The tribal warfare scenes in the movie *Seediq Bale* were filmed along Wulai’s Tonghou Stream. The upper reaches are a protected area, requiring entry permits, which helps maintain the stream’s clean and clear water quality. The riverbed is also very stable—even after being battered by Typhoon Soudelor, the water conditions remained largely unchanged. The lower section is perfect for beginners in canyoning, suitable for family outings. Kids often have more fun than adults, enjoying activities like floating down the gentle rapids, sliding down natural water chutes, and climbing waterfalls. For those seeking thrills, there’s also the option to dive off cliffs as high as three stories (9 meters), an exhilarating and unforgettable experience!
■Professional Coaches Plan Varied Routes
The coach leading the trip on the day of the interview, Peng Shaokang, is a former member of the airborne special forces with 18 years of outdoor sports education experience and is also a lecturer for the Forestry Bureau’s Leave No Trace outdoor program. He places great emphasis on ensuring visitors have fun safely without harming the ecosystem. He regularly assesses stream conditions and plans different routes based on each group. Even within the same area, family groups take less strenuous paths, while more physically capable teams can opt for greater challenges. “Canyoning is about having fun in the water, not risking your life!”
A favorite challenge for both adults and kids is the natural water chute. Visitors lie back on the water’s surface and are swept into gaps between rocks, as if sliding down a naturally formed flume. After a few seconds of disorienting spins, they emerge, often exclaiming, “It felt like being tossed in a washing machine. The body twists nonstop—it’s nothing like amusement park slides. Nature’s way is so much more fun!”
■Cliff Diving Platforms: Push Your Limits
When climbing waterfalls, the powerful rush of water creates thick sprays of white foam, obscuring the rocks below. The coach jokes, “There are actually rocks underfoot—that’s what causes the splashes. But because you can’t see them, fear takes over—you worry about slipping or being swept away, but it’s really not dangerous!” With the support of coaches and fellow adventurers, everyone successfully conquers the waterfall climb.
“The greatest adventure in life is being afraid to take risks.” Diving is the most courageous part of canyoning. To let both adults and children experience the thrill, coaches identified three natural cliff diving platforms—3 meters, 6 meters, and the ultimate 9-meter jump. “Most people don’t get the chance to dive often. Since you’re here for canyoning, we hope team encouragement and coaching will inspire you to try something new and push your limits.”
Before diving, coaches encourage participants to set a goal—like breaking a bad habit or making a wish. Some have even confessed their love successfully after a dive.
■Natural Floating River: Relax Body and Mind
Climbing upstream is physically demanding and time-consuming. On the return journey, coaches let visitors float downstream on their backs, enjoying the natural floating river. Gazing up at green mountains, blue skies, and white clouds, with the sounds of flowing water and birdsong in the ears, it’s a moment of peace and connection with nature. The fatigue from earlier disappears completely in this serene setting.
Wulai Travel INDEX
★Fushan Hunter Experience / Register online at tranantour.wordpress.com
★Taiwan Tour Guide Development Association / 02-25624936
★Wulai River Hot Spring Resort / No. 6, Wulai St., Wulai District, New Taipei City / 02-26618169 / www.wulai-river.com
★Powerful International Canyoning Family / 03-3780188, 0911-909-606 / www.facebook.com/riverchallenger