Keelung: Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen & Houtong Cat Village Day Trip

Summary

Yehliu rocks, Jiufen alleys and Houtong’s cats in a single day

You’ll start your day exploring Yehliu Geopark’s wild rock formations before winding through Jiufen’s lantern-lit streets and tasting local snacks with your guide. In Houtong Cat Village you’ll meet friendly felines and see how locals care for them, then finish at Keelung’s buzzing night market for street food you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Keelung Port just after sunrise — I was still half-awake, honestly — and our driver, Mr. Chen, handed us little bottles of water with a smile. The van smelled faintly like mint gum (his, I think). First stop: Yehliu Geopark. I’d seen pictures but didn’t expect the wind to feel so sharp on my cheeks or the rocks to look that weirdly alive. Our guide pointed at the Queen’s Head formation and joked that she’s “aged” over the years — apparently locals debate if it still looks like a queen at all. The sea was loud, gulls everywhere. I kept finding tiny shells underfoot.

Jiufen came next, up winding roads where scooters zipped past us like they owned the place. The air changed — more incense, less salt. We wandered those narrow alleys packed with red lanterns and old teahouses; I tried taro balls from a street vendor (sticky, sweet, not what I expected). Our guide told us about the gold rush days here and how this town inspired Spirited Away. You can kind of see it — misty hills, sudden stairways going nowhere. There was a moment when we ducked into a teahouse just to get out of the drizzle and ended up watching clouds roll over the mountains for almost twenty minutes. Didn’t plan for that.

Houtong Cat Village is exactly what it sounds like — cats everywhere: sleeping on benches, perched on rooftops, eyeing tourists with that “feed me” look. Kids were giggling at painted cat murals while an older lady sold fish-shaped pastries nearby. Our guide explained how locals care for these strays; you could tell he liked this part best. I’m not even a cat person but something about all those tails flicking in the sun made me smile.

The tour wrapped up back in Keelung at Miaokou Night Market — chaos in the best way possible: sizzling food stalls, steam rising from oyster omelets, people shouting orders over each other. We tried squid on sticks (chewy!) and some kind of sweet peanut ice cream roll that melted before I could finish it. My shoes were sticky by then but honestly? Worth it for that taste alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Yehliu, Jiufen, Houton, and Night Market

• Visit Yehliu Geopark rock formations
• Explore Jiufen mountain town alleys
• View shimmering waterfall cascade
• Visit Houton Cat Village and interact
• Dine at Keelung Miaokou Night Market

Top questions

How long does the Keelung shore excursion last?

The tour covers a full day with stops at Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Houtong Cat Village, and ends at Miaokou Night Market before returning to Keelung Port.

Is pickup from Keelung Port included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at Keelung Port are included in the private tour.

Are meals or snacks provided during the tour?

No set meal is included but there are stops where you can buy street food or dine at halal-certified or vegetarian restaurants as needed.

Can infants join this day trip from Keelung?

Yes, infants can join; prams/strollers and specialized infant seats are available if requested in advance.

Is this private tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour involves moderate walking and some uneven paths; contact ahead if you have specific mobility needs.

What languages does the guide speak?

The driver-guide speaks Chinese and English fluently.

Are entrance fees to Yehliu Geopark included?

Yes, entrance fees to Yehliu Geopark are covered in your booking.

Does the itinerary change due to weather or traffic?

Yes, routes may be adjusted based on weather or traffic conditions to ensure safety and enjoyment.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off right at Keelung Port by an English- or Chinese-speaking driver-guide; travel insurance for peace of mind; all entrance fees including Yehliu Geopark; transportation by air-conditioned private vehicle; plus flexibility for halal meals or vegetarian options along the way before returning to port in comfort.