If you’re looking for one of the best day trips from Taipei, visiting Jiufen and Shifen should be at the top of your list. Just over an hour from the city, these two charming towns offer a perfect mix of history, culture, nature, and incredible food. From releasing a sky lantern in Shifen to wandering Jiufen’s lantern-lined streets and traditional tea houses, it’s easy to see why this is one of northern Taiwan’s most popular excursions.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to get from Taipei to Jiufen and Shifen, the best one-day itinerary, must-try street food, and our favorite tips to help you make the most of your visit—whether you’re traveling independently or joining a guided tour.
Practical Tips Before Visiting
Before you head off for your day trip to Jiufen and Shifen, you should be aware of this:
- If you plan on visiting Jiufen and Shifen on your own (without joining a tour), we recommend using Google Maps to plan your transportation and navigate between locations. Public transportation in Taiwan is excellent, but Wi-Fi is not always available or free, especially outside major cities. We highly recommend getting an eSIM card for Taiwan before your trip. Having mobile data is extremely useful for checking routes, translating signs with Google Translate, and communicating with locals. Outside Taipei, finding English speakers can be more challenging, so having access to translation tools can make your trip much smoother.
- For public transportation, we strongly recommend getting an EasyCard. If you are also spending a few days in Taipei, this card is almost essential. You can use it on MRT lines, buses, and many local trains, making it the easiest way to get around Taiwan. It also gives you access to transportation discounts and saves you the hassle of buying individual tickets.
- From Taipei, plan around 1 hour to reach Jiufen depending on your transportation option. Jiufen is one of Taiwan’s most popular tourist destinations, so expect crowds throughout the day. The famous photos showing empty lantern-filled streets are usually taken either by travelers staying overnight who wake up very early (around sunrise) or late at night after most visitors have left. While Jiufen is definitely busier during the day, the atmosphere, food, and views still make it one of the best day trips from Taipei.
- As always, we recommend checking the weather forecast before your visit, but keep in mind that northern Taiwan’s weather can be unpredictable, especially along the coast around Jiufen and Shifen. Clear sunny days offer the best visibility, especially if you plan to hike Teapot Mountain, but cloudy or overcast weather can also create a beautiful atmosphere with misty mountain views and a more traditional feeling.
- Getting around Jiufen and Shifen independently is very easy thanks to Taiwan’s reliable public transportation system. Buses, trains, and taxis are all convenient options, even for first-time visitors. However, if you prefer a more hands-off experience and want to focus on enjoying the scenery without worrying about transportation connections, there are many guided tours available. We recommend this option for travelers who have limited time or simply want a stress-free day trip.
The Best Jiufen & Shifen One-Day Itinerary
8:00 AM — Depart Taipei
Take a TRA train heading toward Ruifang (瑞芳) from Taipei Main Station. Then, from Ruifang Station, transfer to the Pingxi Line (平溪線). Take the train heading toward Jingtong (菁桐) and get off at Shifen Station (十分車站).
Morning — Explore Shifen Old Street and Waterfall
Highlights:
- Shifen Old Street
- Sky lantern experience
- Local snacks and souvenir shops
- Waterfall viewpoint
Lunch — Lunch in Shifen or Along the Way to Jiufen
Recommended:
- Taiwanese sausages (you will see many stands selling this and grilled corn)
- Peanut ice cream roll
- Sweet potato snacks
Early afternoon — Travel to Jiufen
You can either take the bus or a taxi to get from Shiufen to Jiufen.
If you take the bus, you will need to return to Ruifang station using the Pingxi line. Then, you can take any one of these and get of at Jiufen Old Street (九份老街) bus stop:
- Bus 965 → Ruifang / Jiufen / Taipei route (one of the most convenient options)
- Bus 788 → Keelung–Jiufen route
- Bus 827 → Jiufen area
Alternatively, you can also take a taxi from Ruifang station.
Mid-afternoon — Explore Jiufen Old Street
Spend the afternoon wandering through Jiufen’s narrow alleyways, traditional shops, and famous food stalls.
Don’t miss:
- Taro balls
- Fish balls
- Traditional tea houses
- Lantern-filled streets
Sunset — Enjoy a Tea House with a View
Take a break from the crowds and enjoy a traditional Taiwanese tea experience while overlooking the mountains and ocean. We recommend to stay at least until dark, so you can feel like you’re in Spirited Away with all the beautiful red lights!
Evening — Return to Taipei
You can either take the bus or the train to go back to Taipei. For the bus, take the 965 from Jiufen Old Street directly to Taipei, direction Banqiao Bus Station via MRT Ximen Station.
Alternatively, you can take the bus or a taxi back to Ruifang Station and then take the TRA train to Taipei.
