Jiufen is the most romantic day trip from Taipei: a former gold-mining town that clings to a steep hillside above the northeast coast, with narrow stepped lanes, red lanterns and wooden teahouses looking out to sea. Its main street, Jishan Street, is a tunnel of snack stalls selling taro balls, peanut ice cream rolls and fish balls, and the stairway of Shuqi Road, lined with teahouses, is the classic photograph. Many visitors say it reminds them of the animated film Spirited Away. This guided tour links Jiufen with two other northern highlights: Yehliu Geopark, a cape of wind-carved sandstone famous for the rock called the Queen’s Head, and Shifen, where you can see the Shifen Waterfall and, if you wish, release a sky lantern over the railway tracks.
How it works: the tour meets outside Exit 5 of Ximen MRT station at 08:15 and lasts just over nine hours, with an English-speaking guide and an air-conditioned coach for groups of up to 40. Entry to Yehliu Geopark and the sky lantern fee are paid on the day. The ticket is nonrefundable, so check the weather first.
What to expect: Jiufen is busy, especially at weekends and around midday, and the lanes are steep and slippery when wet. The northeast coast is often drizzly from autumn into spring, so bring a light rain jacket. Parts of Yehliu can close in high waves, and the coach timetable leaves less time in each stop than a slower independent trip.
Making the most of it: in Jiufen, skip the crowded upper street for a teahouse with a sea view and a pot of oolong. If you would rather stay for the evening lanterns, go independently by direct bus from central Taipei, or by train to Ruifang and a short bus ride up the hill.
What to expect
The experience
A guided coach day trip to Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen Old Street and Shifen, with an English-speaking guide.
Best time
Weekdays, on a dry day; Jiufen is at its busiest on weekend afternoons.
How long
Just over nine hours, from 08:15.
Tips
Bring cash for Yehliu entry, a sky lantern and snacks, plus a light rain jacket.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want three northern highlights in one easy day.
- Families
- Good for older children; the steep lanes are hard work with a push-chair.
- Couples
- Tea with a sea view in Jiufen, then a sky lantern in Shifen.
- Pair with
- A night market back in Taipei the same evening.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Where does the Jiufen tour start?+
Outside Exit 5 of Ximen MRT station at 08:15; arrive 15 minutes early.
Is Yehliu Geopark entry included?+
No, Yehliu entry and the sky lantern fee are paid separately on the day.
Is Jiufen really the town from Spirited Away?+
Many visitors see a resemblance, but the film was not officially based on Jiufen.
Can I visit Jiufen without a tour?+
Yes, direct buses run from central Taipei, or take the train to Ruifang and a bus up the hill.
What should I eat in Jiufen?+
Taro balls, peanut ice cream rolls and fish ball soup are the classic snacks.
