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Neidong National Forest Recreation Area

Taiwan · New Taipei City · Wulai District · Nature & Scenery

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照片提供｜高榕翎 · 資料來源：交通部觀光署（GODL）

Image source: Taiwan_Opendata; license credits as shown.

Overview

With the sound of waterfalls thundering in the distance, Neidong National Forest Recreation Area is a small but elegant fern paradise set among the mountains and water. This tranquil, green retreat in the upper reaches of the Nanshi River is about 50 minutes from Xindian and is one of the most accessible national forest recreation areas in the greater Taipei area. Sitting between 230 and 1,500 meters above sea level, and traversed by the Neidong Stream, the area is humid and warm—truly a fern haven. Along the short several-hundred-meter Waterfall Viewing Trail, visitors can find nearly 65 species of ferns, including rare climbing clubmoss and vine fern, all thriving as epiphytes on large trees. Its former name, "Wawa Valley," is said to come from the many frogs whose nighttime chorus echoed through the valley; you may even spot frogs in the drainage ditches beside the trails. The Neidong Waterfall is the star attraction of the park. At the end of the Waterfall Viewing Trail, its two tiers offer visitors varied scenery and a refreshing, fragrant surge of negative ions. On a sweltering summer day, escape the stuffy city and come to Neidong National Forest Recreation Area for a cool afternoon forest bath.

Getting There

National Freeway No. 3 → Xindian Interchange → Provincial Highway No. 9 → Xindian → Wulai → Xianxian Area → Neidong. [Public transport] Take a taxi (Wulai Tram - Neidong National Forest Recreation Area) (travel time about 16 minutes): It is recommended to take a taxi from the "Taxi Stand" in front of either the "Wulai Transfer Station" or the "Entrance of Wulai Tram Station" to Neidong National Forest Recreation Area. 1. From "Wulai Transfer Station" to Neidong National Forest Recreation Area, the fare is NT$425. 2. From the "Entrance of Wulai Tram Station (cable car station)" to Neidong National Forest Recreation Area, the fare is NT$285. ◎ Taipei metropolitan taxi fares are subject to the announcement by the New Taipei City Government (website link https://www.ntpc.gov.tw/ch/home.jsp?id=e8ca970cde5c00e1&dataserno=6de3731612ab144a8911537a2a34e600#). [Public transport] Take a bus, then walk or take a taxi to Neidong National Forest Recreation Area: Take Xindian Bus No. 849 and get off at "Wulai Transfer Station," then walk about 6.8 km for about 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the park.

Highlights

Neidong National Forest Recreation Area is located in Xinxian Village, Wulai District, New Taipei City. It is about 50 minutes from Xindian and is one of the most accessible national forest recreation areas in the greater Taipei area. The park is known for its waterfall scenery, warm and humid valley ecosystem, rich ferns, and wildlife viewing opportunities for frogs and birds, making it ideal for a relaxed forest-bathing trip.

What to See

- Neidong Waterfall: The park’s signature attraction, located at the end of the Waterfall Viewing Trail, where visitors can enjoy layered waterfall scenery and drifting spray. - Waterfall Viewing Trail: In just a few hundred meters, visitors can see about 65 species of ferns and experience the valley’s greenery and negative-ion-rich environment. - Forest Bathing Trail: A forest trail inside the park, one of the main routes for sightseeing, fern viewing, and birdwatching. - Pristine valley forest landscape: The area preserves a remarkably complete low-elevation stream-and-canyon ecosystem, with natural broadleaf forest, cedar forest, and steep cliff scenery. - Frog and bird ecology: The area’s former name, "Wawa Valley," is associated with abundant frogs and their nighttime chorus echoing through the valley; frogs may also be seen in the drainage ditches beside the trails. It is also an important birdwatching site in northern Taiwan.

Hours & Admission

Parking: Small vehicles: no fee. Parking lot收费 hours: weekdays from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM; holidays from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. NT$30 for the first hour, NT$20 from the second hour onward, with a maximum of NT$100 per day.

Address

No. 46, Wawa Valley, Xinxian Village, Wulai District, New Taipei City 233 Tel: (02)26617358

Travel Tips

- Best season: Summer is especially suitable, because the valley is cooler and ideal for escaping the heat and enjoying forest bathing. - Clothing advice: Wear comfortable, slip-resistant shoes, and bring a lightweight rain cover or waterproof jacket, since the park is humid and the trails are often damp. - What to bring: Drinking water, simple snacks, binoculars, or a camera are useful for birdwatching, fern viewing, and photographing the waterfalls. - Itinerary planning: If time is limited, prioritize the Waterfall Viewing Trail. If you want a fuller ecological and forest experience, allow more time for the trails and viewing platforms. - Travel reminder: The park is in a mountain valley environment, and the trails may be slippery when it rains, so watch your footing and pay attention to on-site notices.

FAQ

- Q: What is Neidong National Forest Recreation Area best known for? A: It is best known for Neidong Waterfall, its rich fern ecology, and its valley trails that are ideal for forest bathing. - Q: Is it suitable for children or older visitors? A: If you focus on the Waterfall Viewing Trail, the route is relatively easy and suitable for visitors who want a gentle walk and scenic views; however, it is still best to plan according to individual fitness and current trail conditions. - Q: Why is it also called "Wawa Valley"? A: Official and local sources say the old name "Wawa Valley" comes from the many frogs in the area and the way their nighttime calls echoed through the valley. - Q: What kind of ecology can visitors see here? A: Visitors can see waterfalls, streamside forest, ferns, birds, frogs, and butterflies, making it a representative low-elevation stream gorge environment in northern Taiwan.

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Nearby Attractions

Wulai Scenic Train 3.8 km

Wulai Scenic Train

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The Wulai Scenic Train began as a timber transport rail line. As tourism developed around Wulai Waterfall, passenger service was officially launched in 1963, initially with passengers pushed by hand. In 1974, the line was motorized with diesel engines to meet growing demand, and in 1987 a tunnel was excavated at the Waterfall Station to replace the original turntable, which remains in use today. The operating route runs 1.5 kilometers from Wulai to the waterfall, with round-trip service daily from 9:00 to 17:00 and extended hours during the summer peak season, operating on demand to serve visitors.
Manyueyuan National Forest Recreation Area 8.2 km

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Located on a tributary called Nai-Zi Creek in the upper reaches of Dabao Creek in Sanxia, Manyueyuan National Forest Recreation Area is a beautiful little world of waterfalls, ecology, and autumn maple leaves. About 40 minutes from downtown Sanxia, the recreation area sits at an elevation of 300 to 1,700 meters and remains cool and humid year-round, creating a rich fern ecosystem that even includes the moisture-sensitive umbrella fern. The area once saw small-scale logging, and the neatly arranged planted forests today bear witness to that period. It is also home to abundant birds, amphibians, and butterflies, including notable species such as the White-throated Laughingthrush and the Rufous-capped Tit, making it an important birdwatching destination. Around December each year, the maple leaves turn brilliantly red, earning it a reputation as one of Taiwan’s most beautiful low-elevation maple-viewing spots. At the end of the hiking trail are Manyueyuan Waterfall and Virgin Waterfall, two of the area’s signature sights. From Manyue Bridge, the upper part of Manyueyuan Waterfall is hidden behind a towering rock face more than 10 meters high, and the water plunges straight down in a majestic display. Virgin Waterfall is gentler in character; on sunny days, light refracts through the spray, and a rainbow-like shimmer is often visible.