Shifen — Sky Lanterns, Old Street & Waterfall
Explore Shifen Old Street
Located along the historic Pingxi Railway Line, Shifen Old Street is one of the most unique villages to visit near Taipei. Unlike most old streets in Taiwan, the railway tracks run directly through the center of the village, with shops, restaurants, and houses built right beside the tracks. Watching trains pass only a few meters away from the old street is part of what makes Shifen such a memorable experience.
Originally developed during the Japanese colonial period, Shifen was a major coal mining village in northern Taiwan. The railway was built to transport coal from the surrounding mountains, helping the area become an important mining hub. After the decline of the coal industry, Shifen transformed from an industrial town into a popular tourist destination while preserving much of its historic charm.
Today, Shifen is best known for its sky lantern tradition, where visitors write wishes on colorful lanterns before releasing them into the sky. However, the village offers more than just lanterns — wandering through the narrow streets, watching trains pass through the village, and trying local snacks are all part of the experience.
Release a Sky Lantern in Shifen
One of the most iconic experiences in Taiwan is releasing a sky lantern in Shifen, a tradition that has transformed this former mining village into one of the most popular day trips from Taipei. Standing on the railway tracks, writing your wishes on a colorful lantern, and watching it slowly float into the sky is a memorable experience that represents hope, good fortune, and new beginnings.
The tradition of releasing sky lanterns (天燈, tiāndēng) dates back to the Qing Dynasty. Originally, lanterns were used by villagers to send messages and signal that an area was safe after conflicts. Over time, this practical use evolved into a cultural tradition where people write their hopes, wishes, and prayers on lanterns before releasing them into the sky.
At Shifen Old Street, lanterns come in different colors, with each color representing a different wish or intention.
Common options include:
- Red: Good fortune, happiness, and overall luck
- Yellow: Wealth, money, and career success
- Blue: Work, ambition, and personal goals
- Pink: Love and relationships
- White: Health and peace
- Purple: Academic success and wisdom
- Green: Growth and new opportunities
Many shops also offer multi-colored lanterns, allowing you to write different wishes on each side. As you can see, I chose white (I panicked, I now have a reason to go back and chose red!).
Single-color lantern cost around NT$200–250
Visit Shifen Waterfall
After exploring Shifen Old Street and releasing a sky lantern, continue your visit by walking to Shifen Waterfall (十分瀑布), one of the most famous waterfalls in Taiwan. Surrounded by lush mountains and located along the Keelung River, this impressive waterfall is often called the “Niagara Falls of Taiwan” because of its wide curtain-like shape and powerful flow.
Unlike many attractions in Taiwan, Shifen Waterfall is completely free to visit.
The easiest way to reach the waterfall is by walking from Shifen Old Street. From the main street near Shifen Station, follow the signs toward Shifen Waterfall Scenic Area. The path takes you through a peaceful riverside trail, crossing small bridges and passing through the forest. The walk is straightforward and does not require any special hiking experience.
Lunch: What to Eat in Shifen
After exploring Shifen Old Street and Shifen Waterfall, take some time to try the local snacks sold along the railway tracks. While Shifen is not as famous as Jiufen for food, the old street has plenty of small vendors offering classic Taiwanese street food that makes for a perfect quick lunch during your day trip from Taipei.
Most food stalls are located along Shifen Old Street, close to Shifen Station, making it easy to grab something before continuing to Jiufen. Bonus, there are some stands that sell fresh fruits, and it’s where I have tried the best passion fruit in my life (sorry Brazil!).You will also see a lot of sausage options and barbecue.
➡️ Looking for the best food around Taiwan? We got you covered with our guide: The Best Food in Taiwan by City: My Where to Eat Guide in 2026-2027
Jiufen — Taiwan’s Most Famous Mountain Village
Walk Through Jiufen Old Street
After exploring Shifen, head to Jiufen Old Street (九份老街), one of Taiwan’s most famous historic villages. Built on the mountainside overlooking the coast, Jiufen is known for its narrow alleyways, red lanterns, traditional tea houses, and incredible views.
Originally a gold mining town during the Japanese colonial period, Jiufen was once one of Taiwan’s wealthiest mining areas. Today, the old mining village has transformed into a charming destination filled with food stalls, souvenir shops, and traditional architecture.
Start your visit by walking along Jishan Old Street Entrance (基山街), the main street of Jiufen Old Street. Take your time exploring the small shops, trying local snacks, and wandering through the narrow alleys and stone staircases. You will find Taiwanese snacks, tea products, local souvenirs, handmade crafts and traditional desserts
Don’t miss the famous lantern-filled streets around Shuqi Road (豎崎路), where you can find some of the most iconic views of Jiufen. The area is especially beautiful in the late afternoon when the lanterns start lighting up and the mountains are covered in a warm glow. Take the staircase near the tea houses.
This is where you will find the classic Jiufen photos that show lanterns hanging above old stone streets.
