Travel Guide: Tongxiang Homestay, Miaoli County

Introduction

Tucked into the misty, pine-scented hills of Sanyi Township, Miaoli, 桐鄉民宿 (Tongxiang Homestay) is the perfect base for travelers craving a slow, authentic Taiwanese countryside escape. Far from the crowds of Taipei and Taichung, this cozy family-run homestay blends warm hospitality, thoughtful amenities, and unbeatable access to Miaoli’s most beloved natural and cultural attractions, making it ideal for weekend getaways, family trips, and solo hiking retreats alike.

Hotel Overview

Tongxiang Homestay is located at No. 257-1, Shuimei, Sanyi Township, and caters to every type of traveler with well-appointed, spotless rooms. Families will love the spacious connecting family rooms, and all accommodations are smoke-free, equipped with air conditioning, comfortable beds with crisp linens, wardrobes, bedside charging outlets, and coffee/tea making facilities for that perfect morning brew. Every room has a private en-suite bathroom with a standing shower, free toiletries, a hairdryer, bidet, and soft slippers, and many open onto private balconies with rolling hill views.

On-site amenities include free WiFi throughout public areas, a full restaurant serving a highly-rated local breakfast that guests repeatedly praise for its fresh, homemade flavors, and sprawling outdoor spaces including a sun terrace, garden, outdoor dining area, and shaded rest spots perfect for afternoon tea. Additional conveniences include luggage storage, a tourist information desk to help plan your itinerary, and public parking nearby for just NTD 80 per day, with accessible parking available. Only Chinese is spoken by staff, so having a basic translation app on hand helps for smooth communication.

Local Attractions

Three unmissable attractions are all within a 20-minute drive of the homestay:

• Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum: Just 10 minutes away, this charming museum celebrates Sanyi’s centuries-old legacy as Taiwan’s woodcarving capital, with exhibits ranging from traditional religious statues to contemporary artisan works, plus hands-on carving workshops for visitors.
• Shengxing Station: A 15-minute drive takes you to this preserved 1900s wooden train station, the oldest surviving station on Taiwan’s Old Mountain Line. Stroll the abandoned rail tracks lined with tung blossom trees (in spring) and ride the vintage steam train for a nostalgic dose of local history.
• Dahu Strawberry Farms: If you’re visiting between December and April, 20 minutes from the homestay you can pick your own juicy, sun-ripened strawberries at one of Dahu’s family-owned farms, a beloved activity for travelers of all ages.

Travel Tips

Book your room in advance, especially during spring tung blossom season and winter strawberry picking season, when accommodation in Sanyi fills up quickly. Parking is public and does not require a reservation, but arrive before 5PM to secure a spot. If you plan to hike the nearby hills (a popular activity available through the homestay’s local connections), bring sturdy walking shoes and a light jacket, as mountain temperatures drop quickly in the evening. For day trips, the homestay can help arrange local taxi services if you don’t have your own car.