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After the buzz of Shifen Old Street and the emotional high of releasing a sky lantern, there’s no better way to wind down than a walk to Shifen Waterfall (十分瀑布)—often dubbed as “Taiwan’s Little Niagara.”



Surrounded by lush forest and echoing with the thunder of cascading water, this natural wonder offers a tranquil yet awe-inspiring stop for any traveler heading through New Taipei City.


We weren’t able to fully enjoy touring around Shifen Waterfall Park, so I made this guide to help you make the most of your visit and see all the beautiful spots in the area.


In this guide, we’ll walk you through what it’s like to visit Shifen Waterfall, how to get there from the old street, the best viewing spots, and what makes it one of Taiwan’s most beloved waterfalls.

Visit my Ultimate Taiwan Travel Guide to know more about the country.

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Getting to Shifen Waterfall from Shifen Old Street

After spending time at Shifen Old Street launching our sky lantern and enjoying local snacks, we made our way to the famous Shifen Waterfall.

A signage going to Shifen Waterfall

The walk from the old street takes around 15 to 20 minutes and is both scenic and easy, with signs along the way to guide you.

From Shifenguanguang Bridge looking at Jifu Road Flyover

Once you pass through Shifenguanguang Bridge, you will reach the Shifen Visitor Center. 

Shifen Visitor Center

Starting from the Shifen Visitor Center, you'll cross the Siguangtan Suspension Bridge (四廣潭吊橋), where a well-paved walkway and scenic views of the Keelung River will lead your way.


Siguangtan Suspension Bridge

After a few meters of walking, you will have a glance of the Guanpu Suspension Bridge 观瀑吊桥 or the Waterfall Appreciation Bridge and the Taiwan Railways (Pingxi Line).

Guanpu Suspension Bridge on the left and Taiwan Railways (Pingxi Line) on the right

You'll need to take the stairs to access the suspension bridge.

Stairs to Guanpu Suspension Bridge

From this spot, you can also catch a glimpse of the smaller Yanjingdong Waterfall (眼鏡洞), also known as the Eye Glasses Cave Waterfall. It offers a charming view, especially with the little bridge crossing over it.

Here's the smaller waterway to Yanjingdong Waterfall

Though subtle and easy to miss—blending in like part of a creek or tributary—it flows into the Keelung River near the base of the Guanpu Suspension Bridge.

Yanjingdong Waterfall

Instead of following the common way to the waterfall, our tour guide brought us to a stairway on the right of Jing'an Road.

Access way to Shifen Waterfall from Jing'an Road

From there, you’ll pass through shaded pathways, small pavilions, and viewing decks that overlook smaller streams and rapids. Even the journey itself is relaxing and photogenic.

Going through the shaded pathways with line of stores on both sides

There's also stores and restaurants where you can get to try some Taiwanese delicacies and take home souvenirs.

There's 2 pathways going to Shifen Waterfall. The top lines are the most popular and crowded

Visit my guide to WULAI OLD STREET: A Taste of Taiwan’s Indigenous Culture and Mountain Flavors



About Shifen Waterfall

Shifen Waterfall is the broadest waterfall in Taiwan, measuring around 40 meters wide and 20 meters high. It serves as the main highlight within the vast grounds of Shifen Waterfall Park.

Majestic view of Shifen Waterfall

It’s famous for its horseshoe shape and powerful curtain of water that drops into a clear, rocky basin below.

From Shifen Waterfall View Deck

What makes this waterfall particularly striking is how the water doesn’t just plunge straight down—it cascades at an angle over a rock ledge, similar to the structure of Niagara Falls, which earned it the nickname “Little Niagara of Taiwan.”


Depending on the season and recent rainfall, the volume of the water can range from a gentle curtain to a roaring wall that drenches nearby rocks with mist.

A rainbow seen from the waterfall cascade

On sunny days, you might even see rainbows forming in the spray—creating a magical photo opportunity.



