Wanggu Waterfall (望股瀑布)
Take a refreshing dip in the cold, clear waters of Wanggu Waterfall: the perfect afternoon day trip from Taipei!
Nestled in the forests of Pingxi District, this series of (technically) three waterfalls is just a 10-minute walk from the train station. Wanggu Waterfall is one of my favorite outdoor swimming spots near Taipei because it’s easy to get to by public transportation and a good depth to swim in.
I love that you can keep it simple with just a trip to the waterfall or extend your adventure into something more active by hiking the nearby trails.
So escape into the lush forests of northern Taiwan. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Wanggu Waterfall.
Key Takeaways
How to Get There
By Train (roughly 1 hr 45 min):
- Take the train to Ruifang Train Station (45 minutes) and then switch to the Pingxi Line on Platform 3 and take the train to Wanggu Station. From there, you’ll walk 10-15 minutes to the waterfall.
By Bus (roughly 1 hr 45 min):
- Bus 795 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle from Muzha MRT Station heading to Pingxi or Shifen. Alight at Qinahan Stop and then walk approximately 10 minutes to the waterfall.
An Easy Card is the most convenient way to use public transportation in Taiwan. You can purchase online at KKday or Klook, or visit any MRT station or convenience store to buy one in person.
If you’re in Taiwan for over a month, you can consider purchasing a TPass. It’s Taiwan’s newest commuter package and gives you one month of unlimited access to Taipei City, New Taipei City, Keelung City, and Taoyuan City.
If you don’t have an Easy Card (and don’t want to buy one), you can also buy a train ticket directly at the station or pay with is cash on the bus.
By Driving (roughly 1 hr):
- From Taipei, take take the National Freeway 1, exit at Badu Interchange, connect to Provincial Highway 2 towards Pingxi, exit at Jifu Road, and then take Shifen Street to Wangu. There aren’t any official parking lots near the waterfall but you can park for free along the road.
If you’re looking for car rentals, I’d recommend checking out Klook, KKday, or using your usual rental company. For scooter rentals, your best bet is to check on Klook or KKday or use a sharing system like Wemo, iRent, or Gogoro.
Weather + Things To Bring
Wanggu Waterfall is located in the Pingxi District of New Taipei. It’s best to visit in spring, summer and autumn. Winters in northern Taiwan are chilly and rainy, and the waterfall will be way too cold for swimming.
For your day trip, I recommend packing a small bag with all your outdoor essentials. Make sure to bring your bathing suit, a towel, goggles, and water shoes. If you’re visiting during the summer, I’d probably also bring sunscreen and bug spray.
The waterfall is located in a shady region in the forest, but the walk to get there is pretty exposed. You might also want to bring snacks and water because the nearest convenience stores and restaurants are far away.
Safety Precautions
Wild swimming always carries an inherent risk of drowning so please move forward with extreme caution.
The waterfall creates deep pools with occasional undercurrents which can potentially drag swimmers under. Taiwan’s rivers and streams also tend to surge unexpectedly after heavy rain, so make sure to check the weather before you plan your trip.
There has been at least one drowning at Wanggu Waterfall but it’s still a very popular summer swimming spot. Make sure that you have a swimming buddy and follow the tips below for safety.
You can also bring a life vest, and there is a life ring at the location (though I’m not sure how often no it’s checked on).
Tips For Wild Swimming:
- Stay aware & alert about your environment. If the water starts to swell, it’s time to get out.
- Never swim in stagnant bodies of water, canals, urban rivers, or reedy shallows.
- Keep cuts and wounds covered with waterproof bandaids.
- Never swim alone. Always have a swim buddy.
- Don’t wear sunscreen or bug spray because the chemicals might negatively impact the ecosystem.
- Don’t pee or poop in the water. Obviously.
Finding Wanggu Waterfall
Getting to Wanggu Waterfall is a pretty easy process. Just set your Google Maps destination to the location here and follow the directions.
HERE ARE THE DETAILS:
- Get off at Wanggu Train Station (望古火車站).
- Head towards Qinghe Suspension Bridge (慶和吊橋). It’s a large, grey, a-framed bridge.
- Walk past the bridge and you’ll come to a fork in the road.
- Take the left trail onto Wanggukeng Bridge (望古坑橋) and head towards the Wanggu Waterfall Trail (望古賞瀑步道).
- Follow the bridge as it slopes up and loops to the right.
- On the left, you’ll see a little plaque that dictates the start of the Wanggu Waterfall Trail. Head down the stairs and begin your trek.
- Follow the trail all the way until you reach Wanggu Second Waterfall (望古二瀑布) which is the biggest of the waterfalls and the best one for swimming.
Wanggu Waterfall is one of my favorite outdoor swimming spots near Taipei because it’s low commitment and easy to incorporate in any itinerary. You can chill for a few hours and head back to the city or make an entire adventure out of it.
The waterfall connects to many trails in the area so if you’re looking for a more active experience, I’d recommend hiking to LingJiao Waterfall or even Shifen Waterfall.
If you’re done with the outdoors, you can hop back on the train and grab some delicious eats and souvenirs at Pingxi Old Street, Shifen or Jiufen before making your way back to the city.
