Travel Guide: Ai Yi Castle Motel, Miaoli County

Introduction

Nestled in the bustling commercial district of Toufen City, Ai Yi Castle Motel (愛伊堡汽車旅館) is an underrated gem for travelers exploring northern Miaoli. Blending convenient access to major highways, cozy family-friendly accommodation, and thoughtful on-site amenities, this budget-friendly motel caters perfectly to road trippers, family vacationers, and golf enthusiasts exploring Taiwan’s diverse central-northern countryside. Whether you’re passing through on a cross-island road trip or planning a slow weekend exploring Miaoli’s Hakka cultural sites, this motel delivers reliable, comfortable stays without the premium price tag of larger tourist resorts.

Hotel Overview

Ai Yi Castle Motel is conveniently located at No. 176, Section 1, Xinglong Road, Toufen City, Miaoli County, just a 10-minute drive from the Toufen Interchange of National Highway 1. Unlike traditional city hotels, this Taiwan-style motel offers private garage parking for every guest—no pre-booking required, and parking is completely free, a huge perk for drivers. The property spans multiple floors, with spacious family rooms ideal for groups of up to four, all fitted with modern air conditioning and complimentary high-speed WiFi available throughout the building. For guests looking to unwind after a day of exploring, the on-site wellness center features a heated jacuzzi to soothe sore muscles from hiking or a long day on the golf course. The front desk staff speak fluent Mandarin, and check-in and check-out processes are quick and straightforward for local and international travelers alike. Golf lovers will also appreciate that a full 18-hole golf course is located less than 3 kilometers from the motel, making it easy to fit in a round before or after sightseeing.

Nearby Attractions

Three standout attractions are all within a 20-minute drive of the motel, perfect for a full day of exploration:

• Toufen Yuqing Temple: A 10-minute drive from the motel, this 130-year-old Hakka temple is dedicated to Mazu, and features intricate wood carvings and colorful stone murals that showcase traditional Taiwanese religious art. The surrounding old street is lined with local Hakka eateries serving authentic lei cha (pounded tea) and rice cakes.
• Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum: Located 18 minutes away by car, this open-air museum celebrates Miaoli’s centuries-old woodcarving tradition, with hundreds of contemporary and traditional sculptures spread across lush park grounds. It’s a great spot for photos and learning about local craft culture.
• Nanzhuang Old Street: A scenic 20-minute drive into the hills brings you to this well-preserved Hakka market street, where you can browse handmade souvenirs, try preserved pomelos, and soak in the slow-paced retro atmosphere of rural Miaoli.

Travel Tips

If you’re visiting on a weekend or during national holidays, book your room at least two weeks in advance, as family rooms fill up quickly. For non-Mandarin speakers, it’s helpful to use a translation app for check-in, as the property only offers Chinese-language service currently. Bring your own swimsuit if you plan to use the hot jacuzzi, as rentals are not available on-site. For day trips, leave the motel before 9 a.m. to avoid traffic on the mountain roads leading to Nanzhuang. Finally, don’t miss the local beef noodle shop located just 2 minutes’ walk from the motel, which is a favorite spot among locals for a cheap, hearty breakfast or dinner.