Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi: Private Half Day Tour

Summary

Wander jiufen’s lantern-lit lanes taste street snacks watch shifen waterfall and release a wish at pingxi

You’ll trace winding roads from Taipei to Jiufen’s bustling alleys, taste street snacks under glowing lanterns, stand close enough to feel Shifen Waterfall’s mist on your skin, and send your own sky lantern floating above Pingxi with a wish scribbled across it. It’s not polished or perfect—it’s real Taiwan in half a day.

What’s the experience like?

We started out from Taipei in this quiet, air-conditioned car—felt almost too comfortable for an adventure, but I didn’t complain. Our guide, Mr. Wang, told us to keep an eye out as we drove past the Remains of the 13 Levels. It looked like something out of a Miyazaki film—layers of old concrete clinging to the hillside, half-eaten by moss. The air smelled faintly metallic when we stopped at Golden Waterfall; it really does shine gold in the morning light, not actual gold (I asked), but still kind of magical. There was a chill in the breeze that made me zip up my jacket.

Jiufen was packed, but somehow it felt lively instead of overwhelming. The red lanterns were everywhere—if you’ve seen “Spirited Away,” you’ll get why people come here just for that. We squeezed through narrow lanes with shops selling taro balls and peanut ice cream rolls (I tried one; sticky, sweet, weirdly good). Japanese tourists were taking photos by the tea houses—one lady smiled at me when I nearly tripped on a step. Mr. Wang pointed out where scenes from “A City of Sadness” were filmed; I pretended to know more about Taiwanese cinema than I do.

Shifen Waterfall was louder than I expected—the spray hit my face before we even reached the viewing platform. It’s wide and powerful, not tall like Niagara or anything, but there’s this energy to it. We watched a train rumble by on the Pingxi Branch Rail Line while eating some grilled squid from a stall (smoky fingers for hours after). Then came my favorite part: writing wishes on a sky lantern in Pingxi Old Street. My handwriting looked awful next to Li’s neat Mandarin script—she laughed and said my characters meant “good luck” if you squint hard enough.

I keep thinking about that moment when our lantern floated up with dozens of others—everyone craning their necks, hoping their wish would go higher than the rest. The sun dipped behind the hills just then; it all felt strangely hopeful and ordinary at once. We piled back into the car with sticky hands and that weird happy tiredness you only get after wandering somewhere new.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Jiufen, Shifen, and Pingxi

• View bay with yellow and blue sea
• Visit Remains of the 13 Levels
• See Golden Waterfall in Jinguashi
• Explore Jiufen old town and lanterns
• Visit Shifen Waterfall
• Walk Shifen Old Street and rail line

Top questions

How long is the private tour from Taipei to Jiufen and Shifen?

The half day tour typically lasts around 5–6 hours including driving time between stops.

Is pickup included for this Jiufen & Shifen day trip?

Yes, pickup is included from your hotel or designated location in Taipei city.

Can I release a sky lantern during this Pingxi tour?

Yes, each car includes one sky lantern activity in Pingxi Old Street as part of the experience.

Are meals or snacks included on this tour?

No meals are included but you’ll have time to buy local snacks at Jiufen and Shifen Old Streets.

Is this tour suitable for families with young kids?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What attractions will we visit on this private tour?

You’ll visit Jiufen Village, Golden Waterfall, Remains of 13 Levels, Shifen Waterfall, Pingxi Branch Rail Line & Pingxi Old Street.

Is public transportation an option for reaching these places?

Public transport options exist nearby but this tour provides private vehicle transport throughout.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Taipei city, private air-conditioned vehicle with parking fees and tolls covered, bottled water along the way, plus one sky lantern per car for your wish in Pingxi before heading back home again.