Taipei: Jiufen Night View and Shifen Day Tour

Taipei: Jiufen Night View and Shifen Day Tour — a well-rounded adventure for travelers eager to see Taiwan beyond Taipei’s cityscape. At just $39 per person and lasting around 7 hours, this tour takes you northeast along scenic routes to visit Shifen Waterfall, Shifen Old Street for sky lanterns, and the charming mountain town of Jiufen just as evening falls.

Initially, what we love about this experience is the chance to witness natural wonders firsthand — especially Shifen Waterfall, a stunning cascade that’s often called Taiwan’s Niagara. The second highlight is releasing a sky lantern, a cultural activity that feels both fun and meaningful, as you make a wish or send a message skyward from Shifen Old Street.

One thing to keep in mind is the walking involved—it’s quite a bit, especially at Jiufen, which can be steep and crowded. For some, this might mean packing comfortable shoes and being prepared for a full day of activity. This tour suits those who enjoy scenic landscapes, cultural experiences, and lively markets, especially travelers with a decent level of mobility who want an authentic taste of Taiwan’s countryside and history.

Key Points

• Natural beauty: Visit Shifen Waterfall, one of Taiwan’s most picturesque spots.
• Cultural activity: Experience the joy of releasing sky lanterns on Shifen Old Street.
• Authentic town visit: Explore Jiufen’s mountain streets, especially beautiful at dusk.
• Guided experience: Benefit from a licensed guide providing insight and context.
• Flexible options: Choose between a shared or private tour for a more personalized experience.
• Value for money: At just $39, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenery, culture, and convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Exciting Itinerary

This tour begins at MRT Taipei Main Station, where your guide, easily recognizable in a yellow shirt, will meet your group. From here, you’ll hop into a comfortable vehicle headed toward Shifen, roughly a 50-minute drive—an efficient way to start your day without the hassle of navigating on your own.

First stop: Shifen Waterfall. As one of Taiwan’s most renowned waterfalls, it’s a sight that offers both photographic opportunities and a moment of tranquility amidst the rushing water and lush greenery. Reviews mention the waterfall as “a highlight and a wonderful surprise”, with many visitors loving the vivid natural scenery and the chance to enjoy a peaceful walk around the area. Be prepared for a 50-minute guided visit, with some reviews noting that if the suspension bridge nearby is closed for maintenance, an alternative route might involve more walking, so it’s good to wear sturdy shoes.

Next, the tour moves to Shifen Old Street, famous for its sky lanterns. Here, you’ll have about 50 minutes to soak in the lively atmosphere, make wishes, and launch your lantern — a tradition that travelers find both fun and meaningful. Reviewers highlight that “sending wishes to heaven on the lantern was amazing” and “a great photo opportunity.” You can choose your lantern color and write your message before they take photos of you releasing it, creating a memorable souvenir.

The last major stop is Jiufen, where the tour allocates around 2.5 hours. This mountain town, with its winding streets, tea houses, and nostalgic atmosphere, is particularly lovely at dusk and night, when the lights flicker on and the views become truly magical. Many reviews praise guide Anne and Barbie for their knowledge, with one noting “Jiufen is a really nice place” and another mentioning the “incredible views and delicious local food” (at your own expense).

Finally, the tour wraps up at Raohe Street Night Market, a bustling hub where you can sample Taiwanese street food, snacks, and soak in the lively atmosphere. This ending point allows for a relaxed exploration of Taipei’s famous night market scene or a straightforward return to your hotel.

What to Expect: Practical Tips and Insights

Natural sites like Shifen Waterfall are well worth the visit, and many reviewers emphasize how the scenery exceeds expectations. However, if the suspension bridge at the waterfall is under maintenance, be aware that additional walking might be necessary, which could be tiring, especially in hot weather.

Sky lanterns are a cultural highlight, and most find the process of writing wishes and releasing the lanterns a truly memorable experience. Keep in mind, there’s an extra cost for lanterns (not included in the tour price), but the booking process is streamlined, with many guides taking orders beforehand, ensuring you don’t miss out.

Jiufen can be quite crowded, especially during peak times, but the dusk to night transition offers one of the most beautiful views — a perfect time for photos and soaking in the atmosphere. Several reviews mention the town’s charm and tranquility once the crowds thin out, making this a highlight for many.

Throughout the day, the guides are praised for their knowledge, friendly demeanor, and multilingual abilities (English, Chinese, Japanese). Reviewers appreciate the clear instructions and helpful tips, which make navigating busy spots easier.

Transportation is included, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the sights rather than worrying about logistics. Still, note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included**—you’ll need to meet at the designated spot or organize your own transport.

Price and Value

The $39 fee offers an excellent balance between affordability and a well-organized itinerary. Many reviews highlight the great value, especially as a way to see multiple sites in one day without the stress of planning or transportation. Additional expenses like food, drinks, and lanterns are optional, giving you control over your budget.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who want a structured, cultural day trip that combines natural beauty with hands-on activities like lantern releasing. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but want to see a variety of sites outside the city. Travelers who enjoy authentic local experiences, photography, and scenic strolls will find this tour especially rewarding.

However, if you have mobility issues or prefer a very relaxed pace, be mindful of the amount of walking involved, especially at Jiufen and potentially the waterfall if certain paths are closed.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transportation from the meeting point and back, making it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Do I need to book the sky lantern in advance?
No, your guide will typically take orders on the bus before arriving at Shifen, but some travelers prefer to organize their lanterns in advance if they want specific colors or messages.

Can I customize my experience?
The tour offers shared or private options, with a set itinerary. While the activities are fixed, guides often provide helpful suggestions and insights.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must, along with rain gear (just in case), and cash for lanterns and any extra snacks or souvenirs.

How long is the walk at Jiufen?
Expect around 2.5 hours of exploring steep, narrow streets, which can be busy and crowded, so plan accordingly.

What happens if the waterfall suspension bridge is closed?
The guide will take an alternative route, which may involve more walking but ensures you still enjoy the waterfall and surroundings.

Is food included?
No, meals are not included, but there are plenty of options at Jiufen and Raohe Night Market for you to explore at your own expense.

What languages are available?
Guides speak Chinese, English, and Japanese, making it accessible for various travelers.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, especially if they enjoy outdoor activities and markets, but keep in mind the amount of walking and the crowds.

What if it rains?
The tour runs in rain or shine; it’s wise to bring rain gear. Some reviews mention that rain can affect walking conditions, but overall, the experience is still enjoyable.

To sum it up, this tour offers an accessible, well-organized way to explore Taiwan’s scenic and cultural highlights outside Taipei. It’s especially suited for travelers looking for a balance of nature, culture, and lively markets at a reasonable price. With knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and memorable cultural activities, it provides a solid introduction to Taiwan’s northeast coast, perfect for those with limited time but big curiosity.

You can check availability for your dates here: