If you’re visiting Taipei and looking for an easy way to experience Taiwan beyond the city, a day trip to Jiufen and Shifen is an excellent choice. In just one day, you can explore a charming mountain town, see a spectacular waterfall, walk through a historic railway village, and experience the famous tradition of releasing a sky lantern.
The Jiufen Old Street + Shifen Old Street + Shifen Waterfall 1-Day Tour from Taipei brings these highlights together in one convenient itinerary, making it a practical option for travelers who want to see several of northeastern Taiwan’s most popular attractions without arranging multiple transfers themselves.
Why Visit Jiufen and Shifen?
Taiwan is famous for its combination of natural scenery, traditional culture, historic neighborhoods and incredible food. Jiufen and Shifen offer a taste of all four.
Jiufen is a picturesque mountain town known for its narrow streets, traditional architecture, tea houses and sweeping views. Shifen, meanwhile, is famous for its railway heritage, waterfalls and sky lantern experience.
Visiting both destinations in one day gives you a chance to experience a very different side of Taiwan compared with central Taipei.
1. Explore the Magic of Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen Old Street is one of Taiwan’s most atmospheric destinations.
Built into the hills overlooking the northeastern coast, Jiufen is filled with winding lanes, traditional shops, small restaurants, tea houses and food stalls.
Take your time walking through the streets and sampling local specialties. It’s also a wonderful place to stop for a cup of Taiwanese tea while enjoying the surrounding mountain scenery.
One of the best things about Jiufen is simply wandering without a strict plan. Around almost every corner, you’ll find another viewpoint, shop or traditional building worth photographing.
The tour allows approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to explore Jiufen Old Street, although the actual schedule can vary depending on traffic and local conditions.
Things to try in Jiufen
Don’t leave without trying some of the area’s popular snacks and desserts. Depending on your preferences, you can look for:
- Traditional taro balls
- Taiwanese tea
- Local rice cakes
- Peanut and ice cream rolls
- Fish ball soup
- Traditional pastries
Jiufen is particularly enjoyable for travelers who love combining sightseeing with food.
2. See the Impressive Shifen Waterfall
After exploring the streets of Jiufen, the journey continues to Shifen Waterfall.
Often described as Taiwan’s “Niagara Falls,” Shifen Waterfall is one of the region’s best-known natural attractions. Water pours over the broad rock formation surrounded by lush vegetation, creating a dramatic scene.
The waterfall is particularly photogenic when sunlight catches the mist.
The tour allocates approximately 50 minutes for Shifen Waterfall, and entrance to the attraction is included in the itinerary.
Photography Tip
Bring a phone or camera with enough storage and battery power. The combination of the waterfall, surrounding greenery and mountain landscape provides plenty of opportunities for photographs.
If you’re visiting during a sunny period, look for rainbows forming in the waterfall mist.
3. Experience Shifen Old Street and Sky Lanterns
One of the most memorable stops is Shifen Old Street.
Shifen developed around Taiwan’s historic railway network and remains closely associated with the railway tracks that run through the town.
But Shifen is perhaps most famous for its sky lantern tradition.
Visitors can write wishes, messages or hopes on a lantern before releasing it into the sky. It has become one of Taiwan’s most recognizable travel experiences.
The tour provides approximately one hour at Shifen Old Street. Entrance to the old street itself is free, while sky lantern activities are an additional experience you can arrange locally.
What Should You Write on Your Lantern?
You can keep it simple.
Write a wish for:
- Good health
- Family happiness
- Love
- Career success
- Safe travels
- Future adventures
The experience is as much about creating a personal travel memory as it is about taking photographs.
A Convenient Day Trip from Taipei
One of the biggest advantages of this tour is convenience.
The morning itinerary begins with a meeting at MRT Taipei Main Station M3 Exit, with the meeting time listed as 9:15 AM and departure at 9:30 AM. The tour returns to Taipei Main Station at approximately 5:00 PM.
Transportation is provided by bus or vehicle depending on the number of travelers, helping you avoid navigating several separate train and bus connections.
An English-speaking guide is also included.
Morning or Afternoon Tour?
The experience offers different departure options.
The morning option is ideal if you prefer to explore Jiufen and Shifen during daylight hours.
The afternoon option provides a different atmosphere, with the possibility of experiencing Jiufen in the evening, when its traditional streets and lantern-lit surroundings become especially atmospheric.
Your choice depends on the kind of experience you want:
Morning departure:
Best for travelers who want more daylight for sightseeing and photography.
Afternoon departure:
A good option if you want to experience the evening atmosphere of Jiufen.
What to Know Before You Go
A little preparation can make the day more enjoyable.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Jiufen is built on steep hills and includes plenty of stairs and uneven streets. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
Bring Water
You’ll be walking throughout the day, so keeping a bottle of water with you is a good idea.
Arrive Early
The tour notes that the group cannot wait for late arrivals. Make sure you reach the meeting point before the scheduled departure time.
Allow for Traffic
Travel times can change depending on road conditions and traffic. The itinerary notes that transportation times are estimates and may vary.
Check the Weather
Taiwan’s weather can change quickly, particularly in mountainous areas. A lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella can be useful.
How Long Does the Trip Take?
The listed morning itinerary starts at approximately 9:15 AM and returns to Taipei around 5:00 PM.
The itinerary includes approximately:
- 50 minutes at Shifen Waterfall
- 1 hour at Shifen Old Street
- 2 hours 30 minutes at Jiufen Old Street
- Additional travel time between destinations
The complete schedule can change because of traffic, weather and local conditions.
Is the Jiufen and Shifen Day Trip Worth Adding to Your Taipei Itinerary?
For travelers who want to see more of Taiwan without planning every transportation connection themselves, a Jiufen and Shifen day trip offers a convenient combination of nature, culture, food and traditional experiences.