Too hot? Head to Wulai’s Neidong for a cool retreat!

By MOOK Travel Life Network Editorial Team

 

The Neidong Forest Recreation Area, located in Xinxian Village, Wulai District, New Taipei City, is also known as “Doll Valley.” Its ecological environment remains largely intact and is representative of the low-altitude stream and canyon ecosystems in northern Taiwan. The upper reaches of the Nanshi River cut through the rock walls, forming steep and spectacular canyon scenery that connects seamlessly with the Wulai Scenic Area.

The park features many waterfalls, among which the Xinxian Three-Tiered Waterfall and the Wulai Waterfall are the most iconic. The area is densely covered with broadleaf forests, fostering a rich ecosystem. Visitors can immerse themselves in the sights of landscapes, birds, ferns, and butterflies along forest bathing trails that stretch for several kilometers. Lush trees on both sides of the trails—including broadleaf species and Japanese cedar—boast tall trunks and dense foliage. The steep cliffs along the stream banks also retain highly pristine forest cover, and the high humidity in the valley creates an exceptionally rich ecological landscape.

The Neidong Forest Recreation Area is crisscrossed by the waters of the Nanshi River, with the Neidong Stream joining from the south. A series of small and large mountain waterfalls are formed due to the barrier of a dam. Among them, the Xinxian Waterfall, locally called the “Xinxian Hidden Waterfall,” is also known as the Neidong Waterfall or Doll Valley Waterfall. This three-tiered waterfall features abundant water flow and a majestic rush. Moreover, the Neidong National Forest Recreation Area has the highest concentration of negative ions among all forest recreation areas in Taiwan, making it an ideal spot for forest bathing. For those traveling to Wulai in Taipei, the Neidong National Forest Recreation Area is a must-visit destination to experience the beauty of nature.

 

[Info]

Neidong National Forest Recreation Area

Address: Xinxian Village, Wulai District, New Taipei City

Transportation:

[By Car]

Take National Freeway No. 3 to the Xindian Interchange — head along Section 2 then Section 1 of Zhongxing Road — continue onto Provincial Highway No. 9 and then Provincial Highway No. 9A — then take Township Road Beixin 107.

 

[Public Transport]

Bus: Take a Xindian Bus bound for Wulai and get off at Xinxian Village Stop to reach the Neidong National Forest Recreation Area.

MRT: Take the MRT to Xindian Station (Green Line), then transfer to a Xindian Bus (Wulai–Taipei Line) and get off at Xinxian Village Stop to reach the Neidong National Forest Recreation Area.