Hakka Tour

When it comes to Shitan Township, the most renowned spots are undoubtedly the Shitan Old Street and the mesona delicacies, making it a must-visit destination for travelers planning their adventures in Miaoli. In this article, we've curated a collection of top attractions, culinary delights, and accommodation options in Shitan. Whether you're planning a half-day escapade, a full-day excursion, a one-night staycation for a two-day Miaoli getaway, or even a visit during the enchanting cherry blossom season or the vibrant Mesona Flower Festival in Shitan, it's the perfect setting for couples' romantic outings or family adventures. Let's embark on a journey together and explore the homeland of this captivating herb!

Nestled in the heart of Miaoli County, Shitan Township is surrounded by neighboring townships such as Sanwan, Nanzhuang, Tai'an, Dahua, Gongguan, and Touwu. For those cruising in by car, simply hop onto National Freeway 3 and link up with Provincial Highway 72 or Provincial Highway 3. If public transit is more your style, catch the Taiwan Railway to Hsinchu Railway Station and make a smooth transfer to Hsinchu Bus 5657, the Shitan Line.

Primarily inhabited by Hakka people, Shitan Township also hosts a handful of Saisiyat tribe settlements. The name "Shitan" holds dual origins. One theory suggests that a distant mountain ridge resembles a lion reclining and sipping water from a nearby pond. The other traces its roots back to the Saisiyat tribe's "Xitan Village," pronounced as Sawi in their language, gradually evolving into the beloved "Shitan" we know today.

For anime and cartoon enthusiasts, an absolute must-visit hidden gem is the "mysterious pathway." Once a shortcut for locals heading to the riverside for laundry (hence its former moniker, "Laundry Alley"), this tradition has waned over time. However, the alley has been transformed into one of Shitan's well-known attractions with the addition of colorful murals depicting famous characters from Hayao Miyazaki's renowned anime films like "Spirited Away" and "My Neighbor Totoro," as well as from beloved series such as "One Piece," "Detective Conan," "Sailor Moon," and "Aladdin". The remarkably lifelike artwork breathes new life into the alleyway, creating an enchanting experience. Moreover, hidden within are numerous elements unique to Shitan, waiting for everyone to discover on their captivating journey!

After passing through the enchanting mysterious pathway, you'll arrive at the Shitan Riverside Park. Typically a space where locals leisurely stroll and catch up, it's the perfect spot to soak in the town's laid-back vibe. Adjacent to the park lies the Xinfeng Suspension Bridge spanning across the Shitan River. Once you cross this iconic bridge, you'll encounter the famous Mingfeng Ancient Trail, which was once the passage for Shitan residents to reach Miaoli City. Nowadays, it's the preferred hiking trail for weekend hikers seeking a refreshing escape into nature.

For those who enjoy mountain hiking, crossing the Xinfeng Suspension Bridge over the Shitan River will lead you to the nearby Raknus Selu Trail - Mingfeng Ancient Trail. Step back in time and experience how our ancestors traversed this historic pathway between Miaoli and Shitan in an era before modern transportation. But fret not about endurance; most of the trail offers a leisurely stroll, with well-maintained bridges ensuring a smooth journey. Only some sections have steeper stone steps. The round trip takes about one to two hours, making it a very user-friendly hiking experience. We suggest trekking to the midway point, Lover's Valley, and then retracing your steps. It's a delightfully user-friendly hiking trail.

The Mingfeng Ancient Trail is intricately connected to several routes, including the Aiyong Ancient Trail, Yanping Ancient Trail, Green Ancient Trail, and Xieai Ancient Trail. Originally serving as a hunting path for the indigenous Saisiyat tribe, it guided them through the rugged terrain of the region. However, as time went by, the Saisiyat tribe gradually relocated to higher mountain areas due to increasing Han settlement. This shift transformed the Mingfeng Ancient Trail into a vital artery for ancestors, facilitating travel between Shitan, Touwu, and surrounding regions. 

