Shifen Scenic Area

The Shifen Scenic Area is located around Shifenliao, between Shiding, Ruifang, and Shuangxi in northeastern Taiwan. Administratively, it belongs to Pingxi District, New Taipei City. Its actual geographical location is on a tributary of the Keelung River, and among Taiwan's scenic areas, it is characterized by waterfalls and river valleys. The Keelung River is the largest and longest river in the northern region. Due to erosion at its source and the surrounding incised topography, it has created numerous faults and unique rock formations. As the river water flows through these faults and rock formations, its speed creates many spectacular waterfalls. Starting from Houtong in the north, extending to Sandiaoling, and further to the Shifenliao and Pingxi areas, a series of cascading waterfalls is formed. Among these, the larger and more famous one is Shifen Waterfall, which is always bustling with crowds on holidays. Shifen Waterfall is located in Pingxi District, New Taipei City, between Dahua Station and Shifen Station on the Pingxi Line Railway. It is a curtain-type waterfall, with an extremely deep pool beneath. The waterfall resembles a mighty army thundering down, cascading downwards like a white silk ribbon plunging into a vast, deep pool. The mist generated by the falling water often pervades the area above the waterfall's pool, and when sunlight shines upon it, a rainbow appears, displaying a dazzling rainbow in the clear sky. Hence, it has earned the beautiful name 'Rainbow Pond'. Shifen Waterfall is a reverse-inclined waterfall, as the rock strata dip in the opposite direction to the water flow. This characteristic is similar to Niagara Falls in North America, earning it the reputation of 'Taiwan's Niagara Falls'. Shifen Station is part of the Pingxi Branch Line Railway, which runs along the Keelung River valley. It stretches 12.9 kilometers from Sandiaoling to Jingtong Station. It was built in 1918 for coal transportation, and in 1992 (Republic of China year 81), the Pingxi Branch Line Railway was designated as a tourist route. Shifen is one of its stations. The scenery around the station is beautiful, with waterfalls and small tributaries that surprise and delight visitors. Shifenliao boasts expansive river terraces and is traversed by the Pingxi Branch Line Railway. Residential houses are built right next to both sides of the railway, making it an ideal spot for reminiscing and alleviating nostalgia. Advertisers also frequently choose this location for filming. Jingan Suspension Bridge primarily connects Shifen Village and Nanshan Village. It is 128 meters long and is one of the few well-preserved pedestrian suspension bridges today. Its beautiful and romantic scenery often attracts tourists to stop and admire. The Ruifang Scenic Area Management Office of New Taipei City has established the Shifen Tourist Service Center, which serves as the Shifen Scenic Area Visitor Center. Its jurisdiction extends from the upper reaches of the Keelung River, with the entire area spanning 56.89 hectares, including Shifen, Xinliao, Nanshan, and other areas. Its natural scenery is captivating, with beautiful mountains, abundant waterfalls, and the ingeniously formed Dahua potholes, making it a rare paradise. After getting off at Shifen Train Station, it's about a 15-minute walk along the old street to reach it. Inside the center, multimedia videos are played at fixed times daily for free viewing by visitors. Groups can make telephone reservations, and visitors can book lantern-making workshops.