Jiufen and Shifen Day Trip: Compare Tours from Taipei

Jiufen and Shifen in one day: what to expect

A Jiufen and Shifen day trip from Taipei combines two of northern Taiwan's most distinctive destinations. Jiufen’s hillside lanes, traditional teahouses and coastal views are central to its appeal. Shifen offers a different atmosphere, with its railway-side old street, sky-lantern activities and nearby waterfall.

Although both destinations can be visited independently, combining them in one day requires careful transport planning. Organised excursions make the journey easier by connecting the two locations, often with additional stops such as Yehliu Geopark. Most visitors should allow a full day for a comfortable combined itinerary.

Best Jiufen and Shifen day trips from Taipei

Several types of guided excursions connect Jiufen and Shifen. Some focus on these two destinations, while others include Yehliu, Shifen Waterfall or additional attractions in northern Taiwan. The best choice depends on how much time you want at each stop and whether you prefer a small-group or private experience.

For a balanced day, prioritise tours that provide meaningful free time in Jiufen and Shifen rather than brief photo stops. If visiting Shifen Waterfall is important, check that it is explicitly included, as some excursions only stop at Shifen Old Street for the sky-lantern experience.

Compare the available tours below to find an itinerary that matches your interests, schedule and budget.

Example Jiufen and Shifen day trip itinerary

A typical full-day excursion from Taipei can combine the railway atmosphere of Shifen with the hillside streets of Jiufen. The following is an example of how to organise the day, not a fixed itinerary offered by every tour operator.

Morning: Taipei to Shifen Old Street

Leave Taipei in the morning and travel towards Shifen, a former mining settlement on the historic Pingxi railway line. Spend time exploring Shifen Old Street, where shops and traditional sky-lantern activities are concentrated around the railway tracks. If you want to release a lantern, check whether the activity is included in your chosen tour or requires an additional payment.

Late morning: Shifen Waterfall

If your itinerary includes the waterfall, allow time to reach its viewing platforms and enjoy the surrounding wooded scenery. Shifen Waterfall is approximately 20 metres high and 40 metres wide, making it one of northern Taiwan's best-known natural attractions. Admission is free, but the park has opening hours. A visit from Shifen Station involves walking, so allow sufficient time rather than treating the waterfall as a quick roadside stop.

For detailed access information, walking directions and visitor advice, see our Shifen Waterfall visitor guide.

Afternoon: Explore Jiufen Old Street

Continue towards Jiufen, a hillside town overlooking Taiwan's northeastern coast. Its narrow streets contain traditional shops, local snacks and teahouses, with scenic views available from different parts of the town. Allow time to explore the lanes rather than rushing between individual photo spots.

For more information about the town itself, see our Jiufen Old Street guide, which covers the visitor experience in greater detail.

Late afternoon: Return to Taipei

After exploring Jiufen, return to Taipei according to your tour schedule or independent transport arrangements. Some excursions include additional stops, while others may visit Jiufen later in the day. The order, duration and return time depend on the selected itinerary.

How to visit Jiufen and Shifen independently from Taipei

Visiting both destinations without a guided tour is possible using Taiwan's railway and bus networks. However, the journey requires several connections, making it important to plan your route around current transport schedules.

Step 1: Taipei to Shifen

Take a Taiwan Railways train from Taipei Main Station towards Ruifang. The journey commonly takes around 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the service. At Ruifang, transfer to the Pingxi Line and continue to Shifen Station, approximately 30 minutes away by train. Allow additional time for the connection, as Pingxi Line services are less frequent than trains on the main railway network.

Step 2: Shifen to Jiufen

After visiting Shifen, return by train to Ruifang Station. From the station area, take a local bus towards Jiufen Old Street. Bus services and journey times depend on traffic and current schedules, so check the latest route information before travelling. Jiufen is not directly served by the Pingxi railway line.

Step 3: Jiufen to Taipei

For the return journey, you can take a bus back towards Ruifang and continue by train to Taipei. Direct bus services towards Taipei may also be available, depending on the route and operating schedule. Check the last suitable connections before spending the evening in Jiufen.

Independent travel offers more flexibility, especially if you want to spend longer in Jiufen or explore additional Pingxi Line stops. A guided tour is generally more convenient when you prefer a fixed schedule and transport between attractions.

Jiufen to Shifen or Shifen to Jiufen?

Both directions are possible, but starting with Shifen and finishing in Jiufen can be particularly appealing. Shifen's railway setting and waterfall suit a daytime visit, while Jiufen's lantern-lit streets can be atmospheric towards late afternoon and evening.

However, this is not necessarily the best sequence for every traveller. Jiufen can become crowded during peak visiting hours, and some shops or attractions may close earlier than expected. Tours that start in Jiufen may also work better with particular transport arrangements or additional stops.

If you are considering a Jiufen night tour, check the actual arrival time, duration of the visit and return arrangements. The name alone does not guarantee an evening visit or a particular experience.

How to choose the right combined tour

Not all Jiufen and Shifen excursions provide the same experience. Before booking, compare the following details:

• Destinations included: confirm that both Jiufen and Shifen are listed, and check separately for Shifen Waterfall or Yehliu.
• Time at each stop: favour itineraries with enough free time to explore rather than brief photo opportunities.
• Tour duration: consider the total journey time, departure hour and expected return to Taipei.
• Group or private tour: shared excursions can be economical, while private options may provide more flexibility.
• Sky-lantern activities: verify whether a lantern release is included or available at an additional cost.
• Transport and meeting points: check pickup arrangements, vehicle type and the location where the tour finishes.
• Booking conditions: compare current prices, traveller reviews, language options and cancellation policies.

A private Taipei tour may be worth considering if you prefer a more personalised itinerary, particularly when travelling as a family or small group.

Practical tips for your Jiufen and Shifen day trip

• Start early: a morning departure gives you more time for sightseeing and transport connections.
• Wear comfortable shoes: Jiufen has steep lanes and stairs, while visiting Shifen Waterfall involves outdoor walking paths.
• Prepare for rain: northeastern Taiwan can experience wet conditions, so carry a light rain jacket or umbrella.
• Allow time for crowds: weekends and public holidays can be particularly busy in Jiufen and Shifen.
• Bring some cash: smaller food stalls, shops and local activities may not accept every payment card.
• Check your itinerary: Shifen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall and sky-lantern activities are separate experiences and are not necessarily included together.

Is a Jiufen and Shifen day trip worth it?

For travellers spending a few days in Taipei, combining Jiufen and Shifen is an excellent way to discover two contrasting sides of northern Taiwan. Jiufen offers atmospheric hillside streets, local food and coastal views, while Shifen brings together railway heritage, sky-lantern traditions and nearby natural scenery.

A guided day trip is particularly worthwhile if you want to visit both places without arranging train and bus connections. Independent travel remains a good option for visitors who prefer flexibility and are comfortable planning their own route.

Rather than choosing the tour with the greatest number of stops, prioritise an itinerary that gives you enough time to enjoy Jiufen and Shifen at a comfortable pace.