7-Hour Jiufen Night View, Shifen Waterfall & Raohe Market Tour

Experience Taiwan’s Charm in a Day: Shifen Waterfall, Jiufen Old Street, and Raohe Night Market

This 7-hour tour offers a well-rounded taste of northern Taiwan’s natural beauty, traditional culture, and lively street food scene. Starting from Taipei Main Station, you’ll visit the stunning Shifen Waterfall, stroll through the nostalgic Shifen Old Street where sky lanterns light up your wishes, and enjoy the magical night view of Jiufen, a mountain town overflowing with history and charm. The journey wraps up at Raohe Market, famous for its bustling food stalls and local eats.

We love how this tour balances outdoor natural sights with cultural experiences—making it ideal for travelers who want both scenic beauty and authentic Taiwanese atmosphere. The guides are praised for their energy and knowledge, turning what could be a simple sightseeing trip into a memorable adventure. Plus, at only $39 per person, it’s quite a bargain for a day packed with diverse sights.

One thing to keep in mind is that Jiufen can get crowded, especially during weekends or peak seasons. Also, if Shifen Waterfall’s suspension bridge is under maintenance, your walk might involve more steps or an alternative route, so comfort with some walking is helpful.

This tour suits first-time visitors to Taiwan who want to cover several highlights without the hassle of planning individual transport or guides. It’s also perfect for anyone curious about Taiwanese culture, scenic landscapes, and street food, provided you’re okay with a busy schedule and some walking.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary combining nature, culture, and food.
• Guides are highly praised for their attentiveness and multilingual skills.
• Affordable price offers good value compared to solo travel.
• Group size is limited (max 40), creating a more personal experience.
• Time management is key; the tour is packed, so punctuality helps.
• Weather considerations are important; rain can impact views and comfort.

A Detailed Look at the 7-Hour Taiwan Tour

If you’re looking for a quick yet fulfilling way to experience some of Taiwan’s most captivating sights without the stress of self-organizing, this tour hits many of the highlights in a convenient package. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect at each stop, based on actual reviews and the itinerary.

Starting Point: Taipei Main Station

Your journey begins at Taipei Main Station, a central and easily accessible hub, making pickup straightforward. The tour starts at 1:30 pm, which gives you ample time to settle in and prepare for an afternoon of exploration.

Shifen Waterfall

First up is Shifen Waterfall, often called the “Water Raging Down the Mountain” due to its width of around 40 meters. It’s considered the broadest waterfall in Taiwan, and the sounds of rushing water echo along the trail. Expect a leisurely walk along the trails beside the waterfall, where your guide will help point out notable features.

According to reviews, this stop is a highlight, with travelers appreciating the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery. One reviewer commented that they loved the “harmonious melody” of the water. The waterfall is free to visit, but keep in mind that if the suspension bridge nearby is closed for maintenance, you’ll need to walk an extra stretch, which may involve more stairs or alternative routes.

Shifen Old Street and Sky Lantern Experience

Next is Shifen Old Street, a lively area filled with local shops, snack stalls, and the iconic sky lanterns. Here, travelers get a chance to write their wishes on a paper lantern and release it into the sky—a deeply rooted tradition often associated with hopes and dreams.

Reviews mention this part as lots of fun, especially for the interactive aspect. One traveler noted that they “created a lantern with a wish written on it” and enjoyed the cultural experience. However, during busy weekends or festivals, the area can become congested, so patience is needed. The admission to create a lantern is free, but you might want to budget a small amount (about NT$15) for the shuttle bus if traveling on a weekend when traffic control is in effect.

Jiufen Old Street: The Mountain Town with a View

After the afternoon activities, the tour moves to Jiufen Old Street, a town famous for its narrow cobblestone streets, teahouses, and scenic views. This is where Taiwan’s history and innovative snack culture come alive. Expect to stroll past traditional shops, sample local delicacies like taro balls or herbal rice cakes, and admire the mountain vistas that inspired many films and stories.

