Chinglong Waterfall (青龍瀑布 [Qīnglóng Pùbù])

Shanlinhsi ("Sun Link Sea") Nature Park and Resort; Xitou, Nantou County, Taiwan

About Chinglong Waterfall (青龍瀑布 [Qīnglóng Pùbù])

For Subscribers Only. See Membership Options.

Waterfall Safety and Common Sense

The Chinglong Waterfall (青龍瀑布 [Qīnglóng Pùbù]; meaning “Green Dragon Waterfall”) was perhaps the waterfalling highlight of our short but very sweet visit to the Shanlinhsi (杉林溪 [Shānlínxī]) Nature Park.

This towering waterfall was where the Jiazouliao Stream (加走寮溪 [Jiāzǒuliáo Xī]) plunged some 116m.

Shanlinhsi_394_10312016 - The Chinglong Waterfall in the Shanlinhsi Nature Park
The Chinglong Waterfall in the Shanlinhsi Nature Park

Its grandeur took Mom and I by surprise as we were expecting something similar to the nearby Songlong Rock Waterfall (which was also in the same park).

However, the Chinglong Falls turned out to be far taller and more vertical.

The signs here suggested that this was the prettiest waterfall in Shanlinhsi (that seemed like a no-brainer).

That said, it also suggested that it was the most beautiful waterfall in Central Taiwan, and that would be hard to dispute.

Shanlinhsi_338_10312016 - Our hike to the Chinglong Waterfall was above the inversion layer so it was actually quite a cool and comfortable hike
Our hike to the Chinglong Waterfall was above the inversion layer so it was actually quite a cool and comfortable hike

Moreover, this waterfalling experience also featured a bit of variety as our visit took in rock formations, panoramic views above the inversion layer, and even a second waterfall.

Chinglong Waterfall Trail Description – the hike to the waterfall

We began our visit from the Theme Hall parking lot as we would hike in a counterclockwise direction on this semi-looping hike.

Since we did this trail first thing in the morning before breakfast, we started off by hiking 400m along the road towards the tollbooth or entrance gate, where there was also the Sun Link Sea Land God’s Temple.

From there, we then hiked on the 400m Shyrjing Trail (石井磯 [Shíjǐngjī]), which followed the northern banks of the Jiazouliao Stream.

Shanlinhsi_285_10312016 - A small temple or shrine near the tollbooth or entrance gate. I believe it was called the Sun Link Sea Land God's Temple
A small temple or shrine near the tollbooth or entrance gate. I believe it was called the Sun Link Sea Land God’s Temple

We actually continued past a suspension bridge with the number 88 on it (there was some kind of rock resembling a baby elephant here).

Eventually, a short distance further, we made it to a dead-end where we could see the Shyring ji – an interesting series of potholes in the stream.

Back at the suspension bridge, we then crossed to the other side.

Next, we went up some steps before picking up the Chinglong Fern Trail just downstream from the junction with the Yueling Trail (which we didn’t take).

Shanlinhsi_312_10312016 - At the end of the Shyringji Trail, we saw potholes in the stream, which I believe was the natural oddity featured on this spur trail
At the end of the Shyringji Trail, we saw potholes in the stream, which I believe was the natural oddity featured on this spur trail

The Chinglong Fern Trail then skirted the deep gorge where we started to get profile views of the impressive Chinglong Waterfall.

The trail continued to descend gently towards overlooks providing a more frontal view before we reached four-way junction.

Chinglong Waterfall Trail Description – descending to the waterfall’s base

We kept right at the four-way intersection to take the descending trail towards the base of the Chinglong Waterfall.

Early in the descent, we passed by a strangely tilted “Energy House”.

Shanlinhsi_376_10312016 - This was the eccentric and disorienting 'Energy House'
This was the eccentric and disorienting ‘Energy House’

This used to be a restroom facility before an earthquake tilted its foundation.

The result was a pretty trippy and disorienting experience inside the building, which felt as if the building could slide further downslope at any minute!

