Introduction to Shifen Waterfall
Shifen Waterfall, often referred to as the “Niagara Falls of Taiwan,” is the widest waterfall on the island and one of its most photogenic natural attractions. Located in Pingxi District of New Taipei City, this stunning cascade has become a must-visit stop for travelers exploring the Shifen and Jiufen area.
With its lush surroundings and easy access from Shifen Old Street, it’s perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and day-trippers from Taipei.
What Makes Shifen Waterfall Special
Unlike other waterfalls in Taiwan, Shifen Waterfall is notable for its horseshoe shape and the dramatic way the water plunges over a rock face into the Keelung River below. It spans about 40 meters in width and 20 meters in height, making it the largest curtain-type waterfall in the country. The waterfall’s powerful flow often creates mist and rainbows, adding to the magical atmosphere for visitors.
A Scenic Walk to the Falls
Getting to Shifen Waterfall involves a pleasant and scenic walk from Shifen Old Street, taking about 15 to 20 minutes on foot. Along the trail, you’ll pass through suspension bridges, river views, and smaller waterfalls before reaching the main viewing platforms. The path is well-paved and suitable for most fitness levels, making it a great outdoor activity for families and solo travelers alike.
Photo Opportunities and Viewing Spots
There are several designated viewing platforms around Shifen Waterfall that allow for breathtaking photos from multiple angles. The Rainbow Bridge is a popular spot, especially when the sun hits just right and creates natural rainbows in the mist. Whether you’re capturing slow-shutter shots of the falls or simply enjoying the view, it’s one of the most Instagram-worthy sites in northern Taiwan.
Wildlife and Nature Around the Area
The area surrounding Shifen Waterfall is rich in biodiversity and tranquil forest scenery. You might spot butterflies, birds, and river fish as you explore. The sound of the waterfall combined with the rustling of leaves and chirping birds creates a peaceful atmosphere perfect for a nature break from the city. It’s a good idea to bring water and wear comfortable shoes for the walk.
How It Fits into Your Shifen Day Trip
Shifen Waterfall is conveniently located near Shifen Old Street, making it easy to combine both attractions into a half-day itinerary. After watching the train pass through the old street or releasing a sky lantern, the waterfall provides a refreshing change of pace. Whether you’re doing a solo trip, romantic getaway, or group tour, visiting the waterfall completes the perfect Shifen travel experience.
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.
Jiufen to Shifen Itinerary
- 09:00 – 12:00: Explore Jiufen Old Street & Lunch
What to Do:
Wander through Jiufen Old Street, lined with red lanterns and charming teahouses.
Taste famous snacks like taro balls, fish ball soup, and herbal rice cakes.
Visit Jiufen Teahouse or the iconic A-Mei Teahouse for scenic views and premium Taiwanese tea.
Browse through souvenir shops and take in the nostalgic atmosphere.
- 12:00 – 13:30: Travel to Shifen
How to Get There:
Bus from Jiufen to Ruifang Station (~15–20 mins)
Transfer to the Pingxi Line Train to Shifen Station (~40 mins)
Expect some waiting time if using the train due to limited service frequency
- 13:30 – 17:00 – Discover Shifen
Things to Do:
Release a Sky Lantern on the old railway tracks
Visit the Shifen Old Street for traditional snacks and souvenirs
Walk to Shifen Waterfall (about a 15-minute walk from the train station)
Enjoy nature, photography, and river views along the way
- 17:00 – 19:00: Head Back to Taipei
Return Options:
From: Shifen Waterfall (Bus Station) Recommend
Take Muzha Pingxi Shuttle Bus(Bus No. 795) to to MRT Muzha
Read more about Shifen Old Street and Shifen Waterfall
Or
From Shifen Station, take the Pingxi Line back to Ruifang, then transfer to Taipei
Shifen to Jiufen Itinerary
- 09:00 – 11:30: Explore Shifen
Take the MRT to MRT Muzha (BR02 Exit) → then take Muzha Pingxi Shuttle Bus(to Shifen) (Bus No. 795). (NOT to Pingxi) → get off at Shifen Waterfall
Read more about Shifen Old Street and Shifen Waterfall
Things to Do:
Visit Shifen Waterfall
Walk to Shifen Old Street (about a 15-minute) for traditional snacks and souvenirs
Release a Sky Lantern on the old railway tracks
- 11:30 – 13:00: Travel to Jiufen
How to Get There: Train + Bus
Take the Pingxi Line train from Shifen Station back to Ruifang Station (~40 mins).
From Ruifang, catch a Keelung Bus (788, 827, or 965) to Jiufen Old Street (~15–20 mins).
- 13:00 – 17:00: Lunch + Stroll Through Jiufen Old Street
What to Do:
Wander through Jiufen Old Street, lined with red lanterns and charming teahouses.
Taste famous snacks like taro balls, fish ball soup, and herbal rice cakes.
