Origin of the Tongxiao Place Name: The Tongxiao area was originally home to the Honyan community, also known as the Tonsuyan community, of the indigenous Dawkas people. Tongxiao is a homophone of "Tunxiao," and was historically written as "Tunxiao," originally referring to the area between present-day Tongdong and Tongxi. In the past, the Nanshi River was deep enough for merchant ships to berth, making it a hub for the transportation and distribution of goods from Tongluo, Sanyi, Miaoli, and other regions. Baishatun, formerly known as "Baishadun," is a place where Han Chinese settlers, according to historical records, began to settle during the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty. During the Qianlong reign, large numbers of immigrants began to cross the sea from Hui'an and Tong'an in Fujian to Taiwan, officially cultivating the area and gradually forming a settlement. Because Baishadun Harbor offers direct access, it became a crucial gateway for early settlers to enter Miaoli and establish settlements. From the Qianlong and Jiaqing reigns, Han Chinese gradually migrated to cultivate the area. The influx of Han Chinese steadily increased, and after several large-scale developments, the village flourished.
Baishatun was the first area in Tongxiao Township to be developed by mainland Chinese settlers. It boasts a long cultural heritage and rich cultural resources. Its precincts are home to numerous temples, of which Gongtian Temple is the most renowned. Located in Baidong Village, Gongtian Temple's main hall enshrines the Heavenly Mother, a remarkably majestic deity. The temple faces east and is less than 200 meters from the sea. In the early days, Taiwanese settlers crossed the sea to Taiwan and, to pray for safety at sea, they enshrined a soft-body Mazu statue in their homes. In the late Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty, fundraising began for the construction of the Gongtian Temple, which was completed in the second year of the Tongzhi reign. The temple has undergone several renovations and expansions, and today it comprises two halls and two wings. The halls are exquisitely carved. The main hall shrine houses the Mazu deity, flanked by Qianliyan and Shunfenger. The rear hall on the first floor houses Mazu's parents, a distinctive shrine dedicated to Gongtian Temple's efforts to instill virtue in its citizens and emphasize filial piety.
Located on Hutou Mountain, Tongxiao Shrine was dedicated to Tenzo-no-Omikami and Prince Kitashirakawa Norihisa during the Japanese colonial period. While the main worship hall has been renovated into a Minnan-style building, the serene shrine atmosphere, torii gates, approach to the main hall, and the main hall base have all been preserved intact.
Tongxiao Beach, just a 5-minute drive from Tongxiao Train Station, is being promoted this year as a "Sunset Park," allowing everyone to enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the setting sun on the beach. This largest beach in Taiwan also offers barbecue and camping areas for visitors!
This attraction includes a hot spring foot bath, a salt water fountain play area, and a Salt Museum (including a salt knowledge center and a DIY area). We recommend this Tongxiao attraction for travelers with children. The Tongxiao Refined Salt Factory combines both educational and entertaining activities, and it's also free.
Enjoy the ancestral flavors of Henan's hometown, featuring steamed buns made with carefully selected local ingredients. Hand-kneaded daily and fermented with natural soy dough, they offer a unique, chewy, firm, and springy texture. No preservatives or artificial colors are added.
These small peace cakes are perfect for afternoon tea with coffee. Eating them is said to bring peace of mind. Representing the blessings of Mazu from the Gongtian Temple in Baishatun, these buns are both healthy and safe to eat. They also make perfect souvenirs, perfect for both yourself and others.
Unlike current cake shops, Zhuangyuanzhen retains the traditional steaming method, eliminating the need for preservatives and flavorings. This traditional steaming method makes Zhuangyuanzhen's cakes more tender and chewy than typical commercial cakes, and they're not greasy, making cake a healthy option.
Miaoli Tongxiao's new campground, Tongxiao Sanheyuan Farmstead, offers spacious grassy sites with ocean views right in front of the campsite. On clear days, you'll even get to enjoy beautiful sunsets. No need to bring your own tents or gear! We offer trendy Black Rabbit DOD Tunnel Tents and fashionable Mi Rabbit DOD Tunnel Tents, with free pick-up and drop-off service, making it easy for even beginners to get started with camping.
Come to Tongxiao and learn about its history with in-depth explanations from professional local instructors. There's more to Tongxiao than just Feiniu Ranch. Listen to these stories and you'll be a Tongxiao expert!
Tongxiao Beach has been transformed into a theme park where you can camp. Besides enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the mountains and forests, you can also camp by the sea.