Waterfalls of Pingxi in Jiufen and Pingxi
Part of the Jiufen and Pingxi travel guide — see every topic in All Jiufen and Pingxi Guides.
The Pingxi valley is wet and green, and its rivers drop over many rock ledges. The result is a set of waterfalls that are easy to reach by train. Shifen Waterfall is the best known: a wide curtain of water that is one of the largest falls in northern Taiwan. Further down the line, the Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail is a forest walk past three falls. Both make good stops on a Pingxi Line day, and both are at their best after rain.
Shifen Waterfall
Shifen Waterfall is about 20 metres high and about 40 metres wide. The Keelung River pours over a broad rock shelf into a deep pool, and on sunny mornings the spray often makes a rainbow. Because of its width, it is often called the Niagara of Taiwan. A park around the falls has paths and viewing platforms at different levels. You can see the falls from the front and from above. Swimming is not allowed. Entry to the falls has been free in recent years. The park keeps daytime hours and closes before dark, so do not leave this stop until late in the day.
Walking from Shifen station
From Shifen station, follow the signs along the river. The walk takes about 20 to 30 minutes at an easy pace. The route crosses the river on a suspension bridge and follows a footpath beside the water. On the way you pass Yanjing Cave Waterfall, a small fall that drops past a rock with two holes in it, which locals say looks like a pair of glasses. There is also a visitor centre near the falls with toilets and information. The path is mostly flat and paved, but it can be slippery when wet. Taxis can drop you near the park if you want to skip the walk.
Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail
Sandiaoling station sits in a narrow valley before the Pingxi branch turns inland. A trail from the station follows a stream into the forest and passes three waterfalls: Hegu, Motian and Pipadong. Hegu is seen from a distance, while the path goes close to the other two. The trail has stone steps, roots, steel ladders and a few short sections with ropes or chains. Allow two to three hours for the round walk. It is a real hike, not a stroll, so wear proper shoes and carry water. Parts of the trail can close after storms or landslides, so check local notices before you go.
Safety near water
Waterfalls in this valley change fast. After heavy rain, the water rises quickly and turns brown, and rocks near the edge become very slippery. Stay on marked paths and behind railings. Do not climb on wet rocks for photos. Never swim in pools at the base of a waterfall, because the current can be strong and hidden rocks are common. During a typhoon warning or heavy rain warning, stay away from rivers and forest trails. Check the Central Weather Administration forecast before you set out. A light rain jacket, a dry bag for your phone and a change of socks make a wet day much more comfortable.
Waterfalls of Pingxi at a glance
| Getting there | Shifen station (20–30 min walk) or Sandiaoling station |
|---|---|
| Hours | Shifen Waterfall park: daytime only, closes before dark |
| Cost | Shifen Waterfall entry has been free in recent years |
| Sandiaoling trail | 2–3 hours round trip, steep in parts |
| Best time | A day after rain; avoid storms and typhoon warnings |