The "Miaoli Ocean Tourism Season" event is held at the Waipu Fishing Harbor, located in Waipu Village, Houlong Township, Miaoli County. It is the largest and most well-known fishing harbor in Miaoli County.
Waipu Fishing Harbor is renowned for its tranquil and comfortable atmosphere. Unlike other bustling fishing harbors and piers, Waipu Fishing Harbor boasts a serene beauty. The romantic ambiance here is perfect for couples to appreciate the sunset. As the sun sets, couples stroll hand in hand to admire the breathtaking view. At night, the gentle waves caress the shore, and the soft lights of the harbor reflect on the water, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Even on sunny afternoons, walking on the ocean breeze-kissed floor and strolling along the seawall on the wooden boardwalk, surrounded by the rich aroma of coffee, allows people to unwind and immerse themselves in the calm atmosphere.
Visitors to Waipu Fishing Harbor can not only enjoy the sea breeze, admire the sea views, and savor seafood but also discover many other charming attractions. It is recommended to slow down and explore the harbor to find the hidden joys. The waterfront park in front of the pier features a fountain and a water play area with unique designs. The south and west seawalls have been decorated with numerous totem sculptures, introducing various fishing methods. The rocks have been arranged in a creative way to form an artistic walkway. On the north side, there is a fishing association building and a shore park, offering beautiful views and well-equipped facilities. This picturesque spot has become a representative attraction in Miaoli, making it an ideal destination for people to relax and enjoy their leisure time.
The offshore fishing grounds near Waipu Fishing Harbor are rich in marine life, with catches including black mullet, broad-bellied fish, mackerel, and white fish. If you want to taste fresh seafood immediately, there are restaurants near the harbor that serve fresh seafood. You can also ask the restaurant to cook it for you, which is both economical and affordable. Additionally, Waipu Fishing Harbor offers tourists the opportunity to take entertainment fishing boats out to sea. Whether you want to admire the vast blue ocean or enjoy the fun of sea fishing, you can experience the endless joy of being close to the ocean.
**The Ingenious Fishing Method - Hehuanshi Weir**
Miaoli County had 22 stone weirs along its coast in the past, but now only two remain: Hehuanshi Weir and Munai Weir, both located north of Waipu Fishing Harbor, with Hehuanshi Weir being the larger one. This 300-year-old stone weir was built using reef rocks to create a semicircular rock wall along the coast. When the tide rises and covers the rock wall, fish swim in with the water. As the tide recedes, fishermen can then go to harvest. The observation deck near the stone weir has a display board explaining the Qing dynasty's stone weir buying and selling contract and management regulations. Visitors can take a stroll around the fishing harbor and then visit this unique fishing method, which showcases the wisdom of their ancestors.