Jiufen & Pingxi Old Street Day Tour with Keelung Night Market

Summary

Discover Taiwan’s Hidden Gems: Jiufen, Pingxi & Keelung Food Tour

You’ll wander through historic stations, write wishes on sky lanterns in Pingxi, snack your way down Jiufen’s hillside alleys, then feast at Keelung’s buzzing night market—all in one day.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air felt cool as we rolled into Jingtong Station. The old wooden building—over 80 years old—still smells faintly of pine and coal dust if you stand close enough to the beams. Our guide, Mr. Lin, pointed out the prayer bamboo tubes hanging by the tracks; locals and visitors scribble wishes on them before tying them up. I watched a group of school kids giggling as they tried to reach the highest spot. The little shops nearby sell everything from chicken rolls to quirky miner’s lunchboxes—one stall even had homemade pickled plums that tasted sweet and sharp at the same time.

Pingxi Old Street was next. It’s not far from Taipei but feels like another world—quiet lanes, old citrus shops, and snack bars tucked beside the railway. There’s always a cat or two lazing in the sun or an old man chatting with his neighbor outside a hardware store. When a train rumbles through, you can hear it long before you see it—the whole street seems to pause for a second as it passes by just meters away. We tried writing wishes on one of those new “Polaris” sky lantern postcards at the Tiandeng Police Station (the one with all those LED lights). You can keep yours as a souvenir after they scan it, which is pretty neat.

By afternoon, we reached Jiufen Village—perched right on the hillside with winding alleys and red lanterns swaying overhead. There’s this tea house where you can sit for ages just watching clouds drift over the mountains (I ducked in when it started drizzling). The souvenir shops are packed with odd trinkets and snacks; I grabbed some taro balls and almost lost track of time wandering through narrow lanes lined with nostalgic buildings.

We wrapped up at Keelung Miaokou Night Market. Even if you’re not hungry, the smell of grilled squid and sweet peanut ice cream draws you in. Over 200 food stalls cram into just a few blocks—each vendor shouting out their specialties. I tried tempura from one stand and braised pork rice from another; both were cheap and filling. Locals say you haven’t really tasted Taiwan until you’ve eaten here—and honestly, I get why people keep coming back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Taipei and Pingxi Highlights

• Visit Polaris Skylight Police Station
• Explore Jingtong Station and Old Street
• Walk along Pingxi Old Street
• Tour Jiufen Old Street and Tea House
• Enjoy Keelung Miaokou Night Market

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Strollers are welcome, and there are infant seats available if needed. The pace is relaxed so kids can enjoy too.

Are there vegetarian or halal food options at Keelung Night Market?

There are plenty of vegetarian snacks and some halal-friendly choices among the stalls—just ask vendors or your guide for recommendations.

Can I bring my wheelchair or service animal?

No problem—vehicles are accessible for wheelchairs, and service animals are allowed throughout the tour stops.

How long do we spend at each location?

The timing is flexible but expect about 1–2 hours per main stop so you have time to explore without rushing.

What’s included

Your ride comes with air conditioning (trust me, you’ll appreciate it), insurance for peace of mind, all fuel and tolls covered—and our local driver knows every shortcut around traffic jams. Parking fees? Already sorted. Just bring your curiosity (and maybe an umbrella if rain’s in the forecast).