We Got Scammed in Taiwan...

⚠️ Warning – Claw Machine Scam at Zhunan Train Station, Miaoli?

If you or your kids love playing claw machines in Taiwan, you’ll want to read this before dropping any coins at Zhunan Train Station.

My husband is somewhat of a claw machine enthusiast, and my son Adrian and I are massive Pokémon fans. It’s usually a win-win for our family - he gets the thrill of the game, and we get to expand our collection. We’ve actually played at this specific location near Zhunan Station several times before. In the past, if we walked away empty-handed, it just felt like bad luck. The claw actually had power.

But our experience last Friday (July 10th) was completely different.

What Happened?

It was a typhoon day, but since Miaoli had clear sunshine before noon, we decided to head out. We spotted a brand-new Pokémon plushie in one of the machines that we didn’t have yet. Naturally, we had to try.

We ended up spending NT$400 just to hit the "guaranteed catch" limit (保夾). But the moment the guarantee activated, we realized something was seriously wrong. The claw was still completely powerless! It didn’t even have the strength to lift the toy...

We spent over 30 minutes trying to make it work, moving from our target Pokémon to other toys in the machine just to see if anything was winnable. The result? Total failure. The claw had zero power, no matter what.

To make matters worse, we discovered a major flaw (or trick) in the machine's programming: if the empty claw accidentally swings or drops over the prize chute without grabbing anything, the machine resets. The "guaranteed catch" mode disappears, leaving you with absolutely nothing after spending all that money.

No Contact Info & A Call to the Police

When we looked around the machine for the owner's or operator's contact details to report the error, there was nothing visible. Frustrated by the lack of transparency, we actually reported the incident to the local police. Unfortunately, even the officers couldn't get ahold of the owner right away.

We eventually managed to get the owner’s phone number. After waiting for over a day with our calls and messages completely ignored, someone finally called my husband back (though he claimed he was just a worker, not the owner).

By this point, my husband was furious. He didn't want the toy anymore, he just wanted our NT$400 back because he refused to support what felt like an outright scam.

 The police had even informed us that we had grounds to sue for consumer fraud. How can a machine have a "guaranteed catch" function if it is physically impossible to grip the prize?

The person on the phone flatly refused to give a full refund but offered to give us the toy instead. My husband didn't want the toy anymore, he just wanted our NT$400 back because he refused to support what felt like an outright scam. The police had even informed us that we had grounds to sue for consumer fraud.

The moment my husband firmly told him that we were prepared to sue, his attitude changed. He finally agreed to refund the full NT$400 and even give us the Pokémon. To avoid meeting us in person, he told us he would leave the cash and the plushie at the Family Mart inside the station.

We picked everything up on Monday morning, so thankfully, we weren't cheated out of our money in the end.

We know how claw machines work. We know it requires skill and a bit of luck. But when a machine is set to zero power, even during a paid-for guaranteed catch, it crosses the line from a game into a trap!

"Just Don't Play Here Again"

The most shocking part of the whole conversation came right at the end. Instead of apologizing or offering to fix the machine so it complies with Taiwan's legal claw machine regulations, the person on the phone told my husband not to play at their machines ever again.

Well, obviously we won't! We have no desire to support a business that cheats its customers. But telling a customer not to come back doesn't solve the underlying problem. By saying that, they are openly admitting that the machine will stay exactly the way it is. They plan to keep taking people's money, hoping the next family who hits the "guaranteed catch" limit just walks away quietly without calling the police.

They aren't trying to run a fair game, they are just trying to avoid getting caught by the wrong people.

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2026 Tongxiao Sand Sculpture Festival – A Perfect Summer Day Trip in Miaoli

Looking for a fun summer activity in Taiwan? The 2026 Tongxiao Sand Sculpture Festival is back, bringing giant sand sculptures, live music, local food, and family-friendly activities to Tongxiao Beach in Miaoli County.

The festival runs from July 4 to September 6, 2026, giving visitors 65 days to enjoy this unique seaside event during the summer holidays. 

Even though the festival has just opened this weekend, you'll notice that a few of the sand sculptures are still works in progress. Hopefully, the upcoming typhoon won't cause too much damage or delay the artists as they finish their creations.

What Can You Expect?

The Tongxiao Sand Sculpture Festival has become one of Miaoli's most popular summer events since it first started in 2024. This year, the festival returns with even more impressive sand sculptures created by talented artists.

We've visited the festival every year since it first opened, and it's always fun to see the new creations. It's amazing how artists can transform nothing but sand into such detailed works of art.

Besides admiring the incredible sand sculptures, you can also enjoy oceanfront music performances, local specialty markets, interactive activities for both children and adults, and beautiful beach scenery.

Whether you're planning a family outing, a weekend road trip, or simply looking for somewhere different to explore, this festival offers something for everyone.

One thing to keep in mind - it gets really crowded on weekends! The beach and the water are packed with people, so if you're hoping for a quiet day by the sea, a weekday visit is definitely the better option.

