Dajin Waterfall is a natural waterfall in the hills of Gaoshu Township, Pingtung, beside County Road 185's mountain highway, also known as Awu Waterfall, Weiliao Waterfall, or Xinfeng Waterfall. The falls have five tiers; the accessible first and second tiers drop about 20 meters at a near-vertical angle, with clear water flowing across a gravel riverbed — the waterfall can be enjoyed from different angles whether trekking through the stream or hiking along the bank.
The entrance to Dajin Waterfall is in Xinfeng Village, Gaoshu Township, at the 2-kilometer marker of County Road 185's mountain highway, near the border of Sandimen Township and Kaohsiung's Maolin District. The waterfall has five tiers; the first two have well-maintained trails and a drop of about 20 meters, while the deeper third through fifth tiers have poor trail conditions and deep pools and are not officially recommended for casual visits.
What to see at Gaoshu Dajin Waterfall
Dajin Village lies at the base of the hills on the eastern side of Gaoshu Township, a transitional zone between the Pingtung Plain and the mountains. An Ailiao Creek tributary has carved a deep gorge here. The waterfall's volume is noticeably seasonal: the rainy season in summer brings an impressive torrent, while the drier winter months reveal the rock-face structure more clearly. Surrounding vegetation is primarily subtropical secondary forest, rich in fern species.
The stream-trekking route requires crossing a gravel riverbed; some sections have no clear path, so water shoes are recommended and current water levels should be confirmed in advance. If you prefer not to trek the stream, the waterfall can be viewed from afar at the entrance observation point, and that too is worth the stop. Paiwan indigenous communities are distributed throughout Gaoshu Township; please respect local cultural customs when visiting.
How to make the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and time needed
- Self-driving is the primary option; enter Gaoshu Township via Provincial Highway 22 or County Road 188 to reach Dajin Village. No public transit goes directly there.
- Always confirm the weather before setting out. Do not enter the gorge in rain or after a typhoon; mountain roads may be cut off.
- Depart in the morning and allow enough time for the return journey; do not remain in a mountain gorge after dark.
Nearby connections
- The Taishan Hot Spring area in Gaoshu Township is in the adjacent mountains; a combined stream-trekking and hot-spring half-day outing is possible.
- Liudui Hakka Cultural Park (Neipu Township) is about 20 to 30 minutes from Gaoshu by car and can be linked for a flat-land cultural visit.
Source: Gaoshu Township Office tourism information, context-provided facts. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Dajin Waterfall's drop?
Dajin Waterfall has five tiers; the first and second tiers, which most visitors reach, drop about 20 meters at a near-vertical angle.
Does Dajin Waterfall have other names?
Yes, it is also locally known as Awu Waterfall, Weiliao Waterfall, or Xinfeng Waterfall.
Can visitors go beyond the second tier of Dajin Waterfall?
It is not officially recommended; the third through fifth tiers have poor trail conditions, deep pools, and frequent snake and insect encounters, requiring full gear and guiding experience.
Sources
- 高樹鄉公所-鄉內景點-大津瀑布 — 高樹鄉公所官方景點介紹，瀑布層數與落差說明
- 大津瀑布-茂林國家風景區管理處 — 茂林國家風景區管理處官網，位置與交通資訊