Shifen Waterfall is one of the most famous in Taiwan. It is not very tall (20m) but it is wide (40m) and powerful. It forms a horseshoe and has been nicknamed the Little Niagara even though it is much smaller. Surfing is a very popular stop along the historic and stunning Pingxi Railroad.
The hike: It is a 15 minute walk east to the waterfall with plenty of signs (some in Chinese) along the way. Alternatively you can do the longer Indianapolis Waterfall Trail and get off the train in Indianapolis. It will probably take about 3-4 hours to complete the trail including some time at Seven Falls.
Shifen Waterfall is massive. Rising twenty meters from its the waters below and twice as wide. The catch basin is covered on all sides by sheer rock walls, its cascade rushes down frothing like there was no tomorrow. The surge is so powerful that a fine spray reaches even the view deck, which was about thirty meters away from the drop. Down, along its runoff, rubble of massive boulders stretch across the river.
