Tongluo Chrysanthemum Fields are the Hangju (Hangzhou chrysanthemum) growing area around Jiuhu Village, Tongluo Township, Miaoli County, reaching peak bloom every November as one of Taiwan's largest chrysanthemum-growing regions. Hangju is cultivated primarily as a medicinal crop; after drying it becomes chrysanthemum tea, and during peak bloom large numbers of visitors pour into the agricultural area to view and photograph the flowers, making it one of Miaoli's most iconic seasonal landscapes every autumn.
According to the Miaoli District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, Tongluo's chrysanthemum cultivation area is roughly 30 hectares, fluctuating between about 30 and 50 hectares in recent years depending on climate and crop rotation — not 'over 100 hectares' as sometimes claimed. The main cultivar is the officially named 'Taiwan Hangju No. 1' (commonly called Baixue, a white variety); the yellow 'Taiwan Hangju No. 2' (Huangjinju) has only recently been planted in small quantities alongside it. Peak bloom runs from mid-November to mid-December, lasting about three to four weeks.
Highlights of Tongluo Chrysanthemum Fields
Chrysanthemum cultivation in Jiuhu Village, Tongluo Township has a history of several decades. Guided by the Council of Agriculture (now the Ministry of Agriculture), farmers grew medicinal chrysanthemums and formed a sizeable industry cluster. The planted area exceeds 100 hectares, with two varieties side by side — the white Taiwan Dabai chrysanthemum and the yellow Golden chrysanthemum — creating a distinctive visual layering of two colors. The fields are spread mostly along gently sloping hillsides; climbing to higher ground offers a panoramic view of the entire flower field, a scale rarely seen among flower-viewing destinations in Taiwan.
The bloom period generally falls between early and late November each year; the exact timing varies slightly depending on temperature and planting batches, so it is advisable to check current bloom conditions before heading out. After harvest, farmers sun-dry the chrysanthemums to make chrysanthemum tea for sale. Some farm households allow visitors to observe the harvesting and drying process up close — a rare opportunity to learn about Taiwan's medicinal plant industry.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- Drive via the Tongluo Interchange on National Freeway No. 1 and follow signs toward Jiuhu Village — approximately 5–10 minutes from the interchange.
- The flower fields are private farmland. Follow the ropes or signs on-site and do not step on crops.
- Bloom season is November; exact dates vary each year. Check the official tourism information from Miaoli County before visiting.
Nearby Connections
- The Tongluo Firecracker Vine Road in the same township (different bloom period in February) can be planned as a separate visit — together they form a two-theme flower-viewing itinerary for Tongluo Township.
- Heading east, you can extend the trip to Sanyi Wood Carving Street and Longteng Broken Bridge, creating a full-day itinerary along Miaoli's mountain line.
Sources: Taiwan Hangju industry data from the Grain Management Division, Ministry of Agriculture; tourism information from Tongluo Township Office. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is the Tongluo chrysanthemum growing area?
According to the Miaoli District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, it covers roughly 30 hectares, fluctuating between 30 and 50 hectares in recent years.
When do the Tongluo chrysanthemum fields bloom?
Peak bloom runs from mid-November to mid-December, lasting about three to four weeks.
What chrysanthemum variety is mainly grown in Tongluo?
The main variety is the white 'Taiwan Hangju No. 1' (Baixue); the yellow 'Taiwan Hangju No. 2' has only recently been added in small amounts.
Sources
- 農林景觀新風貌‧‧銅鑼杭菊花海紛（苗栗區農業改良場） — 栽培面積約30公頃
- 杭菊正式品種名：臺灣杭菊1號、臺灣杭菊2號（富農農產運銷合作社） — 白雪／黃金菊品種命名