Yehliu & Jiufen & Shifen Day Tour (Departure from Ximending)

Getting a taste of Taiwan’s natural beauty and cultural charm in one day is what this Yehliu & Jiufen & Shifen tour offers. For just $33, you’ll spend about nine hours exploring some of the most photographed and beloved spots near Taipei, guided by engaging local experts. Starting from Ximending, this tour takes you to the surreal Yehliu Geopark, the nostalgic Jiufen Old Street, and the picturesque Shifen Waterfall, ending at the lively Shifen Old Street where you can try your hand at a sky lantern tradition.

Two things we love about this experience: First, the expert guidance — many reviews praise guides like Cindy, Sophie, and others for their friendly explanations of Taiwan’s geography and history, which turn a sightseeing trip into a genuinely educational experience. Second, the value for money — for the price, you get transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and access to several must-see destinations, making it an efficient way to cover a lot in one day.

One consideration to keep in mind is that the tour can be quite rushed, especially with the tight schedule and long driving hours. If you’re someone who prefers to linger at each site or explore at your own pace, this might feel a bit hurried. Also, note that some attractions, like Yehliu Geopark, have entrance fees (TWD 120), and additional costs for experiences like sky lanterns (TWD 200-300), which you should budget for separately.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to maximize their time — seeing multiple highlights without the hassle of planning transfers or navigating public transit. It’s especially suited to those who appreciate guided insights, enjoy natural scenery, and want a taste of Taiwan’s cultural traditions, like the sky lantern release at Shifen.

Key Points

• Convenient round-trip transportation from Taipei, with options for different group sizes.
• Guided experience with knowledgeable guides offering local insights and cultural background.
• Visiting iconic sites like Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen Old Street, and Shifen Waterfall.
• All-in-one package for a budget-friendly price, with optional extras paid separately.
• Long day with some walking and steps involved, suited for active travelers.
• Authentic experiences such as releasing sky lanterns and exploring local markets.

In-Depth Review of the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Ximen Station

The tour kicks off early at Ximen Station (Exit 5), a lively hub in Taipei. Meeting at this central location is straightforward, with clear instructions, and it sets a convenient tone for travelers staying in the city. The check-in process is smooth, and the group usually departs around 8:15 am. Many reviews highlight how stress-free and organized the meeting point is — a big plus for those unfamiliar with Taipei’s transit system.

Transportation: Comfort and Group Sizes

What makes this tour stand out is the transportation variety — depending on the number of participants, the vehicle could be a cozy 5-seater or a large 43-seater bus. This flexible approach helps keep the group manageable and allows the guide to keep everyone together. Reviewers often mention the safe and helpful bus driver, which adds peace of mind, especially during the longer driving stretches. The buses are modern and comfortable, making the long drive between sites more bearable.

Yehliu Geopark: Natural Marvels and Tourist Magnet

Your first stop is Yehliu Geopark, famous for its unique rock formations along the coast. The highlight is the Queens Head formation — an almost humanoid rock that seems to be frozen mid-sentence. Many visitors find Yehliu fascinating, and reviews laud the knowledgeable guide (like Michal and others) who explains how these formations came to be.

However, Yehliu is also the most weather-dependent site. Several reviews mention how rain and wind can impact the experience. One traveler noted, “It started raining and the wind was so strong I only saw 2 formations before I was soaked.” Vendors sell disposable raincoats at TWD 100, which can be a good investment if weather turns sour.

The entrance fee (TWD 120) is additional but generally considered a fair price for the natural spectacle. Visitors should allocate about an hour here, but be prepared for a fair amount of walking and uneven terrain.

Jiufen Old Street: Nostalgic Charm and Crowded Streets

Next, the tour visits Jiufen Old Street, a delightful maze of narrow lanes lined with teahouses, souvenir shops, and food stalls. This is arguably Taiwan’s most picturesque old town, with lanterns hanging overhead and views of the mountains and ocean.

Many reviews note that Jiufen can get very crowded, especially on weekends or holidays. A reviewer remarked, “It was way too crowded to enjoy,” suggesting visiting on a weekday if possible. The shops often offer free samples of tea and snacks, which you’re encouraged to try, but there are few places to sit down comfortably. Be prepared to stand and walk quite a bit.