Travelers consistently praise Jiufen for its unique charm and authentic atmosphere, though some mention it can be overcrowded, especially during peak hours. As one reviewer put it, “Jiufen was totally overrun with travelers, so it was hard to fully enjoy the quiet beauty.” The tour allocates about 2 hours and 30 minutes here, which is ample but requires keeping an eye on the time.

Evening: Raohe Night Market

The tour concludes at Raohe Street Night Market, one of Taipei’s most popular food destinations. While the tour doesn’t include guided food tasting, you’re encouraged to self-arrange meals here. From grilled meats to stinky tofu, the market offers a wide array of local street foods.

Reviews highlight the vibrant atmosphere and delicious eats, making this a perfect way to wrap up your day. It’s a fantastic spot to experience Taipei’s nightlife and pick up snacks or souvenirs.

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is provided via comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, which saves you the hassle of navigating public transit or haggling with taxis. The group size is limited to 40 travelers, and reviews suggest this creates a friendly, manageable environment where guides can give more personalized attention.

Most travelers report that the guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and capable of handling multiple languages. One reviewer praised James for keeping track of everyone, even with many different nationalities and languages in the group.

Value and Price

At $39 per person, this tour offers impressive value considering the variety of sights and the included transportation and guide. Compared with traveling solo, where costs for transport, entry fees, and food add up, this package simplifies logistics and ensures you won’t miss out on key highlights.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

While the experience is generally positive, there are a few points worth noting. The long day packed with sights means you’ll need to be prepared for some walking and standing, especially in crowded areas like Jiufen. Also, weather can impact your experience—rain can obscure views or make walking slippery, so packing an umbrella and wearing comfortable shoes is advised.

Some travelers have expressed disappointment in the lack of detailed guiding or explanations during the stops, especially if you prefer more educational insight. However, most reviews say guides provide enough information to enhance the experience, and those who wanted more in-depth stories enjoyed the storytelling.

Who Should Choose This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for first-time visitors looking to see several iconic sights without the hassle of planning a multi-stop trip. It also works for travelers on a budget, as the price includes transportation and a guide, offering great value. If you enjoy cultural activities, scenic views, and street food—and are okay with a busy, sometimes crowded schedule—this tour will keep you engaged and satisfied.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to explore Jiufen at a slower, more tranquil rate, a private or customized tour might suit you better. Also, travelers wary of rain or heavy crowds should consider visiting during weekdays or less peak times.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour for You?

If you’re after a cost-effective, well-organized day that combines nature, culture, and street food in northern Taiwan, this tour delivers solid value. The stops at Shifen Waterfall and Jiufen Old Street are truly memorable, and the guides are generally praised for their friendliness and knowledge.

The experience is lively and fast-paced, which makes it perfect for travelers eager to see a lot in a short amount of time. You’ll love the sky lantern tradition and the views from Jiufen, especially if you enjoy exploring vibrant streets filled with local snacks and crafts.

That said, be prepared for crowds, weather variability, and some walking. If you’re flexible and ready for an energetic day, it’s a fantastic way to connect with Taiwan’s natural beauty and local culture—all for a very reasonable price.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and guides are experienced in handling groups of diverse ages. However, be prepared for some walking and stairs, especially in Jiufen and Shifen.

What should I bring on this tour?
Comfortable shoes, an umbrella, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. You may also want to bring some cash for optional purchases like sky lanterns or snacks.

Does the tour include meals?
No, meals are not included. You’re encouraged to explore Raohe Night Market at the end for dinner or snacks.

Can I participate if I don’t speak English?
Yes, the guide is licensed and speaks English, and the tour is designed to accommodate non-English speakers as well, with multilingual attention.

What if the suspension bridge at Shifen Waterfall is closed?
An alternative route will be taken, which might involve more walking or stairs. Your guide will ensure you still enjoy the waterfall and surrounding scenery.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.

Whether you’re after scenic views, cultural insights, or just want to sample Taiwan’s street food scene, this tour offers a nicely balanced day out. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want to experience a slice of Taiwan without the fuss of organizing everything themselves, all while staying within a modest budget.