About Wulai Waterfall
Wulai Waterfall is one of the most famous natural attractions in New Taipei City, Taiwan. Located in the picturesque Wulai District, which is nestled in the foothills of the Central Mountain Range, this stunning waterfall is a must-see for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the great outdoors.
The Wulai Waterfall is particularly notable for its tall and dramatic descent, falling over 80 meters (about 262 feet) into a deep pool below. Surrounded by lush, verdant forest and mountain scenery, the waterfall provides an awe-inspiring view that is both tranquil and refreshing. The area around the waterfall is a popular destination for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the serene natural environment.
Wulai Waterfall is a beautiful natural wonder that offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Taiwan’s stunning mountain scenery and rich indigenous culture. With its dramatic waterfall, scenic hiking trails, and proximity to hot springs and local markets, Wulai is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful escape or an adventure in the mountains. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply looking for a relaxing retreat, Wulai Waterfall provides a memorable experience.
How Long Should I Spend in Wulai?
If you decide to visit Wulai Old Street and Wulai Waterfall you will need at least 8 hours. From Taipei, you can go to MRT Xindian Station. After you exit Xindian Station (the last stop on the Green Line), you can see the small bus stop for No. 849 to Wulai on Beixin Road. Don’t go to the other side of the big bus station. Wulai is up in the mountains. If you get travel sickness, you may want to take the tablet 30 minutes before you board the bus.
Best Things to Do in
Scenic Trails and Hiking
Wulai is well-known for its natural beauty, and the waterfall is easily accessible via a scenic hiking trail. The trail allows visitors to enjoy the surrounding forest and mountainous landscape as they approach the waterfall. The hike is suitable for most visitors and offers various spots to stop and take in the view.
Hot Springs
Wulai is famous for its natural hot springs, and the area around the waterfall is no exception. Many visitors come to Wulai not only to enjoy the stunning waterfall but also to indulge in a relaxing soak in the hot springs, which are believed to have therapeutic properties. Some of the hot spring resorts and public baths near the waterfall offer views of the waterfall itself, making it a unique experience.
Aboriginal Culture
The Atayal people, an indigenous group of Taiwan, are the native inhabitants of Wulai. Visitors can learn about Atayal culture at various points around the area. Local artisans, cultural exhibits, and museums help provide insight into the history and traditions of the Atayal people.
Walking Route
Wulai Suspension Bridge
Google Map: Wulai Suspension Bridge
After you get off the bus, you can walk 50 meters to the suspended bridge. Because of the damage caused by the typhoon, it should be temporarily closed and cannot be entered.
Google Map: Wulai Imnformation Center
Then walk along the road for about 2 minutes to reach the Wulai Imnformation Center. The tourist service center is not very big but there are few chairs inside. They have a free small hot spring foot bath outside. There are water fountains and public toilets.
Wulai Old Street
Google Map: Wulai Old Street
Then walk along the road for about 2 minutes to reach the Wulai Old Street. Before or after visiting the waterfall, a trip to Wulai Old Street is a great way to experience local culture. The street is lined with shops selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and handicrafts. There are many specialty shops and food stalls selling indigenous foods. Local delicacies such as smoked wild boar and iron eggs are popular treats to try. There are many hot spring hotels and foot baths around the old street, which are suitable for a relaxing hot spring experience afte walking.
Wulai Atayal Museum
Google Map: Wulai Atayal Museum
The Wulai Atayal Museum is on the Wulai Old Street. There are three floors of exhibition halls, which are free to visit. The museum introduces the history of the Atayal and Wulai. You can spend 30 minutes visiting the museum. There are air conditioners, water fountains and clean public toilets.
Wulai Scenic Train
Google Map: Wulai Scenic Train
In the early days, the Wulai Scenic Train was only used to transport timber through the forest. Due to the development of tourist demand for Wulai Waterfall, it began to transport tourists to Wulai Waterfall. The operating route from Wulai to the Wulai waterfall is 1.5 kilometers long. The train runs from 9am to 5 pm, except in July and August when it runs from 9 am to 6 pm.
One train can accommodate 8 people, each seat is a two-seater, and the train travels quite fast. When you are almost at the waterfall station, you will enter a small tunnel and Some people cheer and shout. You can take the Wulai Scenic Train to experience the fun. If you want to take it on weekends and holidays, you need to reserve time to queue(30-60 minutes). I suggest you take the train one way and walk the other way, so you can enjoy the mountain scenery and feel the nature along the way.
