Taipei: Jiufen,Shifen & Houtong Cat Village Private Day Tour

If you’ve ever wondered whether a day trip can truly capture the essence of Taiwan’s enchanting north, this private tour promises just that. Designed for travelers who want to see the highlights without the hassle of planning or navigating on their own, this experience offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural charm, and fun activities.

What we love about this tour is how smoothly it handles the logistics—hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it perfect for visitors unfamiliar with Taipei’s busy streets. Plus, the stops are thoughtfully chosen: from the playful cats of Houtong to the picturesque waterfalls at Shifen, and the nostalgic alleys of Jiufen. The only caveat might be the timing—seven hours can feel a bit tight if you’re a slow walker or want more time at each spot, so consider the pace you’d prefer.

This tour suits travelers who crave an authentic, well-organized day that hits Taiwan’s must-see sights. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a knowledgeable guide, value good logistics, and want a glimpse into Taiwan’s cultural tapestry without the stress of independent travel.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience covering four popular destinations in one day
• Hassle-free with hotel pickup and drop-off in Taipei City
• Insights from knowledgeable guides who make the history and culture come alive
• Ideal for first-time visitors wanting an overview of Taiwan’s highlights
• Flexible itinerary with free time built into the schedule
• Value for money at $114 per person, including activities like sky lantern release

We’ll break down this tour to help you understand what makes it a compelling choice—and what to consider before booking. It’s designed to maximize your day while minimizing travel stress, but knowing what’s included and what’s not can help you arrive prepared.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Convenience of Hotel Pickup and Drop-Off

Starting with the fact that hotel transfers are included in the price, you can relax knowing that transportation logistics are handled. The driver-guide, who speaks both English and Chinese, will contact you via WhatsApp (or at the designated pick-up point if you don’t use WhatsApp), holding a sign with “YOLO Taiwan” and your name. This adds a layer of security and ease, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Taipei’s streets.

The round-trip transfer means you won’t need to worry about navigating Taipei’s busy subway or bus routes, which can be confusing for first-time visitors. It also sets a comfortable tone for the day, as you can start your adventure relaxed and ready to focus on the sights.

The Itinerary: A Well-Structured Journey

The tour kicks off with a scenic drive from Taipei to Shifen Waterfall, often called Taiwan’s “Little Niagara” for its impressive cascade. We appreciate that this stop is a photo-worthy moment, providing a chance to marvel at the rushing water surrounded by lush greenery. The guided tour of 50 minutes allows enough time for photos and a quick walk along the viewing area without feeling rushed.

Next, the group moves to Shifen Old Street, famous for its old railway tracks that run right through the bustling lanes. Here, you can see vendors selling snacks, souvenirs, and lanterns. Releasing a sky lantern here is one of the tour’s key highlights—a truly memorable moment where you can write wishes and watch them float into the sky. As one reviewer noted, “Peter was an excellent guide and driver who really added to our enjoyment of the day,” especially during this activity.

The journey then takes you to Houtong Cat Village, a whimsical place where hundreds of cats roam freely. This stop is a delight for animal lovers and photographers alike. You’ll have around 50 minutes to explore, take pictures, and soak in the quirky charm of the village—an Instagram favorite for sure. One traveler mentioned that the guide’s tips around the city and night markets added extra value, showing that knowledgeable guides enhance the experience.

The afternoon is reserved for Jiufen Old Street, the most iconic stop. Here, you’ll find narrow alleyways lined with teahouses, souvenir shops, and food stalls. It’s easy to lose track of time in this nostalgic mountain town, which inspired Studio Ghibli’s “Spirited Away.” The 2-hour period allotted provides enough flexibility for a leisurely lunch, sightseeing, and exploring at your own pace.

Finally, the group heads back to Taipei, having experienced some of Taiwan’s most scenic and culturally rich locations in a single day. The total duration is about 7 hours, which is efficient but might feel a bit rushed if you want to linger longer or take more photos.

The Value for Money: What’s Included and What’s Not

At $114 per person, the tour offers good value, especially considering the all-inclusive nature: round-trip transportation, a professional driver-guide, tolls, parking, fuel, and the sky lantern activity. The inclusion of passenger insurance adds peace of mind.

However, meals and beverages aren’t included, so you’ll want to budget for snacks or lunch on your own. The tour is private, which means a more personalized experience and a smaller group, often leading to better interaction with your guide and a more tailored pace.

The Experience and Guide Quality

From reviews, it’s clear that the guides are a major plus—knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. One reviewer praised Peter as “an excellent guide and driver who really added to the enjoyment,” while another appreciated the tips around the city and night markets.

The guides not only help you navigate but also enrich your understanding of each location’s history and culture. Their insights make the visit more meaningful beyond just sightseeing.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to cover a lot of ground in a single day with minimal hassle. It appeals to those who value good logistics, appreciate local insights, and enjoy authentic, scenic, and cultural experiences. It’s especially beneficial if you prefer a private, flexible itinerary over large group tours.

Possible Drawbacks to Keep in Mind

While the schedule is well-organized, some may find the 7-hour duration tight if they prefer a more relaxed pace. The stops, though thoughtfully chosen, are limited in time, so slow walkers or those wanting extensive shopping or dining might feel rushed.

Plus, the tour focuses on the highlights, so if you’re seeking a deep dive into Taiwan’s history or off-the-beaten-path sights, this might not satisfy that desire.

This private tour offers an excellent balance of scenic beauty, cultural charm, and convenience, making it ideal for first-time visitors or travelers with limited time in Taipei. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off simplifies logistics, while the expert guides add depth to each stop. For a fair price, you’ll experience some of Taiwan’s most photogenic and iconic sites—Shifen Waterfall, Jiufen Old Street, and Houtong Cat Village—without the stress of planning.

If you enjoy well-organized day trips that combine nature, history, and fun activities like sky lanterns, this tour ticks all those boxes. Just be ready for a full day that moves quickly, and bring your camera, comfortable shoes, and water. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable way to see the best of northern Taiwan in one go.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Taipei City, making it easy to start your day without logistical worries.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, including all stops, transportation, and activities.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers round-trip transfers, a professional driver-guide, tolls, parking, fuel, lantern flying activities, and passenger insurance.

Are meals included?
No, meals and beverages are not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy lunch during your free time at Jiufen.

Is this tour suitable for children or animal allergies?
It’s generally suitable for children, but if anyone has animal allergies, Houtong Cat Village might be a concern.

Can I customize the schedule?
Since it’s a private tour, you might be able to discuss timing adjustments with your guide, but the itinerary is designed to fit all stops within 7 hours.

Is this tour suitable for photographers?
Absolutely. The scenic stops, especially Shifen Waterfall and Jiufen, offer excellent photo opportunities.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and water are recommended. Keep in mind pets are not allowed on the tour.

This private day tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Taiwan’s northern treasures, blending scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and practical convenience. Perfect for those looking to make the most of a single day without the fuss.

You can check availability for your dates here: