The Tourism and Travel Department of New Taipei City Government announced that from May 1 to September 30, Shifen Waterfall Park will extend its daily opening hours by one hour. The park will open from 9:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM (instead of the original 5:00 PM). The last entry is at 5:30 PM, giving visitors more time to enjoy the breathtaking waterfall and surrounding nature.
Nicknamed the &ldquoNiagara Falls of Taiwan,&rdquo Shifen Waterfall stands 20 meters tall and features a classic curtain-style drop. On sunny days, mist from the falls often creates beautiful rainbows, attracting thousands of domestic and international visitors annually.
The site is especially recommended for families and accessible travel groups. From the Shifen Visitor Center, it&rsquos a 15-minute walk to the park entrance via a flat, barrier-free path suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Resting platforms are placed along the trail, making it both convenient and educational.
The Shifen Waterfall Suspension Bridge is the only bridge along the Pingxi Line where visitors can view trains passing by at eye level (Photo: Screenshot from New Taipei City Government website)
Visitors can also enter the park via the Siguangtang Suspension Bridge and the Shifen Suspension Bridge, both accessible from behind the visitor center. The Shifen Suspension Bridge spans the confluence of the Keelung River and Yuetao Liao Creek, running parallel to the Pingxi Railway. Trains frequently roar past, making it a popular photo spot where visitors can&rsquot resist snapping away.
Aside from enjoying the waterfall, visitors can also explore Shifen Old Street and Shifen Station, where trains run right through residential neighborhoods &ndash an iconic image of the area.
Along the Pingxi Line, there are more hidden gems like Wanggu Waterfall, a 10-minute walk from Wanggu Station, ideal for crowd-free nature lovers. At Lingjiao Station, visitors can hike the Lingjiaoliao Historic Trail and visit Lingjiao Waterfall, strolling through alleyways to experience mountain town culture and a slower pace of life.
The remains of the Jingtong Coal Washing Plant and the passing train create a strong sense of nostalgia (Photo: Screenshot from New Taipei City Government website)
Now is the perfect season to reconnect with nature. Whether you're traveling with children, seniors, or exploring on your own, the Pingxi Line offers unforgettable memories with its natural scenery and rich local stories.
For more travel information, visit the New Taipei City Travel Website or follow New Taipei Traveler on Facebook.