Best Viewing Platforms

There are multiple viewing decks that give you different angles of the falls:

  • Main Viewing Platform: This is the largest and closest deck, offering a head-on view of the entire waterfall. You can hear the roar of the water and feel the breeze from the falls.

  • Upper Deck: Located slightly higher up, this platform provides a more panoramic shot of the waterfall and the surrounding forest canopy.

  • Bridge View: Just before reaching the main viewing area, you’ll cross another bridge that gives you a side view of the falls and the gorge below.


Each platform is well-maintained and safe, with plenty of space to take photos and appreciate the natural beauty.




How Long to Spend at Shifen Waterfall

We spent around one hour at the waterfall, which gave us time to enjoy the view, take photos, and sit down for a moment to soak in the scenery.

Shifen Waterfall Park Map Guide

If you’re not in a rush, you could definitely linger longer, especially if the weather is cool and the area isn’t too crowded.


There are also small cafés and benches along the trail if you want to relax with a drink before or after your visit.



Tips for Visiting


Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for soft lighting and fewer crowds. Avoid weekends if you want peace and quiet.

Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes. The path is paved but has stairs and inclines.

Photography Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens or use panoramic mode on your phone for the full scale of the falls.

Weather: Bring a raincoat or umbrella if it’s cloudy—the mist from the falls can be refreshing, but damp.

Foreign visitors touring around Shifen Waterfall Park

Final Thoughts

Shifen Waterfall is more than just a scenic stop—it’s a refreshing counterpart to the emotional and cultural experience of Shifen Old Street. With its roaring cascades, rainforest surroundings, and the peaceful trails that lead you there, the waterfall is a must-visit for anyone exploring northern Taiwan.


Whether you're looking to connect with nature, snap some stunning photos, or simply breathe in some mountain air, Shifen Waterfall offers a perfect pocket of serenity in your Taiwan itinerary.

Visit my list of Frequently Asked Questions in Taiwan (FAQs) to learn more.



Shifen Waterfall Travel Guide: Taiwan’s Little Niagara in the Mountains of Pingxi


After the buzz of Shifen Old Street and the emotional high of releasing a sky lantern, there’s no better way to wind down than a walk to Shifen Waterfall (十分瀑布)—often dubbed as “Taiwan’s Little Niagara.”



Surrounded by lush forest and echoing with the thunder of cascading water, this natural wonder offers a tranquil yet awe-inspiring stop for any traveler heading through New Taipei City.


We weren’t able to fully enjoy touring around Shifen Waterfall Park, so I made this guide to help you make the most of your visit and see all the beautiful spots in the area.


In this guide, we’ll walk you through what it’s like to visit Shifen Waterfall, how to get there from the old street, the best viewing spots, and what makes it one of Taiwan’s most beloved waterfalls.

Visit my Ultimate Taiwan Travel Guide to know more about the country.

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Getting to Shifen Waterfall from Shifen Old Street

After spending time at Shifen Old Street launching our sky lantern and enjoying local snacks, we made our way to the famous Shifen Waterfall.

A signage going to Shifen Waterfall

The walk from the old street takes around 15 to 20 minutes and is both scenic and easy, with signs along the way to guide you.

From Shifenguanguang Bridge looking at Jifu Road Flyover

Once you pass through Shifenguanguang Bridge, you will reach the Shifen Visitor Center. 

Shifen Visitor Center

Starting from the Shifen Visitor Center, you'll cross the Siguangtan Suspension Bridge (四廣潭吊橋), where a well-paved walkway and scenic views of the Keelung River will lead your way.


Siguangtan Suspension Bridge

After a few meters of walking, you will have a glance of the Guanpu Suspension Bridge 观瀑吊桥 or the Waterfall Appreciation Bridge and the Taiwan Railways (Pingxi Line).

Guanpu Suspension Bridge on the left and Taiwan Railways (Pingxi Line) on the right

You'll need to take the stairs to access the suspension bridge.

