【Jiufen & Shifen Private Car Tour Complete Guide】
Taiwan Travel Guide / Day Tour
Itinerary/Attractions/Food/Transportation
Jiufen & Shifen Day Trip: Wander Mountain Old Streets, Retro Charm and Natural Beauty
Jiufen and Shifen are northern Taiwan's most iconic destinations, blending nostalgic streets, historical relics, and stunning natural scenery for a unique mountain-and-sea experience.
In the morning, start at Shifen Waterfall—the "Taiwan Niagara"—for nature's grandeur. Stroll Shifen Old Street, release sky lanterns by the tracks, and make wishes. Afternoon brings Jinguashi: Golden Waterfall's golden flow and mystical Yin-Yang Sea's blue-gold coastline. End at Jiufen Old Street—winding alleys, taro balls, grass jelly cakes, and A-Mei Teahouse's Japanese nostalgia. At dusk, mountain lights add poetry to the journey. Whether scenery, old streets, or local food, this Jiufen–Shifen day trip creates lasting memories!
【Jiufen Shifen Private Car Day Tour】
- Jiufen Shifen Private Car — Itinerary/Attractions/Food/Transportation Travel Guide
- Jiufen Shifen Recommended Charter Itineraries
- Jiufen Shifen Recommended Attractions
- 【Jiufen Old Street】 Charming mountain alleys and classic snacks
- 【Shengping Theater】 Jiufen's century-old cinema, witness to past glory
- 【Golden Waterfall】 Mining heritage with unique golden water glow
- 【Gold Museum】 Step into gold-mining days and miner life
- 【Shifen Station/Old Street/Waterfall】 Sky lanterns by the tracks, mountain town charm
- 【Pingxi Station/Old Street】 Birthplace of sky lanterns and railway culture
- 【Jingtong Station/Old Street】 Nostalgic terminal, bamboo tube wishes
- 【Houtong Cat Village】 A quiet mountain village surrounded by cats
- 【Yehliu Geopark】 Strange rocks shaped by nature
- 【Remains of the 13 Layers】 Former refinery ruins like a castle in the sky
- 【Yin-Yang Sea】 Mysterious golden and deep-blue waters
- 【Qitang Old Street】 Quiet nostalgic lane hidden in the hills
- 【Nanya Rock Formations】 Natural art on a dramatic coastline
Jiufen Old Street Private Car | Must-Eat Food
- 【Lai Ah-Po Taro Balls】 Chewy, rich taro aroma
- 【A-Gan-Yi Taro Balls】 Sea views while savoring handmade taro balls
- 【A-Mu Steamed Buns】 Thin skin, juicy filling
- 【A-Lan Grass Jelly Cakes】 Traditional handmade, savory or sweet
- 【Jin-Zhi Red Yeast Meatballs】 Crispy outside, fragrant inside
- 1. Public Transportation
- 2. Self-Drive
- 3. Private Car with Driver
- Jiufen Shifen Private Car Recommendations
- Jiufen Shifen Private Car Pricing
- Jiufen Shifen Private Car Fleet
【Day Tour】Jiufen Shifen
Route 1 North Coast Wonders Day Tour: Mountain-Sea Views × Nostalgic Old Streets × Sky Lantern Wishes
Depart Taipei ➝ Yehliu Geopark (Queen's Head and rock wonders) ➝ Nanya Rock Formations (layered rocks like another world) ➝ Golden Waterfall (golden flowing water) ➝ Yin-Yang Sea (fantastical gold-blue sea) ➝ Jiufen Old Street (mountain town, taro balls and teahouses) ➝ Shifen Old Street (sky lanterns by the tracks) ➝ Ximending / Night Market (Taipei nightlife and classic snacks)
This journey combines rock scenery, mountain-town charm, and cultural experiences—great for nature lovers and nostalgia seekers!
Route 2 Old Street Tour Day Trip: Mountain Alleys × History × Sky Lantern Wishes
Depart Taipei ➝ Jiufen Old Street (mountain alleys, taro balls and teahouses) ➝ Qitang Old Street (quiet railway town) ➝ Shifen Old Street & Shifen Waterfall ("Taiwan Niagara," railway charm) ➝ Pingxi Old Street (release sky lanterns) ➝ Jingtong Old Street (nostalgic railway terminus) ➝ Ximending / Night Market (classic night market snacks)
Railway nostalgia, old street strolls, and traditional culture—ideal for retro and in-depth travelers!
Route 3 History & Culture Day Tour: Gold Panning × Mountain Town × Sky Lanterns
Depart Taipei ➝ Gold Museum (gold mine ruins, pan for gold) ➝ Jiufen Old Street (taro balls and teahouses) ➝ Shifen Old Street (sky lanterns by the tracks) ➝ Jingtong Old Street (nostalgic railway end) ➝ Jingtong Sky Lantern Museum (sky lantern culture and history) ➝ Ximending / Night Market (nightlife and classic snacks)
Gold-mining history, mountain charm, and sky lanterns—perfect for travelers interested in Taiwan culture and history!
Route 4 Classic Jiufen Day Tour: North Coast Mountain Town × Sky Lantern Wishes
Depart Taipei ➝ Yehliu Geopark (sea-eroded rocks, Queen's Head) ➝ Golden Waterfall (golden cascade) ➝ Yin-Yang Sea (gold-blue waters) ➝ Gold Museum (mining history) ➝ Jiufen Old Street (nostalgic mountain town, taro balls) ➝ A-Mei Teahouse / Shengping Theater (film scenes, nostalgia) ➝ Shifen Waterfall ("Taiwan Niagara") ➝ Pingxi Old Street sky lanterns (wishes under the stars) ➝ Ximending or night market (local snacks finale)
Blends natural wonders, history, old streets, and sky lanterns—ideal for experiencing North Coast and mountain-town charm in one day!
Route 5 Romantic Jiufen Day Tour: Mountain Nostalgia × Cat Village & Sky Lanterns
Depart Taipei ➝ Jiufen Old Street (taro balls and tea snacks) ➝ A-Mei Teahouse / Shengping Theater (Miyazaki-inspired nostalgia) ➝ Gold Museum (gold-mining history) ➝ Houtong Cat Village (cat lovers' paradise) ➝ Shifen Old Street sky lanterns (wishes take flight) ➝ Shifen Waterfall ("Taiwan Niagara") ➝ Ximending or night market (night market finale)
Combines nostalgic streets, mining history, cute cats, and romantic lanterns—for humanistic and healing travel!
Route 6 Jiufen Wishes Day Tour: Northeast Coast Rocks × Mountain Lights × Sky Lanterns
Depart Taipei ➝ Nanya Rock Formations (nature's rock wonders) ➝ Remains of the 13 Layers (mining rise and fall) ➝ Golden Waterfall (golden glow) ➝ Yin-Yang Sea (yellow-blue gradient) ➝ Jiufen Old Street (local food) ➝ Shifen Waterfall / Shifen sky lanterns ➝ Pingxi Old Street (railway charm) ➝ Ximending or night market
Blends natural wonders, mining ruins, mountain old streets, and romantic lanterns—for explorers and photo lovers!
Depart Taipei ➝ Yehliu Geopark (Queen's Head and rock formations) ➝ Jiufen Old Street (tea and snacks) ➝ Shifen Waterfall / Shifen Old Street ("Taiwan Niagara") ➝ Pingxi Old Street (century-old railway) ➝ Jingtong Sky Lantern Museum (lantern history) ➝ Jingtong sky lanterns (light up the night) ➝ Ximending or night market
Combines natural wonders, nostalgia, and lantern romance—for travelers who want all of northern Taiwan!
Jiufen Old Street — Nostalgic Lane Where Mountain Meets Sea
Jiufen Old Street has winding stone paths, red lanterns, nostalgic teahouses, and mountain-sea views. Try taro balls, grass jelly cakes, and red yeast meatballs, or relax in a teahouse with Japanese-era atmosphere. Day or night, Jiufen is a Taiwan classic!
Shengping Theater — Jiufen's Oldest Cinema
Shengping Theater witnessed Jiufen's mining boom as miners' main entertainment. Restored with vintage seats, old projectors, and history exhibits, stepping inside feels like traveling back to Jiufen's golden age.
Golden Waterfall — Golden Wonder in Mining Ruins
Golden Waterfall's water glows gold from geology and minerals, especially after rain—a popular photo spot against the North Coast mountains and sea.
Gold Museum — Taiwan Mining History and Gold Panning
At the former Jinguashi mining area, the museum shows Taiwan's mining history with gold-panning experiences, Japanese dormitories, Crown Prince Chalet, and miner life—unique mountain-town charm.
Shifen Station · Old Street · Waterfall — Railway and Waterfall Romance
Shifen Station keeps Pingxi Line charm with trains passing the old street. Release sky lanterns with written wishes; nearby Shifen Waterfall is "Taiwan's Niagara"—nature's masterpiece.
Pingxi Station · Old Street — Railway Nostalgia and Sky Lantern Wishes
Pingxi Station and its old street along the tracks sell lanterns, snacks, and souvenirs. Write wishes, light lanterns, and experience Pingxi's blessing culture.
Jingtong Station · Old Street — Pingxi Line's Nostalgic End and Wish Town
Jingtong is the Pingxi Line terminus with Japanese wooden architecture from the coal era. Jingtong Old Street is famous for wish bamboo tubes—write hopes for the future on a historic mining-town walk.
Houtong Cat Village — World-Famous Cat Paradise
Hidden in the hills, Houtong was a mining village now shared with cats. Interact with cats, see sculptures and murals—a quiet spot for cat lovers, photographers, and indie travelers.
Yehliu Geopark — Nature's Strange Rocks
Dramatic sea-eroded terrain includes Queen's Head, Fairy Shoe, and Candle Rock—Taiwan landmarks and North Coast favorites after millennia of wind and waves.
Remains of the 13 Layers — Taiwan's "Castle in the Sky"
In Ruifang, this former copper refinery is overgrown and dreamlike like Miyazaki's Laputa. When lit at night, it floats between mountain and sea—a beloved industrial ruin for photographers.
Yin-Yang Sea — Golden and Deep Blue Interwoven
Near Shuinandong, minerals create half-golden, half-deep-blue sea—a North Coast icon. From the lookout, gold and blue paint a spectacular, mysterious palette.
Qitang Old Street — Nostalgic Time Hidden in the Mountains
Between Jiufen and Shuinandong, Qitang keeps mining-era red-brick streets and old homes—quieter than busy Jiufen, perfect for hidden-gem explorers.
Nanya Rock Formations — Nature's Carved Landscape
Wind and waves shaped wave-like textures and forms like dragon heads and honeycomb rock—natural sculpture against the open sea.
Lai Ah-Po Taro Balls — Jiufen's Classic Chewy Taro Balls
Over 40 years of handmade taro, sweet potato, and purple taro balls with red bean, mung bean, or grass jelly—hot or cold—with Jiufen's mountain-sea views.
A-Gan-Yi Taro Balls — Chewy Taro Balls with Sea Views
Handmade taro, sweet potato, and mung bean balls with unbeatable sea views over Jiufen and the blue coast—a classic Taiwan dessert experience.
A-Mu Steamed Buns — Popular Handmade Buns on Jiufen Old Street
Fresh pork, charcoal, and sesame buns—chewy skin and juicy filling, perfect while strolling the old street.
A-Lan Grass Jelly Cakes — Traditional Hakka Treat on Jiufen Old Street
Glutinous rice skin with radish, pickled vegetable, or red bean—wrapped in bamboo leaves for fragrance. A Jiufen classic.
Jin-Zhi Red Yeast Meatballs — Classic Old-Flavor Snack
Red yeast sauce with chewy skin and savory filling—rich but not heavy. Locals and visitors alike love this Jiufen must-try.
A-Mu Steamed Buns — Popular Handmade Buns on Jiufen Old Street
Fresh pork, charcoal, and sesame buns—chewy skin and juicy filling, perfect while strolling the old street.
A-Lan Grass Jelly Cakes — Traditional Hakka Treat on Jiufen Old Street
Glutinous rice skin with radish, pickled vegetable, or red bean—wrapped in bamboo leaves for fragrance. A Jiufen classic.
