Huiyao Waterfall (灰窯瀑布)

Huiyao Waterfall, a wild swimming spot near Taipei on a summer day in June

Huiyao Waterfall, along with Wanggu Waterfall, is one my favorite accessible swimming holes near Taipei. On a hot summer day, nothing feels better than taking a cold plunge in refreshing mountain waters. So, here’s how to get to Huiyao Waterfall in Pingxi District and how you can plan a day trip around this outdoor excursion.

East Asian human wearing a bathing suit swimming at Huiyao Waterfall near Taipei

How to Get There

By Train (roughly 2.5 hrs):

  • Take the train to Ruifang Train Station (about 45 minutes) and then switch to the Pingxi Line and take the local train to Wanggu Station. From there, you’ll have to walk along the river for about 30 minutes to the waterfall.

By Bus (roughly 1 hr 45 min):

  • Take bus 795 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle from Muzha MRT Station heading to Pingxi or Shifen. Get off at Wanbaodong Stop and then walk approximately 30 minutes to the waterfall.

Although there’s quite a bit of walking to get to Huiyao Waterfall by public transportation, it’s actually not as bad as you might think. The trail is mostly flat and follows a large road that is partially shaded. Chat with a friend or play some music along the way, and time will pass in an instant.

To get around by public transportation in Taiwan, use an Easy Card. You can buy one online at Klook or KKday or grab one in-person at any convenience store or MRT station.

By Driving (roughly 1 hr):

  • To drive from Taipei, set your GPS location to Huiyao Falls (灰窯瀑布). It should take you 50 minutes – an hour if the traffic is good. There aren’t any parking lots near the waterfall, but there’s a little divot on the left side near the entrance where you can park.

If you’re looking for car rentals in Taiwan, I’d recommend checking out Klook or KKday. Avis also works if that’s your preferred provider. For scooter rentals, your best bet is again to check on Klook, KKday , or a local company.

Gi Shieh wearing a yellow high-waist bikini standing on the second tier of Huiyao Waterfall in Taipei with arms extended
Green tree leaves against a bright blue sky at Huiyao Waterfall, New Taipei

Weather + Things To Bring

Huiyao Waterfall is located in the Pingxi District of New Taipei. I’d recommend visiting in the spring, summer, or autumn as that’s when the weather is best suited for wild swimming.

Other than your swimming essentials, a towel, and a change of clothes, I’d probably also pack sunscreen, bug spray, and a snack (or lunch). The waterfall is in a (somewhat) remote location and there aren’t any convenience stores or restaurants nearby.

Shallow and deep dangerous water at Huiyao Waterfall, Taipei
Water safety tubes and tools on the banks of Huiyao Waterfall in Taiwan
Life preserver ring on a stick near Huiyao Waterfall in Taiwan for safety purposes

Safety Precautions

Huiyao Waterfall is about 8 meters tall and a few meters wide. The main area contains a deep pool that is great for swimming and a rope that people use scale up the waterfall to then jump off.

If you venture a little further up, there’s a hidden staircase that leads to the upper tier of the waterfall. I personally couldn’t find this upper waterfall, but a local friend mentioned it and said that it was also great for swimming.

As far as I know, there haven’t been any reported drownings at Huiyao Waterfall.

When we visited, there was a life preserver and a few floaties close to the entrance, but to be safe, you should always follow the guidelines outlined below for wild swimming:

  • Stay alert when you’re swimming. If the water starts to swell or a current starts to build, it’s time to get out.
  • Waterfalls can generate undercurrents that pull swimmers under. If you’re forced down by the water, do your best to remain calm and then exit the pool by swimming sideways away from the main waterfall and then towards the surface.
  • Always have a swim buddy. Drownings can happen in an instant.
  • Wear water shoes for extra protection and grip.
  • Never swim in still bodies of water.
  • Avoid introducing outside nutrients (sunscreen, bug spray, pee, poop) into the ecosystem.

I personally did not partake in cliff jumping at Huiyao, but if you decide to do so, please be extremely careful. Make sure that the water is clear and that there aren’t any hidden rocks underneath. Jump out far enough to avoid the cliff and always go feet first.

Person wearing white shirt making their way down the hidden trail to Huiyao Waterfall
Second tier upper waterfall of Huiyao Falls

Finding The Waterfall

Huiyao Waterfall is pretty easy to find. Just set your Google Maps location to the destination here and follow the directions.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS:

  • Get off at Wanggu Train Station (望古火車站) or Wanbaodong Stop and head towards Qinghe Suspension Bridge (慶和吊橋).
  • Cross the bridge and take a left onto Pingshi Road (平十公路)/Country Road 106 (106縣道).
  • Follow the road until you reach the Huiyao Waterfall GPS location. You’ll see a red warning sign and a trail that leads down to the waterfall.
  • The path is relatively steep so be careful where you step!
Blue green waters of Huiyao Falls in New Taipei on a summer day
Gi Shieh, an east Asian woman wearing a yellow bikini set at Huiyao Waterfall near Taipei

Huiyao Waterfall is one of my favorite wild swimming spots near Taipei because of just how peaceful it is. The pools are deep and there’s plenty of shade for when it get too hot. Just make sure to go early on a weekday to avoid the crowds!

For the perfect day trip from Taipei, you can spend your entire afternoon swimming and lounging at the waterfall. Otherwise, you can hop on the train visit some of the surrounding villages like Pingxi, Shifen, or Jiufen!