Why Join a Jiufen Tour?
Tucked away in the mountains, Jiufen is that magical little town everyone falls in love with. Picture this — narrow alleys lined with glowing red lanterns, the smell of tea drifting from cozy teahouses, and sea views stretching far into the mist. It even looks like something straight out of Spirited Away, the famous Japanese animated film. And when night falls and the lanterns light up? Total romantic movie vibes.If you’re planning a day trip from Taipei, you can make it a full North Coast adventure! Stop by Yehliu Geopark to check out its wild, otherworldly rock formations, then head to Shifen to release a sky lantern and watch your wishes float into the sky.
Wanna know how to see Jiufen, Yehliu, and Shifen all in just one day? Keep reading — we’ve got your perfect North Taiwan route right here.
Jiufen｜Old Street, Tea Houses & Mountain Views
The best way to enjoy Jiufen is to take it slow and explore its Old Street. This maze of narrow lanes is packed with food stalls, souvenir shops, and little teahouses tucked between stairways. Don’t leave without trying Jiufen’s taro balls, a chewy dessert served warm or cold; fish balls soup, rich and comforting; and peanut ice cream rolls, a fun mix of sweet and crunchy.If you’re into chill vibes, grab a seat by the window of a traditional teahouse, order a pot of oolong tea, and just take in the mountain-and-sea view. As the sun sets and the lanterns begin to glow, Jiufen feels like stepping into another world. It's calm, nostalgic, and completely magical.
Beyond its famous lantern-lit streets and teahouses, Jiufen also offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s golden past. A short ride away, the Gold Museum reveals how this quiet mountain town once thrived during the gold rush era, featuring old mining tunnels, vintage equipment, and the shimmering Golden Waterfall nearby. Back in town, the Shengping Theater, built in the 1930s, is one of Taiwan’s oldest movie theaters that once entertained miners and their families. The theater has been carefully restored, keeping its wooden seats and nostalgic film posters, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the charm of old Jiufen where stories of gold, cinema, and mountain mist come together.
Shifen｜Sky Lantern & Waterfall Adventure
Hidden in the green hills of the Pingxi District, Shifen is a charming little town that feels like stepping back in time. The train tracks run right through the main street, and visitors wander along the shops, grabbing local snacks or picking out colorful sky lanterns. Many people come here to write their wishes on a lantern, light it up, and watch it float slowly into the sky. It is a peaceful and heartwarming experience that everyone should try at least once.Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Shifen Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Taiwan. The water crashes down surrounded by trees and mist, creating a refreshing escape from the busy city. With its nostalgic atmosphere and stunning natural scenery, Shifen is a place that makes you slow down, smile, and simply enjoy the moment.
Yehliu｜Unique Rock Formations by the Sea
Located on Taiwan’s northern coast, Yehliu Geopark is one of the island’s most unique natural wonders. The area is famous for its otherworldly rock formations, sculpted by sea waves and strong winds over thousands of years. Among them, the most iconic is the Queen’s Head, a graceful rock that resembles a woman’s profile and has become a beloved symbol of Taiwan. Visitors can stroll along the coastal trails, admire rocks shaped like mushrooms, candles, and even animals, and enjoy the endless ocean views. With its dramatic landscape and salty sea breeze, Yehliu feels like a natural art museum carved by time and tide.Extra Spot: Golden Waterfall & Yin Yang Sea
Just a short drive from Jiufen, you’ll find two of the most eye-catching spots on Taiwan’s northern coast: the Golden Waterfall and the Yin Yang Sea. The Golden Waterfall got its name because the water flows over rocks colored by minerals from the old gold mines, giving it a warm golden glow under the sunlight. With green hills in the background and the sound of rushing water, it’s the kind of place that makes you stop and just stare for a minute.Keep going downhill and you’ll reach the Yin Yang Sea, where the ocean literally splits into two colors — deep blue on one side and golden-yellow on the other. This amazing effect comes from natural mineral runoff mixing with seawater. It’s one of those “wow” moments that make you want to grab your camera right away. Together, these two spots show how nature and history blend perfectly in northern Taiwan’s landscape.
Recommended Jiufen Tour Itineraries
One day trip: Yehliu → Yin Yang Sea → Shifen → Jiufen
If you have a full day to explore, this is the most complete Northern Taiwan coastal tour.Start at Yehliu Geopark to see its world-famous rock formations, then visit the Golden Waterfall and the Yin Yang Sea for breathtaking mountain-and-sea views. Enjoy a Hakka-style lunch in Shifen, release a sky lantern, and stop by the Shifen Waterfall. End your journey in Jiufen, wandering the Old Street and Gold Museum, then relax in a teahouse as the red lanterns glow across the hillside at night.
Morning Half-Day Trip: Yehliu → Yin Yang Sea → Jiufen
Spend your morning exploring Yehliu Geopark, famous for its sea-carved rock formations, then stop by the Yin Yang Sea to admire the striking mix of blue and golden water. Continue to Jiufen, where you can unwind in a teahouse overlooking the ocean and enjoy the peaceful morning view before the crowds arrive.Afternoon Half-Day Trip: Shifen → Shifen waterfall → Jiufen
Begin your afternoon in Shifen, where you can write your wishes on a colorful sky lantern and watch it float slowly into the sky. Then visit the nearby Shifen Waterfall, often called Taiwan’s most beautiful cascade. As evening approaches, head to Jiufen to wander its Old Street, enjoy tea in a hillside teahouse, and take in the romantic night view lit by hundreds of glowing red lanterns.
Sunset Trip: Shifen → Jiufen
Spend the evening in Shifen, writing your wishes on a sky lantern and watching it rise slowly into the dusky sky — a peaceful, magical moment as daylight fades. Then head to Jiufen, where the red lanterns glow along the narrow lanes and the mountain town takes on a mysterious charm under the night sky.How to Travel: Public Transport vs Private Tour
You can explore northern Taiwan by public transport or a private car tour. Trains and buses connect Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen, but locals know the schedules are limited. Sometimes you might have to wait one to two hours for a bus, especially when traveling between Yehliu and other spots in northern Taiwan.Hiring a private car with a driver makes travel much easier. Super Smooth Bus offers flexible routes, local English-speaking drivers, and saves you hours of waiting. If you want comfort and time efficiency, a private car service is the best way to see the North Coast in one day. Contact Super Smooth Bus to book your own custom trip to explore northern Taiwan.