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.”
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.
 |
| 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 |
From Shifen Visitor Center you will have to cross the Siguangtan Suspension Bridge where you will be guided by a well-made walkway and a view of the Keelung River.
 |
| Siguangtan Suspension Bridge |
After a few meters of walking, you will have a glance of the Guanpu Suspension Bridge and the Taiwan Railways (Pingxi Line). You’ll need to take the stairs to access the suspension bridge.
 |
| Guanpu Suspension Bridge on the left and Taiwan Railways (Pingxi Line) on the right |
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.
Shifen Waterfall is the broadest waterfall in Taiwan, measuring around 40 meters wide and 20 meters high.
 |
| 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.
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.
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 Map |
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.
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.
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.
