Taipei Jiufen and Shifen Private Charter 1-day Tour 8 Hours: Customized Itinerary (Departing from Taipei) Day Tours

Must Do Experiences

• Write your deepest wishes on a traditional sky lantern and release it along the iconic Shifen railway tracks.

• Sip authentic Taiwanese tea in a historic teahouse overlooking the ocean in Jiufen.

• Sample local street food delicacies like taro balls, peanut ice cream rolls, and stuffed chicken wings.

• Snap nostalgic photos as the Pingxi line train passes right through the bustling Shifen Old Street.

Hidden Gems

• Ask your driver to take a quick detour to the stunning Shifen Waterfall, often called the Niagara of Taiwan, located just a short walk from the old street.

• Explore the quieter alleys of Jiufen away from Jishan Street to find peaceful viewpoints and independent artisan shops.

• Look out for the traditional Hakka floral fabric shops in Shifen for unique, locally crafted souvenirs that most tourists miss.

What Makes it Special

• Complete freedom to customize your 8-hour itinerary with a dedicated private vehicle and professional driver.

• Multilingual drivers available in Chinese, English, Japanese, or Korean to ensure smooth communication and local insights.

• All-inclusive convenience with fuel, tolls, parking fees, and hotel pick-up/drop-off covered, plus no mandatory gratuities.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The best time to visit is during the late afternoon, allowing you to experience Shifen in the daylight and watch Jiufen's iconic red lanterns illuminate as dusk falls. Weekdays are highly recommended to avoid the heavy weekend crowds that flock to these popular old streets.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the perfect action shot in Shifen by positioning yourself low on the tracks just as your sky lantern is released into the sky.

• In Jiufen, head to the Amei Teahouse staircase at twilight for that iconic, glowing atmosphere.

• Use a fast shutter speed when the Pingxi train passes through Shifen Old Street to freeze the bustling market action.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When releasing a sky lantern, it is customary to write different wishes on each of the four sides, with different colors representing specific goals like health, wealth, or love. Always be respectful of the active railway in Shifen by stepping off the tracks immediately when the warning whistle blows.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival (usually held around February during the Lunar New Year), featuring mass lantern releases that fill the night sky.

• Jiufen Red Lantern Festival, where the historic town is adorned with extra traditional decorations for seasonal celebrations.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Stay highly alert when standing on the Shifen railway tracks and follow local vendors' instructions when a train approaches.

• Be cautious on Jiufen's steep, narrow staircases, especially on rainy days when the stone steps can become very slippery.

• Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun during summer months, as the mountain towns can get quite humid.