Travel Guide: 馨藝庭園民宿 (Xinyi Garden Homestay), Miaoli County

Introduction

Tucked in the rolling tea hills of Xihu Township, Miaoli, 馨藝庭園民宿 (Xinyi Garden Homestay) is a quiet escape for travelers tired of Taiwan’s crowded city centers. This family-run country retreat leans into Miaoli’s natural charm, offering clean, comfortable accommodation surrounded by greenery that feels worlds away from Taipei and Taichung. Whether you’re here for a weekend of hiking, tea tasting, or just slow, countryside relaxation, this homestay delivers authentic Taiwanese rural hospitality.

Hotel Overview

Located at 10-9 Dawo, Gaopu Village, Xihu Township, Miaoli County, 馨藝庭園民宿 blends cozy homestay comfort with thoughtful modern amenities. Every room comes with air conditioning or a fan, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and an en-suite bathroom stocked with free toiletries, a hairdryer, towels, and slippers. Many rooms open up to sweeping views of the surrounding hills and garden. The property caters to all travelers, with accessible accessible spaces, family rooms, and fully non-smoking rooms. For guests who want to make the most of the great outdoors, the homestay offers a large garden, outdoor seating areas, and complete barbecue facilities for group cookouts. On-site, you’ll find a casual cafe and full restaurant serving local Miaoli specialties, and free reserved private parking and garage space is available for guests driving in. Only Chinese is spoken by staff, so having a translation app handy is helpful for international travelers.

Local Attractions

Three standout attractions sit within a 20-minute drive of the homestay:

• Xihu Waipu Mountain Hiking Trail: A gentle 3-kilometer loop trail that climbs through tea plantations and cypress groves, with panoramic lookout points over the Miaoli countryside. It’s perfect for casual hikers, and you can stop at small roadside tea stands along the way to sample locally grown oolong.
• Miaoli Huoyan Mountain Ecology Park: Known for its spectacular fall maple foliage and year-round wildflower displays, this park features rugged trails, hidden waterfalls, and views of the Taiwan Strait on clear days. It’s a 15-minute drive from the homestay and works for both half-day and full-day hikes.
• Longgan Lake Cyclable Path: A flat, scenic 10-kilometer loop around a quiet agricultural lake, ideal for casual cycling or birdwatching. Rent a bike nearby to enjoy lakeside views and stop at local fruit stands to pick up seasonal strawberries or persimmons, depending on your visit time.

Travel Tips

The best time to visit is spring (March to May) for wildflowers or fall (October to November) for cool weather and autumn foliage. If you plan to barbecue on-site, notify the homestay when booking to reserve the grill and confirm any equipment requirements. The homestay is easiest to reach by private car or scooter; if traveling by public transport, take a bus from Miaoli Station to Xihu Township and arrange a local taxi for the final 10-minute ride to the property. Remember to reserve parking in advance when booking, as spots are limited. For the best experience, book a room with a garden or hill view to wake up to misty countryside mornings that make this Miaoli retreat so special.