Stairs to Guanpu Suspension Bridge

From this spot, you can also catch a glimpse of the smaller Yanjingdong Waterfall (眼鏡洞), also known as the Eye Glasses Cave Waterfall. It offers a charming view, especially with the little bridge crossing over it.

Here's the smaller waterway to Yanjingdong Waterfall

Though subtle and easy to miss—blending in like part of a creek or tributary—it flows into the Keelung River near the base of the Guanpu Suspension Bridge.

Yanjingdong Waterfall

Instead of following the common way to the waterfall, our tour guide brought us to a stairway on the right of Jing'an Road.

Access way to Shifen Waterfall from Jing'an Road

From there, you’ll pass through shaded pathways, small pavilions, and viewing decks that overlook smaller streams and rapids. Even the journey itself is relaxing and photogenic.

Going through the shaded pathways with line of stores on both sides

There's also stores and restaurants where you can get to try some Taiwanese delicacies and take home souvenirs.

There's 2 pathways going to Shifen Waterfall. The top lines are the most popular and crowded

Visit my guide to WULAI OLD STREET: A Taste of Taiwan’s Indigenous Culture and Mountain Flavors



About Shifen Waterfall

Shifen Waterfall is the broadest waterfall in Taiwan, measuring around 40 meters wide and 20 meters high. It serves as the main highlight within the vast grounds of Shifen Waterfall Park.

Majestic view of Shifen Waterfall

It’s famous for its horseshoe shape and powerful curtain of water that drops into a clear, rocky basin below.

From Shifen Waterfall View Deck

What makes this waterfall particularly striking is how the water doesn’t just plunge straight down—it cascades at an angle over a rock ledge, similar to the structure of Niagara Falls, which earned it the nickname “Little Niagara of Taiwan.”


Depending on the season and recent rainfall, the volume of the water can range from a gentle curtain to a roaring wall that drenches nearby rocks with mist.

A rainbow seen from the waterfall cascade

On sunny days, you might even see rainbows forming in the spray—creating a magical photo opportunity.



Best Viewing Platforms

There are multiple viewing decks that give you different angles of the falls:

  • Main Viewing Platform: This is the largest and closest deck, offering a head-on view of the entire waterfall. You can hear the roar of the water and feel the breeze from the falls.

  • Upper Deck: Located slightly higher up, this platform provides a more panoramic shot of the waterfall and the surrounding forest canopy.

  • Bridge View: Just before reaching the main viewing area, you’ll cross another bridge that gives you a side view of the falls and the gorge below.


Each platform is well-maintained and safe, with plenty of space to take photos and appreciate the natural beauty.




How Long to Spend at Shifen Waterfall

We spent around one hour at the waterfall, which gave us time to enjoy the view, take photos, and sit down for a moment to soak in the scenery.

Shifen Waterfall Park Map Guide

If you’re not in a rush, you could definitely linger longer, especially if the weather is cool and the area isn’t too crowded.


There are also small cafés and benches along the trail if you want to relax with a drink before or after your visit.



Tips for Visiting


Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for soft lighting and fewer crowds. Avoid weekends if you want peace and quiet.

Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes. The path is paved but has stairs and inclines.

Photography Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens or use panoramic mode on your phone for the full scale of the falls.

Weather: Bring a raincoat or umbrella if it’s cloudy—the mist from the falls can be refreshing, but damp.

Foreign visitors touring around Shifen Waterfall Park

Final Thoughts

Shifen Waterfall is more than just a scenic stop—it’s a refreshing counterpart to the emotional and cultural experience of Shifen Old Street. With its roaring cascades, rainforest surroundings, and the peaceful trails that lead you there, the waterfall is a must-visit for anyone exploring northern Taiwan.


Whether you're looking to connect with nature, snap some stunning photos, or simply breathe in some mountain air, Shifen Waterfall offers a perfect pocket of serenity in your Taiwan itinerary.

Visit my list of Frequently Asked Questions in Taiwan (FAQs) to learn more.



Nature Northern Taiwan Shifen Taiwan Travel Guide Waterfalls

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