Full-Day Tour in Shifen, Jiufen & Yehliu of Taipei (Incl. ticket)

If you’re looking to venture outside the city and explore some of Taiwan’s most iconic natural and cultural sights, this full-day guided tour from Taipei offers a compelling blend of history, natural beauty, and local flavor. It’s designed for those who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, authentic experiences, and comfortable logistics—all for an accessible price point.

What makes this tour especially appealing? First, the chance to create and release a traditional Chinese lantern with a wish written on it—something truly memorable. Second, the opportunity to sample local foods in charming old streets, adding a tasty layer to your day. Third, the visit to Yehliu Geopark’s otherworldly rock formations provides spectacular photo ops and geological wonder.

A potential consideration is that the tour involves a fair amount of walking and can be quite a long day (about 9 hours), so it’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with movement. Also, traffic or weather conditions might cause slight changes to the itinerary, so flexibility is key.

This tour suits travelers eager to experience top sights with a knowledgeable guide, especially if you enjoy authentic local experiences, scenic landscapes, and a well-organized schedule.

Key Points

• Authentic Experiences: Create and release a Chinese lantern in Shifen, writing wishes that float into the sky.
• Scenic Highlights: Visit stunning spots like Shifen Waterfall and Yehliu Geopark’s bizarre rock formations.
• Taste of Taiwan: Enjoy local foods along Jiufen’s cobblestone streets.
• Educational & Fun: Learn about Taiwan’s geology and culture from friendly guides.
• Good Value: All entrance fees and transportation are included, making it a convenient package.
• Active Day: Be prepared for walking and outdoor exploration throughout the day.

Exploring the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Shifen Old Street & Waterfall

Your day kicks off in Shifen, a town famous for its historic old street and vibrant atmosphere. Here, you’ll get the chance to write a wish on a traditional Chinese lantern and release it into the sky—an experience that many find touching and photogenic. Reviewers mention that guides like York and Pauline make this process smooth, offering tips on how to make the lanterns look great and ensuring everyone gets a turn.

The Shifen Waterfall is next on the list—often called Taiwan’s Niagara—though it’s smaller, it’s no less beautiful. You’ll enjoy the roar of the water and the rainbow often visible on sunny days. Several reviewers have noted that the waterfall area is a “dreamy place” and a perfect spot for photos, with some wishing the visit could have been longer to soak in the scenery.

Jiufen Old Street: A Cultural Feast

After a quick drive, you’ll arrive at Jiufen, a hilltop town that looks like something out of a movie set. Its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with teahouses, souvenir shops, and food stalls. Here, the emphasis is on the local flavors—think taro balls, herbal teas, and traditional snacks. Reviewers mention that guides like Maggie add value by sharing stories behind the eateries and history of the town, making each snack tastier when you know its background.

You can expect about two hours here, giving ample time to wander, shop, and savor the atmosphere. However, some reviews note that the limited time can feel a bit rushed, especially if you want to explore in more depth.

Yehliu Geopark: Nature’s Surreal Art

The final stop is Yehliu Geopark, famous for its incredible rock formations carved by natural forces over thousands of years. The “Queen’s Head” is the most iconic, but the entire park resembles an alien landscape. You’ll be walking along pathways with bizarre, naturally sculpted rocks jutting out into the ocean, ideal for dramatic photos and geological curiosity.

The admission fee is included in the tour, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs. Reviewers frequently mention that the geological formations are unlike anything they’ve seen before, and guides are well-informed, explaining how these landscapes formed over ages. The visit typically lasts around an hour and ten minutes, which some feel is enough time to take photos and appreciate the scenery.

Practical Details: Logistics, Pricing & Tips

What’s Included & What’s Not

This tour covers transportation, a professional driver, a licensed English-speaking guide, and all park entrance fees (notably Yehliu Geopark’s TWD 120 fee). Some reviewers, like Elba and Rachel, appreciated the guides’ attentiveness and personalized care, noting that guides like Anne and Maggie go above and beyond to make the experience enjoyable.