One-way ticket is NT$50 (Equivalent to US$1.55) or you can walk 1500 meters (18 minutes).
Wulai Scenic Train will not run on the first Tuesday of every month for mechanical maintenance. If it is a national holiday, the service will be postponed to the next day. Pease check their official website before you go.
Wulai Waterfall
Google Map: Wulai Waterfall
The primary attraction, the Wulai Waterfall, is a magnificent sight. Its powerful cascade of water flows down the cliffside, creating a soothing and refreshing atmosphere. The surrounding area is surrounded by dense greenery, which enhances the beauty of the waterfall, making it a perfect spot for photos and relaxation.
The spectacular scenery of the waterfall is amazing. The water rushes down from a high place, and beautiful photos can be taken from every angle. Wulai Waterfall attracts many tourists with its magnificent natural scenery. The food here is very local and allows people to taste the indigenous flavor. There are illustrations on the floor of the observation deck, so you can take beautiful photos from many angles. The scenic view at the waterfall is truly remarkable. The waterfall has long been a popular spot in the suburbs of Taipei.
It only takes 25 minutes to walk from Wulai Old Street to Wulai Waterfall.
Yun Hsien Resort Cable Car
Google Map: Yun Hsien Resort Cable Car
For a more leisurely way to view the surrounding landscape, visitors can take the Wulai Cable Car that offers panoramic views of the river valley and the lush forests. The cable car provides an excellent vantage point of the waterfall from above and is a great way to experience the area’s natural beauty.
You can reach Yun Hsien Resort Cable Car by walking 400 meters up from Wulai Waterfall. The aerial cable car is 382 meters long, with a height difference of 165 meters. It was opened to traffic in 1967 and has been in operation ever since.
Wulai Cable Car: NT$295 round trip.
Opening Hours
Wulai Old Street Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00
Wulai Atayal Museum Opening Hours: 09:30–17:00
Wulai Scenic Train Opening Hours: 09:00–17:00 (09:00–18:00 in July and August)
Yun Hsien Resort Cable Car: 09:00–17:00
Wulai Scenic Train will not run on the first Tuesday of every month for mechanical maintenance. If it is a national holiday, the service will be postponed to the next day. Pease check their official website before you go.
Price
Cost: Free Entrance
The Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Wulai Waterfall are during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and comfortable. These seasons also offer beautiful foliage and clear skies, perfect for hiking and taking in the scenery.
While the waterfall is impressive year-round, the flow of water is particularly strong and powerful after rain, making it even more spectacular. However, be mindful of the weather and safety, especially during heavy rainfall.
I recommend going to Wulai on weekdays because it can be very crowded on weekends and public holidays. You can arrive at Wulai Bus Terminal around 10am. You can go to see the Wulai Suspension Bridge and then eat delicious food in the Wulai Old Street. Then walk up the mountain to see the Wulai Waterfall.
How to get to?
About Day Tour
There are many diffenent ways from Taipei to Taichung. You can plan which transportation to take based on where you want to go. Below I have listed the buses in detail. For convenience, almost all Foreign tourists will choose a day tour to Wulai. Don’t doubt it, Wulai one-day tour is your best choice.
The easiest way you can reach Wulai is by taking a 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.
Day Tour From Taipei (klook)
■ Wulai Yunxian Paradise, Wulai Waterfall and Wulai Old Street
By MRT + Bus
Take the MRT to MRT Xindian (G01 Exit Beiyi Rd.) → then take Bus No. 849
After you exit Xindian Station (the last stop on the Green Line), you can see the small bus stop for No. 849 to Wulai on Beixin Road. Don’t go to the other side of the big bus station.
849 Bus
From: Google map Xindian MRT Station (Beixin Rd.)
To: Google map Wulai Bus Terminal (Last Station)
🔥ChiaTe Pineapple Cake / Delivery or Airport Pickup
■ ChiaTe Bakery Pineapple Pastry-Delivery(Home / Hotel) / Airport Pickup (klook)
Prepare your trip to Taiwan?✈️Buy discounted tickets in advance (Klook)
■ EasyCard and SIM Card Package
■ Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket
■ Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus
■ National Palace Museum Ticket
■ Taipei Fun Pass (Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Taipei MRT, city buses, and 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle)
■ Taipei Transport Fun Pass (Taipei MRT, city buses, 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes, and Maokong Gondol)
■ Taipei Metro (MRT) Day Pass
■ (Taiwan Pass) HSR + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket for non-Taiwanese Discounts or Buy 1 Get 1
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Joint Ticket
■ (Taiwan Pass) Taiwan Railways + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle