About Shifen Waterfall
Taiwan’s Little Niagara. Nestled deep within the lush mountains of northern Taiwan, Shifen Waterfall is a natural wonder that draws travelers with its thundering power and serene beauty. Known as the “Niagara of Taiwan,” this 20-meter-high, 40-meter-wide curtain waterfall is the broadest in the country and a must-see stop on any Pingxi Line adventure.
Shifen Waterfall Park is adjacent to the Old Street and is located on the main stream of Keelung River. Due to river erosion, fault terrain, strange rocks and stones, as well as many waterfalls and geological wonders were formed. Among them, Shifen Waterfall is the most famous.
Shifen Waterfall is a beautiful scenery away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just an hour or so from Taipei, Shifen Waterfall offers the perfect day trip to reconnect with nature. Whether you arrive via the charming Shifen Old Street or hop off the nostalgic Pingxi Railway, the journey itself sets the tone with verdant forests, riverside paths, and occasional glimpses of passing sky lanterns.
Shifen Waterfall is not only majestic, but also beautiful. The layered rock formations and forest backdrop create an ideal setting for photography. Early mornings often bring a gentle fog or even rainbows in the mist, making it feel almost otherworldly. Several viewing platforms offer different angles, and the gentle walking paths around the park make it accessible for all ages.
Accessible Trails
There are actually two ways to reach Shifen Waterfall. You can go to the Shifen Friendship Trail from the asphalt road on the right side of the visitor center, or take the small path on the left and pass the Siguangtan Suspension Bridge to the other side of the Shifen Waterfall. The two roads are connected in series.
The easiest way to get to Shifen Waterfall is to take the Shifen Friendship Trail. The route has no stairs and is flat and easy to walk. It is also suitable for elderly wheelchair users and stroller users. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the waterfall.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or making wishes beneath flying lanterns, Shifen offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culture and charm. It is more than just a stop on the Pingxi Line. It’s a destination filled with soul, mist and magic.
Best Things to Do in
Shifen Waterfall is one of those rare places that delivers both peace and power. Whether you’re there for the perfect photo, the thrill of the sound, or simply to soak in the beauty of Taiwan’s natural side, it’s an unforgettable experience and one that will leave you refreshed, inspired, and maybe even a little mist-kissed. Visiting Shifen Waterfall is more than just watching water crashing against rocks; this Taiwan scenic spot offers a complete natural and cultural experience.
Shifen Visitor Center
The second floor of Shifen Visitor Center is a great place to enjoy the scenery and drink coffee. You can also pick up an English DM at the Visitor Center before visiting Shifen Waterfall. This way you can have a general understanding of Pingxi and Shifen.
Stroll Through the Shifen Scenic Area
Surrounding the waterfall are scenic walking trails through forests, riversides, and suspension bridges. Shifen Waterfall Park is perfect for a leisurely stroll. These paths are family-friendly and offer shaded, quiet places to enjoy Taiwan’s subtropical flora. The area is great for nature photography, bird watching, or simply relaxing. The bridges and suspension crossings make the walk feel more adventurous, especially after rain.
Shifen Waterfall is a 15-minute walk from Shifen Visitor Center. If you take a leisurely stroll along the Shifen Waterfall Park trail, the round trip will take about an hour.
View Potholes and the Eyeglass Cave Waterfall
Walking along the Siguangtan Bridge from the Shifen Visitor Center, you can see amazing geological phenomena such as the Potholes. Next to the Siguangtan Suspension Bridge, you can see the terrain of a small cave. Caves are formed due to uneven hardness of geological rock strata. Pits are formed after being scour by river water, and the flowing water forms whirlpools and erosion in the pits, thus forming cave landscapes of various sizes. Cross the Siguangtan Suspension Bridge and follow the river to reach the Yanjingdong (Eyeglass Cave) Waterfall and the Potholes.
View the Waterfall from Multiple Platforms
The main attraction, of course, is Shifen Waterfall itself. Nicknamed “Taiwan’s Niagara Falls,” Shifen Waterfall is the widest in the country and impresses with both power and beauty. The waterfall plunges over 20 meters high and 40 meters wide in a stunning horseshoe shape. Various viewing platforms allow you to see the falls from multiple angles, perfect for photos and nature-lovers alike.
There are several viewing platforms across from the falls. There is a lower spot so you can see the falls very close. As you get closer, the sound of the rushing water gets louder. A powerful horseshoe-shaped stream of water cascades over terraced rocks into the misty pool below. Get a close-up look at the splashing water of the waterfall and take photos of the entire waterfall
Best time to visit: early morning or after light rain, when mist and rainbows appear. Better photo conditions (you might even catch a rainbow).
