Wulai (烏來) holds a special place in my heart. I fell in love with it when my cycling buddy first brought me here for a hot spring soak. This charming mountain town is the reason I chose to live in Xindian. And since learning to climb mountain roads by bicycle, I’ve been visiting every season, year after year, and have been enthusiastically promoting it to visiting friends both in person and online.
In this post
- How to get there
- First Stop: Wulai Waterfall
- Second Stop: Yun Hsien Resort
- Third Stop: Soak in a hot spring house
- Fourth Stop: Food trip at Wulai Old Street
- Bonus: Christmasland, Banquiao Station
How to get there
- Use Google Maps to get directions from your location to Wulai
- Find the closest stop and Take Bus 849
- Get off at the last stop
Taxis are available at Xindian MRT Station but cost around 150NT per person. They’re a good option if you’re uncomfortable standing on a bus navigating winding mountain roads since the bus is almost always packed with passengers coming from Taipei.
First Stop: Wulai Waterfall
From the bus stop, walk toward Wulai Old Street. At the end of the street, cross the bridge to the other side of the river. There are two ways to reach the falls: walking or riding the log cart.
If you can, I suggest walking. It’s just a leisurely 2km stroll with a toilet along the trail. Soak in the views and fresh air!
Take some pictures and visit the local stores—grab a coffee if you’d like. However, I’d avoid Wulai Three Café 瀑布3号, which has predatory pricing and poor customer service.
Near the waterfall, you’ll find a small staircase leading up to the second stop.
Second Stop: Yun Hsien Resort
If you’re curious about what’s at the top of the falls, have no fear of heights, and can handle a thousand more steps, take the cable car to the summit. Tickets cost 300NT on weekends and 250NT on weekdays.
At the top, don’t stop at the lake – keep walking upward until you reach an enchanting bridge. My most favorite view to look at. Last time I stared at it for over 15mins!
The only drawback is the smell of fried chicken wafting through the air. The resort is currently undergoing renovation, and I hope to see it restored beautifully one day, though balancing construction with environmental preservation will certainly be challenging.
Third Stop: Soak in a hot spring house
Return to Wulai Old Street by log cart or on foot, but don’t cross the bridge yet. Along Wulai Post Office, you’ll find bathhouses where you can book a 90-minute private room, always request one with a window facing the river.
My usual hot spring house was closed this time, so we booked at 鶴雅溫泉會館 Free Hot Spring instead.
It costs 500NT for two people for 90 minutes, including two bottles of water, cakes, and coffee or tea afterward. The facility has toilets, a hair dryer area, and a pleasant cafe to enjoy your drink while watching the river flow by.
Fourth Stop: Food trip at Wulai Old Street
On this visit, I wanted my sister to taste fresh mochi, bamboo rice, stir-fried pork, and gac fruit juice. She loved it all!
Bonus: Christmasland, Banquiao Station
We went home to rest and freshen up before heading out again to celebrate Christmas! This year’s theme is LINE FRIENDS All-Star Circus Carnival!
That wrapped up her quick visit to Taiwan. I had to go to the office the next day, which gave her some space and time to rest and pack. I made it home just in time to take her to Taipei Main Station, where she caught the MRT to Taoyuan Airport.
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That’s it for now! Stay tuned for more adventures and tips on balancing work and travel!
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