From Taipei: Shifen, Jiufen, and Yehliu Geopark Day Tour

Exploring Taiwan’s northeast coast in a day might sound ambitious, but this guided tour from Taipei makes it possible—and memorable. For just $65 per person, you’ll spend about 10 hours soaking in some of the island’s most admired sights: the nostalgic cobblestone streets of Shifen, the charming mountain town of Jiufen, and the otherworldly landscapes of Yehliu Geopark. With a focus on authentic experiences, fun activities like sky lantern releases, and scenic views, it’s a trip that balances culture, nature, and leisure.

What we love about this tour are the personal touches—creating your own Chinese lantern and inscribing wishes, which makes the experience feel both meaningful and joyful. Plus, the chance to stroll through Jiufen’s Old Street, famed for inspiring Studio Ghibli’s “Spirited Away,” offers a cozy, nostalgic vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere.

A possible consideration is the tight schedule—the itinerary packs in four major stops with limited free time at each location. If you prefer a slow, in-depth exploration of each site, this might feel rushed. But if you’re after a broad overview with guided insights, it’s a perfect fit.

This tour suits travelers who want a well-organized day out with a balance of activities and sightseeing. It’s especially ideal if you’re eager to see a variety of Taiwan’s highlights without the hassle of planning logistics yourself. Perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time but wanting a taste of local culture and natural beauty.

Key Points

• Convenient and well-organized guided day trip from Taipei
• Includes transportation, bilingual guides, and insurance, offering value and peace of mind
• Highlights iconic sites like Yehliu Geopark and the charming streets of Jiufen
• Engages you in local culture with lantern crafting and releasing
• Offers stunning views and unusual geological formations
• Reviews praise knowledgeable guides and good overall value

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Taiwan’s Northeast Coast: What to Expect

This tour is a smart way to cover a lot of ground in a single day, especially if you’re not keen on organizing transport and guides yourself. Here’s a closer look at what each stop offers, along with tips to make the most of your experience.

Meeting Point and Transportation

You’ll start your day at Ximen Station in Taipei, a lively hub easily accessible via public transit. The tour departs around 8:30 AM, with meeting at Exit No. 5 at 8:15 AM. The group travels comfortably by bus or coach, which you’ll appreciate after a long morning of sightseeing. The ride itself is a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery as your guide sets the stage for the day.

Shifen: Sky Lanterns and Waterfalls

Your first stop is Shifen—a town famous for its cobblestone streets and Shifen Waterfall, often called Taiwan’s Niagara. This part of the trip offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural fun. We loved the way the guide explained the history of the town, making it more engaging.

The highlight here is crafting and releasing a sky lantern. You get to inscribe your wishes, then watch your lantern drift into the sky—an experience that travelers describe as “joyful” and “meaningful.” One review called it “a fun-filled, memorable activity,” while others appreciated the chance to participate hands-on.

At Shifen Waterfall, you can walk along trails and snap photos of the cascade, which is a gentle, scenic spot perfect for a quick break. Some reviewers wished for more time to explore the trails, but the guided schedule keeps things moving.

Jiufen: Old Streets and Cozy Vibes

Next is Jiufen, a mountain town with a history rooted in gold mining. Walking along Jiufen’s Old Street is like stepping back in time—layered with nostalgia and flavor. The streets are lined with cafes, shops, and food stalls, many of which inspired scenes in Studio Ghibli’s “Spirited Away.”

We loved the architecture—Japanese-inspired buildings fit seamlessly into Taiwan’s landscape—and the lively atmosphere. This is also the spot to try Taiwanese taro balls, a sweet treat that many visitors find irresistible. A review mentioned that Jiufen’s charm makes it a “cozy retreat,” especially when you take a moment to sip tea and enjoy the views.

While Jiufen can get crowded, that’s part of its charm. If you’re after a quiet, contemplative experience, you might find the crowds a bit overwhelming, but overall, most reviews praise this stop as a highlight.

