Taipei day tour: Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall, Yehliu Geopark

Four stops across Taipei's mountains and coast: old village, waterfall, sky lantern street, and geopark

This eight-hour guided tour from Taipei covers Jiufen Village, Shifen Waterfall, the Pingxi Branch Rail Line, and Yehliu Geopark with transportation and a live guide in Chinese included. You pick between a 5-seater or 9-seater vehicle at checkout. Yehliu Geopark entry tickets are purchased on-site; meals are on your own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Jiufen, Yehliu, and Shifen

• Visit Yehliu Geopark
• Explore Jiufen Village and Old Street
• See Shifen Waterfall
• Walk Shifen Old Street and release lanterns

The Experience

The day starts with a drive to Jiufen Village, an old mountain settlement built on steep slopes in Ruifang District. The entire village sits on the hillside, so you get views of Shen'Ao and Keelung Harbors from almost anywhere you walk. The old street itself is the draw—narrow steps, traditional Chinese architecture, and stalls selling authentic Taiwanese food. Multiple historical sites are scattered through the town, and the layout means you're constantly discovering something new as you move uphill and down.

From there you head to Shifen Waterfall, Taiwan's widest waterfall and one of the most photographed in the country. It's a short walk from Shifen Train Station, and the path passes restaurants, gardens, and suspension bridges before you reach the cascading falls. Then comes Shifen Old Street on the Pingxi Branch Rail Line—the busiest old street along the railway, famous for the sky lanterns people release into the air. The street has its own food and shops, and the area's mining history is visible in the buildings and layout. The guide will explain what you're seeing at each stop.

The final stop is Yehliu Geopark on the north coast, where unusual rock formations rise from the water—the result of geological forces over millions of years. You'll have time to walk among the rocks and take in the coastal views. Entry tickets are paid on-site when you arrive. The whole route covers about eight hours with the drive time included, and parking and fuel are handled as part of the tour fee.

What’s included

• Transportation in your choice of a 5-seater or 9-seater vehicle.
• parking and fuel.
• toll fees.
• a live guide in Chinese.
• stops at Jiufen Village, Shifen Waterfall, Shifen Old Street on the Pingxi Branch Rail Line, and Yehliu Geopark.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by 翔程旅遊 XCTour

Is this one for you?Choose the 9-seater if you're traveling with a larger group and want to split costs; pick the 5-seater for more comfort and flexibility if it's just a few of you. Either way, the guide handles the route and timing, so you don't need to figure out how to connect these four stops across Taipei's north coast on your own.

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Top questions

What is Jiufen Village actually like when I get there?

Jiufen Village is an old mountain settlement with steep streets, traditional Chinese buildings, and food stalls selling local snacks and meals. The village sits on a slope so you can see the harbors from most spots, and there are historical sites scattered throughout the old street.

Can I release a sky lantern at Shifen Old Street?

Shifen Old Street is famous for sky lanterns, and visitors do release them there, though the practice has become an environmental concern. The street itself has food, shops, and views of the Pingxi Railway line running through the area.

How far is Shifen Waterfall from the train station?

Shifen Waterfall is easily accessible on foot from Shifen Train Station. The walk passes restaurants, gardens, and suspension bridges before you reach the falls, which is Taiwan's widest waterfall.

Do I need to buy Yehliu Geopark tickets in advance?

Yehliu Geopark tickets are purchased on-site when you arrive, not included in the tour price. The geopark features distinctive rock formations along the north coast.

What's included in the tour price?

Transportation, parking, fuel, and toll fees are included, plus a live guide in Chinese. Meals, attraction entry tickets (except Yehliu Geopark, which you pay on-site), and accommodations are separate.

Can I choose between a smaller or larger vehicle?

Yes—you pick either a 5-seater or 9-seater vehicle when you book, depending on your group size and preference.