Travel Guide to Early Summer Motel (初夏汽車旅館), Miaoli County

Introduction

Nestled in the quiet, green countryside of Miaoli’s Gongguan Township, 初夏汽車旅館 (Early Summer Motel) is a cozy, budget-friendly base for travelers looking to escape Taipei’s hustle and explore Miaoli’s famous tea fields, fruit orchards, and hot spring culture. Far from the crowded tourist hubs of central Taiwan, this family-run motel offers clean, comfortable accommodation and warm hospitality that feels like a stay with local friends, perfect for weekend getaways and slow road trips through western Taiwan’s rural heartland.

Hotel Overview

Early Summer Motel is conveniently located at No. 9, Alley 182, Tongming Street, Gongguan Township, Miaoli County, putting you within walking distance of local night market stalls and family-run eateries. All rooms are soundproofed with private entrances, climate control, and smoke-free options for a peaceful night’s rest, plus designated smoking areas for guests who smoke. Each private bathroom comes with a deep soaking bathtub, complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer, and soft slippers, and in-room facilities include a flat-screen TV, electric kettle, refrigerator, and bedside charging outlets. Extended-stay guests will appreciate the on-site laundry machines, and free Wi-Fi is available across the entire property. For relaxation, the motel’s on-site wellness center features a hot whirlpool to soothe sore muscles after a day of hiking or exploring. Services include 24-hour front desk support, wake-up calls, luggage storage, and paid express check-in/out. Note that the motel does not offer on-site parking, and staff only speak Chinese, so having a basic translation app ready is helpful for international visitors.

Attractions

Three unmissable local spots are just a short drive from the motel:

• Gongguan Strawberry Picking Farms: Miaoli is Taiwan’s strawberry capital, and Gongguan’s family-owned farms are the best place to pick your own fresh, juicy berries between November and April. Many farms also sell homemade strawberry jam, ice cream, and shortcake for a sweet afternoon treat.
• Miaoli Hakka Cultural Park: Located 10 minutes away by car, this open-air park celebrates Miaoli’s rich Hakka heritage, with traditional Hakka courtyard homes, craft workshops where you can try your hand at dyeing cloth with natural plant pigments, and seasonal Hakka food festivals serving signature dishes like hakka stir-fry and rice cakes.
• Tongluo Tea Plantations: 20 minutes from the motel, rolling hills of tea plantations offer postcard-perfect views of the Miaoli countryside. Follow walking trails through the fields, stop at a local tea house to sample award-winning oolong, and catch golden-hour sunsets over the mountains for a peaceful, Instagram-worthy afternoon.

Travel Tips

Since the motel has no on-site parking, if you’re driving, book a spot at the public parking lot 3 minutes’ walk from the property in advance. If you’re visiting during strawberry picking season (November–April), book your room at least two weeks ahead, as weekends fill up fast. Many local attractions close by 5 PM, so plan your day trips early, and stop by the Gongguan Township night market (open every Saturday) after exploring to try cheap, delicious local Hakka street food. For guests staying during cooler winter months, the in-room heating and on-site hot whirlpool make this motel an especially cozy retreat after a day out in the crisp mountain air.