About this activity
| Operation Day | Daily |
| Departure | 8:30AM; Meet up at MRT Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station (BL14 /O07), Exit 2 |
| Duration | 9 hrs |
| Group Size | Public Tour; Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 1 participant |
| Language | English / Mandarin / Japanese |
Overview
This guided day tour takes you on a journey through the charming rural districts along the northern and northeastern coasts of Taiwan.
Visit the atmospheric alleys of the historic village of Jiufen, a former gold mining town that has since become home to famous teahouses. Appreciate the coastal landscape of Yehliu Geopark, known for its dozens of unique sandstone sculptures—the products of coastal erosion. Take in the remote Pingxi District, a former coal mining town now famous for hosting the “Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival”, where you will experience the iconic tradition of releasing a sky lantern and visit the “Little Niagara Falls” of Taiwan—Shifen Waterfall.
With your tour guide’s help, this tour will give you an insight into local history and allow you to truly appreciate the natural landscapes that Taiwan has to offer.
Highlight
- Marvel at the unique rock formations in Yehliu Geopark
- Savor the nostalgic charm of the picturesque village of Jiufen
- Experience the iconic tradition of launching Sky Lanterns in Shifen, Pingxi District
- Enjoy the stunning scenery of the “Little Niagara Falls” of Taiwan—Shifen Waterfall
- Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 1 participant
Description
This day tour starts with a visit to Yehliu Geopark, located in New Taipei City’s Wanli District. Yehliu Geopark, is home to a number of unique rock formations caused by wind and sea erosion—if you look closely you can also find trace fossils in the area.
The most famous rock formation here is the iconic “Queen’s Head”, a mushroom-shaped rock that resembles the profile of England’s Queen Elizabeth. Besides the Queen’s Head, other remarkable formations include Sea Candles, the Fairy Shoe, the Ginger Rocks, the Elephant Rock, the Ice Cream Rock, the Kissing Rock, and the Princess’ Head.
The next stop on your tour is Ruifang District’s most famous destination—the mountainside village of Jiufen. Jiufen was once a flourishing mining town due to a gold rush in the 1940s. After the gold rush subsided, it fell off the radar until Hou Hsiao-hsien’s award-winning epic, “A City of Sadness”, put its nostalgic alleys on the silver screen.
The film’s groundbreaking take on Taiwanese history, as well as its melancholic and emotional atmosphere attracted enormous global attention. The success of the film also rejuvenated the town of Jiufen, making it the most popular destination in northeastern Taiwan.
While in Jiufen, it’s recommended to stop into a traditional teahouse for a cup of tea. In addition to brewing your own tea, you’ll be able to appreciate the picturesque scenery that generations of Taiwanese have for centuries. Besides the teahouses, the old streets of Jiufen are a great place to taste various local foods and buy locally made souvenirs. For those with a sweet tooth, Jiufen’s specialty taro balls are a must try!
After lunch, your tour will take you to Shifen Waterfall in New Taipei City’s Pingxi District. One of the most popular attractions in this area, this cascade-type waterfall is widely-known as the “Little Niagara Falls” of Taiwan and is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country.
There are several viewing platforms from which to view Shifen Waterfall, all of which offer unique and picturesque angles to appreciate the waterfall from. On sunny days, if you are lucky, you can capture a beautiful rainbow created by the mist of this 20-meter tall waterfall as it splashes into the lake.
Shifen Station, originally built as a hub for the transport of coal during the Japanese colonial era, is located downstream from the waterfall area. Standing right alongside Shifen Old Street, the station is a reminder of Taiwan’s complex history.
Shifen Old Street is lined with souvenir shops, sky lantern shops and eateries. You will see a lot of people setting up their sky lanterns right over the railway track, getting ready to release them into the sky. Of course, you will have the opportunity to experience this special tradition. Lanterns are typically shared between three to four people, with each person writing their wishes on one side of the lantern. With the help of your tour guide you will release your own sky lantern, just like a local.
At the end of the tour, you may choose to disembark at Xinyi Shopping District (Taipei 101) or MRT Zhongxiao XInsheng Station.
<< READ LESS >>Inclusions
- Professional licensed tour guide (Mandarin / English / Japanese)
- Local transfer by air-conditioned vehicle
- Entrance ticket (Yehliu Geopark)
- Sky Lantern launching experience (3-4 people share 1 lantern)
- Local general liabilities insurance
Exclusions
- Food and Beverage
- Gratuities
Remarks
- Tour commentary will be provided in Mandarin, English and Japanese. (Please note that Japanese commentary will only be available on Mondays and Fridays.)
- Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- The sequence and time of stay at tour stops may be adjusted according to the traffic/weather conditions.
- If the tour has to be canceled due to bad weather, we will contact you no later than the evening before the excursion day by email or SMS.
- Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes earlier than the pick-up time.
- Each guest is allowed to bring one piece of carry-on baggage.
- This tour is not recommended for wheelchair users and people with physical disabilities.
- Ensure you carry enough cash with you to cover your expenses for meals, beverages, souvenirs, tips, etc. Convenience stores and most of the eateries in Taiwan don’t accept credit cards as a form of payment.
Rescheduling, Cancelations and Refunds
If you need to cancel or reschedule the activity for any reason, please contact us via email at info@getmetotaiwan.com. If you have any other questions, feel free to get in touch.
Cancelations made 48 hours or more prior to the departure time will be fully refunded.
Cancelations made less than 48 hours prior to the departure time will not receive refunds.
Please be aware Taiwan Time is (UTC +8 CST)
Activity provider: Edison Tours