The descending path provided more glimpses of the inversion layer as we were still above the clouds and the steam (looking more in the direction of Western Taiwan).

Eventually, the trail terminated at an elongated lookout deck with shelter.

Shanlinhsi_436_10312016 - The Chinglong Waterfall as seen from its lower lookout
The Chinglong Waterfall as seen from its lower lookout

This was where we got the closest views of the Chinglong Waterfall that we were going to get.

The trail wouldn’t let us get any closer to the falls so it was pretty much a look-but-don’t-touch waterfall.

Chinglong Waterfall Trail Description – the second Chinglong Waterfall and the Chinglong Fern Trail

After having our fill of this experience at the base of the main Chinglong Waterfall, we then hiked back up to the four-way junction.

Next, I explored the last path to the right.

Shanlinhsi_457_10312016 - The second Chinglong Waterfall
The second Chinglong Waterfall

This 200m or so spur trail led down to the second Chinglong Waterfall (the signs and literature called this the “Chinglong 2th Waterfall”).

Unlike the main Chinglong Falls, this one was significantly thinner and shorter.

Given its more diminished flow, I’d imagine that this was really more of a seasonal or temporary waterfall.

Still, it offered a nice precipitous view towards the inversion layer downslope.

Shanlinhsi_349_10312016 - Back at the overlooks of the Chinglong Waterfall in the Shanlinhsi Nature Park
Back at the overlooks of the Chinglong Waterfall in the Shanlinhsi Nature Park

When we had our fill of this spot, we then returned via the 1.6km Chinglong Fern Trail.

It was a pleasant trail following along the southern banks of the Jiazouliao Stream amidst more tall trees.

At the end of this trail, we’d then cross over a solid footbridge spanning the stream.

Once across the footbridge, we then returned to the Theme Hall part of the Shanlinhsi complex.

Shanlinhsi_506_10312016 - Back at the arched footbridge over the Jiazouliau Stream as we were about to return to the Sun Link Sea Hotel and end our Chinglong Waterfall hike
Back at the arched footbridge over the Jiazouliau Stream as we were about to return to the Sun Link Sea Hotel and end our Chinglong Waterfall hike

So when all was said and done, we had hiked roughly 3.5-4km in total, which took us about 2 hours to complete.

Authorities

The Chinglong Waterfall resides in the Shanlinhsi (or Shanlinxi) Nature Park near the Zhusan Township in Nantou County, Taiwan. It may be administered by the Taiwan National Government. For information or inquiries about the area as well as current conditions, you can try visiting this website.

Maps and Routing Content are for annual subscribers. See Membership Options.
Content is for subscribers. See Membership Options.
Tagged with: chinglong, green dragon, shanlinhsi, shanlinxi, sun link sea, nature park, resort, nantou, taiwan, waterfall



Visitor Comments:

Got something you'd like to share or say to keep the conversation going? Feel free to leave a comment below...

No users have replied to the content on this page


Share your thoughts about what you've read on this page

You must be logged in to submit content. Refresh this page after you have logged in.

Visitor Reviews of this Waterfall:

If you have a waterfall story or write-up that you'd like to share, feel free to click the button below and fill out the form...

No users have submitted a write-up/review of this waterfall


Have you been to a waterfall? Submit a write-up/review and share your experiences or impressions

Review A Waterfall

Nearest Waterfalls

The Waterfaller Newsletter

The Waterfaller Newsletter is where we curate the wealth of information on the World of Waterfalls website and deliver it to you in bite-sized chunks in your email inbox. You'll also get exclusive content like...

  • Waterfall Wednesdays
  • Insider Tips
  • User-submitted Waterfall Write-up of the Month
  • and the latest news and updates both within the website as well as around the wonderful world of waterfalls


How To Build A Profitable Travel Blog In 4 Steps

Johnny Cheng

About Johnny Cheng

Johnny Cheng is the founder of the World of Waterfalls and author of the award-winning A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls. Over the last 2 decades, he has visited thousands of waterfalls in over 40 countries around the world and nearly 40 states in the USA.
Read More About Johnny | A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls.