Taipei: Yehliu, Jiufen & Pingxi Day Trip with Sky Lanterns

Summary

Jiufen alleys, Yehliu rocks and Pingxi lanterns in one day out of Taipei

You’ll taste taro balls in Jiufen’s hillside alleys, walk among Yehliu Geopark’s surreal rock shapes, watch Shifen Waterfall thunder down misty cliffs, and send your own wish skyward on a Pingxi lantern—with local stories woven in all day long.

What’s the experience like?

Did you ever wonder if those mushroom-shaped rocks at Yehliu really look like the photos? I did — and honestly, they’re even weirder in person. The sea wind was sharp that morning, carrying this salty smell that clung to my jacket. Our guide (Mr. Chen — he had a quiet way of pointing things out) showed us the “Queen’s Head” rock and I tried to see the royal profile everyone talks about. Maybe I just have a bad imagination, but it looked more like a tired camel to me. There were families from Kaohsiung snapping photos and laughing at the names: “Fairy Shoe”, “Ice Cream Rock”… I liked how nobody took it too seriously.

Jiufen was next — up these winding roads where the fog hangs low. The village is perched on a hillside and honestly feels like it belongs in an old movie (which apparently it does — Mr. Chen mentioned “A City of Sadness” was filmed here). The alleys are narrow and packed with people, but somehow it’s not overwhelming. There’s this sweet smell everywhere from taro balls frying on little carts. We ducked into a teahouse for a break; I still remember the way the steam curled up from my cup as rain started tapping on the paper windows. It felt like time paused for a second there.

Shifen Waterfall was louder than I expected — you hear it before you see it, sort of rumbling through the trees. The spray caught the sun just right for a minute and made this faint rainbow over the rocks (I almost missed it while trying to get my phone out). After that we wandered down to Pingxi Old Street where people were writing wishes on huge paper lanterns right on the train tracks. Our group shared one; I wrote something silly about wanting more good hair days — Li laughed when she read it out loud in Mandarin (I probably butchered it). Watching our lantern float up with dozens of others felt strange and peaceful at the same time.

I didn’t expect to feel so connected to places I’d only seen in travel blogs before — or to strangers sharing snacks under neon shop lights in Jiufen. If you’re looking for a day trip from Taipei that mixes odd geology, old streets, waterfalls, and that sky lantern tradition everyone talks about… well, this is pretty much it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Yehliu, Jiufen, and Pingxi

• Visit Yehliu Geopark rock formations
• See the Queen’s Head and other rocks
• Tour Jiufen Village hillside alleys
• Enjoy tea at a Jiufen teahouse
• Taste local foods and buy souvenirs
• Visit Shifen Waterfall viewing platforms
• Walk Shifen Old Street and shops
• Write wishes and release sky lantern
• Return with optional Taipei 101 drop-off

Top questions

How long does the Yehliu, Jiufen & Pingxi day tour from Taipei take?

The tour lasts one full day with morning departure from Taipei and return in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you book the private option; otherwise there is a central meeting point.

What is included in the Yehliu Geopark ticket?

The entrance ticket covers access to all main areas of Yehliu Geopark including famous rock formations.

Can I launch my own sky lantern at Pingxi?

Yes—each group shares one lantern (3-4 people), writes wishes on it, and launches it together with guidance from your tour guide.

Are meals or snacks provided during the tour?

No meals are included; you’ll have free time to buy food or snacks at Jiufen or Pingxi Old Street.

Is there much walking involved?

A small amount of walking is required—comfortable shoes are recommended but most fitness levels can join.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes—infants can ride in prams/strollers or sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Does Shifen Waterfall really look like Niagara Falls?

It’s called “Little Niagara” because of its shape but is much smaller; still very scenic with multiple viewpoints.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned transport from Taipei (with hotel pickup if selected), entry tickets for Yehliu Geopark, guided sky lantern launching at Pingxi (shared per group), plus all guiding by a licensed local expert before returning to Taipei in the evening.