Full-Day Tour in Shifen, Jiufen & Yehliu of Taipei (Incl. ticket)

Discover Taipei’s Northeast Coast: A Full-Day Adventure

Taipei is often celebrated for its bustling city life and vibrant night markets, but just a short journey away lies a treasure trove of scenic spots and cultural gems along its northeast coast. This full-day tour offers a well-balanced mix of traditional towns, natural wonders, and fascinating geological formations. It’s a popular choice for travelers wanting to see beyond Taipei’s city lights without straying too far from the capital.

What makes this tour stand out is its ability to combine iconic sites like Jiufen and Yehliu within a single, manageable day. You’ll get to experience the thrill of creating a traditional Chinese lantern in Shifen, wander through the charming old streets of Jiufen, and marvel at the extraordinary rock formations at Yehliu Geopark—all with a knowledgeable guide to enrich your experience.

However, it’s worth noting that this is an active tour involving quite a bit of walking and standing, so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, as weather can impact the itinerary — especially at Yehliu Geopark — flexibility is key. Despite these considerations, this tour is an excellent value at $44 per person, offering an immersive introduction to northern Taiwan’s natural beauty and local culture.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Experience: Create and release a traditional Chinese lantern, adding a personal touch to your trip.
• Stunning Natural Scenery: From waterfalls to otherworldly rock formations, the landscape is truly breathtaking.
• Local Flavor & Food: Stroll Jiufen Old Street and sample delicious local snacks and dishes.
• Expert Guidance: The reviews highlight friendly guides like Kelly, Maggie, Pauline, and York, who bring history and stories alive.
• Good Value for Money: The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and a guide, making it a budget-friendly way to see many highlights.
• Flexible and Convenient: Pick-up and drop-off are straightforward, and the tour adapts to weather conditions when needed.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Shifen Old Street and Lantern Crafting

Your day kicks off in Shifen, a charming town famous for its old cobblestone streets and the chance to make a wish with a traditional Chinese lantern. For just TWD 150, you can pick a single-color lantern, write your wish, and release it into the sky — a picture-perfect moment that many travelers, like ALDIGA, describe as “incredible” and “amazing.” Reviewers mention that the guide (often Maggie or Pauline) makes this experience feel personal and fun, explaining the significance behind the tradition.

While the 1-hour window may seem tight, it’s enough to enjoy the process and capture some photos. Shifen’s streets are lively, lined with stalls selling snacks and souvenirs, which makes for a relaxed stroll before heading to the waterfall.

Shifen Waterfall: Nature’s Rainbow

Just a short walk from the town center is the stunning Shifen Waterfall, often called Taiwan’s “Little Niagara.” The waterfall’s wide cascade and the potential for rainbows make it a favorite spot for photos. Visitors typically spend about 50 minutes here, soaking in the natural beauty. According to reviews, the waterfall is “dreamy,” and the rainbow adds an extra dash of color to the scenery.

Some travelers, like Jacquelyn_S, wish they had more time—since the waterfall and the lantern experience are in different directions, fitting both into an hour can feel rushed. Still, the scenery is worth the quick stop.

Jiufen Old Street: A Step Back in Time

Next, you’ll head to the bustling Jiufen Old Street, a place where history, culture, and food collide. The narrow cobblestone lanes are lined with teahouses, snack stalls, and souvenir shops. Here, you can sample local specialties, from sweet taro balls to savory street snacks, all while soaking up the nostalgic atmosphere.

Travelers like William_B describe Jiufen as “so amazing,” emphasizing the charm of wandering through the shops and enjoying the panoramic views over the ocean. The approximately 2-hour stop allows enough time to explore at a relaxed pace, but some reviewers, such as Jacquelyn_S, feel that the time is a little tight, especially if you want to savor the foods and snap plenty of photos.

Yehliu Geopark: Bizarre Landforms

Finally, the tour takes you to Yehliu Geopark, a natural wonder famous for its unusual rock formations shaped by eons of geological activity. The landscape looks almost alien—mushroom-shaped rocks, twisting columns, and “Queen’s Head” formations are among the highlights. The included TWD 120 entrance fee is a good value considering the quality of the geological spectacle.

Most visitors find Yehliu a “fascinating” place that’s worth the 1 hour and 10 minutes allocated. Some reviews mention that the terrain involves quite a bit of walking and that the formations are best appreciated with a guide explaining their origins, which the tour provides.