As the festival attracts many visitors, especially on weekends, local authorities have prepared traffic control measures around the venue. If possible, consider using public transportation or arrive early to avoid the busiest times. 

Last year, we had trouble finding parking in the area. Riding a scooter there from Toufen is possible, but it's quite a long journey and not the most pleasant experience in Taiwan's scorching summer heat. Yes, I got sunburned just from the ride there! 

2026 Tongxiao Sand Sculpture Festival

This year's theme is "Blessings from the White Sand" (來自白沙的祝福), inspired by Tongxiao's beautiful white sandy beach. 

The 2026 festival is also the biggest one yet, featuring 29 sand sculptures created by artists from Taiwan and around the world. It includes 16 themed sculptures, 10 international competition sculptures and 3 live sand sculpting demonstration pieces. 

For the first time, Tongxiao is hosting an International Sand Sculpture Competition. 

Another nice improvement is the addition of a wooden boardwalk, making the exhibition much more accessible for wheelchair users, families with strollers, and anyone who finds walking on soft sand difficult.

Special Events on: 

- July 4: Sunset Breeze Concert

- August 8: Father's Day kite-flying event

- August 16: Romantic couples' event

Sum Up

If you're spending the summer in Taiwan and are looking for a fun day trip, the Tongxiao Sand Sculpture Festival is definitely worth adding to your list. Walking along the beach while admiring enormous works of art made entirely from sand is a wonderful way to spend a summer day. Another big plus is that admission is completely free. It's also not too far from Tongxiao Train Station, making it easily accessible by public transportation.

We've enjoyed coming back every year, and it was interesting to see what new sand sculptures are on display this time. If you haven't visited yet, this summer might be the perfect opportunity!

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Exploring the Pumpkin Tunnel at Miaoxiang Ranch - Miaoli Travel

Travel Date: 2026/05/16

One of the things I absolutely love about living in Taiwan is how easy it is to discover seasonal surprises just a short trip from home. Usually, spring means chasing cherry blossoms or tung blossoms, but this weekend my husband and I decided to do something a little bit different. We went to Zaoqiao Township in Miaoli County to catch the annual Zaoqiao Pumpkin Festival (造橋南瓜季).

I had seen photos of this place online on Facebook, but experiencing it in person was something completely different. It was colorful, beautiful, and honestly a little bit mind-blowing to see how many types of pumpkins actually exist!

About the Zaoqiao Pumpkin Festival

The festival is an annual tradition held here in Miaoli, running from early May through early June when the pumpkin harvest is at its absolute peak. Zaoqiao’s hilly terrain and well-drained soil make it the perfect place for growing incredibly sweet edible pumpkins, but the festival has turned into a major seasonal attraction because of one special spot: Miaoxiang Ranch (苗翔牧場).

During the festival period, the entire ranch opens its doors to the public completely free of charge. In Taiwan, where so many seasonal flower and farm attractions charge an entry fee, that feels especially generous!

When you arrive at the ranch, the first thing that catches your eye is a huge, bright orange pumpkin display right at the entrance. It's the ultimate photo spot and everyone was queueing up to take pictures with it.

But the real highlight of the festival is walking through the spectacular Pumpkin Tunnel.

It’s a massive arched trellis stretching for over 100 meters, completely covered in lush green vines. Hanging right above your head are hundreds of pumpkins in every shape, size, and color imaginable.

I definitely did not expect to see so much variety!

Aside from the classic bright orange pumpkins, there were white ones, cream-colored ones, green striped ones, and even miniature pumpkins that looked like spinning tops or little pears. Some of the giant pumpkins hanging there looked so heavy that I kept wondering how the vines could support them, but everything is perfectly maintained and totally safe to walk under.

Walking through the shade of the tunnel with the green leaves filtering the bright May sunshine felt so peaceful.  

Since the festival takes place on a real, functioning dairy ranch, there is plenty to do even after you finish walking through the tunnel.

Normally, Miaoxiang Ranch is a popular spot for families because it has a really nice, down-to-earth farm atmosphere. It’s not over-commercialized at all. They have cows, chickens, horse. 

Inside the indoor exhibition area, local farmers set up stalls selling fresh agricultural products, and they even sell freshly harvested pumpkins that you can buy to take home for cooking.

Weekends can get incredibly busy with families and tour groups. If you want to take photos in the tunnel without too many people in the background, I highly recommend arriving early in the morning.

If you are looking for a fun spring weekend escape in Miaoli, this is definitely a place worth visiting!

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Shiyun Temple Trip - Shitan, Miaoli Cherry Blossoms

Travel Date: 2026/02/15

The weather was absolutely beautiful, and with a week-long holiday just beginning, it would have been a pity to stay at home. The sunshine was warm but gentle, the sky was clear, and the air felt fresh — the kind of day that almost invites you to go somewhere.