Visit Jiufen Teahouse or the iconic A-Mei Teahouse for scenic views and premium Taiwanese tea.
Browse through souvenir shops and take in the nostalgic atmosphere.
- 17:00 – 19:00: Dinner & Sunset
Climb up to the lookout for panoramic sunset views.
Settle in at a cozy teahouse as the sun sets and lanterns light up the streets.
Take beautiful photos of the golden hour and stay for early dinner or dessert.
- 19:00 – 20:30: Return to Taipei
By Bus: Take Keelung Bus 1062 or 965 back to Taipei (~1.5 hours).
Pro Tip: Catch the bus before 20:00 to avoid long waits.
Things to Do in Shifen Waterfall
Shifen Waterfall, one of Taiwan’s most popular natural attractions, offers more than just stunning views. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along scenic forest trails that lead to the waterfall, crossing suspension bridges and passing smaller streams along the way.
The path is well-maintained and family-friendly, making it ideal for travelers of all ages. Along the route, there are designated viewing platforms and photo spots that provide excellent angles of the waterfall, where you might even catch a misty rainbow on sunny days.
In addition to sightseeing, Shifen Waterfall is a peaceful place to unwind in nature. Surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of rushing water, it’s perfect for relaxing, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
The nearby Shifen Visitor Center offers helpful information about the area and a place to rest before or after your walk. Whether you’re combining it with a visit to Shifen Old Street or stopping by on a day trip from Taipei, Shifen Waterfall is a must-see destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Shifen Visitor Center
The Shifen Visitor Center is the perfect starting point for exploring the Shifen area, offering travelers helpful information, trail maps, clean restrooms, and exhibits about the region’s history and natural landscape.
Located near the entrance to the Shifen Waterfall Scenic Area, the center provides a convenient place to learn about local ecology and attractions before heading out on the trail. Friendly staff are available to assist with directions and transportation tips, making it a must-visit for first-time visitors to ensure a smooth and enriching experience in Shifen, Taiwan.
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.
Walk the Scenic Trail
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 trail to Shifen Waterfall offers visitors a peaceful and picturesque walk through Taiwan’s lush countryside. Starting from Shifen Old Street, the path takes around 15–20 minutes on foot and features well-maintained walkways, suspension bridges, and several small streams and cascades along the way.
With each step, you’re treated to the sights and sounds of the surrounding forest, making it a relaxing and immersive nature experience.
What makes this walk special is not just the destination, but the journey itself. As you make your way toward the falls, you’ll encounter beautiful viewpoints, riverbank photo spots, and even local wildlife such as butterflies and birds.
This accessible trail is perfect for families, solo travelers, and anyone looking to combine light exercise with sightseeing. It’s an essential part of visiting Shifen Waterfall and a great way to enjoy Taiwan’s natural beauty at a leisurely pace.
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 50 minutes.
View Potholes and the Eyeglass Cave Waterfall
One of the lesser-known highlights near Shifen Waterfall is the fascinating geological formation of potholes, also known as giant’s kettles. These natural circular depressions have been carved into the rock by centuries of swirling water and sediment, creating a unique and photogenic landscape.
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.
You can observe these potholes along the walking trails near the river, offering an insightful glimpse into the power of erosion and the natural forces that shape Taiwan’s terrain.
Nearby, the Yanjingdong (Eyeglass Cave) Waterfall adds another scenic stop to your visit. Tucked along the path before reaching Shifen Waterfall, this smaller cascade gets its name from the rock formation that resembles a pair of eyeglasses.
The waterfall flows gently over the “lens-shaped” rock, making it a quiet and serene spot for a short break or photo opportunity. Together, the potholes and Eyeglass Cave provide a deeper appreciation for the geological richness of the Pingxi District and are well worth including in your itinerary.
View the Shifen 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.
One of the best ways to fully experience Shifen Waterfall, Taiwan’s widest waterfall, is by taking advantage of the several viewing platforms strategically placed around the site. These platforms provide different angles and elevations, allowing visitors to enjoy everything from wide panoramic shots to close-up views of the cascading water.
There is a lower Waterfall viewing platform 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. From here, you can see the water plunge over the rock face in full force—especially dramatic during the rainy season.
On sunny days, the mist often catches the light, forming beautiful rainbows that make for stunning photos. Other platforms are set at higher elevations or closer to the river, giving you the opportunity to appreciate the waterfall from multiple levels.
The surrounding forest, the sound of the rushing water, and the occasional sightings of butterflies or birds make it feel like a nature escape. The well-maintained paths are accessible and clearly marked, making it easy for visitors of all ages to explore.
Viewing the waterfall from different angles enhances your appreciation of this natural wonder and creates a more immersive, memorable visit.
Best time to visit: early morning or after light rain, when mist and rainbows appear. Better photo conditions (you might even catch a rainbow).
