Jiufen, Yehliu & Pingxi: Private Day Trip from Taipei

Summary

Jiufen’s lanterns, Yehliu’s wild rocks, Pingxi’s sky wishes in one day

You’ll ride out from Taipei with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story along the way. Feel sea wind at Yehliu Geopark, watch your own sky lantern rise above Pingxi’s tracks, taste street snacks in Jiufen’s maze of alleys, and end your day with mountain views you might remember longer than you expect.

What’s the experience like?

Li was already waiting by the curb in Taipei when we tumbled out of the hotel — I think he could tell we were still half asleep. He handed us cold water bottles (felt good against my cheek for a second) and grinned, “Ready for Yehliu?” The drive north was quiet except for Li’s stories about growing up near Keelung — he pointed out a fishing village where his uncle still lives. I didn’t expect the salt air to hit so strong at Yehliu Geopark, or how weirdly smooth those mushroom rocks felt under my hand. Sun was already high; glad Li warned us about hats. There were groups posing by the Queen’s Head rock but somehow it didn’t feel crowded — just lots of sea wind and people squinting into the light.

We stopped for lunch near Shifen Waterfall — nothing fancy, just noodles and tea with a view of scooters zipping past. The walk to the waterfall took longer than I thought (Li said 30 minutes but I’m slow on suspension bridges). The sound of water got louder before we saw it — sort of like distant applause. Mist on my glasses, kids running ahead shouting in Mandarin. After that came the Pingxi Branch Rail Line, which is way livelier than I expected: vendors selling snacks right next to the tracks, people painting wishes on sky lanterns while everyone scrambles off whenever a train comes through. My handwriting on our lantern was embarrassingly bad but Li just laughed and helped us hold it steady as it floated up — honestly felt silly at first but then kind of peaceful watching it drift away.

Jiufen was our last stop. It’s all stairs and red lanterns and smells like sweet taro balls mixed with incense smoke. We squeezed past crowds (I lost count how many times someone apologized in Japanese or Korean), ducked into a teahouse when it started drizzling. The owner poured oolong without saying much; there was this hush over everything except for rain tapping on paper windows. I still think about that view over the hills as dusk crept in — not sure if it looked exactly like those old animation films but something about it felt familiar anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Yehliu, Shifen, Pingxi, and Jiufen

• Visit Yehliu Geopark
• Walk to Shifen Waterfall viewing platform
• Explore Pingxi old street
• Launch sky lanterns on railway tracks
• Tour Jiufen Village streets and alleys

Top questions

How long does the private Jiufen Yehliu Pingxi tour take?

The day trip typically lasts around 8–9 hours including travel time from Taipei.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip from Taipei?

Yes, private hotel pickup and drop-off are included with your booking.

What should I bring to Yehliu Geopark?

The area has little shade so sun protection like hats or sunscreen is recommended.

Is there much walking involved at Shifen Waterfall?

The walk to Shifen Waterfall takes about 30 minutes each way with some stairs and a suspension bridge.

Can I launch a sky lantern at Pingxi?

Yes, one sky lantern per car is included—your guide will help you with the activity on site.

Are meals included during this private tour?

No set meal is included but there are stops near local eateries where you can purchase food.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, infant seats are available and most activities suit all fitness levels.

Will there be time to see Jiufen at sunset?

If you depart after 11:00 AM, Jiufen can be your final stop for sunset views and evening lights.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup in Taipei, bottled water for each guest, parking fees and tolls covered throughout the journey, plus one sky lantern activity per car—all in an air-conditioned vehicle guided by a local expert before returning to your hotel in the evening.