Taoshan Waterfall (桃山瀑布) in the Sheipa National Park

Not far from the camp grounds of Wuling Farm one finds Taoshan waterfall (桃山瀑布)which is in the Sheipa National Park! The foot path to the waterfall begins at the Wuling Farm hostel.
Within walking distance of my parents’ home we had three waterfalls and five more close by, so waterfalls don’t really pose an attraction unless they are really spectacular or one can swim in the pools. Here is a partial picture of the Lisbon Falls.

Lisbon Falls. Mpumalanga.
Originally uploaded by crashcalloway

The foot path is 3.4km long which didn’t sound too bad although we were told that it takes two hours to reach the waterfall. We debated whether we should go and asked some returning tourists whether it was worth our while. We were urged to go as it is a most splendid sight and a wondrous experience. So off we went.

The walk was tiring, especially for the kids whom I had to carry on my shoulders every now and then.

The path zigzagged up the mountain surrounded by the forest that kept sunshine to a minimum which made it easier for the older members of our party. Erosion seemed to be a big problem and was corrected or halted using sand bags and also by erecting barriers to stop people from taking short cuts through the forest.

Not everyone stuck to the path though, as the shortcuts really were shorter even though they were steeper.

Hours later we reached the fall and was greeted by this view.

It is a beautiful waterfall and as the water cascades down it reminds of a veil.

A recent land slide was evident and a yellow plastic ribbon barred a person from going too close, which was ignored by everyone.

A religious ceremony was underway in front of the waterfall and women were kneeling and wailing.

We had to carefully maneuver ourselves in order to take a picture in front of the fall without including the mourners.

Some tourists ignored the railing to get to the water, filling water bottles and praying at the edge of the pool.

The view down the mountain was mostly obscured by the forest but right at the waterfall one could get an indication of how high we actually were.

We were starving by the time we got back to the car, but my companions could not find the restaurant. The tea shop only sold tea and instant noodles – at tourist prices. In Taiwan where one can find streets of restaurants, food stalls and 7-11’s at every turn, this was just weird. A longer stay at Wuling Farm in order to really experience the ambience and the hidden treasures would have been worthwhile, but for a one-day trip I would not recommend it.