Shifen Waterfall Taipei
Taiwan's broadest waterfall, offering majestic views and a charming old street with sky lantern traditions. A must-visit natural wonder near Taipei.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Shifen Waterfall Taipei
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Taiwan's broadest waterfall, offering majestic views and a charming old street with sky lantern traditions. A must-visit natural wonder near Taipei.
"The waterfall is powerful, peaceful, and picture-perfect – a full sensory experience."
🎯 Avoid Weekend Crowds
Visit on weekdays to escape the intense tourist crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. :people_hugging:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
There's a fair amount of walking and stairs involved, especially on the trail to the waterfall. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shifen Waterfall
Shifen District, New Taipei City
Taiwan's broadest waterfall, often called the 'Little Niagara of Taiwan.' A truly majestic sight!
Shifen Old Street
Adjacent to Shifen Station
Iconic railway street where you can release sky lanterns with your wishes.
Pingxi Forest Trail
Near Shifen Waterfall
A well-maintained, shaded trail offering a peaceful walk to the waterfall.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Getting There: Public Transport Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Avoid Weekend Crowds
Visit on weekdays to escape the intense tourist crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. +1 :people_hugging:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
There's a fair amount of walking and stairs involved, especially on the trail to the waterfall. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The weather can be scorching hot; bring umbrellas, hats, and sunscreen. :sunwithface:
💧 Mist Can Be Refreshing (or Wet!)
The mist from the waterfall can reach the lower deck, so be prepared to get a little damp. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Avoid Weekend Crowds
Visit on weekdays to escape the intense tourist crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. +1 :people_hugging:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
There's a fair amount of walking and stairs involved, especially on the trail to the waterfall. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The weather can be scorching hot; bring umbrellas, hats, and sunscreen. :sunwithface:
💧 Mist Can Be Refreshing (or Wet!)
The mist from the waterfall can reach the lower deck, so be prepared to get a little damp. :droplet:
🏮 Lanterns: Tourist Gimmick?
Some travelers find sky lanterns a touristy gimmick; consider if it aligns with your travel style. :sparkler:
🦟 Watch Out for Mosquitos
Be aware of mosquitos, especially in the surrounding natural areas. :bug:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are impressed by the well-maintained and accessible trails leading to the majestic Shifen Waterfall, often called the 'Little Niagara of Taiwan.' The surrounding nature and the unique sky lantern tradition on Shifen Old Street are highlights, though some find the latter a bit touristy. Be prepared for crowds and the potential for inflated prices on the Old Street.
"Really impressed with how well-maintained and thoughtfully designed this place is. The trail is clean, clearly marked, and accessible — with YouBike stations right at the entrance for easy access.
There’s a fair amount of walking and stairs involved, but much of the path is shaded by bamboo trees, which makes the humid weather more bearable. Along the way, you’ll find toilets both at the entrance and near Observation Deck 4, which is the end of the trail.
The best part? The trail is wheelchair accessible all the way to the end, making it inclusive for all visitors.
Once you reach the waterfall, the view is absolutely worth it — powerful, peaceful, and picture-perfect. Highly recommend this spot if you’re visiting Shifen!"
Ei Mon Naing
"Beautiful majestic waterfalls that is a tourist haven. Many stores line the walk offering inflated prices as expected. The entire walk is relatively short "
Jonathan Chan
"If you love nature, Shifen Waterfall is the kind of place that fills your soul. Tucked away in a lush, peaceful part of Taiwan, this waterfall is more than just a beautiful sight—it’s a full sensory experience. The sound of rushing water, the mist in the air, and the green surroundings all come together to create the perfect escape from the noise of city life.
What I loved most was how easy it was to connect with nature here. The walk to the waterfall is scenic and calming, with plenty of photo spots and viewpoints along the way. And when you finally reach the main platform and see the waterfall in all its power, it’s hard not to just stop and take it all in. It’s wide, strong, and stunning—no wonder it’s called the “Little Niagara of Taiwan.”
I didn’t rush the experience. I sat for a while, listened to the water, and just let myself be present. Sometimes it’s those quiet, simple moments surrounded by nature that leave the biggest impact. This was definitely one of them."
Benjamin Helwa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by public transport: take the TRA train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station, then transfer to the Pingxi Line train to Shifen Station. From Shifen Station, it's about a 14-minute walk to the waterfall. The entire journey can take around 1.5 hours one way. Alternatively, consider a Klook tour for convenience.
