From Taipei: Shifen, Jiufen, and Yehliu Guided Day Trip

Explore the scenic highlights of northern Taiwan on a guided day trip from Taipei. The $45 per person tour visits the stunning Yehliu Geopark, quaint Shifen town, and charming Jiufen Old Street, offering a well-rounded cultural and natural experience. You’ll see the iconic Queen’s Head rock formation, release sky lanterns, and stroll through Japanese-inspired architecture. The tour includes transportation, a licensed guide, and options for shared or private tours with hotel pickup. While the 9-hour itinerary may change due to weather, you’re sure to enjoy the highlights – and there’s more to discover.

Key Points

• This guided day trip from Taipei covers the iconic destinations of Shifen, Jiufen, and Yehliu Geopark, offering a comprehensive experience of Northern Taiwan’s natural and cultural attractions.
• Pricing starts at $45 per person for the 9-hour tour, with options for shared or private tours, including hotel pickup for the latter.
• Tour highlights include the Queen’s Head rock formation in Yehliu, the scenic landscapes and sky lantern release in Shifen, and the charming Jiufen Old Street.
• The tour provides licensed guides and transportation, with language options in Chinese, English, and Japanese, ensuring a personalized and informative experience.
• Comfortable shoes, rain gear, and cash for incidentals are recommended, as the itinerary may be impacted by weather conditions.

Tour Overview and Pricing

This guided day trip from Taipei takes visitors to three popular destinations: Shifen, Jiufen, and Yehliu Geopark. Priced from $45.00 per person, the tour lasts 9 hours and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests can choose between shared or private tour options, with the latter including hotel pickup. The tour is available in Chinese, English, and Japanese.

It’s important to note that the itinerary may change due to weather or traffic, and the tour may not be suitable for those with certain health conditions.

Itinerary Highlights

The guided day trip visits several iconic destinations.

At Yehliu Geopark, guests can marvel at the Queens Head rock formation, a natural wonder shaped by erosion over thousands of years.

In Shifen, travelers are immersed in the scenic landscape and have the opportunity to release sky lanterns, a cherished local tradition.

Jiufen’s Old Street, with its Japanese-inspired architecture, provides a charming stroll and chances to sample local delicacies.

Along the way, the tour includes a visit to the Shifen Waterfall and ends at the lively Raohe Street Night Market, offering a diverse range of culinary and cultural experiences.

Tour Options and Logistics

Travelers can choose between shared or private tour options for this day trip from Taipei. Shared tours require meeting at MRT Taipei Main Station, while private tours include hotel pickup. Tour language options are Chinese, English, and Japanese. The transportation and a licensed guide are included in the tour.

Tour Options	Meeting Location	Included Services
Shared	MRT Taipei Main Station	Transportation, Guide
Private	Hotel Pickup	Transportation, Guide
Chinese, English, Japanese

The tour’s itinerary covers the scenic highlights of Yehliu Geopark, Shifen, and Jiufen, with visits to Shifen Waterfall and local food opportunities. The day trip ends at Raohe Street Night Market.

Suitability and Requirements

While the day trip offers a comprehensive exploration of Northern Taiwan’s natural and cultural gems, it’s crucial to consider certain suitability requirements.

This tour isn’t recommended for individuals with high blood pressure, mobility issues, or heart problems. Guests should wear comfortable shoes and bring rain gear, as the itinerary may be affected by weather or traffic conditions.

Plus, it’s advisable to carry cash for incidentals and local food opportunities. By being mindful of these requirements, travelers can ensure they’ve a safe and enjoyable experience, making the most of the tour’s highlights across Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Judging from the overwhelmingly positive customer reviews and ratings, the day trip appears to deliver on its promises.

With an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 465 reviews, travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and ample exploration time.

Many appreciated the personalized attention and memorable experiences shared by the guides, further highlighting the tour’s value for money and overall enjoyment.

Reviewers noted the highlights included the iconic Queen’s Head rock formation, scenic landscapes in Shifen, and the charming Jiufen Old Street.

Exploring Yehliu Geopark

As the day trip begins, visitors to Yehliu Geopark are immediately struck by the park’s unique rock formations. The star attraction is the famous "Queen’s Head" rock, a striking natural sculpture that resembles the profile of a queen. Aside from the Queen’s Head, the park is home to a variety of other curious rock formations, each with its own distinct shape and story. Visitors can explore the coastal trails, marvel at the dramatic hoodoos, and learn about the park’s geological history from the knowledgeable tour guides.

Rock Formation	Description
Queen’s Head	Resembles the profile of a queen
Fairy Shoe	Shaped like a delicate shoe
Ginger Rocks	Clustered formations with ginger-like appearance
Candle Rocks	Tall, thin structures resembling candles
Sea Erosion Platforms	Flat, layered rock platforms carved by the sea

Discovering Shifen’s Charm

After marveling at the unique rock formations in Yehliu Geopark, the day trip moves on to the charming town of Shifen.

Nestled in a scenic valley, Shifen offers visitors a chance to release sky lanterns, a cherished local tradition. Guests can stroll along the historic railway tracks, soaking in the quaint atmosphere and exploring the shops and eateries that line the streets.

The tour also includes a visit to the impressive Shifen Waterfall, where cascading waters tumble over a rocky outcrop.

With ample time to explore, travelers can fully enjoy Shifen’s picturesque charms before continuing on to the final destination, Jiufen Old Street.

Strolling Jiufen Old Street

The tour’s final destination is the enchanting Jiufen Old Street, a vibrant and nostalgic enclave that transports visitors to a bygone era. Strolling along the winding alleyways, travelers discover a delightful blend of Japanese-inspired architecture, charming teahouses, and local snack vendors. The atmosphere evokes the golden age of Taiwan’s mining industry, with each nook and cranny evoking a sense of timeless wonder. To capture the essence of Jiufen, the tour includes ample time to explore the street, savor local delicacies, and take in the unique cultural experience.

Feature	Description
Architecture	Japanese-inspired buildings and teahouses
Local Cuisine	Variety of traditional Taiwanese snacks and treats
Ambiance	Nostalgic, historic, and charming atmosphere

Frequently Asked Questions

How Experienced Are the Tour Guides?

The tour guides are described as knowledgeable, providing personalized attention and sharing memorable experiences with travelers. Based on the positive reviews, the guides appear to be experienced professionals who enhance the overall enjoyment of the tour.

Can We Bring Our Own Food on the Tour?

Travelers can bring their own food on the tour. The tour provides opportunities to purchase local cuisine, but bringing snacks or a packed lunch is permitted and can be enjoyed during the day’s activities.

Is Photography Allowed at All the Sites?

Photography is generally allowed at all the sites visited on the tour. Travelers should check with their guide for any specific restrictions or guidance on taking photos during the day trip.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it’s not suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart problems. Children are welcome, but their abilities should be considered when booking the tour.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Our Preferences?

The tour offers some flexibility to customize the itinerary based on travelers’ preferences. Participants can discuss their interests with the guide, who’ll try to accommodate them within the tour’s duration and logistics.

Sum Up

This guided day trip from Taipei offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of Taiwan’s most captivating destinations. From the otherworldly landscapes of Yehliu Geopark to the charming streets of Shifen and Jiufen, the tour showcases the country’s diverse natural and cultural wonders. With flexible options and convenient logistics, it’s an ideal choice for travelers seeking an enriching and immersive experience in northern Taiwan.