Transport, Guides, and Group Size

This tour is designed for convenience. Transportation is by a professional driver in a comfortable bus, and the guide is licensed and English-speaking — a big plus for clarity and storytelling. It’s a small group experience, with a maximum of 40 travelers, which allows for more personal attention and flexibility.

Reviewers consistently praise guides like Anne, Maggie, and Pauline for their friendliness, local knowledge, and ability to personalize the experience. One reviewer even mentioned that their guide bought hand warmers for chilly weather, showing genuine care.

The tour begins at Taipei Main Station and ends at Raohe Street Night Market, providing a convenient pick-up and drop-off point for most travelers. Note that the itinerary can shift due to weather or traffic, but the tour operator keeps travelers informed and adjusts accordingly.

Duration and Pacing

A typical day lasts about 9 hours, including travel time. It’s a full but manageable schedule, with most stops offering enough time to explore without feeling rushed. Reviewers highlight that it’s a well-paced trip, though some wish for more time in Jiufen or the waterfall.

Pricing and Value Analysis

At $44 per person, this tour offers a solid value considering it covers transportation, all entrance fees (Yehliu), and a professional guide. The inclusion of the lantern experience, which is often a highlight for visitors, adds a personal touch that’s worth the price.

Compared to self-guided tours or separate tickets, this package simplifies logistics and provides local insights, making it appealing for first-timers or those short on time. The reviews from travelers like Rizwan_A and Carmilla_A confirm that many feel they got their money’s worth, especially with guides who are attentive and knowledgeable.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes: Expect a good amount of walking and standing, especially at Yehliu and Jiufen.
• Bring rain gear: The weather can be unpredictable; an umbrella or raincoat is advisable.
• Plan for photos: The views and formations are photogenic, so don’t forget your camera.
• Budget for extras: Lanterns cost TWD 150, and weekend Jiufen shuttle fares are TWD 15 if applicable.
• Be flexible: The itinerary can shift due to weather or traffic, but guides do their best to keep the day enjoyable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting an overview of Taipei’s natural and cultural highlights. It suits travelers who enjoy active days with lots of walking and are comfortable with a full schedule. Families, couples, and solo travelers will appreciate the mix of scenic spots and the opportunity to learn from friendly guides.

If you’re someone who values authentic local experiences, like making a wish with a lantern or tasting street foods, this tour offers plenty of those moments. On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are visiting during bad weather, you might consider alternative options or be prepared for potential changes.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour in Taipei’s northeast coast offers a well-rounded experience, blending cultural traditions, natural beauty, and geological marvels. With excellent guides, good value, and a mix of activities that cater to a variety of interests, it’s a great way to see some of Taiwan’s most iconic sites in one go.

While it demands some energy and a flexible attitude—plus comfortable shoes—most travelers find the experience rewarding and memorable. The personal touches from guides like Pauline, Maggie, and Anne add a warmth that elevates this from a simple sightseeing bus trip to a genuine insight into Taiwan’s charm.

For those eager to explore beyond Taipei’s city limits without the hassle of planning multiple day trips, this tour provides an efficient, fun, and culturally enriching day out. Perfect for adventure seekers, curious travelers, and anyone looking to tick off some must-see spots with ease.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but be prepared for some walking and standing. Comfortable shoes are a must, and weather might be a consideration.

Does the tour include lunch or meals?
No, meals are not included, but you’ll have opportunities to try local snacks and foods during the stops, especially in Jiufen.

How long do we spend at each site?
Typically, about 1 hour for Shifen lantern and waterfall, 2 hours in Jiufen, and around 1 hour 10 minutes at Yehliu.

Can I buy a lantern on-site?
Yes, lanterns are available at TWD 150 per single color, and you can write wishes on them before releasing.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The itinerary may change, especially for Yehliu, which can close due to weather. The tour operator will offer alternative arrangements or refunds if necessary.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, a professional driver operates a clean, air-conditioned bus suitable for all group sizes up to 40 travelers.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, the Yehliu Geopark fee (TWD 120) is included; other site admissions are free.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring water, rain gear, comfortable shoes, and your camera for capturing scenic views.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately 9 hours from start to finish, including travel time and site visits.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This comprehensive day trip blends scenic beauty with cultural charm, perfect for travelers wanting to see the best of Taiwan’s northeast coast in a single, well-organized package.