Wulai Waterfall is a waterfall on the upper Nanshi River in Wulai District, New Taipei City, with a drop of about 80 meters — one of the largest-drop waterfalls in New Taipei. The water plunges straight down the rock face with a roar audible from a distance. A scenic tram, converted from an earlier logging trolley line, runs to the Lansheng Bridge viewpoint, and combined with the Wulai hot spring district, forms a route that pairs the waterfall, the tram ride, and hot-spring bathing.
Wulai Waterfall has a drop of roughly 80 meters, among the largest in New Taipei City. The scenic Wulai tram running to the falls began in 1928 as a 545mm-gauge narrow line built by Mitsui Gomei Kaisha to haul timber; it was converted into a sightseeing tram in 1963 and switched to mechanized traction in 1974.
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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is the drop at Wulai Waterfall?
Wulai Waterfall has a drop of about 80 meters, among the largest in New Taipei City.
What is the history of the Wulai scenic tram?
It began in 1928 as a 545mm-gauge line built by Mitsui Gomei Kaisha to haul timber, and was converted into a sightseeing tram in 1963.
What type of hot spring is Wulai's?
Wulai's hot springs are sodium bicarbonate springs, known as "beauty springs" — colorless, odorless, and mild.
Sources
- 烏來瀑布 - 維基百科 — 落差高度數據
- 烏來台車 - 台灣山林悠遊網（林務局） — 台車歷史、1928年興建、1963年轉觀光用途、1974年機械化