Miaoli Sanyi to Zhuolan: Riding the Hilly Countryside of the Middle Section of Provincial Highway 3

Provincial Highway 3 in Miaoli: A Cycling Experience Deep in Hakka Farmland

Provincial Highway 3 is known as “the beauty of Taiwan’s provincial highways.” The Miaoli section, from Sanyi to Zhuolan, traverses typical Hakka hilly terrain, passing through wood-carving craft villages, terraced tea gardens, and orchard farms along the way. It is an excellent cycling route for experiencing Taiwan’s traditional rural culture. The route is approximately 35 kilometers in total length, with moderate elevation changes, suitable for cycling enthusiasts with basic riding ability.

Route Basic Information

Sanyi: The Starting Point of the Wood-Carving Town

Sanyi Township is famous throughout Taiwan for its wood-carving craftsmanship. Before setting off on your ride, it is recommended to take a stroll through the Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum or the old street to experience the town’s unique artistic atmosphere. There are several breakfast shops and convenience stores near Sanyi Railway Station, making it a great place to refuel before the ride.

After leaving downtown Sanyi, the route gradually ascends along the hilly terrain, with Hakka farmhouses and tea gardens appearing in scattered clusters on both sides, marking the beginning of the most spectacular rural landscape along this route.

Mid-Route: Crossing Hakka Terraced Fields

The section from Sanyi to Dahu Township (approximately 20 km) is the core highlight of the route. The road winds through the hills, with elevations fluctuating between 300 and 500 meters. Although the gradients are not severe, the continuous undulations still require a certain amount of leg strength.

The most impressive sights along the way are the terraced fields carved into the terrain, a testament to the diligence and wisdom of the Hakka ancestors. In spring, the rice in the terraced fields has just been planted, with tender green seedlings shimmering with vitality in the sunlight; in autumn, it is a golden harvest scene of rice waves.

Dahu Strawberries and Fruit Stop

Dahu Township is Taiwan’s most important strawberry-producing area. The strawberry season runs from November to April each year, and numerous strawberry farms can be seen along the road. Many farms offer pick-your-own experiences, allowing cyclists to enjoy the fun of picking strawberries during their ride. Strawberry-related food shops line the streets of Dahu, with strawberry ice cream, strawberry jam, and strawberry rice wine all being must-try local delicacies.

Zhuolan: The End Point of the Fruit Town

Zhuolan is another renowned fruit-producing area in Miaoli County, famous for peaches, pears, and grapes. After arriving at Zhuolan Old Street, be sure to stock up on some fresh seasonal fruit—it is the most natural energy replenishment after a ride. There are several time-honored noodle shops in Zhuolan town serving authentic Hakka noodle dishes, making them a great choice to reward yourself after completing the ride.

Best Cycling Seasons

• Late winter to early spring (Jan–Apr): Strawberry season, with strawberry farms in full bloom along the Dahu stretch—the most distinctive time
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Peaches and grapes ripen, and the Zhuolan area is filled with the fragrance of fruits
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cool weather with golden rice in the terraced fields—best for photography
• Avoid the plum rain season: During the May–June rainy period, mountain roads tend to be slippery

Transportation Connections

Sanyi has a TRA mountain-line railway station, reachable by local train from Taipei or Taichung, making it convenient to bring a bicycle. From Zhuolan, Miaoli Bus services return to Miaoli City or Taichung, and bicycles can be placed in the luggage compartment (please confirm schedules in advance).

Related Reading

• Provincial Highway 3 South Section Cycling Route: Hilly Ride from Sanyi to Miaoli
• Provincial Highway 3 Inland Mountain Road: North-South Mountain Line Ride from Taipei to Pingtung
• Romantic Ride on Provincial Highway 3: Hakka Culture Cycling Tour from Hsinchu to Pingtung
• Provincial Highway 3 Inland Mountain Road: Route Planning for the North-South Mountain Line Ride from Hsinchu to Pingtung