Shifen Waterfall
Build a trip to Taipei
About
Known as the 'Little Niagara of Taiwan,' Shifen Waterfall is a 20-meter high horseshoe-shaped fall that is the widest in the country. Located along the scenic Pingxi rail line, the waterfall is surrounded by lush subtropical forest and several suspension bridges. The sensory experience is powerful, with the roar of the water and the cool mist that often creates rainbows on sunny days. The atmosphere is majestic and refreshing. Expert recommendation: Walk across the 'Siguang Suspension Bridge' for a great view of the river and the railway tracks. Pro tip: The waterfall is a 15-20 minute walk from Shifen Old Street. Entry to the waterfall park is free. Combine this with a visit to Shifen Old Street to release a traditional sky lantern on the train tracks.
Highlights
- Little Niagara of Taiwan
- Majestic horseshoe-shaped falls
- Rainbows in the mist
- Lush jungle boardwalks
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Houtong Cat Village
Originally a prosperous coal-mining town, Houtong has reinvented itself as a sanctuary for hundreds of well-cared-for stray cats. The village features cat-themed murals, cafes, and shops, with cats lounging on every available surface. The atmosphere is incredibly relaxed, whimsical, and heartwarming. The sensory experience is defined by the soft meows of the feline residents and the rustic charm of the old mining infrastructure. Expert recommendation: Visit the 'Houtong Coal Mine Ecological Park' right across the tracks to learn about the town's industrial history before it became a cat haven. Pro tip: Only feed the cats with the approved snacks sold in the village and do not use flash photography. The village is easily accessible via the Pingxi Line train from Ruifang. It is a perfect, low-stress stop for animal lovers and families.
Jiufen Old Street
The atmospheric mountain town of Jiufen clings to steep hillsides above the northeast coast of Taiwan, its red lantern-lit teahouses, narrow stone stairways, and misty harbor views inspiring the dreamlike animated aesthetic of Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away. The old street's maze of covered alleyways offers traditional Taiwanese snacks like taro balls, peanut-wrapped mochi, and fish balls alongside tea shops where guests can linger for hours watching the Pacific coastline emerge from the mountain mist. An evening visit when the lanterns are lit and the ocean breeze carries the sounds of traditional music from tea pavilions cantilevered over the cliff creates an experience of extraordinary, slightly melancholic beauty.
A-Mei Tea House (Jiufen)
A-Mei Tea House is the most iconic building in Jiufen, widely believed to be the inspiration for the bathhouse in Hayao Miyazaki's 'Spirited Away.' The multi-story wooden structure is adorned with red lanterns and overlooks the jagged coastline and the Pacific Ocean. The atmosphere is deeply nostalgic and magical, especially at dusk. The sensory experience is the ritual of a traditional tea ceremony—the smell of mountain oolong and the taste of sweet mung bean cakes—accompanied by the sound of the wind. Expert recommendation: Opt for the outdoor balcony seating for the famous view of the ocean and the lantern-lit stairs. Pro tip: It is a major tourist destination, so it is often crowded. However, the 'Tea Set' (approx. 300 TWD) is well worth the price for the experience and the refillable hot water. Visit after 6 PM when the large tour groups have departed and the lanterns are fully lit.
Keelung Night Market (Miaokou)
Located near the Keelung harbor, the Miaokou Night Market is world-famous for its high-quality seafood and its unique orderly layout. The market centers around the Dianji Temple, with each stall clearly numbered and featuring English signs. The atmosphere is vibrant, humid, and deeply rooted in maritime culture. The sensory experience is a feast of grilled squid, butter crabs, and the famous 'Nutritious Sandwiches' (crispy fried bread with ham and cucumber). Expert recommendation: Try the 'Ding Bian Cuo' (shrimp and pork noodle soup), a local specialty with a history dating back centuries. Pro tip: Take a train from Taipei Main Station to Keelung; it’s an easy 45-minute trip. The market is at its best around 7 PM. After eating, walk to the harbor to see the massive cruise ships and enjoy the sea breeze.
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