The history of Houlong begins long before the emergence of modern administrative boundaries. Originally, these lands were inhabited by the Taokas, a group of plains indigenous people. It is believed that the town's name itself is a phonetic adaptation of the name used by the indigenous inhabitants for their settlement. Active development by settlers and the formation of an urban lifestyle began during the Qing Dynasty, when migrants started arriving in the region to cultivate the land.
Key Factors in Development
The transformation of a small settlement into a significant town was driven by a successful combination of geographical and economic circumstances:
Favorable Geography: Its location at the mouth of the Houlong River with access to the Taiwan Strait made this place a natural transportation hub.
Port Activity: In the past, Houlong was an important port town. The local harbor served as one of the key points for trade and receiving settlers, which contributed to rapid population growth and commercial activity.
Trade Routes: Routes for exchanging goods between the coast and the inland areas of Miaoli County passed through the town.
Early Economy and Way of Life
The economic life of early Houlong was inextricably linked to the sea and agriculture. Thanks to the port, trade flourished, while coastal waters supported the development of fishing. On the fertile plains surrounding the settlement, farmers began growing rice and other crops. This combination of maritime industry and agrarian activity, along with the interaction between indigenous culture and settler traditions, shaped the town's unique historical character.
Timeline
Key Historical Milestones
Before the 17th Century — The coastal territories are inhabited by the indigenous Taokas tribes, who call the area "Auran."
Early 18th Century — Arrival of the first settlers from mainland China and the beginning of active agricultural land development.
Mid-18th Century — Houlong Port turns into a bustling trade center, connecting the region with the outside world.
1895 — Start of the Japanese administration period, marked by the introduction of new technologies and urban planning standards.
1920 — During a major administrative reform, the settlement officially receives the name Houlong and village status.
1922 — Opening of the Houlong railway station on the new Coastal Line, connecting the town to the island's transport network.
1950 — After a reorganization of administrative divisions, Houlong becomes part of the newly formed Miaoli County with township status.
2014 — Opening of the "Hakka Round House" architectural complex, designed to preserve and popularize local cultural traditions.
2015 — Commissioning of the Miaoli High-Speed Rail station, making the town an important transportation hub.
Milestones
Key Stages of Development and Transformation
The evolution of Houlong from a fishing village to a modern transportation hub has passed through several significant stages that defined its current character and economy:
Boom of Port Trade (18th–19th Centuries)
The transformation of a coastal settlement into an active commercial center. The port served as the main channel for exporting goods and receiving settlers, laying the city's economic foundation and providing the first impulse toward urbanization.
Integration into the Railway Network (1922)
The opening of a station on the Coastal Line fundamentally changed the region's logistics. The railway connected the town with the island's major industrial centers, accelerating trade and reducing the economy's dependence on sea transport.
Administrative Self-Determination (1950)
Becoming part of Miaoli County with township status. This event established a clear municipal management structure and allowed for the allocation of budget funds to develop local infrastructure and social facilities.
Formation of an Agricultural Brand (Mid-20th Century)
Specialization in growing watermelons, peanuts, and sweet potatoes. These crops became the backbone of local agriculture and Houlong's "calling card," providing a stable income for the local population.
Launch of High-Speed Rail Services (2015)
The opening of the High-Speed Rail (HSR) station within the town was a major urban planning milestone. Houlong effectively became the main gateway to Miaoli County, stimulating investment and development in the area surrounding the station.
Development of Cultural Tourism (2010s)
The construction of iconic landmarks like the Hakka Round House and the improvement of the Cape of Good Hope area marked a transition to an "experience economy." The town began to position itself as a center for cultural heritage and eco-tourism.
Architecture
Architectural Character and Urban Planning
The architecture of Houlong reflects its evolution from a traditional coastal settlement to a modern transportation hub. The urban fabric is an eclectic mix of ancient temples, functional mid-20th-century buildings, and the latest public spaces emerging around the high-speed rail station.
Historical Eras and Styles
Qing Dynasty and Traditional Style (18th – Late 19th Century)
The earliest layer of development is represented by religious buildings and rare surviving residences in the Minnan (Southern Fujian) style. It is characterized by the use of red brick, intricate wood carvings, and curved "swallowtail" roofs. Traditionally, the city center was a temple around which residential quarters and markets were formed.
Japanese Colonial Period (1895–1945)
During this time, elements of Western urban planning were introduced, and industrial architecture developed. Functionalism and an engineering-led approach dominated: railway tracks, tunnels, and brick factories were built. Materials like brick, stone, and concrete were used, with an emphasis on the durability and utility of infrastructure projects.
Modern Period (Late 20th Century to Present)
This era is characterized by the dense, low-rise "shophouse" developments typical of Taiwan, alongside the emergence of landmark public buildings in Modernist and Postmodernist styles. Special attention is paid to integrating architecture with the landscape and cultural heritage (neo-traditionalism).
Iconic Buildings and Sites
The character of Houlong is shaped by several key sites representing different milestones in its development:
Ciyun Temple
A striking example of traditional temple architecture. This is the city's oldest temple (dedicated to the goddess Mazu), richly decorated with dragons, mosaics, and carvings. It serves as the historical and spiritual heart of Houlong's old district.
Guogang Tunnels
A monument to the engineering architecture of the Japanese period. These red-brick railway tunnels have now been converted into cycling routes, preserving the atmosphere of the early 20th century.
Miaoli HSR Station
A prime example of modern eco-architecture. The building is designed with local climate conditions in mind, utilizing natural ventilation and solar panels. The geometric metal facade symbolizes the tung tree flowers—a symbol of the Miaoli region.
Hakka Round House
An example of modern stylization inspired by traditional architecture. This building reproduces the shape of the classic "tulou" earth fortresses of the Hakka people. Despite its modern execution, it serves as an important cultural landmark and visual marker for the station area.
Notable People
Notable Figures of Houlong
The modern face and history of Houlong are closely linked to the work of people born or active in this town. Among them are doctors, politicians, and entrepreneurs whose contributions influenced the development of infrastructure, medicine, and the economy, not only for the town itself but for all of Miaoli County.
Cai Xian-yang
A renowned physician considered one of the pioneers of Western medicine in the region. He founded Fengchun Hospital, the first modern-style medical facility in Houlong. Cai Xian-yang later headed the Miaoli County Health Bureau. The building of his former clinic has been preserved and is an important piece of local architectural heritage.
Chen Kai-ti
A mid-20th-century political figure. In 1951, he was elected as the first speaker of the Miaoli County Council, playing a key role in forming local government bodies. His name is also associated with a historic Baroque-style mansion that remains one of the town's architectural landmarks.
Chao Teng-hsiung
A prominent entrepreneur and founder of Farglory Group, one of Taiwan's leading construction conglomerates. A native of Houlong, he rose from working on construction sites to building a business empire. His activities contributed to the region's economic development and the realization of large-scale development projects.
Liu Cheng-hung
A politician who served as the Magistrate of Miaoli County from 2005 to 2014. During his leadership, a key infrastructure project for the town was realized—the construction of the High-Speed Rail station (Miaoli HSR Station). The emergence of this transport hub significantly improved Houlong's accessibility for tourists.
Du Kai-dong
A representative of the local intelligentsia of the early 20th century and a philanthropist. He is known for building a unique residence that combines elements of Chinese and Western architectural styles. This house serves as a monument to an era of cultural exchange and economic growth in the town during the first half of the last century.