We decided to visit a temple in Shitan, about an hour’s drive from our home. The journey itself was already a treat. Along the way, we started spotting cherry blossoms here and there — small hints of pink scattered across the hills. But once we arrived, we were amazed. There were so many trees in full bloom, covered in soft pink flowers. It felt like stepping into a spring painting.

The temple, surrounded by mountains and blossoms, looked especially peaceful that day. With the flowers gently swaying in the breeze and the bright blue sky above, it was the perfect way to begin our holiday.

Xieyun Temple (協雲宮)

Xieyun Temple is located on the Bajiaodong mountain range at the border of Shitan and Gongguan. Built along the mountainside at an elevation of over 700 meters, it's a temple that integrates both Buddhist and Taoist traditions. The main deity worshipped here is Guanyin (the Bodhisattva of Compassion).

According to local elders, legend says that water once naturally flowed from a rock wall at this site, gradually forming a pond. One day, an elderly woman passed by. Seeing the clear water, she drank from it to quench her thirst. She was also suffering from painful sores on her feet, so she washed them in the water. That night, Guanyin appeared to her in a dream. When she woke the next morning, her sores had miraculously healed. News of this miracle quickly spread, and believers flocked to the site. People then decided to build a small thatched shrine called “Guanyin Pavilion,” which later became the predecessor of Xieyun Temple. This occurred in the second year of the Guangxu reign (1876).

Xieyun Temple sits beside Bajiaodong Mountain, which is one of the scenic spots of the “Three-Tiered Green Terraces” (San Tai Die Cui), one of the Eight Scenic Views of Miaoli. Its location is elevated and offers magnificent scenery. Under a clear blue sky, one can gaze far into the distance: layers of green mountains and competing peaks stretch across the horizon. The twelve townships of Miaoli can be seen at a glance. In autumn and winter, clouds and mist swirl around the mountains, creating an atmosphere described as, “Deep in the clouds, one knows not where — only within these mountains.” Poets, scholars, and those concerned with the fate of their country all find special inspiration here.

The temple grounds are planted with azaleas, cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, poinsettias, and other seasonal flowers. In every season — spring, summer, autumn, and winter — visitors can come up the mountain to admire different kinds of blooms, each offering its own beautiful scenery.

A road beside the temple allows both people and vehicles to reach another temple, Dayuanjue Temple. One downhill road toward Gongguan leads to Guanyin Temple, while another road toward Shitan leads into Shitan Township.

It's also said that about a hundred years ago, a woman passing by the present site of Xieyun Temple suddenly suffered severe abdominal pain. In desperation, she drank from a clear spring in a nearby hollow. Unexpectedly, the pain stopped. Later, she returned with offerings to burn incense and give thanks for the healing water. The story spread from one person to another, and eventually local elders suggested building a temple together. It was completed in the eighth year of the Guangxu reign (1882), and Xieyun Temple became a place where people worshipped and collected sacred spring water.

A man named Peng Shengbo later moved the deities worshipped in his home — the Three Benevolent Lords and Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong), the Holy King who opened up Taiwan — to this temple. After Taiwan’s retrocession, the temple underwent two renovations and now stands in impressive form.

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Bald Cypress Secret Spot in Sanwan, Miaoli

Travel Date: 2025/11/16

We clearly arrived ahead of peak season this time. Last year, when we visited in early January, the bald cypress trees were already nearly bare. This year we went in mid-November, expecting some autumn colors—but the trees were still completely green. Still, it was a warm, free Sunday, so we decided to take a spontaneous trip.

Honestly, this autumn has felt unusually hot. Wearing shorts in northern Taiwan in November still surprises me. We do get sudden cool days—sometimes a dramatic near 20°C drop—but they usually only last a day or two before the warm weather returns.

If you’re searching for a peaceful place to enjoy late-autumn and winter scenery, the bald cypress forest in Sanwan is a beautiful choice — and it’s completely free to visit.

From November to January, the trees normally shift into warm tones of gold, yellow, and orange-red. When the timing is right, the reflections in the water look like a scene from a painting.

More than 200 bald cypress trees surround the lake, with paths weaving between them. You can also climb up to a few viewing spots on the hills for a higher perspective. Since there wasn’t much color yet this November, we stayed at the lower paths and enjoyed walking among the trees.

The lake is full of ducks—several species, actually. 

The access road is very narrow—only enough space for one car—so take it slow. Most people leave their cars at the entrance of the alley and walk the remaining path. It’s about a 30–40 minute round trip, and there are some slopes, but the trail itself is lovely and relaxing.

There is a small parking area closer to the cypress trees, though reaching it can take longer because passing oncoming vehicles is tricky. Riding a scooter is much more convenient.

If you prefer not to walk, private cars near the alley entrance offer shuttle rides. This is especially helpful for families with young kids or elderly travelers.

Group tours are also available, but buses can only stop by the main road, so there’s still a 1-km walk to the site.

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