Wulai (烏來) Things-to-do Guide: Hot Springs, Accommodations, Attractions, Food and more!

When in Taiwan one of the must dos is to experience the hot springs. With the many geothermal hot springs throughout Taiwan, you would be spoiled for choice! Beitou and Wulai are two places that are well-known for their hot springs: Beitou, located nearer to Taipei, is known for its sulfuric hot spring waters, museums and history (it was an area once occupied by the Japanese), and Wulai, which is in the northern part of Taiwan and slightly further away, is known for its odorless and colorless sodium carbonate hot springs (apparently known for its beautifying properties). Both Beitou and Wulai though some distance from the city center of Taipei, can be visited as a day trip or for a couple of days to take in the nature, history and culture that surrounds those areas.

If you love exploring and enjoy history and nature, or you simply enjoy being close to nature and eating good food, then Wulai is one place you should visit. From museums showcasing the Atayal history and culture to the beautiful nature that surrounds, there is something for everyone.

Upon arriving at Wulai, you will notice the abundance of people visiting. From couples, to families and friends. There are usually more people on the weekends, so it's best to visit on weekdays if you can. Wulai is not only an escape from the hustle and bustle from Taipei, but from city life (wherever it may be).  

Here is what to look forward to when you are in Wulai:
Wulai (烏來)

You have the option to enjoy the hot springs in the privacy of a room for a few hours or a night or two, or enjoy it for free as the locals do; the best way to enjoy an original hot spring experience is to bathe at the open-air hot spring on the bank of Nanshih Creek. Just do as the locals do! [Click here for more details about enjoying the hot springs and a list of accommodations]


Food! Besides the hot springs, Wulai is not only home to picturesque mountains and waterfalls, but also to the Atayal tribe, so when you are here don’t miss out on trying the local delicacies such as wild boar meat and bamboo stewed rice; especially the aboriginal food.
 
Wulai Atayal Museum
Wulai Atayal Museum
The Wulai Atayal Museum is located here. If you are up for a little history and local culture of the Atayal, than this is a place you should visit. The museum displays Atayal handcrafted artifacts, traditional clothing, and weapons etc...Not to worry if you do not understand Chinese, all exhibit descriptions are in both Chinese and English.
Address: No. 12, WuLai St., Wulai District, New Taipei City
Phone: (02)2661-8162
Wulai Atayal Museum Website 

From the street, there is bridge (Lansheng Bridge) which leads to the Wulai waterfalls and the other side of town.
Address: Pubu Road, Wulai District, New Taipei City
Phone: (02)2661-6383
Hours: Daily 8:30am – 5pm for park access (cable car runs until 10pm)
Admission Fee: NT$220 (for adults)
[Want to know more about the waterfalls and gondola? Click here]



How to Get There

From Taipei:

MRT -> Bus
  1. Take MRT to Xindian Station (the southernmost stop on the green line)
  2. Take Bus 1601 or 849 (bus stop is in front of the station) to Wulai for about NT$15-40. The bus journey takes about 40 minutes (usually a little longer on weekends). For a better view of the scenic landscape, face the right side when you board the bus.
  3. Wulai Old Street (烏來老街) is a short 5 to 10 minutes walk from the Wulai bus terminal. You will have to cross a short bridge to reach.



MRT -> Taxi
If you do not want to compete with the crowd, you could take a taxi after alighting at Xindian MRT Station. A taxi trip should cost about NT$650++.

Transportation and Getting Around Wulai:

Wulai is small enough that you should be able to get around on foot without much problem, sans the minor slopes and relatively short distances. If you want to see the waterfalls or go to the amusement park, you could take the cable car and/or tram to get around; giving a different perspective.

If you are interested in exploring parts of Wulai which are slightly further out, where the hiking and natural attractions are available, you can either take a taxi or rent a scooter. Taxis are available for hire: each trip within the Wulai area costs NT$200 and for shorter distances NT$150. If you prefer, you can also rent a scooter and explore at your own pace instead.




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