You’ll have about two hours here, which some reviews feel is a little tight for exploration. Still, you’ll love the chance to sample local goodies like peanut rolls, tea, or the famous sweet potato balls. The steep steps and tight lanes are part of Jiufen’s charm but require good footwear and a moderate level of fitness.

Shifen Waterfall: A Scenic Break

After Jiufen, the bus heads to Shifen Waterfall, often called Taiwan’s “Little Niagara.” The waterfall is wide and scenic, with water crashing over rocks and lush greenery surrounding it. Reviewers praise the well-organized visit and mention that this spot offers a peaceful break from the bus ride.

It’s also a quick stop, but enough to enjoy the views and snap some photos. For many, the highlight here is the chance to release sky lanterns at Shifen Old Street, a heartfelt tradition where you write wishes on paper lanterns before sending them skyward — a truly memorable experience.

The sky lantern experience costs between TWD 200-300 per piece, and reviews suggest buying from a local vendor rather than paying extra through the tour for better prices and more options.

Shifen Old Street: Cultural and Culinary Delights

Wrapping up, the tour visits Shifen Old Street, a lively market area with souvenir stalls, street food, and the famous sky lanterns. This is a perfect place to soak in local life and perhaps pick up some gifts. Many reviews rave about the authenticity of the market, with tips to try the stuffed chicken wings and peanut ice cream.

The lantern release is often described as an emotional highlight, sending wishes into the sky amid cheers and applause. It’s a charming, lively end to the tour, with plenty of photo opportunities.

Return to Taipei

By late afternoon, the group reconvenes and heads back to Ximen Station. The return trip usually takes about an hour, giving everyone time to relax and reflect on the day’s sights. Reviewers appreciate how smoothly everything runs, especially given the large crowds and busy schedule.

Practical Considerations and Tips

Given the long driving hours (about 4 hours total) and the walking involved, this tour is best suited for active travelers with moderate fitness levels. Be prepared for a fast-paced day — reviews mention feeling a bit rushed at some sites, especially Yehliu and Jiufen. If you want more time at each, consider adding extra hours to your plan or visiting on your own.

Cost-wise, the tour offers great value. The price includes transportation, guides, and entry to Yehliu (though not the sky lanterns or food). Many travelers find the guided insights worth more than the ticket price, especially if it’s your first time in Taiwan. Optional extras like sky lanterns and food can be budgeted separately, with reviews indicating that buying directly from vendors can save money.

The guides get rave reviews for their friendly, informative attitude. Names like Cindy, Sophie, and Tommy come up repeatedly as guides who can make your experience engaging and memorable. Expect lots of stories, helpful tips, and a good mix of humor and information.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for those who want to see a variety of Taiwan’s natural and cultural highlights in a single day without the hassle of planning. It’s especially suited for first-time travelers or those short on time. If you enjoy guided tours with a lively group, good commentary, and don’t mind a packed schedule, you’ll appreciate the value.

However, if you prefer to explore at your own pace or dislike long bus rides, you might find this tour a bit too rushed. The physical demands might also rule out anyone with mobility issues or trouble walking on stairs.

Overall, it’s a well-organized, fun, and budget-friendly way to get a broad sense of Taiwan’s diverse scenery and local culture.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at 8:00 am, with meet-up at MRT Ximen Station Exit 5, so aim to arrive a little earlier to settle in.

How long is the total driving time?
The total drive is about four hours, spread out between the different stops, so be prepared for a long day in the bus.

What’s the cost of entry to Yehliu Geopark?
Entry costs TWD 120 per person, payable separately, but many find it worthwhile for the stunning geological formations.

Can I buy sky lanterns on-site?
Yes, sky lanterns cost TWD 200-300 each, and reviews recommend buying directly from vendors for better prices and more options.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
Most reviews say it’s good for families with children, especially those who can handle walking and steps, but be aware of the busy streets and the long day.

How much time do we spend at each location?
Expect about an hour at Yehliu, two hours at Jiufen, and a similar amount at Shifen Waterfall and Old Street. Some reviews mention this is a bit rushed.

Are meals included?
No, meals and beverages are not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to eat at Jiufen or Shifen.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes. The vehicles are modern, and the group size varies depending on participants, ensuring a comfortable ride.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, some cash for extras, and a camera for all those photo-worthy sights.

In essence, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Taiwan’s natural beauty and local culture in a convenient, budget-friendly package. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to see iconic sights without the stress of self-organizing — just be ready for a lively, sometimes brisk, day of exploration.