Wulai Indigenous Village
Soak in riverside hot springs beneath a waterfall, ride a cable car above emerald forest, and discover the weaving and traditions of the Atayal people.
Why Visit Wulai
Wulai (烏來) is a mountain village in New Taipei City, about 40 minutes from downtown Taipei. It is the ancestral home of the Atayal people, one of Taiwan's recognized indigenous tribes, and the village still maintains strong cultural traditions. The area is famous for its natural hot springs, the dramatic Wulai Waterfall, and the scenic cable car that climbs above the forest canopy. The old street is lined with shops selling Atayal woven goods, millet wine, and bamboo rice.
Atayal Culture
The village is a living indigenous community. Watch weaving demonstrations, see traditional facial tattoo patterns, and taste millet wine and bamboo rice.
Wulai Waterfall
An 80-meter tall waterfall that cascades down the mountainside in multiple tiers. View from below or from the cable car platform above.
Riverside Hot Springs
Wulai's hot springs are naturally carbonated and odorless. Many hotels offer private pools with river views. Public pools are also available.
How to Get to Wulai
| Method | From | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 849 | Xindian MRT Station to Wulai | ~40 min | ~NT$50 |
| Bus 849 | Direct from Taipei Main Station area | ~60 min | ~NT$50 |
| Taxi / Car | Direct from Taipei | ~35 min | Variable |
| Wulai Scenic Train | Wulai village to waterfall area | ~10 min | ~NT$50 |
Tip: Bus 849 is the most common route. From Xindian MRT, the bus runs frequently and drops you directly in the Wulai village center.
Top Things to Do in Wulai
Wulai Waterfall
An 80-meter multi-tier waterfall. A viewing platform is near the base. The cable car takes you higher for a different perspective and access to Yunxian Park.
Wulai Cable Car
The cable car climbs from the waterfall base to Yunxian Park. The cabins are pink and offer views of the waterfall, river, and surrounding mountains.
Atayal Cultural Museum
Learn about the history, weaving, hunting traditions, and facial tattoos of the Atayal people. The museum is small but informative and respectful.
Wulai Old Street
A pedestrian street of food stalls and craft shops. Try grilled mochi, wild boar sausage, aboriginal millet wine, and bamboo rice.
Hot Springs & Cultural Tips
Hot Spring Options
- ✓ Public bath: Wulai has a large public hot spring pool. Gender-separated, very affordable (~NT$80).
- ✓ Private hotel pools: Many hotels offer hourly private rooms with river views. Great for couples.
- ✓ Outdoor pools: Some resorts have open-air pools overlooking the Nanshi River. Best in cooler months.
- ✓ Water temperature: Wulai springs are warm and carbonated, not strongly sulfuric like Beitou.
Cultural Respect
- ✓ Photography is welcome in public areas, but ask before photographing individuals or inside homes.
- ✓ Atayal weaving is a sacred art. Support local artisans by buying directly from the weavers.
- ✓ Millet wine is a traditional offering. If invited, it is polite to accept a small taste.
Wulai Quick Facts
~40 min
Bus from Xindian MRT
NT$80
Public hot spring entry
80 m
Wulai Waterfall height
Atayal
Indigenous tribe of Wulai
Nearby Attractions
Beitou Hot Springs
Taipei's most famous hot spring district with Japanese-era architecture, public baths, and the steaming Thermal Valley.
Learn more →Maokong Tea Hills
Ride the glass gondola over tea plantations and enjoy high-mountain oolong in hilltop tea houses with panoramic city views.
Learn more →Xindian Bitan
A scenic riverside area with a suspension bridge, paddle boats, and riverside cafes. A relaxing stop on the way back to Taipei.
Browse places →Wulai's Living Heritage
Wulai is not a recreated theme park — it is a living indigenous community where the Atayal language, weaving, and traditions are still practiced daily. The village offers visitors a rare opportunity to engage with Taiwan's indigenous culture in an authentic setting. The combination of cultural depth, natural beauty, and the warm hospitality of the Atayal people makes Wulai one of the most meaningful day trips from Taipei.
Extend Your Day Trip
After Wulai, explore the Xindian riverside, visit the Bitan suspension bridge, or head to Beitou for a different style of hot spring experience.