Shifen Waterfalls: The Unique Waterfall of Taiwan

Located deep in the mountains of Pingxi district of Taiwan is one of the island’s largest and most beautiful waterfalls, the Shifen Waterfall. Being one of most popular sights of northern Taiwan, this powerful 40-meter high waterfall entices thousands of visitors annually who want to admire its magnificent, thundering view. 

Located at Keelung River where it has strong and accessible water flow throughout the year, the waterfall lies in the middle of the flourishing green forest covering natural giant rocks and beside the powerful easement of the shale cliffs covered with emerald green mosses. The color of the whiteness of water jetting over the canalized escarpment and the green of the emerald vegetation does not fade from memory soon.

The postcard-perfect waterfall is best situated in the Shifen area. The rural areas are filled with picturesque villages ofATT buildings and feeling, temples and traditional style housing to give tourist appreciations of Taiwanese history and heritage. The Pingxi narrow gauge railway, again one of Taipei’s leading attractions, passes through the charming clinical brilliance of Taiwan by moving through the tracks established during the Japanese regime in the early twentieth century.  

The Most Efficient Methods of Visiting Shifen Waterfall

Go down Shifen Old Street to have a look at the Waterfall.

The easiest and the most favorite place to see the waterfall is Shifen Old Street which is five minutes away from the tourist attraction. This is a picturesque, souvenir shop and canteens and food stalls. Cut line runs right up to the best observation points. If you are on the bridges or the pathways you can look at them properly in all their thundering glory without actually getting wet. They make it picture perfect, especially when the narrow gauge train trundles by.  

Walk Along the Railway Tracks 

Those who like extreme tours can walk along the railway line to the waterfall which is also possible. A good example is the feeling one gets on the face as they draw near the massive gushes. …the large boulders on every side of the pool as well as at the bottom are the perfect shooting location. I might add though that it’s a very practical way to experience a train ride; just be careful not to step on the tracks each time a train is coming.

Travelers denounce the Grid and use the lift to exit and explore the Hot Springs then get Up Close on Waterfall Viewing Platforms.

Go beyond the old street and GET AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE to the waterfall do you feel the mist! The version made of stones is constructed out towards the gorge, allowing you to stand in the middle of the powerful whiting foam. Some of the trails might be muddy and thus hikers should be very cautious during the hike. The thundering spray, of course one can wash king, and cool on hot days.

 Picnic at Swallow Lake 

A little further upstream from Shifen Waterfall there is Swallow Lake with the forested mountains Mirror perfectly on the still waters. The more relaxed and gentle flowing water of this section of the Keelung River is ideal for a picnic and passable since it was easy. There’s no reason for one to spend an afternoon enjoying stunningly delicious Taiwanese foods surrounded by impressively green nature.

Release Sky Lanterns  

Sky lanterns are a must see attraction, thousands of tourists who come to Shifen are sure to send a wish or prayer by lighting a lantern. Although these little hot air balloons made with bamboo stalks are a part of Pingxi celebrations only. The sky, the people who will be flying it, are asked to write what the dreams and the wishes are before flying it. A great place to do your launch is from the railway track right by the waterfall and it will be quite magical.

Just to give you some background on when it’s best to visit Shifen Waterfall:

One could hike or drive, and the waterfall provides ample water throughout the year but the largest quantities of water is during the rainy season from the month of March to September. The cascade also becomes scenic mists during summer months. In the case of rainfalls, the paths become slippery to an extent while the greenish covers and massive currents should provoke breathtaking feelings. 

That way you’ll avoid the crowd and also the probability of rainy days will also be low in this period since you visit Japan during autumn and winter. The region is cold in winter so one puts on warm clothes and it is not too extreme of cold. Though the flow might be lesser, the splendor of the waterfall returns to earlier elegance with clear flowing water. The autumn foliage also gives a beautiful shot of colors to the surrounding.  

Check Out: Yehliu Geopark: Taiwan’s Natural Wonderland of Unique Rock Formations.

Four Things to Do at Shifen Waterfall

Dine Along Shifen Old Street

Have some of the freshly cooked snacks and go and get lost in Shifen Old Street’s rustic feel. Such delicacies as the braised meat rice and curled noodles are great energy boosting meals to accompany the adventure. Of course, do not fail to try some desserts such as ice cream covered in Taiwanese crispy wafers. 

Make DIY Sky Lanterns 

Have a go with sky lanterns and pretty much all colors, forms and proportions – from a giant panda to light bulbs. Write fortunes on them and then launch them off the railway tracks for great travel photographs. See where your dreams are headed, amid a beautiful sea of lanterns in blue skies, over a waterfall.  

Trains in the Pingxi Railway Dance: Pingxi Railway Station for Trains Pass By

The wide gauge railway not only further enhances the cultural experience, but you can fancy seeing trains passing close by the tracks. Wish greetings to everyone who is outside gazing at the visuals through the train window! Eventually you can take beautiful pictures of the train crossing bridges with a view of the waterfall in the background.  

Hike up the Keelung River, but upstream

Continue further upstream to Keelung River where fabulous views of the waterfall are possible from the distance, up to Swallow Lake. The easy forested hike also feeds you to scenic ponds and gentle cascades that is very good to be on a nature high. Enjoy fresh negative ions of water aerosol as you take a break surrounded with more than just utopian greenery.  

Essential Travel Tips

• Do always wear the proper shoes which will help you so that you are not going to slip or fall on the pathways. Sandals are not recommended. 
• Do not try to jump or climb over guard rails or enter off limits space. Therefore, in order to be safe, give attention to warning signs.
• Pingxi Railway shows schedules so you can see trains moving past near you. Recommended visiting times are during weekdays to avoid the large weekend crowd that will definitely swamp the facility.  
• Take money for buying goods by their doors in Shifen Old Street. Some of the shops do not accept credit cards.
•  It should be realized that on days when it is raining, the skies may be cloudy thus limiting visibility. During rain seasons, raincoats and an umbrella are important.

Another wonderful tourist attraction in Taiwan which should not be missed is Shifen Waterfall with its postcard views, the waterfall and the sky lantern ceremony. This continues all year round, warmer months will have different features to colder, bringing different fun if you want hikes, railways, or candy-coated hawker food. Welcome to the miracles of Shifen: when natural and cultural sights take your breath away!

Conclusion

Located in the most striking of regions of Taiwan, Shifen Waterfall is mesmerizing with great deal of energy and grace, telling the story of this beautiful island as few other sites do. Until now, it remains one of the hot destinations for those daring and yes, fools who seek that heart pumping mystical kind of experience as it has been all these years.

With the green hills coming down at the background, it gives a location for an adventure with fantasies in railway trips, sensations of eating sweet tidbits at the side of the street, and special moments in sending off wishes in the lighted sky lanterns upto the veiled haze. Shifen waterfall proved to be the highlight of a north Taiwan trip which will make anyone crave for more.

For more info : Click Here.

FAQs