Attraction · Jiufen & the Northeast
Shifen Waterfall
A wide, curtain-like waterfall on the Keelung River, reached by a short riverside walk. It is the broadest waterfall in Taiwan and especially powerful after rain.
Photo: lienyuan lee · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
The visit
The walk to the falls is short and easy, making this a good stop between the old street and the railway. Stand at the lower viewing platform to feel the spray and hear the water. Weekday mornings are the quietest.
History and context
A wide curtain of water on the Keelung River, sometimes called Taiwan’s Niagara. The surrounding area was once a coal-mining district, and a riverside trail now leads to the falls.
The waterfall sits in the old coal-mining district of Pingxi, where the railway was built to carry coal rather than tourists. When the mines closed, the scenic value of the river and falls gradually replaced the industry that had shaped the valley.
What to see
- Wide curtain waterfall on the Keelung River
- Riverside walk to the falls
- Nearby Shifen old street and railway
- A good stop for sky lanterns
Practical notes
- Allow about: 1.5 hours
- Type: natural site
- Destination: Jiufen & the Northeast
- Tickets: Free
- Best time: Morning
- Booking: Not needed
- Accessibility: Partial
Getting there
- Train: Shifen — 20 min walk
Good to know
Walk the full loop for different angles, then continue to Shifen Old Street to release a lantern.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take?
Recommended duration: 1.5 hours.
When is the best time to visit?
Go in the morning, when it is cooler and less crowded.
Do I need to book?
No booking is needed.
Location
Keep exploring
More places in Jiufen & the Northeast
Bitou Cape
A grassy headland with a lighthouse, sea caves and a clifftop trail where the East China Sea meets the Pacific. On clear days the views stretch to the horizon in both directions.
FamilyHoutong Cat Village
A former mining village turned cat-themed stop, with railway cats, a cat café and hillside paths overlooking the Keelung River. It is kitsch, but charming.
CultureJiufen Old Street
A warren of stone stairs and covered lanes packed with taro-ball desserts, tea shops and souvenir stalls. The classic view is from the teahouses at the top, looking down over the rooftops to the sea.
CultureShifen Old Street & sky lanterns
A former coal town where the railway runs straight through the market. Writing a wish on a paper lantern and releasing it over the tracks is a beloved, photogenic ritual.