Grab Souvenirs and Snacks Nearby
Just outside the waterfall area, you’ll find small food stalls and souvenir shops, perfect for picking up a drink or a quick bite. 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 more about Shifen Old Street
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 Shifen Waterfall
Shifen Old Street is located in Pingxi District, New Taipei City, and is a popular day trip destination from Taipei. While it’s not directly accessible by MRT, getting there is still easy via public transport, tour, or private car.
Day Tour From Taipei (Easiest for First-Time Visitors)
Many travel agencies offer guided day tours to Shifen Old Street combined with other nearby attractions like Yehliu Geopark or Jiufen. Tours usually include round-trip transportation, a guide, and sometimes meals, making them ideal for travelers seeking a hassle-free, one-stop experience.
Ideal for: Travelers short on time or those who want a hassle-free trip.
■ Shifen Sky Lantern Experience (Colorful Sky Lantern Voucher) Shifen old street
■ Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfall
■ Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen with Taiwanese Pastry Making
■ Houtong Cat Village, Jiufen and Shifen
■ Heping Island, Shifen and Jiufen
■ Jiufen Old Street & Yinyang Sea Half-day Historical & Nature Tour
Car Rental with Driver from Taipei
- Fastest and most comfortable, especially for groups or families.
- For a personalized and flexible itinerary, renting a car with a driver is a great option.
- Allows you to explore Jiufen and surrounding areas at your own pace.
- Can be arranged through travel agencies or private drivers online.
■ Taipei Car Rental with Driver- Customized itinerary (Chinese/English/Korean/Japanese)
■ Private tour Car Rental with Driver : Jiufen , Pingxi (Chinese/English/Korean/Japanese)
By MRT + Bus (Most Popular)
- Take the MRT to MRT Muzha (BR02 Exit)
- Take Muzha Pingxi Shuttle Bus(to Shifen) (Bus No. 795) (NOT to Pingxi)
- Get off at Shifen Visitor Center (Shifen Waterfall)
Last 4 stops: Nanshan Community (Shifen Old Street) → Shifenliao Bridge (Shifen Old Street) → Shifenliao → Shifen Visitor Center (Shifen Waterfall)
Example: 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 Train (Popular)
Start at Taipei Main Station
- Take a TRA (Taiwan Railway Administration) train to Ruifang Station.
- Travel time: ~45 minutes.
- Fare: ~NT$60 (local train).
Transfer at Ruifang Station
- At Ruifang, switch to the Pingxi Line (a small local train).
- Take the train heading toward Shifen Station (~35 minutes).
- Trains on this line come every 60–90 minutes, so check the schedule in advance.
Arrive at Shifen Station
– Once you get off, you’re already on Shifen Old Street — the railway runs right through it.
It is about 800 meters from Shifen Old Street to Shifen Tourist Center (Shifen Waterfall), and about 15 minutes’ walk to the Shifen Old Street Sky Lantern Area.
Tip: Buy a Pingxi Line one-day pass if you plan to visit other stops like Pingxi or Jingtong.
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.
Travel Tips
Avoid weekends and public holidays if you prefer fewer crowds.
Check train times in advance, especially for the Pingxi Line.
Nearby Attractions to Shifen Old Street
Shifen is perfectly located within New Taipei City’s scenic Pingxi District, making it a great base to explore several other cultural and natural attractions. Here are the top nearby spots you won’t want to miss:
Shifen Old Street
Just a 15–20-minute walk from Shifen Waterfall, Shifen Shifen Old Street is one of Taiwan’s most charming and atmospheric destinations. Originally a coal mining town during the Japanese era, it has now transformed into a nostalgic hot spot known for its scenic railway, rich history, and lantern-filled skies.
Pingxi Old Street
Located about 20 minutes by train along the Pingxi Line, Pingxi is another historic railway town. It’s quieter than Shifen but just as charming, with street food, traditional shops, and lantern releases. Great for travelers who want a slower pace and fewer crowds.
Jingtong Old Street
The last stop on the Pingxi Line, Jingtong is rich in Japanese colonial architecture and mining history. Visit the Jingtong Railway Story House, stroll the quiet lanes, and write wishes on bamboo tubes to hang near the tracks.
Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail
If you’re into hiking, start at Sandiaoling Station on the same train line and take a 2–3 hour nature walk through lush forest trails, past several beautiful waterfalls. It’s one of the best hidden hiking gems in northern Taiwan.
Jiufen Old Street
About a 40-minute drive or 1.5-hour public transit ride, Jiufen is a must-visit mountain village known for its lantern-lit lanes, tea houses, and historic charm. Many travelers pair Shifen and Jiufen in one day trip from Taipei for a full cultural experience.
Xiaozishan Trail
Located near Houtong or Ruifang Station, this short but steep hiking trail rewards visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It’s great for adventurous travelers wanting to squeeze in a bit of nature between old streets.