Yehliu, Shifen & Jiufen: The Perfect Day Trip from Taipei

On my first solo trip in over 17 years, I visited Taipei, a city I instantly fell in love with. I had five days to explore Taiwan’s capital, giving me plenty of time to discover the city while also venturing beyond it.

After plenty of research (as always!), I decided that a day trip from Taipei to Yehliu, Shifen and Jiufen was an absolute must. Jiufen, in particular, looked exactly like the Taiwan I had always imagined, with its narrow alleyways, traditional teahouses and beautiful red lanterns.

From Yehliu’s unusual coastal rock formations to Jiufen’s atmospheric streets and Shifen’s beautiful waterfall, each destination offers something completely different.

Because I prefer to avoid crowds, I arranged for a private driver to collect me straight from my overnight flight so I could start exploring ridiculously early. Yes, apparently even after a sleepless night, I can’t bring myself to waste a precious holiday morning! Thankfully, my early start paid off, allowing me to enjoy some of Taiwan’s most popular attractions before the crowds arrived.

In this guide, I’ll share my itinerary, what to expect at each stop and my tips for planning your own Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen day trip.

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How to Organise Your Yehliu, Shifen and Jiufen Day Trip

There are several ways to visit Yehliu, Shifen and Jiufen in one day from Taipei. You can join an organised group tour, hire a private driver or explore independently using public transport.

Joining a group tour is probably the easiest and most affordable option for most visitors. There are plenty of tours available through GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator, many of which include all three destinations in a single day.

Hiring a private driver was my preferred option. Travelling solo, I wanted the flexibility to start very early, avoid the busiest times and explore at my own pace. I also needed an airport pickup, so combining my arrival transfer with a full day of sightseeing made perfect sense.

I booked my driver through Go with Chun, and I honestly couldn’t fault the experience.

My driver was a lovely Taiwanese lady who was incredibly friendly, patient and helpful throughout the day. Her English was excellent, which was particularly welcome considering I don’t speak a word of Mandarin! She even introduced me to my first Taiwanese breakfast, taking me to a fantastic local breakfast spot in Taipei that I would never have discovered on my own.

From helping me navigate each stop to recommending places to eat, she made my first day in Taiwan incredibly easy and enjoyable. It was a wonderful introduction to a country I was already beginning to love.

For anyone who values flexibility, particularly those travelling in groups or hoping to beat the crowds, I would definitely recommend considering a private driver.

My Yehliu, Jiufen & Shifen Day Trip Itinerary

Stop 1: Yehliu Geopark – Taiwan’s Incredible Rock Formations

My first stop was Yehliu Geopark, where I arrived right at opening time. This was a great decision, not only to avoid the crowds but also the intense summer heat!

I visited in July, and let me tell you, this place was HOT! Even for someone living in Queensland who’s used to hot, humid summers. With barely any shade, I drank my entire bottle of water and lasted just over an hour before the heat defeated me!

Heat aside, Yehliu Geopark is absolutely worth visiting. The unusual rock formations are fascinating, and the views across the incredibly blue ocean are spectacular. Arriving early meant I had almost the entire park to myself, with no queues at the famous formations, including the iconic Queen’s Head.

The park has three sections, but I only explored Sections 1 and 2, which contain many of its most famous formations. It took me just over an hour, including plenty of photo stops. If you’re short on time, these two sections are a good place to focus your visit.

My tip: Visit as early as possible during summer, bring plenty of water and sun protection, and allow extra time if visiting during busier periods.

Near the exit, you’ll also find a small shopping arcade selling souvenirs and Taiwanese snacks.

Practical Tips for Visiting Yehliu Geopark

• Best time to visit: Early morning, especially during summer.
• How long to allow: 1–2 hours, longer if exploring all three sections.
• What to bring: Plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat.
• Facilities: Souvenir shops and food stalls near the exit.
• Tickets and opening hours: Check the official Yehliu Geopark website for the latest information.

Stop 2: Jiufen Old Street – A Glimpse of Traditional Taiwan

My next stop was Jiufen Old Street, just under an hour’s drive from Yehliu Geopark. This was the place I had been most excited to visit, and it certainly didn’t disappoint!

I arrived just before lunchtime, and for the first hour, the streets were surprisingly quiet. For me, this was perfect. I could wander through the narrow alleyways, browse the little shops and take photographs without constantly getting caught up in crowds.

One of my first stops was the famous A-Mei Teahouse, where I managed to walk straight in without a reservation for some traditional Taiwanese tea and snacks. I was even offered a table outside on the terrace, but after surviving the heat at Yehliu, I was more than happy to sit indoors!