Try Local Street Food
Don’t leave without trying some delicious street food. After waterfall watching, refuel with Taiwanese snacks from the street vendors. Popular picks include grilled Taiwanese sausages, deep-fried taro balls, and the famous peanut ice cream roll with cilantro-a must-try combo of sweet, salty, and savory.
Shifen Waterfall Map
Visit Shifen Old Street
Just a 15-minute walk from the waterfall is Shifen Old Street, a popular destination for sky lanterns.
What makes Shifen truly special is the fact that trains still run right through the middle of the street. With shops and stalls lining both sides of the active railway, visitors can stroll along the tracks, shop for souvenirs, and even launch lanterns between train arrivals. When the train whistle sounds, the crowd parts, cameras come out, and you’ll witness one of Taiwan’s most iconic travel moments. When you release your sky lantern, you will have the opportunity to experience the novel feeling of a train passing by you. This is also the filming location for many famous movies.
Shifen Waterfall to Shifen Old Street
It is about 800 meters from Shifen Tourist Center to Shifen Old Street, and about 15 minutes’ walk to the Shifen Old Street Sky Lantern Area, passing by Shifen Street vendors along the way. If you walk to Shifen Railway Station, it takes about 20 minutes. Read Shifen Old Street guide
Opening Hours
Opening Hours: 09:00–16:30
Price
Shifen Waterfall Entrance Fee: Free Entrance
The Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Shifen Waterfall is during spring or early summer, in the morning or late afternoon, when nature and light align to create a truly magical scene. Whether you’re after powerful water views, peaceful nature walks, or that perfect Instagram shot, timing your trip right will make all the difference.
Morning (8 AM – 11 AM): Great lighting, fewer crowds, and higher chance of rainbows.
Late Afternoon (3 PM – 5 PM): Softer light, perfect for golden-hour photos.
Avoid noon for harsh sunlight and big tour groups.
Plan your visit during local festivals like: Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival (February) – Magical lantern displays
How to get to?
By MRT + Bus
Take the MRT to MRT Muzha (BR02 Exit) → then take Muzha Pingxi Shuttle Bus(to Pingxi)or(to Shifen) (Bus No. 795)
There is only one exit at Muzha MRT Station. There is no difference between the left and right exits. When you go out, walk toward the main road opposite.
The bus stop is on the road opposite the temple, not in front of it. You will see the bus stop sign after you cross the zebra crossing.
There are white lines on the floor for those who need to queue up for bus No. 795. You need to take Muzha Pingxi Shuttle Bus (Bus No. 795 to Shifen). The last stop is (Shifen Waterfall).
Note: Bus No. 795 goes to Pingxi and Shifen, so be sure to look carefully (to Shifen).
This bus is just like any other bus in the city. You need to swipe your EasyCard when you get on and off the bus. The bus only has a dozen seats, so you may need to stand for 30-60 minutes. If you have children, I would not recommend taking the bus unless you can guarantee a seat.
By TRA Train
Take the MRT or TRA to Taipei Station → transfer to the TRA Badu Station or Ruifang Station(approximately 45 minutes) → At Ruifang, switch to the Pingxi Line and take the TRA to Shifen Station(about 30 minutes).
By Car
From Taipei, take National Freeway 1 east toward Keelung, then south to Shifen. The drive takes about an hour, depending on traffic.
Parking: There are parking areas near Shifen Visitor Center; however, they can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.
About Day Tour
Because you are not familiar with transportation, your round trip could take up to 4 hours. If you live in Taipei, I recommend taking a day tour. This way you can have fun without worrying about which station to get off and transfer to another bus, and then you can sleep peacefully on the car. For convenience, almost all Foreign tourists will choose a day tour to Jiufen and Shifen, or rent a car and let the driver go to Jiufen and Shifen. Don’t doubt it, one-day tour is your best choice.
Day Tour From Taipei (klook)
■ Shifen Sky Lantern Experience (Colorful Sky Lantern Voucher) Shifen old street
■ Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfall
■ Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen
■ Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen with Taiwanese Pastry Making
■ Houtong Cat Village, Jiufen and Shifen
■ Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen
■ Heping Island, Shifen and Jiufen
Car Rental with Driver From Taipei (klook)
■ Taipei Car Rental with Driver- Customized itinerary (Chinese/English/Korean/Japanese)
■ Private tour Car Rental with Driver : Jiufen , Pingxi (Chinese/English/Korean/Japanese)