Traveling between Shifen and Jiufen by public transport involves going back to Ruifang Station and then taking a bus or taxi to Jiufen. It can take about 1.5 hours, making it a long day trip if you try to do both without a car.
Yes, Shifen Waterfall is accessible via public transport. Take the train to Shifen Station and then walk to the waterfall.
Yes, a day trip to Shifen from Taipei is definitely possible, especially if you focus on Shifen itself or combine it with nearby attractions like Jiufen. Going on a weekday is highly recommended to avoid crowds. +1
Yes, many tour operators offer day trips from Taipei that include Shifen Waterfall, often combined with Jiufen and other popular spots. This can be a convenient option if you prefer not to navigate public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Shifen Waterfall is free to visit.
The waterfall itself is accessible throughout the day, but the surrounding facilities and shops on Shifen Old Street typically operate from morning until around 5 PM.
No advance booking is required for Shifen Waterfall as there is no entrance fee. However, if you plan to release sky lanterns on Shifen Old Street, you can purchase them there.
The Pingxi Forest Trail leading to Shifen Waterfall is free to access.
The main draw of Shifen Old Street is releasing sky lanterns with your wishes. You can also explore the shops and enjoy the unique atmosphere of a railway town.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the majestic waterfall from various viewpoints, walk the scenic Pingxi Forest Trail, and explore Shifen Old Street for sky lantern releases and local snacks.
The walk is relatively easy and well-maintained, with some stairs. Much of the path is shaded, making it bearable even in humid weather. It's also wheelchair accessible.
Yes, there are observation decks that allow you to get close to the waterfall. The lower deck might get you a bit wet from the mist.
Yes, the accessible trail and the natural beauty make it a good spot for families. Just be mindful of the stairs and potential mist.
The 'Rainbow Pond' refers to the effect seen when sunlight hits the mist from the waterfall, creating rainbows. This is best witnessed on sunny days, especially in summer.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Shifen Old Street, located near the waterfall, has numerous food stalls and small eateries offering local snacks and Taiwanese street food.
As a popular tourist spot, prices for food and souvenirs on Shifen Old Street can be higher than in other areas.
You can find typical Taiwanese street food like sausages, fried chicken, and local sweets.
While there are food stalls along the walk to the waterfall and on Shifen Old Street, dedicated restaurants are not typically found within the immediate waterfall park area.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned about bringing your own food, but it's common to purchase snacks from the stalls along Shifen Old Street.
📸 📸 Photography
The main viewing platforms offer excellent perspectives of the waterfall. The Pingxi Forest Trail also provides scenic shots with lush greenery.
Yes, photos of sky lanterns being released against the backdrop of the old street or the sky are very popular.
Morning light can be beautiful, but the waterfall is impressive throughout the day. For the 'Rainbow Pond' effect, sunny afternoons are ideal.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area.
For capturing the water's motion, a slower shutter speed is recommended. Consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water and enhance colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring sun protection and be prepared for potential mist near the falls. 🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for sunny afternoons to capture the magical 'Rainbow Pond' effect. Experiment with slower shutter speeds to capture the water's movement and consider a polarizing filter for vibrant colors. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Shifen: A Traveler's Guide
Adjacent to the waterfall is Shifen Old Street, a charming railway town famous for its sky lantern tradition. Visitors can purchase lanterns, write their wishes, and release them into the sky, creating a unique and memorable experience.
While popular, some travelers find this aspect a bit of a tourist gimmick. Pro-tip: To truly enjoy the waterfall's grandeur and the charm of the Old Street without overwhelming crowds, aim for a weekday visit, ideally in the morning.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection, as there's a fair amount of walking involved. The Magic of Sky Lanterns in Shifen
The sight of numerous lanterns ascending into the sky against the backdrop of the old railway town is truly picturesque. While the experience is popular, it's worth noting that some travelers perceive it as a touristy gimmick.
For those interested in photography, capturing the lanterns being released is a popular subject. The best shots often involve the lanterns against the sky or the charming streetscape.
Accessibility and Nature at Shifen Waterfall
A significant highlight is the trail's wheelchair accessibility all the way to the end, ensuring that visitors with mobility challenges can also enjoy the natural beauty.
The waterfall itself is described as powerful, peaceful, and picture-perfect, offering a full sensory experience with the sound of rushing water and the surrounding lush greenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit