Taipei Yehliu Geopark + Shifen Waterfall Park + Shifen Old Street One-Day Tour

Must Do Experiences

• Stand in awe before the world-famous Queen's Head at Yehliu Geopark — a volcanic rock formation that looks exactly like a royal profile

• Fly a colorful sky lantern with your wishes written on it at Shifen Old Street, a tradition believed to bring good fortune

• Marvel at the cascading Shifen Waterfall surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and take a photo at the famous railway crossing sign

Hidden Gems

• Visit Yehliu Geopark early morning around 8 AM to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photography

• Explore the lesser-known Donghai Bay area near Yehliu for stunning coastal views away from the main tourist path

• Stroll through the back alleys of Shifen Old Street after 7 PM when the lanterns are lit and the atmosphere becomes truly magical

What Makes it Special

• Combines three iconic Taiwan experiences — geological wonder, cultural tradition, and natural beauty — in one seamless day tour

• Sky lantern flying at Shifen is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that connects you with Taiwanese culture and folklore

• Professional guide provides rich historical context about the volcanic formations and local legends you would otherwise miss

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Spring (March to May) offers comfortable weather and blooming flowers, while autumn (October to November) provides clear skies and the best photography conditions. Avoid the rainy season from June to September when waterfall views may be limited and sky lantern flying can be cancelled due to wind.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• The Queen's Head is best photographed from the designated viewing platform at golden hour — arrive 30 minutes before sunset for the most dramatic lighting

• At Shifen Waterfall, use a slow shutter speed to capture the silky flow of water, and the railway crossing sign makes a perfect foreground element for creative compositions

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When flying sky lanterns, hold the lantern gently with both hands and make a sincere wish — it is believed the higher the lantern floats, the closer your wish comes to reality Respect the local custom of not stepping over the bamboo frames used to construct sky lanterns, as this is considered bad luck by locals

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Shifen Sky Lantern Festival occurs annually in February, featuring thousands of lanterns lighting up the night sky

• Yehliu Geopark hosts a volcanic rock art exhibition in October, showcasing contemporary artists inspired by the unique geological formations

• Pingxi Fireworks Festival takes place in August, combining sky lanterns with spectacular fireworks displays over the waterfall

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Stay on designated pathways at Yehliu Geopark — the volcanic rock formations can be slippery, especially after rain

• When flying sky lanterns, follow the vendor instructions carefully and never release the lantern near power lines or in windy conditions

• Keep personal belongings secure at Shifen Old Street, particularly in crowded areas during peak tourist season