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Yehliu Geopark: Spectacular Geological Formations

The final major stop is Yehliu Geopark, renowned for its bizarre rock formations shaped over thousands of years by geological activity. The Queen’s Head is the most famous, resembling a profile of a regal lady. It’s a striking natural sculpture that makes for fantastic photos.

Expect to see a landscape that feels like another planet—an endless array of hoodoos, mushroom-shaped rocks, and other formations that tell stories of Earth’s geological past. Be aware that bad weather or a typhoon can lead to park closures, which might cause some itinerary changes.

Many visitors highlight Yehliu as the most visually impressive part of the tour. The terrain’s uniqueness makes it a must-see for geology buffs or anyone who loves dramatic natural scenery.

Return to Taipei

After Yehliu, your group boards the bus for the return trip, arriving back at Ximen Station around 6:30-7:00 PM. The day’s schedule is tightly packed, but most reviews commend the smooth flow and punctuality, thanks to a well-organized guide and driver.

What Travelers Say About the Tour

Authentic reviews echo a common appreciation for the knowledgeable guides and the variety of sights. One reviewer raved about a guide named Sophie Wu, calling her “sweet,” “informative,” and “very helpful,” which made the trip even more enjoyable. Another praised the great value—seeing four major sites for $65, including round-trip transportation, seems like a bargain.

Many travelers appreciated the fun activities like lantern crafting, describing it as “a memorable experience,” and the scenery—from waterfalls to geological wonders—as simply stunning. Food options, like trying taro balls in Jiufen, also drew praise, adding a delicious local touch.

Some comments mentioned the tight schedule, noting that certain locations could use more time, particularly Yehliu and Jiufen, where the crowds and limited free exploration made it feel a bit rushed. However, most felt the itinerary struck a good balance for a single day.

The Value of This Tour

At $65, this tour packs in transportation, guided insights, and four major stops—making it a cost-effective way to experience Taiwan’s northeast coast. You get the convenience of a pre-planned itinerary, plus the added fun of hands-on activities. For many, the highlight is the blend of natural beauty, cultural ambiance, and interactive moments like lantern lighting.

While some may prefer more time at each location, the tour offers a solid overview for those with limited time or first-timers wanting a structured, guided experience. It’s especially good if you appreciate guided commentary, want to avoid logistics headaches, and enjoy sharing the day with a group.

The Sum Up

This Shifen, Jiufen, and Yehliu Geopark Day Tour provides a practical, engaging way to see Taiwan’s northeast coast without the stress of planning. You’ll experience some of Taiwan’s most iconic sights—each with its own character—guided by knowledgeable hosts who bring stories and insights to life. The activities, especially lantern releasing and exploring unique geological formations, add memorable touches that many travelers cherish.

It’s best suited for those who value value for money, a well-organized schedule, and a mix of nature, culture, and fun. If you love scenic views, local culture, and a touch of adventure, this tour hits most marks.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely or in-depth exploration, or dislike tight schedules, you might find it a bit rushed. Still, for a balanced, lively overview of Taiwan’s northeast, it’s tough to beat.

FAQ

What is the starting point for the tour?
You meet at Ximen Station Exit No. 5 in Taipei at 8:15 AM, with departure at 8:30 AM, making it easy to access via public transit.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 10 hours, including transportation and sightseeing stops.

What are the main sights visited?
You’ll visit Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen Old Street, Shifen Old Street, and the Shifen Waterfall.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included. However, you’ll have opportunities to try local snacks, especially in Jiufen.

Is there any extra cost at the sites?
Yes, Yehliu Geopark entry costs 120 TWD per person, and lanterns at Shifen cost between 200-300 TWD each. A shuttle bus in Jiufen costs 30 TWD.

Can I participate in the lantern release?
Absolutely. It’s a core activity, and you can write wishes on your lantern before releasing it into the sky.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
It’s best for those comfortable with walking and standing, as the day involves a lot of movement. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

In the end, this tour offers a lively, well-paced look at Taiwan’s beautiful northeast coast, perfect for travelers eager to see a variety of sights in a single day while enjoying the comfort of guided logistics.

You can check availability for your dates here: