather than big-city nightlife or extensive tourist infrastructure.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Touwu Cultural Park, where you can immerse yourself in the history and traditions of the area. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the park’s serene gardens while taking in the beautiful floral displays. Don't forget to stop by the local artisan shops to pick up unique handcrafted souvenirs.
After lunch at a quaint local eatery, head to the Touwu Natural Science Museum to explore fascinating exhibits on the region’s biodiversity. Engage with interactive displays that educate visitors about the local ecosystem and wildlife. Spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying the museum's nearby walking trails and scenic views.
As evening descends, dine at a traditional Taiwanese restaurant in town, savoring local dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll around the bustling night market where you can taste street food delicacies and shop for local crafts. Conclude the day by soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and mingling with local residents.
Rise early to embark on a hiking adventure at nearby Zhongshe Flower Market, where the stunning landscapes explode with vibrant colors. Enjoy a guided tour that educates you about the various flora while capturing beautiful photographs. Take the time to breathe in the fresh air and appreciate the tranquil surroundings.
Post-hike, consider visiting the Touwu Mountain, known for its picturesque views and rich biodiversity. Spend the afternoon trekking the various trails, each offering a different perspective of the lush environment. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy a scenic picnic amidst nature.
Upon returning, treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa experience at a local wellness center, renowned for its natural therapies. Unwind under the expert care of local therapists in a serene setting that enhances relaxation. For dinner, select from an array of food stalls serving up traditional Taiwanese snacks before heading back to your accommodations.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Cafe coffee | $2.50-4 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.80-1.50 |
| 🚕Taxi start (short ride) | $3.50-6 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / B&B (per night) | $30-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful reservoir and tea-terrace scenery with excellent photography opportunities
- Authentic Hakka culture and homestyle cuisine
- Quiet, low-tourist rural atmosphere ideal for relaxation and nature activities
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure in the township itself
- Public transportation is infrequent—having a scooter or car is very helpful
- English signage and speakers can be limited in smaller shops and farms
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (xiè xie)" - Thank you
- "不好意思 (bù hǎo yì si)" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "廁所在哪裡? (cè suǒ zài nǎ lǐ?)" - Where is the bathroom?
- "這個可以素食嗎? (zhè ge kě yǐ sù shí ma?)" - Is this vegetarian?
Places to Visit in Touwu
Visit one of these nice places.
The reservoir offers mirror-like water at calm times, photogenic bridges, water reflections at sunrise/sunset and seasonal mist—great for landscape and reflection shots.
Sloping tea terraces around Touwu give layered green compositions and are especially photogenic after sunrise or during light fog.
Small village lanes, traditional houses and rustic storefronts provide intimate cultural street photography opportunities.
Seasonal flowering trees near higher villages and parks bloom in late winter to early spring—excellent for portrait and macro photography.
Food in Touwu
Touwu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A savory stir-fry of pork, squid, preserved vegetables and green onions—commonly found at local Hakka restaurants and family eateries.
Must-Try!
A traditional pounded-tea bowl of tea, herbs, crushed nuts and grains served with multiple side dishes—excellent for trying at Hakka cultural centers or specialty tea shops.
Simple preparations of locally caught freshwater fish available at small restaurants near the reservoir or village eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively night market (in Miaoli City) where you can sample Taiwanese staples—stinky tofu, oyster omelet, grilled squid and sweet snacks—best for an evening food crawl.
A short ride away, Nanzhuang’s old street has Hakka snacks, mochi, herbal jellies and small tea shops—good for tasting local specialties and buying snacks to take on hikes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite behavior, modest dress and deference to elders are valued—greet politely and keep voices moderate in public spaces and temples.
Remove shoes when entering some private homes and smaller traditional premises; show respect in temples—dress modestly and avoid loud phone use near ritual areas.
If invited into a home, accept a small serving of tea or food and bring a small gift if appropriate; refusals should be polite and gentle.
Safety
Tipping in Touwu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not expected in most Taiwanese settings; round up for taxis or leave small change for exceptional service. Overseas-style tipping is rare in rural Touwu.
Cash (NTD) is widely used in rural areas and small shops; major credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants. EasyCard (transport card) is useful for buses and convenience stores, and some businesses accept mobile payments but coverage is less consistent than in big cities.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Late winter to spring brings mild temperatures and flowering season (plum and cherry blossoms in higher spots). Expect occasional rain; great time for photography and tea-harvesting views.
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers and the possibility of typhoons (peak Jul–Sep). Early-morning activities and reservoir swims or shaded tea-house visits are best.
Comfortable temperatures, clearer skies and less rain—ideal for hiking, cycling and outdoor photography; harvest festivals may occur in agricultural communities.
Mild but cooler nights (Dec–Feb), occasional chilly mornings and possible fog in valleys; good for tea tastings and fewer tourists but bring a light jacket.
Touwu at Night
Hiking in Touwu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, accessible loops around the reservoir with viewpoints, birdwatching, and pleasant waterside walks—suitable for most fitness levels.
Nearby in Miaoli County, offers temple routes, forest trails and panoramic views; trails range from moderate to challenging depending on the route.
Combine cultural exploration with gentle walks around Sanyi’s countryside and carved-wood landmarks; good for half-day outings.
Network of farm footpaths through tea terraces and agricultural plots—best experienced with a local guide or map to avoid private property.
Airports
How to reach Touwu by plane.
Main international gateway; roughly 60–90 minutes by car depending on traffic. From Taoyuan you can rent a car, take an intercity bus or train toward Miaoli and transfer to local buses/taxis to reach Touwu.
Smaller regional airport with some international and domestic flights; about 60–90 minutes by car. Good option if flying from certain regional routes, then transfer by car or train to Miaoli area.
Closer to Taipei City for domestic flights; further by road but useful for some domestic connections—combine with train/HSR travel for the fastest access to Miaoli region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Hakka people form a large portion of Touwu’s population—local culture, language and festivals reflect Hakka heritage.
Many residents are involved in agriculture (tea, fruit, rice) and small-scale local businesses; population skews older as younger residents often move to cities for work.
Some residents commute to nearby towns for work or run guesthouses, tea shops and tourism services for visitors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is widely followed across Taiwan; local communities support youth teams and enjoy watching professional games on TV or attending matches in larger cities.
Cycling is popular for both leisure and exercise—local roads and reservoir loops attract cyclists, and longer rides connect to neighboring townships.
Street basketball and school-based basketball are popular team activities among young people in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Touwu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited in rural villages; many dishes are vegetable-forward, and temples sometimes offer vegetarian sets—carry snacks and clarify ‘vegetarian’ (素食) when ordering.
Vegan choices can be harder to find; request no animal products explicitly and rely on larger town restaurants or cafés for clearer vegan options.
Rice-based foods are common, but soy sauce and marinades may contain wheat—ask staff about ingredients and prefer simple steamed or grilled dishes.