Shitan Township boasts a rich tapestry of eleven ancient trails, with the renowned Mingfeng Ancient Trail taking center stage. Among these, the nearby Zhonglou (Bell Tower) Ancient Trail is one of the five well-known ancient trails in Xindian Village. Spanning approximately 400 meters, the round trip takes about an hour, making it a perfect short hike. In the past, the bell tower site was originally a drum tower set up by the Shitan Police Station under the Japanese Police Department. When air raid alarms sounded, officers would beat drums atop the tower to conduct air defense preparations. Nowadays, the bell tower has replaced the drum tower and is aptly named the "Bell of Happiness," attracting visitors to climb the mountain, pen down their wishes, and ring this symbolic bell of joy!

For souvenir hunters, a trip to the Farm-shop Lion is an essential stop. Once a granary for the Farmers' Association, it preserves its heritage with a two-story rice mill, offering a glimpse into the rice milling process of the old days. On the opposite end, the Farmers' Association showcases and sells specialty agricultural products. Step inside, and a treasure trove awaits, featuring a diverse array of agricultural goods and souvenirs. Notable highlights include mesona shaved ice and mesona tea. In addition, you'll discover local delights like dried persimmons and pickled vegetables - each an essential purchase to bring a slice of Shitan back home!

Apart from the charming Shitan Old Street, Shitan Township boasts other unique attractions like the Baishou Organic Bean Sprout Farm near the northern end. Known as the bean sprout kingdom of Miaoli's Shitan, it cultivates dozens of varieties of organic bean sprouts. The owner has thoroughly researched each type, and their excellent quality is primarily sold through large chain stores and markets. Besides learning about the fascinating world of bean sprouts here, you can also make your own bean sprout rolls, cultivated with pure mountain spring water, and savor a table full of nutritious, bean sprout-flavored dishes. It's a place where you can indulge your taste buds while enjoying a fun and educational experience!

In recent years, Shitan, renowned for its iconic mesona herb, has been hosting the vibrant Shitan Mesona Flower Festival. This colorful event showcases mesmerizing mesona flower seas, creating enchanting backdrops for visitors to capture stunning photos. Throughout the festival, creative markets offer a diverse array of local agricultural products for visitors to explore. A true highlight is the limited edition "Mesona Passports" available each year. These passports not only provide extensive information about festival activities, top Shitan attractions, and must-try local delicacies, but also offer the opportunity to indulge in a variety of mesona-infused treats for free such as mesona ice cream to mesona milk tea and mesona grass jelly. It's a true feast for both the eyes and the taste buds! 

When you visit Shitan, aside from the iconic mesona and succulent strawberries, there's another hidden gem nearby - the Tianxiang Organic Red Dragon Fruit Farm. This farm primarily cultivates red dragon fruits. Its spacious, grassy fields are perfect for children and furry friends to run around and let off some steam. During the harvesting season, from June to November each year, visitors can experience the joy of fruit picking. Pluck the large, vividly red dragon fruits, which are priced by weight, and savor the freshly picked and cut fruit right on the spot. Tasting the fruits straight from the farm while basking in the tranquil countryside ambiance is an incredibly relaxing experience.

Xianshan Xiancao is undeniably one of the most renowned eateries on the Shitan Old Street, known to every visitor and hiker who ventures into Shitan. The abundant use of warm wood and rustic bamboo decorations creates an incredibly inviting ambiance throughout the space. Among their must-try standout dishes are the "Fried Grass Jelly" and the "Mesona-flavored Stir-fried Flat Rice Noodles." But the true showstopper is their shaved ice, adorned with velvety grass jelly, sweet potatoes, chewy taro balls, red bean, and drizzled with creamy milk - a cooling delight that every hiker and cyclist must indulge in while passing through the streets of Shitan.

When you're exploring a Hakka community, trying some authentic Hakka rice dishes is an absolute must-do. Located in the Shitan Old Street, Le Xuan Hakka Rice Cuisine is your go-to spot for this culinary experience. Their specialty is the vibrant array of Hakka buns in colors. As soon as the lid is opened, a tantalizing aroma wafts out. The outer layer, dyed with natural ingredients like mugwort, red yeast, purple rice, and sweet potatoes, encases a savory filling of shredded radish and chewy dried tofu. With a firm yet chewy texture and a rich, flavorful stuffing, just one of these substantial buns is enough to satisfy your hunger, making it a favorite among hikers gearing up for the trails.