Meals are not included, so plan to bring snacks or try local foods along the way. Lantern expenses (around TWD 150 per lantern) are separate, which travelers should budget for if they want to participate in the lantern release. There’s also a small fee for the weekend shuttle bus in Jiufen (TWD 15), which is optional but convenient.

Timing & Duration

The full-day schedule runs roughly 9 hours, starting at Taipei Main Station and ending at Raohe Street Night Market. Reviewers mention that the day can feel long, especially if traffic causes delays. The tour is flexible—if weather or traffic causes changes, the itinerary may shift, but guides typically do their best to maximize enjoyment.

Group Size & Comfort

With a maximum of around 40 travelers, the group size is moderate, allowing for some personal interaction without feeling crowded. The buses are comfortable, and many travelers praise the professional driver and friendly guides for keeping the day smooth and enjoyable.

Cost-Effectiveness

At $44 per person, this tour offers great value considering all inclusions—transport, entrance fees, and guiding. While lanterns and some local snacks cost extra, the overall package helps prevent surprises and allows for a hassle-free day.

What Travelers Say

Reviews highlight that guides like Pauline, Anne, and Maggie are passionate and accommodating, making the experience more meaningful. Many appreciated the stunning views and the chance to learn about Taiwan’s geology and culture from knowledgeable guides.

However, some reviewers found the timing in Jiufen to be tight, wishing they had more time to explore the quaint streets and shops. Others mentioned that bad weather or traffic can impact the experience, but guides try to adapt.

Notable Quotes:

• “The natural sights and the historical towns are totally recommend.”
• “The guide is incredible!!! The photos are Amazing!!”
• “Every stop was excellent and the tour guide was super enthusiastic and helpful.”
• “They had the sky lantern ready for us, and the reservation for the tea house was a plus.”

Critical Feedback:

A minority felt that the timing was rushed, especially at Jiufen and the waterfalls, and some were disappointed that the guided experience was limited at certain sites. Also, there was at least one review noting that the tour was more about transportation rather than guiding, with no background stories at sites; this underscores the importance of choosing guides carefully.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for active travelers who want a well-organized day packed with highlights beyond Taipei’s urban core. It’s perfect if you’re interested in a mix of natural beauty, local food, and culture, and don’t mind spending most of the day on a bus or walking outdoors.

Those looking for a guided experience with friendly, knowledgeable guides will find this especially valuable. It’s also a good option for first-time visitors to Taiwan who want to see iconic spots without the hassle of planning every detail.

If you’re traveling with kids, or prefer a more leisurely pace, consider whether the long day and walking requirements suit your family or travel style.

Final Thoughts

This full-day tour offers a fantastic introduction to Taiwan’s northeast coast at an affordable price. The combination of scenic landscapes, cultural sites, and engaging guides makes it a standout option for travelers wanting a comprehensive yet manageable experience outside Taipei.

You’ll love the memorable moments, like releasing a lantern into the sky and marveling at Yehliu’s bizarre formations. The experience is enhanced by local foods, insightful commentary, and well-organized logistics—making it a hassle-free way to explore Taiwan’s natural and cultural treasures.

While some may wish for more time at each stop, the overall value and authenticity of this tour make it a great choice for curious explorers seeking a rich, varied day trip.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour provides transportation with a professional driver, ensuring smooth travel between sites, so you don’t have to worry about navigating public transport.

How much is the lantern, and can I participate?
Lanterns cost around TWD 150 per color, and yes, participation is included in the experience. Guides help you write wishes and ensure everyone gets a turn to release their lantern.

What is Yehliu Geopark, and how long do we spend there?
Yehliu Geopark is famous for its unique rock formations carved by natural forces, and the visit lasts about 1 hour and 10 minutes, a good amount of time for photos and exploration.

Are the guides fluent in English?
Yes, the guides are licensed and fluent in English, ready to share stories and insights about each site to enrich your visit.

Can the itinerary change due to weather?
Yes, in case of bad weather or traffic delays, the tour may be adjusted. Guides typically inform participants and aim to maximize sightseeing.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for some walking and outdoor exposure. Active travelers who enjoy scenic spots and cultural experiences will find it most suitable.