Try Jiufen’s Famous Street Food
Most of the famous foods can be found along Jishan Street (基山街), the main street of Jiufen Old Street, as well as around the nearby stairways and alleyways. Since many shops offer similar dishes, we recommend choosing the places with the longest local lines rather than trying to visit every stall.
Taro balls – The most famous place to try them is A-Mei Tea House area, where several traditional dessert shops serve their own versions.
Peanut ice cream roll – The best one we had of our whole trip! Look for small dessert stalls along Jiufen Old Street. It is commonly sold in the same areas as other traditional snacks.
Fish balls – The most famous shops are located along Jishan Street, where some restaurants have been serving these traditional dishes for decades.
Herbal rice cakes – Look for traditional snack shops around Jiufen Old Street, especially stalls selling handmade local pastries.
Experience a Traditional Tea House
No visit to Jiufen is complete without stopping at one of its traditional tea houses. Thanks to its peaceful mountain setting and cooler climate, Jiufen has become one of the best places in Taiwan to slow down and experience the country’s tea culture.
Many of the tea houses are housed in beautifully preserved historic buildings and offer panoramic views of the mountains, the East China Sea, and Jiufen’s lantern-lined streets. This is one of the reason we also recommend them: you will get the best view minus the crowd. Instead of simply ordering a drink, you’ll often be served a traditional tea set, allowing you to brew several infusions at your own pace while enjoying the scenery.
The best time to visit is late afternoon or around sunset. As daylight fades, the red lanterns throughout Jiufen begin to glow, creating the magical atmosphere the village is famous for. On a clear day, you can watch the sun set over the mountains before the streets light up for the evening.
Where to try it:
🌟 A-Mei Tea House – The most iconic tea house in Jiufen, famous for its lantern-covered exterior and panoramic terrace. It’s a popular choice, so expect a wait during peak hours, but the atmosphere makes it well worth it.
🌟 Jiufen Teahouse – A quieter alternative with a more traditional ambiance. It features beautiful wooden architecture, a curated tea selection, and peaceful indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the mountains.
🌟 Skyline Tea House – A great option if you’re looking for sweeping coastal views while enjoying Taiwanese oolong tea and light desserts.
Our tip: Even if you’re not a tea enthusiast, we highly recommend setting aside 45–60 minutes for a tea house experience. Pair your tea with a traditional dessert, relax, and enjoy the views—it’s one of the best ways to end a Jiufen and Shifen day trip from Taipei before heading back to the city. Depending on the one you chose, you also get the best view of Jiufen without the crowd.
Best Photo Spots in Jiufen and Shifen
If you want the best spot for photos, or find the one you have seen online, we have pinpoint the direction for each one of them below.
Shifen
For your picture on the famous railway, head to the Shifen Old Street. This is where you will also find all the store selling the lantern.
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/NfsDewEWvNzzkiia8
Don’t stop at the first viewpoint! It’s the most crowded and gives you the “American side of Niagara Falls” experience (sorry to our U.S. readers 😉). Walk about 5 minutes further to the lower observation deck instead. You’ll be rewarded with a much better angle of Shifen Waterfall, fewer crowds, and one of the best photo spots in the area.
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/cCzWKB48pYPaJA4b8
Jiufen
Finding Jiufen’s most famous viewpoint can be a little confusing due to its maze of narrow alleyways and staircases. To reach it, head to the intersection of Qingbian Road and Shuqi Road, then walk down Shuqi Road (豎崎路).
Along the way, you’ll pass traditional tea houses, historic buildings, and rows of glowing red lanterns. About halfway down, you’ll reach the iconic viewpoint often associated with Spirited Away because of its magical atmosphere. Continue to the bottom of the staircase to find yourself surrounded by a sea of lanterns
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/CutbHtE575GPdyZq9
We recommend two tea house spot: one for the best view of the mountain, and the other for the best Spirited Away view and experience. For the mountain views, head to Skyline Tea House (海悅樓), and for the Spirited away view, head to A-Mei Tea House.
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/yJrsaaigm5fxoFKL8
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/7v3wm6XBWWDRiMDZ7
Guided Tours
If you prefer a stress-free experience, joining a guided tour from Taipei to Jiufen and Shifen is an excellent option. Transportation is included, so you won’t have to worry about train schedules, bus transfers, or navigating between attractions. Most tours also include stops at the day’s highlights, with enough free time to explore each destination at your own pace.
We recommend it for:
- First-time visitors who want to see the highlights without planning the logistics.
- Travelers with limited time looking to maximize their day and avoid transportation delays.
- Families or groups who prefer a more convenient and organized experience. If you are a group, a private tour can be also quite cheap!
While we personally enjoy exploring Taiwan independently, if there is one day that we would hire a guided tour it would be for Jiufen and Shifen.
Our recommendation: If you’re looking for a highly rated option, we recommend this Jiufen & Shifen Day Tour from Taipei, which includes transportation and visits to the region’s most popular attractions.
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