Home to the indigenous Atayal people, Wulai District is a mountainous area in the south of New Taipei City near its border with Taipei City. It’s famed for its hot springs and picturesque waterfall, as well as a range of outdoor pursuits in the Neidong Forest Recreation Area.
Things to do in Wulai District
No trip to Wulai is complete without bathing in its hot springs, which are believed by locals to help cure a range of skin ailments. In addition to private hotel baths, you can take advantage of the open-air pools clustered on the banks of the Nanshi River. After indulging in the warm waters, head to Wulai Old Street to feast on authentic Taiwanese snacks and dishes.
Interested in the region’s indigenous culture? Don’t miss a visit to the Wulai Atayal Museum, which occupies a four-story residence topped by an aboriginal sculpture. Its exhibits feature traditional hunting and farming tools, musical instruments and religious objects, as well as displays that detail Atayal’s facial tattooing and headhunting traditions. There are also several stores in Wulai where you can purchase Atayal handicrafts and clothing.
While there are numerous waterfalls in Wulai District, the most impressive is undoubtedly the Wulai Waterfall. It plunges around 80 metres into the Wulai Gorge and is easily accessed onboard the Wulai Scenic Train. A cable car leads from the main observation platform to the craggy cliffs above, offering a bird’s eye view of the waterfall and the hidden cascades above.
Getting around Wulai District
Wulai District is 45 minutes’ drive from New Taipei City and just over an hour from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Buses connect from the Xindian metro station to the Wulai bus terminus while the Wulai Scenic Train travels from downtown Wulai to the base of the Wulai Waterfall.