The views from inside were still beautiful, and both the tea and the little treats were delicious. I must admit, I’m always a little cautious when it comes to Asian desserts. I’m French, after all, so I think I’m entitled to be a little picky about my sweets! Haha!

After my tea break, I spent more time exploring Jiufen’s atmospheric streets, photographing the countless red lanterns, admiring the incredible mountain and coastal views, and browsing the shops selling everything from traditional souvenirs to local delicacies. There were plenty of opportunities to sample Taiwanese treats along the way, too.

The A-Mei Teahouse is undoubtedly one of Jiufen’s most photographed landmarks, but there’s so much more to this charming old town. I loved getting lost in its narrow lanes, discovering little corners away from the main street and simply soaking up the atmosphere.

Jiufen was easily the highlight of my Yehliu, Shifen and Jiufen day trip. It was exactly the traditional Taiwan I had imagined before arriving.

Is Jiufen Better During the Day or at Night?

I deliberately visited Jiufen during the day because I wanted to avoid the biggest crowds. This meant missing the famous sight of its red lanterns glowing after dark, which I’m sure would be absolutely magical.

However, Jiufen is also incredibly popular in the late afternoon and evening, particularly with tour groups. Having read about how crowded it can become, I knew that visiting earlier would be a better experience for me. As much as I love beautiful places, I find that huge crowds can quickly take away their charm.

If seeing Jiufen’s illuminated lanterns is high on your wishlist, I’d recommend planning your visit for the late afternoon and staying into the evening. Just be prepared to share those beautiful little streets with plenty of other visitors!

Is It Worth Staying Overnight in Jiufen?

I spent a little over two hours exploring Jiufen, but I could easily have stayed much longer.

In fact, if I’d had more time in Taiwan, I would have loved to spend a night here. Staying overnight would give you the chance to experience Jiufen’s evening atmosphere without rushing back to Taipei, while also enjoying the quieter streets once the day-trippers have left.

And having a room to escape to when the crowds become too much sounds pretty perfect to me!

If I ever return to Taiwan, an overnight stay in Jiufen will definitely be on my list. And there’s a good chance I will return, especially since Simon missed out on this trip!

Spend a Night in Jiufen: Where to Stay

Jiufen has some lovely guesthouses and boutique accommodation, many with spectacular mountain or ocean views. Here are three options for different budgets.

Budget: On My Way Jiufen Hostel

A friendly, affordable hostel near Jiufen Old Street, ideal for solo travellers who want a convenient base without spending too much.

Mid-range: Jiufen The Ore Easy Stay

A charming boutique guesthouse at the end of Jiufen Old Street, with comfortable rooms and some lovely ocean-view options.

Splurge: Something Easy Inn

A beautiful boutique property with stylish rooms and breathtaking coastal views. Perfect for a romantic overnight stay or a special treat.

Stop 3: Shifen Waterfall – Taiwan’s Little Niagara

My third stop was Shifen Waterfall, which was a lovely change of scenery after exploring Yehliu Geopark and Jiufen Old Street.

Often referred to as Taiwan’s Little Niagara, Shifen Waterfall certainly lives up to its nickname. Surrounded by lush greenery, this beautiful, horseshoe-shaped waterfall is an impressive sight and well worth including on your day trip.

There are several viewing platforms offering different perspectives of the falls, and thankfully, the walk to reach them is relatively easy.

I was particularly relieved about that because I’d only recently recovered from a broken ankle after slipping near a waterfall in Lombok, Indonesia. Following that little adventure, Simon had firmly declared, “No more waterfalls for you in Asia!” Well, thankfully, I didn’t listen to him! Haha!

Fortunately, visiting Shifen Waterfall was a much easier experience, and the views were absolutely worth it. I loved seeing the powerful water cascading into the pool below, surrounded by Taiwan’s beautiful green landscape.

I spent around one hour at Shifen Waterfall, which was enough time to enjoy the different viewpoints, take plenty of photographs and soak up the scenery without feeling rushed.

If you’re combining Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen in one day, I’d definitely recommend including this stop. It’s a wonderful contrast to the coastal rock formations of Yehliu and the traditional streets of Jiufen.

Stop 4: Shifen Old Street – Lanterns Along the Railway Tracks

My final stop was Shifen Old Street, famous for its colourful sky lanterns released along the railway tracks running through the village.

As luck would have it, a train arrived just as I got there! Watching it slowly squeeze between the shops and crowds of tourists was quite an experience. It looked a little dangerous, with barely anything separating people from the train, but somehow it all seems to work!

I chose not to release a sky lantern because of the environmental impact. Walking across the nearby bridge, I could see discarded lanterns scattered along the riverbank, which reinforced my decision. Apparently, some shops offer more environmentally friendly options, but I was perfectly happy watching and photographing the experience instead.

