Exploring Shifen Waterfall in Taiwan - A Jewel Amidst Majestic Mountains

Where is Shifen Waterfall in Taiwan?

Shifen Waterfall, also known as Shifen Falls, is located in Xinliao Village, Pingxi District, Taipei City, Taiwan. It's situated over 30 kilometers from downtown Taipei and just a 2-minute walk (about 600m) from the famous Shifen Old Street.

Often referred to as the Niagara Falls of Asia, Shifen Waterfall boasts a spectacular beauty, standing at a height of 20 meters and spanning around 40 meters in width.

Where is Shifen Waterfall located?

How much is the entrance fee to visit Shifen Waterfall in Taiwan?

Shifen Waterfall is one of the FREE tourist attractions in Taiwan. Visitors don't need to worry about entrance fees or ticket purchases when exploring this site.

The opening hours of Shifen Waterfall vary depending on the season:

• From June to September: Open from 9 AM to 6 PM. Last entry at 5:30 PM.
• From October to May: Open from 9 AM to 5 PM. Last entry at 4:30 PM.

You should regularly check for updates on the entrance fee and opening hours of Shifen Waterfall to avoid visiting during its closure or when no more visitors are being admitted.

Shifen Waterfall is open for free to visitors

How to get to Shifen Waterfall?

Travelers from Vietnam will first head to Taipei and then follow the detailed directions to reach the waterfall as outlined below:

From Vietnam to Taipei

Flying is the primary mode of transport from Vietnam to Taipei due to the long distance. The flight takes at least 3 hours and 20 minutes. Airlines operating this route include: Vietnam Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Asiana Airlines, and others.

Here are the reference ticket prices for the Vietnam - Taipei flights:

*Ticket prices may vary depending on the time of inquiry

Flying from Vietnam to Taipei

From Taipei to the waterfall

Some common modes of transportation from downtown Taipei to the waterfall include:

Bus

This is a budget-friendly option, with a fare of approximately 8 TWD (~10,000 VND). From Zhongxiao Fuxing Station, take bus number 1062, which travels to the Ruifang Railway Station. Get off at Jiufen Old Street and then walk to the waterfall.

Self-Drive Car

If you are traveling with family or a group, you can rent a car for flexibility with your schedule and route. The rental cost depends on the car type and rental duration, averaging from 1700 TWD/day (about 1,300,000 VND).

Train

The train route is as follows: Taipei Main Station > Ruifang Station, then transfer to the Pingxi Line at Ruifang Station > Shifen Station. The estimated travel time is around 1 hour and 40 minutes, with a fare of approximately 600 TWD (~460,000 VND).

Sightseeing by tour bus

If you book an all-inclusive Taiwan tour, you won’t need to worry about transportation. A guide will take you to the waterfall in the most modern, comfortable sightseeing vehicle available.

How to reach the waterfall

What can you find at Shifen Waterfall?

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Taiwan, Shifen Waterfall offers many exciting experiences for visitors to explore.

Majestic waterfall scenery

For nature lovers, Shifen Waterfall is the perfect spot. The water flows powerfully, creating white foam that, from a distance, resembles a white silk ribbon stretching across the majestic mountains and forests. To get closer to the waterfall, you must cross a suspension bridge, where you can take in every angle of this awe-inspiring, picturesque scene. The view attracts many visitors eager to take photos and check in.

Capture stunning photos with the vibrant waterfall backdrop

Admire the dreamy Rainbow Lake

The waterfall cascades into a deep lake with crystal clear water. Whenever the sunlight shines down, the water not only sparkles but also reflects vibrant rainbow colors across the lake's surface. This is why the lake is named Rainbow Lake.

Explore the rich plant life

Shifen Waterfall is surrounded by a vast, pristine forest. As a result, visitors always feel a refreshing and cool atmosphere during their visit. The virgin forest is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, making it a perfect spot for guests to explore and learn.

The waterfall is surrounded by a pristine forest

Nearby attractions to the waterfall

According to Taiwan travel tips, it's recommended to combine visits to several nearby destinations when touring Shifen Waterfall to fully appreciate the beauty of Taipei. Here are some popular spots near Shifen Waterfall:

Shifen Old Street

• Distance to the waterfall: 600m
• Address: No. 81, Shifen St, Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan

Shifen Old Street is the closest location to Shifen Waterfall. This area is home to ancient houses with unique architecture. A must-do experience when visiting the old street is releasing sky lanterns with a wish.

The National Palace Museum

• Distance to the waterfall: 34km
• Address: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan

If you're a fan of history and culture, don't miss the National Palace Museum. It houses thousands of invaluable treasures that reflect Taiwan's history, culture, and many unique customs from ancient times to the present day.

Explore the nearby attractions of the waterfall

Miramar Entertainment Park

• Distance to the waterfall: 30km
• Address: No. 20, Jingye 3rd Road, Zhongshan District

At the park, you can immerse yourself in exciting rides and unique events. The admission fee is: 150 TWD (approximately 120,000 VND) on weekdays and 200 TWD (approximately 160,000 VND) on weekends.

What to buy as souvenirs when visiting Shifen Waterfall?

What meaningful souvenirs should you buy when exploring Shifen Waterfall? Check out the information below.

Pineapple cake

Pineapple cake is a famous Taiwanese specialty with a delicious, fragrant flavor. It is available at many tourist spots, including Shifen Waterfall. You can bring this treat back to Vietnam to enjoy with friends and family.

Taiwanese bubble tea

If you're unsure what to buy as a gift, add some Taiwanese bubble tea to your shopping cart. While you can't bring back a fresh cup, the tea bags still pack a deliciously aromatic flavor. Each pack is priced around 220,000 VND.

Mua trà sữa Đài Loan làm quà

Lồng đèn mini

Món quà chứa đựng nét văn hóa độc đáo tại Đài Bắc nhất có lẽ là lồng đèn mini. Tuy kích thước có phần hạn chế nhưng được trang trí hết sức tỉ mỉ, công phu nên những chiếc lồng đèn mini vô cùng được yêu thích.

Mặt nạ dưỡng da

There are many high-quality cosmetic stores near the waterfall, and the best-selling product is the skincare face masks. For women, this is definitely a must-buy souvenir when visiting.

Taiwanese face masks loved by women

A few things to keep in mind when visiting Shifen Waterfall

Here are some important tips to remember when planning your visit to Shifen Waterfall:

• Book your services 2 - 3 months in advance: If you plan to visit Shifen Waterfall, it's advisable to book flights, hotels, etc., early to avoid fully booked rooms, sold-out tickets, or high prices when booking closer to the date.
• Exchange Taiwanese currency: While enjoying the waterfall, you might want to buy food and drinks, and paying with cash will make things much easier.
• Wear appropriate clothing: The trail to the waterfall is not difficult, but it involves climbing stairs, and especially when it rains, it can be slippery, so make sure to choose comfortable clothes for movement and wear sneakers for easy walking.
• Bring essential items (such as a raincoat, hat, umbrella...): These will come in handy in case of bad weather.

A visit to Shifen Waterfall is a must when traveling to Taiwan. The area boasts a stunningly picturesque and majestic landscape. We hope the information provided above will help you plan your trip thoroughly. Keep these key details in mind to ensure a perfect adventure!

Author: Phuong Thao

Image source: Internet