Keelung Port: Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen & Shifen Waterfall Tour

From Keelung port to Jiufen, Yehliu rocks and Shifen falls all in one

You’ll step into Yehliu’s wild rock shapes, taste snacks in Jiufen’s lantern-lit alleys, trek out to Shifen Waterfall with its thunderous spray, and send your own sky lantern drifting above Pingxi’s railway village—all with a local driver-guide from Keelung port. It’s not always tidy or predictable—but it sticks with you.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with pickup from Keelung port, wifi on board for easy sharing or maps, bottled water whenever you need it, plus raincoats and umbrellas if the weather turns wet—so you can focus on wandering Yehliu’s rocks or strolling Jiufen’s alleys without worrying about logistics.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore geopark and local attractions

• Visit Yehliu Geopark rock formations
• Walk around Jiufen old street
• Taste authentic Taiwanese food
• See Shifen Waterfall and trek trail
• Fly sky lantern at Pingxi

The Experience

“You really have to see this,” our driver grinned as we pulled up to Yehliu Geopark. I’d seen photos but standing there in the salty wind, the Queen’s Head rock looked stranger than I expected—almost delicate. The sea was rough that morning, so spray kept hitting my ankles (my socks never dried). Kids were shouting about ‘fairy shoes’ somewhere behind us. Our guide, Mr. Chen, pointed out the names of each formation—he had a favorite (“the elephant!”)—and I tried to guess them before he said it. Got maybe one right.

Jiufen was next. The drive up twisted through misty hills—felt like we were climbing into a Miyazaki film. Old shopkeepers called out from their stalls; one handed me a paper cup of something herbal that tasted like sweet grass and smoke. I tried stinky tofu for the first time (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin—probably butchered it). The smell is… memorable. But honestly? Not as scary as people say. We wandered narrow lanes packed with red lanterns and souvenirs—there’s a spot where you can see the sea if you lean over just enough.

Shifen Waterfall was louder than I thought—a proper roar when you get close. The walk there takes you along the Pingxi Branch Rail Line; trains still run right through town, so we had to pause while one rumbled by. There’s this moment on the suspension bridge where everything goes quiet except for birds and water below—kind of peaceful after all the street noise earlier. At the end, we wrote wishes on sky lanterns (mine smudged because my hands were still damp from rain), then watched them float up until they disappeared into clouds. I still think about that view sometimes.

Top questions

Is pickup included from Keelung port?

Yes, private transportation with pickup from Keelung port is included.

How long does it take to reach Yehliu Geopark from Keelung?

It usually takes about 40 minutes by car from Keelung port to Yehliu Geopark.

Can I try local food in Jiufen during this tour?

Yes, there is time to taste Taiwanese food on Jiufen Old Street during the day trip.

Are entry fees or tickets included?

The tour includes private transportation; entry fees are not specified in the description.

Is there wifi on board during travel?

Yes, wifi is available on board your private vehicle throughout the tour.

What should I bring for weather changes?

The tour provides water, raincoat, and umbrella for comfort in changing weather.

How physically demanding is this day trip?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking at sites like Shifen Waterfall.

Do we fly sky lanterns at Pingxi?

Yes, you’ll write wishes on sky lanterns and release them at Pingxi Branch Rail Line village.