Miaoli

Founding and Early Mentions

The history of Miaoli begins long before the emergence of modern administrative boundaries. Originally, these lands were inhabited by the indigenous Taokas people. The city's name itself is a phonetic adaptation of the word "Bari," which meant "plain" in the aboriginal language. Later, in Chinese sources, it was transformed into "Maoli" before taking its modern form.

Large-scale development of the region by settlers from mainland China began in the mid-18th century during the Qing Dynasty. It was then that the first permanent settlements were established, forming the foundation of the future city.

Key Factors of Formation

Miaoli's development as an important settlement was driven by several factors:

• Hakka Migration: Miaoli became one of the main settlement centers for the Hakka ethnic group on the island. Their culture and traditions defined the city's unique character.
• Geography: The city is located in a mountainous area, which is why it is often called the "Mountain City." The rugged terrain encouraged the formation of isolated but tight-knit communities.
• Administrative Significance: In the late 19th century, with the establishment of Miaoli County, the city gained the status of an administrative center, which stimulated population growth and trade development.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Miaoli was based on agriculture and the use of natural resources. Residents were actively involved in tea cultivation and the production of camphor, which was a major export commodity.

A unique feature of the region was the early start of mining. In 1861, one of the first oil wells in Asia was drilled in Chuhuangkeng, near the city. This event, along with traditional pottery and woodworking, laid the groundwork for the region's economic growth.

Main Historical Milestones

• 1730s — The beginning of active development of local lands by Han settlers and the formation of the first permanent communities on the site of the modern city.
• 1889 — Miaoli County is officially formed for the first time, and the settlement is approved as its administrative center.
• 1903 — A railway line passes through the city, significantly accelerating the transport of goods, including camphor, tea, and coal.
• 1920 — During an administrative reform, the settlement receives the official name Miaoli (Miaoli-gai) and clearly defined boundaries.
• 1935 — The city and its surroundings suffer a devastating earthquake, followed by a large-scale reconstruction of buildings and urban infrastructure.
• 1950 — After another reorganization of administrative divisions, Miaoli once again becomes the capital of the restored county of the same name.
• 1981 — Miaoli officially receives the status of a county-administered city due to population growth and urbanization.
• 2015 — The opening of the High-Speed Rail station significantly improves the city's transport accessibility for tourists and business.

Stages of Transformation and Development

The evolution of Miaoli is a story of adaptation to a challenging mountain landscape and a gradual transition from a traditional way of life to a modern economy. The following stages were decisive in shaping the city's current identity:

• Solidification as the Hakka Capital. The mass migration and rooting of the Hakka people in the 18th and 19th centuries formed a unique cultural code for the region. This defined not only the dialect and culinary traditions but also the architectural style of settlements, making Miaoli Taiwan's primary center for preserving Hakka heritage.
• The Birth of the Oil and Gas Industry. The discovery and exploitation of the Chuhuangkeng field (the oldest on the island) transformed the agrarian region into a significant industrial hub. This event provided an early start to industrialization and attracted technical talent, which was rare for mountain regions at that time.
• Construction of the "Mountain Line" Railway. Laying tracks through the complex terrain in the early 20th century brought Miaoli out of geographic isolation. The railway connected the city with northern and southern ports, enabling the mass export of tea, fruit, and camphor, which drastically improved the population's standard of living.
• Urban Reform After 1935. A devastating earthquake was a tragic but pivotal turning point for the city's layout. Forced large-scale reconstruction followed new standards: streets were widened and straightened, and buildings were constructed with seismic resistance in mind, laying the foundation for the modern urban grid.
• The Bloom of Craft Industries. In the second half of the 20th century, Miaoli pivoted toward ceramics production and artistic wood carving. This economic shift allowed the city to find its niche in the international market and transform industrial zones into cultural parks and museums.
• Integration into the HSR Network (2015). The launch of the High-Speed Rail station fundamentally changed the region's logistics. Travel time to major metropolises was reduced to a minimum, stimulating domestic tourism and making Miaoli an attractive place to live outside of overcrowded Taipei.

