Miaoli City (Wade–Giles: Miao²-li⁴-shih⁴; Hakka PFS: Mèu-li̍t-sṳ; Hokkien POJ: Biâu-le̍k-chhī or Miâu-le̍k-chhī; Japanese Byōritsushi) is a county-administered city and the county seat of Miaoli County, Taiwan. Miaoli has a relatively high percentage of Hakka people. It had the second highest residential price and the highest commercial price for land in Miaoli County as of 2004, at NT$28,601 per square meter and NT$63,317 per square meter, respectively.

Etymology

The name Miaoli was coined using two Hakka syllables, 貓貍, which phonetically approximate Pali (Bari) from the Taokas language.

History

Empire of Japan

Miaoli Hsien was at first eliminated under Japanese rule. Bioritsu Cho (苗栗廳) was established in 1901. It was then divided over and in 1909. From 1920 to 1945,, and six villages were under the jurisdiction of , under Shinchiku Prefecture.

Republic of China

On 16 August 1950, Miaoli City (then Miaoli Township) was designed as the county seat of the newly established Miaoli County. On 25 December 1981, Miaoli Township was upgraded from urban township to a county-administered city as Miaoli City.

Population

As of September 2023, the population of Miaoli City was estimated at 86,327.

Administrative divisions

The city is administered as 28 villages: Beimiao, Datong, Fuan, Fuli, Fuxing, Gaomiao, Gongjing, Jiacheng, Jiangong, Jiaxin, Jingmiao, Lumiao, Nanshi, Qinghua, Shangmiao, Shengli, Shuiyuan, Weixiang, Weixin, Wenshan, Wensheng, Xinchuan, Xinmiao, Xinying, Yuhua, Yumiao, Yuqing and Zhongmiao.

Government institutions

Education

Tourist attractions

Transportation

Notable bridge in the city is Xindong Bridge.

Rail

Taiwan High Speed Rail cuts through a part of the city, but no station is currently planned.

Bus

Bus services are operated by Miaoli Bus, Hsinchu Bus, and Kuo-Kuang Bus.

Sister city relations

Climate