Jin-Zhi Red Yeast Meatballs — Classic Old-Flavor Snack
Red yeast sauce with chewy skin and savory filling—rich but not heavy. Locals and visitors alike love this Jiufen must-try.
Jiufen Shifen Transportation
Train + Bus Jiufen Shifen Day Tour
【TRA (Taipei ↔ Ruifang)】
- Board at: Taipei Main Station
- Travel time: about 40–50 minutes
- Fare: about NT$49–76 (by train type)
【Ruifang bus transfer to Jiufen】
Bus routes: Keelung Bus 788 / 825 / 827 / 965
- Board at: Ruifang Station front bus stop
- Travel time: about 15–20 minutes
- Fare: about NT$15
【Jiufen bus transfer to Shifen】
Bus route: Keelung Bus 788 (to Ruifang, transfer to Pingxi Line train)
- Board at: Jiufen Old Street stop
- Travel time: about 15–20 minutes (to Ruifang)
- Transfer: Pingxi Line from Ruifang to Shifen (about 30 minutes)
- Fare: bus about NT$15, train about NT$20
Drawbacks of Train + Bus to Jiufen and Shifen
- Long intervals between services:
- Pingxi Line trains are infrequent; miss one and wait 30–60 minutes.
- Some bus routes are sparse; queues may be long.
- Multiple transfers required:
- From Taipei: train plus bus or Pingxi Line at Ruifang—complex routing.
- Crowds mean standing or missing connections.
- Crowding and no-seat risk:
- Weekends and peak times fill TRA, Pingxi trains, and buses—you may stand the whole way.
- Jiufen and Shifen buses are often full; long holiday queues.
- Unpredictable travel time:
- Narrow Jiufen mountain roads jam on holidays; buses delay schedules.
- Heavy rain or fog affects safety and service.
- Cannot change plans easily:
- Public transit limits spontaneous stops or extra sights.
- Photo stops depend on timetables.
- Some sights not directly reachable:
- Yin-Yang Sea, 13 Layers ruins, Nanya rocks—few buses or long walks.
- Jiufen Old Street requires walking; tiring with luggage or limited stamina.
- Flexible Itinerary, Your Way
- Unlike public transit or self-drive, charter lets you choose sights, stop times, and route order freely.
- No bus or train schedules—more flexible travel.
- Professional Driver, No Traffic Worries
- Local drivers plan the best routes and avoid jams and detours.
- No parking hassle—drivers arrange convenient pick-up and drop-off.
- Great for Families, Seniors, and Groups
- No dragging luggage or transfers—ideal for trips with kids and elders.
- Multiple vehicle sizes—5-seat, 7-seat, 9-seat to match your group.
- Comfort and Safety, Better Trip Quality
- Private vehicle means clean, comfortable rides.
- Rest anytime on the road and avoid travel fatigue.
Taipei & New Taipei City Charter
| Charter Duration | 5-Seater Charter | 7-Seater Charter | 9-Seater Charter | Premium 7-Seater | Celebrity 9-Seater Sprinter |
| ◆ALTIS/CAMRY ◆Cross/Rav4 |
◆Sienta ◆Caddy |
◆Volkswagen T5/T6 ◆Hyundai / Ford ◆Mercedes-BenzVclass |
◆Alphard ◆LM |
◆Volkswagen Nanny Van ◆Mercedes-Benz Nanny Van |
|
| 6 Hours | 3800$ | 4600$ | 5000$ | 7000$ | 8400$ |
| 8 Hours | 4500$ | 5500$ | 5800$ | 8500$ | 9600$ |
| 10 Hours | 5000$ | 6000$ | 6800$ | 10000$ | 11000$ |
| Overtime Fee | 500$ | 500$ | 500$ | 1000$ | 1000$ |
| Prices above apply to Taipei/New Taipei city areas, Tamsui, and Keelung local trips. For cross-county itineraries or multi-day charters of two days or more, please contact our team for a personalized quote. | |||||
Keywords: Jiufen Shifen private car tour
