Wulai (烏來) is an Atayal village in the mountains south of Taipei, where two rivers meet in a green gorge. It is one of the hot spring areas closest to the city, and a day here mixes a soak with a walk up the old street, the Atayal Museum, a ride on a tiny trolley train and a tall waterfall. It is calmer and greener than the coast trips, and an easy MRT and bus ride away.
- MRT Xindian Station (Green Line, G01), 21 minutes from Taipei Main Station, NT$30
- Bus Xindian Bus 849 to Wulai, about every 10 to 15 minutes
- Best for Hot springs, Indigenous culture, river and forest
- Time A half day, or a full day with a long soak
How to get to Wulai from Taipei
Take the Green Line (Songshan-Xindian Line) to the end, Xindian Station (G01): 21 minutes and NT$30 from Taipei Main Station. Change to Xindian Bus 849 (新店客運849, the Wulai to Taipei Main Station route) and ride it to Wulai. New Taipei City lists the 849 running from 05:30 to 21:40, every 10 to 15 minutes. Tap your EasyCard. At weekends the line at Xindian can be long, so go early.
What to see
Wulai Old Street (烏來老街)
A short street of snack stalls and shops near the bus stop, leading to the bridge over the river. Look for the local Atayal snacks.
Wulai Atayal Museum (烏來泰雅民族博物館)
A small, free museum on the old street about the Atayal people, their weaving, traditions and history. A good place to understand where you are before you head up the valley.
- Where: No. 12, Wulai Street, Wulai District.
- Hours: 09:30 to 17:00 on weekdays, 09:30 to 18:00 on weekends.
- Closed: the first Monday of each month, Lunar New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, and election days.
- Entry: free.
The Wulai Trolley (烏來台車)
Once used for hauling timber and carrying passengers since 1963, the little trolley line runs about 1.6 kilometers up the gorge from near the old street to the waterfall. New Taipei City calls it the only surviving light railway of its kind in Taiwan. Ride up and walk back down along the Lovers' Trail beside the track.
- Where: by the junction of Lansheng Bridge and Wenquan Road.
- Hours: 08:00 to 17:00; 09:00 to 18:00 in July and August.
- Fare: NT$50 one way.
Wulai Waterfall (烏來瀑布)
At the top of the trolley line, the waterfall drops down the far side of the gorge. New Taipei City describes it as the biggest drop of any waterfall in northern Taiwan, and the viewing area is open at all hours.
Hot springs
Wulai is a hot spring town, with spa hotels and bathhouses along the river. Pick one with a river view and plan the soak for the end of the day, after the walking. → Beitou, for hot springs inside the city
Timing tips
- Go on a weekday. Weekends bring long lines for bus 849.
- Trolley first, soak last. The trolley stops at 17:00 for most of the year.
- Watch the weather. Mountain roads can close after heavy rain or typhoons, so check before you set out.
- Bring cash for the stalls on the old street.
Sources
The MRT ride from Taipei Metro's fare and travel time search. Bus 849 from New Taipei City's Wulai travel page. Atayal Museum hours and closures from the museum. Trolley history, route and hours from New Taipei City; the fare from UDN (2026). Wulai Waterfall from New Taipei City. Checked October 2026.