Miaoli County is located in northwestern Taiwan and is geographically classified as part of the central region. It borders the majestic Xueshan Mountain Range to the east and the vast Taiwan Strait to the west. The county seat is Miaoli City, and the county is administratively divided into 2 cities, 5 towns, and 11 townships (including 1 indigenous township), totaling 18 administrative divisions. Among them, Toufen City is the most populous and rapidly developing city in the county.
Miaoli County, along with Hsinchu County and City, forms the "Zhunan-Hsinchu Living Circle." The northern Zhonggang River Basin has close ties with Hsinchu, while the southern Daan River region interacts frequently with Taichung City. Due to the mountainous terrain, transportation development is limited, and residents of various townships mainly communicate at the village level.
Geographical Features
Miaoli County's terrain is rugged, with its primary landforms transitioning from west to east as plains, hills, plateaus, and mountains. The region mainly consists of alluvial fans on the western side of the Xueshan Mountain Range, shaped over the years by river erosion into the present diverse landscape. The county has numerous rivers, including:
- Zhonggang River: Originating from the northwest side of Luchang Dashan (Leshan), it flows through northern Miaoli County and southwestern Hsinchu County.
- Houlong River: Originating from the southwest side of Luchang Dashan, it runs through the central part of the county.
- Xihu River: Originating from the northern slopes of Guandao Mountain in Sanyi Township, it flows through the central-western region.
- Daan River: Originating from the west side of Dabajianshan, it flows through southern Miaoli County and extends into Taichung City.
Miaoli County has an overall shape resembling a diamond, with an east-west width of about 64 kilometers and a north-south length of approximately 50 kilometers, covering a total area of 1,820.31 square kilometers. The western coastline stretches about 50 kilometers, from Qiding in Zhunan Township in the north to Fangli in Yuanli Township in the south.
Climate Characteristics
Miaoli County lies north of the Tropic of Cancer and has a subtropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature ranging from 20 to 22°C. Due to its terrain and monsoon influences, climate conditions vary by region:
- Coastal plains and hilly areas have a subtropical climate, characterized by warm and humid conditions.
- Mountain areas above 1,000 meters have a temperate climate, with some high-altitude areas approaching frigid zone conditions.
The county receives an average annual rainfall of about 1,600 millimeters. Mountainous areas receive abundant rainfall exceeding 2,500 millimeters, while the western coastal areas receive around 1,200 millimeters. There are approximately 100 to 125 rainy days per year, primarily from May to August. The climate is influenced by the southwest monsoon in summer and the northeast monsoon in winter, resulting in distinct seasonal changes.
Notably, the Daan River and Huoyan Mountain area in the southern part of Miaoli County are considered the climatic boundary between northern and southern Taiwan. Winters in this region are colder than in other central counties. Additionally, every September, the seasonal transition from summer to winter monsoons brings the strong "Jiujian Wind" in Touwu Township, which can significantly impact transportation and daily activities.
Hakka Culture and Lifestyle
Miaoli County is a major center of Hakka culture in Taiwan, with the Hakka ethnic group comprising the majority of the population. The rich Hakka culture is reflected in language, cuisine, and festivals, contributing to the county’s distinct local characteristics. Due to the mountainous terrain, strong connections exist between townships and villages, shaping a unique "mountain city" style with deep-rooted local traditions.
