Miaoli｜Castle in the Sky—A "Castle Walk Day" with Liyu Lake and Chestnut Hills 🏰🌿

#SeptemberGoodPlaces2025
Walking up the stone steps to the Sky City, I gazed upon the blue of the Liyu Lake Reservoir, the wind rustling the leaves around me. The ancient castle, forest, and skylight all blended together, like a day's vacation in my pocket.

Background Story | Slowly Carving a Mountain into a "City"

The official description is straightforward: this park, "officially opened to the public after four years of construction," is situated amidst the mountains surrounding Liyu Lake. The design language isn't a European replica, but rather a blend of castle elements with Taiwanese mountain forests: stone walls, pointed roofs, and arched windows, gradually taken over by vines and shade, a feeling that grows more and more captivating the longer I visit.

My Scene: Transforming Photos into a Breathing Moment
• First Glance of Green: After parking the car, I ascended the stone path, with dense forest on the left and a window occasionally opening on the right. Liyu Lake was a jigsaw puzzle of blue. The wind swept through the clouds, and beams of light streamed down, instantly revealing the layers of the mountain. • Castle and Tree Shadows: The castle's exterior is etched with the colors of time; up close, the rough stonework and the warmth of the wooden window frames interplay. Sitting on the balcony in the afternoon, the overlapping lines of terraces, mountain ridges, and reservoirs are truly soothing.
• Seasonal Colors: The reddish color of the sweetgum in your photos is particularly beautiful. Autumn and winter bring warm tones; late spring and early summer are the season of tung blossoms, with white drifting from the treetops to the grassy plains.
• Sounds: No city speakers, only the chirping of insects and the distant calls of waterfowl. When the wind is strong, the treetops undulate like the sea. At that moment, I just want to turn on my phone's cruise control.

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Itinerary Suggestions (Half-Day & Full-Day)

Half-Day (3–4 hours)
Purchase tickets at the entrance → Go to the viewing platform → Arrive at Paradise Castle at 11:30 AM for dinner → After dinner, walk along the forest trail and the small square → Descend before 3:00 PM to avoid traffic.

One-Day Tour (5–7 hours)
Morning: Walk the trails and the platform → Noon: Birds vs. People: Vegetarian Lunch → Return to the platform in the afternoon to observe the changing light and shadows → In the evening, continue your journey to Shengxing Station/Longteng Broken Bridge or Zhuolan.

Traffic Tips: The mountain roads are narrow, and during peak hours, there are often one-way traffic controls and oncoming traffic. New drivers are advised to park outside the park and walk up the mountain for an easier hike.

Food Review (with Address!) - Two Restaurants, Two Views

1) Paradise Castle Restaurant (Steak/Afternoon Tea Special)

Address: No. 33, Shifen, Xinkai Village, Dahu Township, Miaoli County, within the Sky City Park.

Real Dip: Beef short ribs or chicken thighs with seasonal vegetables, plus a pot of hot tea. The meat is cooked perfectly, and the window seats offer a direct view of the reservoir. The dessert is unpretentious, allowing the view to flow. Why it's recommended: If you're visiting for the first time, choose this one—it has the best view, comfortable seating, and a perfect two-hour dining time.

2) Birds vs. People Cafe/Vegetarian

Address: No. 33, Shifen, Xinkai Village, Dahu Township, Miaoli County, within the Sky City Park.

Meal: Vegetarian platter with herbal tea. The flavors are refreshing. In the afternoon, sit on the outer wooden plank area, where the wind ripples the tree shadows, perfect for a leisurely chat and a good time to enjoy the view.

Why it's recommended: If you're looking for a light meal, dessert, or are a vegetarian, this place's pace and scenery complement the scenery perfectly.

Ticket Discounts: Park admission is mostly NT$200, which can be used towards dining and shopping. Ticket types are subject to on-site announcements. Please keep your ticket stub upon entry.

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8 Reasons I Recommend It

1. Magnificent Views: Overlooking Liyu Lake and the mountain ridges, the view offers a unique charm on both sunny and cloudy days.
2. The architecture has soul: The stonework and arched windows create a truly livable atmosphere in the forest, not just for photo ops.
3. The trails are friendly: The gentle slope and ample shade make them accessible to both adults and children.
4. Two restaurants, two distinct styles: the dining experience at the King of Views vs. the forest-inspired vegetarian cafe.
5. A strong sense of seasons: Tung blossoms, summer greens, autumn crimsons, and winter mists – each season offers its own unique beauty.
6. Ticket discounts: Turn your ticket into afternoon tea or a souvenir, no worries.
7. Easy to schedule for nearby excursions: Shengxing Station, Longteng Broken Bridge, Zhuolan Fruit Farm, or Dahu Strawberry Farm – all can be included.
8. Family-friendly: The park offers grassy areas and paths for children to relax and adults to unwind.

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Practical Tips (Avoiding Pitfalls/Photography/Equipment) 💡
• Avoid peak hours: The park is most crowded between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM on weekends; entering the park before 10:30 AM or after 3:30 PM is the most relaxing.
• Reservations: It's best to reserve a table in advance during meal times, as last-minute arrivals can lead to wait times.
• Photography:
• Observation Deck: Place the horizon 1/3 of the frame, with the clouds as the focal point.
• Forest Trail: Use the edges of leaves as the foreground for beautiful light spots.
• Castle Wall: Target the arched windows and stone crevices at a 45° angle for a vibrant and textured look.
• Equipment: Sunscreen, hat, light jacket, and light rain gear; roads can be slippery after rain, so wear non-slip shoes.
• Family: Strollers are not very stroller-friendly; a baby carrier or lightweight umbrella stroller is recommended.
• Parking: Park outside the park and walk in for a more convenient experience; one-way traffic may be restricted during peak hours.

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Basic Information
• Attraction: Chateau in the Air
• Address: No. 33, Shifen, Xinkai Village, Dahu Township, Miaoli County | Viewpoint on the hillside of Liyutan Reservoir.
• Hours: Weekdays 10:00 AM–7:00 PM; Weekends 9:00 AM–7:00 PM (meals served from 11:00 AM).
• Admission: Generally NT$200 per person, which can be used to offset park purchases. Children's ticket prices are subject to availability.
• Restaurants: Paradise Castle / Bird vs. Man (same location, two different cuisines).

Castle in the Sky | Paradise Castle | Birds vs. People | Liyutan Reservoir | Shengxing Station | Longteng Broken Bridge
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