Tongsiao Coastal Recreation Area is a seaside leisure park on the western edge of Tongsiao Township, Miaoli County, evolved from the former Tongsiao Beach (originally called Huxu Bathing Area), covering about 14 hectares; it was renamed and transformed into a year-round recreation site on September 25, 1998. It features a coastal promenade, a windmill park, and Wangxi Pavilion, and every evening the sun sets over the Taiwan Strait, making it one of the main sunset-viewing spots on Miaoli's western coast.
Tongsiao Coastal Recreation Area evolved from Tongsiao Beach, originally called Huxu Bathing Area and once one of central Taiwan's largest seaside swimming beaches, covering about 14 hectares. In 1979 its inner bay was reclaimed for a thermal power plant, and on September 25, 1998, the site was renamed and transformed into a coastal recreation area. Tongsiao Township's overall coastline stretches more than 16 kilometers north to south, of which the recreation area occupies one section.
Highlights of Tongsiao Coastal Recreation Area
The recreation area has three main nodes: the coastal promenade runs along a pebble-and-sand beach for up-close views of the waves; the windmill park features several white turbines that form visual landmarks along the coastline; and Wangxi Pavilion is an observation gazebo that concentrates the best sunset viewing. The site is adjacent to the former Tongsiao Salt Works site; although the plant grounds are not open to visitors, the salt industry history adds a layer of industrial memory to this location.
The Tongsiao coast is a mixed pebble-and-sand beach. Water temperatures are comfortable in summer, but there is no formal lifeguard coverage — swimming is not recommended. The coastal promenade is walkable year-round; in autumn and winter the northeastern monsoon brings strong winds, creating a distinctive seaside experience but requiring warm clothing. The largest crowds gather around sunset (approximately 5 to 6 p.m., varying by season); weekend parking can be tight.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- By car: Follow Provincial Highway 1 to Tongsiao Township, turn toward Tongwan Li and head for the coast. The recreation area has public parking; lots fill up on weekend evenings.
- Alight at Tongsiao Station on the Taiwan Railways, then ride a shared bicycle or take a taxi about 10 minutes to reach the coast.
- Open all day; no admission fee. Sunset times shift with the season — approximately 6:30 p.m. in summer and 5:30 p.m. in winter.
Nearby Connections
- Tongsiao Shinto Shrine: about 10 minutes by car — visiting the shrine first and then heading to the coast for the sunset is an efficient combination.
- Yuanli Township: about 15 minutes south on Provincial Highway 1 — connects to Shanjiao Elementary School or the Taiwan Rush Weaving Cultural Center.
- Houlong Township: about 15 minutes north — leads to Cape Good Hope Viewpoint or Houlong Ciyun Temple.
Source: Miaoli County Tongsiao Township Office; Miaoli County Culture and Tourism Bureau. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Tongsiao Coastal Recreation Area before?
It began as Tongsiao Beach, originally called Huxu Bathing Area, before being renamed and transformed into a recreation area on September 25, 1998.
How large is Tongsiao Coastal Recreation Area?
It covers about 14 hectares and was once one of central Taiwan's largest seaside swimming beaches.
What are the main features of the recreation area?
It has a coastal promenade, a windmill park, and Wangxi Pavilion, the main spot for watching the sun set over the Taiwan Strait.
Sources
- 通霄鎮>苗栗文化觀光旅遊網 — 通霄鎮海岸線長度
- 通霄濱海遊憩區（原通霄海水浴場） 玩全台灣旅遊網 — 虎嶼浴場舊名、占地14公頃、1998年轉型