Taiwan Provincial Highway 3 Southern Section Cycling Route: Rolling Hills Ride from Sanyi to Miaoli

Introduction

Provincial Highway 3 runs through the hilly terrain of western Taiwan, stretching from Dasi in Taoyuan to Zhushan in Nantou, linking countless Hakka villages and mountain towns. Among these, the section from Sanyi to Miaoli City in Miaoli County spans just over 30 kilometers, yet it encapsulates the essence of Hakka culture: woodcarving art, tung blossom forests, red-brick courtyard houses, and Hakka cuisine that keeps travelers coming back for more. Traversing these hills at cycling speed is the most grounded way to experience Taiwan’s Hakka culture.

Route Planning

Sanyi: The Departure Ritual in the Town of Woodcarving

Sanyi is an important birthplace of Taiwan’s woodcarving art. Woodcarving craft shops line both sides of the streets, from rustic log artworks to finely detailed wooden figurines, showcasing the artisans’ masterful skills. Before setting off on your ride, take a stroll through Woodcarving Street to soak in the town’s artistic atmosphere, and stock up on supplies before the journey.

The Sanyi Woodcarving Museum is a great place to learn about local culture. On weekends, craftsmen often give live demonstrations—if time permits, it’s worth a half-hour stop.

Longteng Broken Bridge: A Railway Poem Left by Time

About six kilometers north of Sanyi lies the Longteng Broken Bridge—a railway arch bridge built during the Japanese colonial era that collapsed in the 1935 Guandaoshan Earthquake. Over a century of wind and rain have turned it into a natural monument recording Taiwan’s seismic history. The red bricks of the bridge piers are especially striking against the surrounding greenery, and when tung blossoms bloom in spring, it becomes a photographer’s paradise.

After stopping for photos, continue along the Old Mountain Line bike path. This stretch was originally the roadbed of the West Coast Line railway; converted into a bike path, it features a gentle grade and dense tree cover on both sides, making it one of the most relaxed and pleasant sections of Provincial Highway 3.

Yuanli: A Quiet Town of Rush Weaving Culture

Yuanli is renowned for its rush weaving. The traditional craft of making straw mats and hats has been passed down through generations here. The town’s Rush Weaving Culture Hall presents a complete history of the weaving craft, and a small farmers’ market next to it offers local produce. By the time you reach Yuanli, it’s usually early afternoon, making the Hakka eateries along the town’s streets the most natural choice for refueling—ban tiao (flat rice noodles), stir-fried pork with ginger and offal, and Hakka stir-fried rice noodles are three must-order dishes.

The Rhythm of the Hills on the Miaoli Section

Provincial Highway 3 in Miaoli County is characterized by continuous rolling hills. There are no extreme steep grades, but the constant climbing and descending can quietly accumulate fatigue. It’s recommended to maintain a medium-to-high cadence (above 90 rpm) and avoid burning energy on short, steep climbs by overexerting.

• Tung Blossom Season (April–May): The hillsides are blanketed in white tung blossoms, earning the nickname “May Snow”—the most beautiful season on Provincial Highway 3.
• Persimmon Season (October–November): In the Gongguan area, persimmons hang heavy from the branches, and the orange-red persimmon fields create a unique autumn landscape.

Practical Tips

Transportation

• Take a train with your bike to Sanyi Station (served by the West Coast Line), ride one-way to Miaoli City, then return by train.
• Some sections of Provincial Highway 3 see light traffic, making it an ideal choice for a weekend light tour.

Supply Points

• Supplies are available at Sanyi Old Street, convenience stores near Longteng, downtown Yuanli, and Miaoli City center.
• It’s recommended to carry 2 liters of water (supply points may be scarce on the hilly sections in the afternoon).

Accommodation

• If planning a two-day ride, Sanyi Township offers numerous guesthouses, with a mountain farmhouse atmosphere reminiscent of Qingjing that has its own unique charm.

Conclusion

A bike tour of the southern section of Provincial Highway 3 is not a speed race to test your limits, but a slow encounter with the land and its culture. Around every bend may lie a new woodcarving shop, a century-old broken bridge, or the aroma of Hakka cooking. Slow down, let the human warmth of these hills seep into your sweat—that is the finest gift Provincial Highway 3 gives to every rider.

Related Reading

• Sanyi to Zhuolan in Miaoli: Rural Hill Cycling on the Middle Section of Provincial Highway 3
• A Romantic Ride on Provincial Highway 3: A Hakka Scenery Cycling Tour from Hsinchu to Pingtung
• Provincial Highway 3 Inland Mountain Road: A North-South Mountain Route Ride from Taipei to Pingtung
• Provincial Highway 3 Inland Mountain Road: Route Planning for a North-South Mountain Ride from Hsinchu to Pingtung