Wulai Waterfall | New Taipei Attraction

Wulai Waterfall is located on the upper Nanshi River with a drop of about 80 meters, making it one of the largest-drop waterfalls in New Taipei City. The water plunges down the rock face with a roar audible from a distance. The area has a traditional scenic tram (an adapted mining trolley) that runs to Lansheng Bridge viewpoint, and combined with the Wulai hot spring district, the area forms a composite destination integrating a waterfall, the tram, and hot spring bathing.

Highlights of Wulai Waterfall

The waterfall itself can be viewed head-on from Lansheng Bridge after taking the scenic tram (or walking) from Wulai Old Street; the tram ride is about 10 minutes each way and passes over the Nanshi River valley. The walking route follows the streamside trail upstream — a longer distance, but it lets you experience the stream environment up close. During the rainy season or after a typhoon, water volume doubles and the rock walls on both sides are nearly engulfed in mist during high water.

Wulai's hot springs are sodium bicarbonate springs (known as 'beauty springs') — colorless, odorless, and mild. Multiple public bathhouses and hot-spring hotels along the old street offer soaking services at a wide range of prices and facility levels; checking and comparing options in advance is recommended. Wulai District is the traditional homeland of the Atayal people; indigenous foods and crafts can be found for sale along the old street.

How to make the most of your visit

🚃

Take the scenic tram and look down at the valleyThe tram is a Wulai specialty. As it climbs the slope, you look down into the Nanshi River valley below. Taking the tram up and walking the streamside path back down makes for a varied experience.

💧

Most impressive after rainOne to two days after a typhoon or heavy rain, the waterfall's sound carries far and the spray covers a wider area. The paths are wet, however — watch your footing.

♨️

Budget time for a hot springAfter seeing the waterfall, head back to the old street. Booking a bathhouse in advance is recommended; popular ones on weekends can have waits.

🍽️

Try indigenous cuisineWulai Old Street has Atayal-style dishes using traditional ingredients — wild boar, maqaw (mountain pepper) chicken soup — a grounding local food experience during the visit.

Practical information

Getting there & timing

From Taipei MRT Xindian Station, take Bus 849 to Wulai Old Street; the journey is about 40–50 minutes. Check the New Taipei City bus real-time system for schedules.
Scenic tram fares and departure times: check official Wulai scenic tram announcements. Service may be suspended after typhoons or heavy rain.

Nearby connections

The Wulai Atayal Museum is located next to Wulai Old Street and is free to visit — it can be combined with the waterfall visit in the same day for cultural context.
Xindian Bitan is about a 30-minute drive from Wulai. A Bitan–Wulai combination is possible; Bitan Suspension Bridge and Wulai Waterfall are very different in character.

Sources: New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Department, Wikipedia entry for Wulai Waterfall. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.

🗺️ View on the map ← All New Taipei attractions