Architectural Eclecticism of a Mountain City

The urban landscape of Miaoli does not boast the monumentality of massive metropolises, but it possesses a unique charm that blends rural pastoralism, industrial functionality, and religious traditions. Due to the challenging terrain, the city developed linearly along the railway and river valleys rather than in concentric circles.

The Qing Era and Hakka Traditions (18th – Late 19th Century)

The earliest layer of architecture is represented by the traditional craftsmanship of early settlers. The style of this period is characterized by functionality and adherence to the principles of Feng Shui.

• Style: Traditional Southern Chinese architecture with Hakka elements.
• Key Features: Use of red brick, tiled roofs with curved "swallowtail" ridges, and courtyard houses (siheyuan style).
• Landmark: Wenchang Shrine. This is a classic example of a religious and educational complex built to prepare locals for civil service examinations. The building has preserved its traditional wood and stone carvings.

The Japanese Colonial Period (1895–1945)

This was a time of active modernization and the introduction of Western technologies. Urban planning became more orderly, and European architectural elements adapted to the local climate began to appear.

• Style: Eclecticism, industrial brick style, and Japanese wooden architecture.
• Key Features: Following the devastating 1935 earthquake, architecture became more restrained and seismically resistant. Reinforced concrete and wood were actively used in combination with brickwork.
• Landmark: Gongweixu Tunnel. Built from red brick at the beginning of the 20th century, it resembles a fortress and stands as a monument to the engineering of that era. It has now been transformed into a tourist pedestrian zone with colorful lighting.

Modernity and Postmodernism (From the Late 20th Century)

Modern Miaoli combines the utilitarian development of residential blocks ("shophouses" — buildings with shops on the ground floor) with ambitious public projects designed to highlight the region's identity.

• Style: Modernism, high-tech, and eco-architecture.
• Key Features: Use of glass, steel, solar panels, and geometric forms referencing nature or Hakka culture.
• Landmark: Miaoli HSR Station. A prime example of modern "green" architecture. The light metal structure is designed for natural ventilation, and the facade design is inspired by the Tung flower—the symbol of the Hakka region.

Notable Figures from Miaoli

As the heart of Hakka culture in Taiwan, the Miaoli region has given the world many talented individuals who have excelled in art, literature, science, and history. Here are some of the most prominent figures associated with this land:

• Ju Ming
  World-Renowned Sculptor

  Born in Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County. One of Asia's most significant contemporary artists, he is famous for his monumental "Taichi" sculpture series made of bronze and wood, which are exhibited in major museums worldwide. He founded his own art museum, which has become an important cultural landmark in Taiwan.

• Lee Chiao
  Writer and Public Figure

  Born in Dahu Township. A distinguished man of letters whose work is inextricably linked with the history and culture of the Hakka people. His masterpiece, the "Wintry Night Trilogy," is an epic saga describing the lives of early settlers and their struggle for survival in the lands of Miaoli.

• Yang Jih-sung
  Forensic Expert

  Born in Gongguan Township. A legendary figure in Taiwanese forensics, nicknamed the "Sherlock Holmes of Taiwan." For nearly half a century, he participated in the investigation of the island's most high-profile and complex criminal cases, making an invaluable contribution to the development of forensic medicine.

• Qiu Fengjia
  Poet, Educator, and Resistance Leader

  Born in Tongluo. A historical figure of the late 19th century who played a key role in the resistance against the Japanese occupation of Taiwan in 1895. He served as the Vice President of the short-lived Republic of Formosa and commanded the militia. His patriotic poetry is considered a classic of Taiwanese literature.

• Chen Yingzhen
  Writer and Publicist

  Born in Zhunan. A central figure in Taiwan's 20th-century Nativist literature. In his works, he deeply explored social issues, the consequences of urbanization, and the lives of ordinary people, often drawing inspiration from the realities of his home region.

• Daniel Lo (Lo Shih-feng)
  Singer and TV Host

  A popular entertainer born in Miaoli. Known for performing songs in the Taiwanese dialect and the Hakka language. A recipient of the prestigious Golden Melody Awards, he actively popularizes Hakka culture through modern pop music.