Valley of the Gods (Shenxiangu) 神仙谷

Historical Background:

Shenxian Valley, located about two kilometers before Luchang at the confluence of the Fengmei and Biling streams, is the most distinctive scenic spot in the area. Formerly known as Death Valley and once used as a burial ground by the Atayal people’s ancestors, it was renamed Shenxian Valley in 1983 after a visit by the Miaoli County magistrate. The landscape is broad and divided into upper and lower sections: the upper rock bed is sculpted by rushing water into beautiful natural patterns, while about 30 meters below, the lower section features six to seven stepped rock tiers where water cascades into multiple waterfalls and forms a clear, cool pool. Because the streambed is steep and potentially dangerous, well-designed trails have been built to allow visitors to safely enjoy forest walks, fresh phytoncide-rich air, flowing water, and mountain breezes, as well as the valley’s mysterious beauty. A 150-meter Atayal-style suspension bridge connects to the Shimen Trail on the opposite bank, offering contrasting views of dramatic rock formations upstream and a deep, emerald gorge downstream.

Hours:

24/7

Price:

Free

Cherry Blossom Season:

Cherry Blossoms can be seen here from February to late March. Check out our full guide to Cherry Blossom Season in Taiwan here. 

Firefly Season:

Firefly season is from May to June. Check out our firefly season guide here. 

Where to stay:

We have stayed at and recommend Beautiful Landscape Resort, a fish farm and resort near Nanzhuang Old Street (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here), and Yuan Motel, a high-class car motel which includes a great breakfast buffet (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). We also recommend Flying Cow Ranch which includes cabins and camping right on the tourist ranch; you can book a room on Agoda here, Booking.com here, or Trip.com here. 
Looking for a hotel? Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

Activities in Miaoli:

There are many tours and activities available in Miaoli such as Schokolake Chocolate Factory, Shangshun World, West Lake Resortopia, Suweila Manor, Baba Kengdao, Hobbit Valley, Zhuo Ye Cottage Duck Box and more on Klook here or KKday here. 

How to get there:

By Car/Scooter: From Zhunan, take Provincial Highway 3 to Sanwan, and then switch to County Highway 124 until you reach Nanzhuang. The continue up county highway 21 until you reach the trailhead. There is a free parking lot on the side of the road.
Looking for scooter rental in Miaoli? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By TRB/Bus: Unfortunatley, there is no public transportation nearby.
By Bicycle: 
Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:

Please see below:

Drone Footage:

Play

Our Journey:

We have been to Shenxiangu once during our visit to Nanzhuang Old Street. The scenery here was heavenly. It is for sure one of the most beautiful scenes in Taiwan. It is a short hike and will not take too much time to hike down, so it is definitely worth visiting.

On the way from Nanzhuang, there was beautiful scenery along the way. I highly recommend visiting this stretch or road.

Further up, you can also hike Jialishan, a prominent peak in the area, which is also becoming a very popular hike.

What appears to be part of an old, washed-out roadway.

Another view of a nearby cliff face.

Another view of some nearby cliffs.

Bathrooms in front of the trailhead to Shenxiangu.

A hostel near the trailhead.

Outdoor eatery near the trailhead.

Here it says the walk down takes only five minutes.

Here there are some narrow cement steps down the hill.

Some chickens and bamboo nearby.

The last few steps down to the waterfall.

Warning, for your own safety, do not take place in water activities such as river-tracing here.

Now we reach the flat, wooden boardwalk that goes to the waterfall.

First view of the suspension bridge.

End of the suspension bridge here.

Shenxiangu Suspension Bridge.

Horizontal view of the suspension bridge here.

First view of Shenxiangu Waterfall from the suspension bridge.

Wide view of the waterfall area.

View downriver.

Another view looking down at the riverbed.

Horizontal view of the riverbed.

Verticle view of the waterfall area.

View from the end of the suspension bridge.

View looking down the suspension bridge.

Banana trees at the end of the trail. The trail sadly ends here, but may have continued onward previously.

Closeup on the waterfall.

View of the right side of the waterfall.

View of the left side of the waterfall.

Aerial view of the waterfall.

View from inside the valley via drone.

Overview of the waterfall via drone.

One last view via drone.

Hike back up the hill.

More beautiful views near the waterfall.

Check out our full travel guide to Miaoli here.

You can also check out our full travel guide to Taiwan here.