Beyond the lanterns, Shifen is a lively little street packed with souvenir shops and food stalls. I treated myself to a freshly made scallion pancake, which was absolutely delicious!

Even without releasing a lantern, Shifen Old Street is well worth visiting, especially if you’re lucky enough to see a train passing through!

Exploring more of Taipei? From beautiful temples and bustling night markets to scenic viewpoints and hidden gems, Taiwan’s capital has so much to offer. Check out my Complete Taipei Travel Guide for the best things to see and do, along with plenty of practical tips to plan your visit.

What Is the Best Order to Visit Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen?

The best order depends on whether you prefer avoiding crowds or experiencing Jiufen’s famous red lanterns after dark.

I visited Yehliu Geopark first, followed by Jiufen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall and finally Shifen Old Street.

This worked perfectly for me. Arriving at Yehliu when it opened meant avoiding both the crowds and the worst of the summer heat. I also reached Jiufen before the busiest part of the day, giving me time to explore its beautiful streets in relative peace.

However, if seeing Jiufen illuminated at night is a priority, I’d recommend leaving it until your final stop.

There’s no perfect itinerary for everyone, but if you’re anything like me and prefer quieter experiences, an early start is definitely worth it!

How Long Do You Need for a Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen Day Trip?

Allow a full day to explore all three destinations comfortably, including travel time from Taipei.

Here’s approximately how long I spent at each stop:

You’ll also need to factor in driving time between attractions, food stops and the journey back to Taipei.

If you’re travelling independently using public transport, allow extra time for connections and waiting between services.

Is Hiring a Private Driver Worth It?

For me, absolutely! I paid NT$7,500 for my private driver, which included airport pickup following my overnight flight and an English-speaking driver, an option I paid extra for.

For me, it was money well spent. My driver spoke excellent English, was incredibly friendly and made the entire day easy and enjoyable. Travelling solo, I particularly appreciated being able to communicate easily, ask questions and enjoy the flexibility of exploring at my own pace.

While hiring a private driver is more expensive than joining a group tour, I loved being able to start early and avoid the crowds. If you’re considering booking one, bear in mind that an English-speaking driver may cost extra, so check what’s included before booking.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen?

This day trip can be enjoyed throughout the year, although Taiwan’s weather can make a big difference to your experience.

Spring (March to May): Generally a pleasant time for sightseeing, although rain is possible.

Summer (June to August): Expect intense heat and humidity, particularly at exposed attractions such as Yehliu Geopark. I visited in July, and the heat was certainly challenging!

Autumn (September to November): Temperatures generally become more comfortable, although early autumn can still be hot and typhoons are a possibility.

Winter (December to February): Cooler temperatures make walking more comfortable, but Jiufen and the surrounding northeast coast can be rainy and misty.

Personally, I’d choose spring or autumn for more comfortable sightseeing. However, if you’re visiting in summer, start as early as possible, carry plenty of water and take regular breaks.

FAQs About Visiting Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen

Can you visit Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen using public transport?

Yes, it’s possible to visit all three destinations independently using trains and buses. However, you’ll need to plan your connections carefully, and travelling between attractions can take considerably longer than with a private driver. If you’re short on time, a group tour is a convenient alternative.

Do you need to book A-Mei Teahouse in advance?

Reservations aren’t always necessary, particularly during quieter periods. I walked straight in without a booking and was even offered a terrace table. However, A-Mei Teahouse is extremely popular, so you may have to wait during busy periods. If visiting the teahouse is a priority, check its latest reservation arrangements before travelling.

Final Thoughts: Is a Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen Day Trip Worth It?

Absolutely! This was a fantastic introduction to Taiwan and one of the highlights of my five days in Taipei.

What makes this day trip so special is the variety. In just one day, you can admire Yehliu’s extraordinary coastal rock formations, wander through Jiufen’s charming traditional streets, experience the beauty of Shifen Waterfall and watch trains pass through the lively Shifen Old Street.

For me, Jiufen was the clear winner, and I’d happily return to spend a night there. But each stop offered something completely different, making the entire day worthwhile.

If you’re planning a trip to Taipei, I’d definitely recommend setting aside a day to explore these beautiful destinations. And if you dislike crowds as much as I do, don’t underestimate the benefits of an early start!

Loved this day trip? There’s so much more to discover in Taipei! My 5-Day Taipei Travel Itinerary takes the guesswork out of planning, with a carefully researched, day-by-day guide to the city’s best sights, local experiences and hidden gems. Purchase your copy and start planning your own Taiwan adventure!

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