Taipei: Yehliu Geopark, Pingxi & Jiufen Private Day Tour

Three stops in Northern Taiwan, one private car, and a sky lantern released over an active railway

You visit three distinct landscapes in one day (a geopark with eroded rock formations, Taiwan's tallest waterfall, and a historic mountain village) without arranging transport between them. The sky lantern launch over the Pingxi railway is the centerpiece, and the private car lets you time Jiufen for sunset or evening if you prefer. Parking, tolls, water, and the lantern are included. The driver handles the route.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Yehliu Geopark1h · entry included
2. Shifen Waterfall40m
3. Pingxi Branch Rail Line40m
4. Jiufen Village1h 30m

Explore Yehliu, Shifen, Pingxi, and Jiufen

• Visit Yehliu Geopark
• Walk to Shifen Waterfall viewing platform
• Explore Pingxi old street and launch sky lanterns
• Tour Jiufen Village lanes and alleys

The experience

Hands release a paper lantern into the air above the Pingxi Branch Rail Line, and then you're watching it drift upward while an actual train rumbles past below on the same tracks. That moment (the lantern, the train, the narrow escape) is what makes this stop different from a hundred other temples or markets you could visit. The old street runs right alongside the active railway, so the whole ritual pauses whenever a train approaches. You launch your lantern (one included per car), and the driver waits while you watch it climb into the dusk.

Before Pingxi, the day moves through Yehliu Geopark on Taiwan's northern coast, where sea erosion has carved the rocks into shapes that look almost sculpted: the Queen's Head and Dragon's Head are the ones everyone photographs, but the whole cape is a maze of honeycomb and mushroom formations. It's mostly flat walking, but there's almost no shade, so the tour works best if you start early or bring serious sun protection. From there you head to Shifen Waterfall, Taiwan's most famous cascade at about 20 meters high and 40 meters wide. The viewing platform is a 30-minute walk away, partly shaded and crossing a suspension bridge over the Keelung River.

Jiufen comes last if you book a later departure. The itinerary is flexible that way. The village is a former gold-mining town built by the Japanese, now a tangle of stairway streets lined with snack stalls and teahouses. It gets crowded, especially in the evening, but that's also when the lanterns and shop lights come on and the place starts to feel like the animated film it inspired. The private car means you're not negotiating public transport between these three spots or waiting for a group to move at one pace. Parking fees, tolls, bottled water, and the lantern activity are all included. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which matters on a full day moving between coast, waterfall, and mountain town.

What’s included

• Your day includes private air-conditioned vehicle transport, parking fees and tolls, bottled water, and one sky lantern for the Pingxi railway activity. You'll visit Yehliu Geopark, Shifen Waterfall, the Pingxi Branch Rail Line, and Jiufen Village. Entry fees to attractions are not included. The driver arranges the route.
• if you depart after 11:00 AM, Jiufen becomes your final stop so you can stay for sunset and evening.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 13:00

AgesAdult (12 to 89 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by YOLO Taiwan

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see three different landscapes in one day without managing transport between them or timing yourself to a group schedule: the private car and flexible departure times are what make a full itinerary possible in a single afternoon or evening.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the full tour?

Typically 8–10 hours depending on how long you spend at each stop and which departure time you choose.

What time does the tour start?

Departure times are flexible. Booking after 11:00 AM makes Jiufen the final stop, so you can catch sunset and evening lights there.

Is the sky lantern activity included?

Yes, one lantern per car is included. You launch it yourself on the Pingxi railway street.

How difficult is the walk to Shifen Waterfall?

About 30 minutes to the viewing platform, partly shaded, with a suspension bridge crossing. Suitable for most fitness levels.

Will we have time to eat?

Jiufen Village is full of snack stalls and teahouses. The itinerary allows time to stop and eat, though meals are not included in the tour price.

Is Yehliu Geopark shaded?

No, the area is mostly flat and open. Sun protection is essential, especially in summer.

Can I book this tour with a group?

This is a private car tour, so it's just your group. The vehicle fits multiple passengers.

What's included in the price?

Private air-conditioned vehicle, parking fees, tolls, bottled water, and one sky lantern per car. Entry fees to attractions are separate.