Jiufen & Shifen Day Trip from Taipei
Jiufen and Shifen offer an iconic day trip from Taipei, combining sky lanterns, traditional villages and a unique atmosphere by day and night.
The Jiufen & Shifen day trip from Taipei is one of the most iconic experiences in northern Taiwan. This guided excursion allows visitors to discover two must-see villages, famous for their lanterns, lively streets and timeless atmosphere. In Shifen, the sky lantern experience is a highlight of the journey, while Jiufen charms travelers with its historic streets and panoramic views, especially magical in the late afternoon. Depending on the selected option, the visit can be enjoyed as a day trip or extended into the evening, offering a complete immersion without transportation or planning concerns.
🏮 Jiufen & Shifen Day Trip from Taipei: key things to know
- 🌟 Excursion combining Jiufen Old Street and Shifen
- 🏮 Iconic sky lantern experience
- 🌙 Option to discover Jiufen at night
- 🚍 Convenient departure from Taipei, transport included
- ⏱️ Day trip or late afternoon / evening format
- 🌿 Passing through the iconic landscapes of the Pingxi area
- 🎟️ Ideal excursion for a first discovery of northern Taiwan
To enter Taiwan and enjoy your excursion to Jiufen and Shifen, it is necessary to complete the Taiwan Arrival Card before departure, an official entry form to be filled out online.
Located in the lush green mountains of northern Taiwan, Jiufen and Shifen are among the most popular day trips from Taipei. These two villages, close geographically yet very different in atmosphere, offer a perfect balance of traditions, landscapes and cultural experiences. Choosing an organized excursion makes it easy to connect these must-see sites in a single day, without worrying about transfers or timing.
The Jiufen & Shifen day trip from Taipei appeals both to travelers with limited time and to those wishing to discover the essence of northern Taiwan in a comfortable, well-paced setting. It combines cultural discovery, photogenic moments and immersion in unique local traditions.
🕘 A format perfectly suited to a short stay
The Jiufen Shifen day trip is designed to optimize every moment:
This “day trip” format is particularly appreciated by travelers who have limited time in Taiwan but still want to enjoy a complete experience without staying overnight.
🚐 Zero stress, zero logistics
Visiting Jiufen and Shifen on your own often involves multiple connections, careful schedule management and sometimes long waiting times. A guided excursion, on the other hand, allows you to:
It is an ideal solution for travelers who want to fully enjoy their day without worrying about practical details.
The village of Shifen is world-famous for a tradition that has become emblematic of Taiwan: the release of sky lanterns. This experience, both symbolic and visually spectacular, is one of the most memorable moments of the excursion.
🏮 A meaningful ritual
In Shifen, visitors are invited to write their wishes on a lantern before releasing it into the sky. Each color is associated with a specific intention: happiness, health, success or prosperity.
This highlight of the excursion stands out thanks to:
This is one of the key reasons many travelers choose to book a Jiufen & Shifen excursion.
⏰ Daytime or late afternoon?
Sky lantern releases can take place at different times of the day, each offering a distinct atmosphere:
Some excursions choose schedules that allow visitors to enjoy this experience before heading to Jiufen, ending the tour in a nighttime atmosphere.
🌿 A preserved natural setting
Beyond the lanterns, Shifen also charms visitors with its surroundings:
This stop adds a calmer, more natural touch to the excursion, perfectly contrasting with the lively atmosphere of Jiufen.
A former mining village perched on a hillside, Jiufen Old Street is now one of Taiwan’s most iconic places. Its narrow alleys, winding stairways and red lanterns create a unique atmosphere, especially appreciated by visitors.
🏘️ A village rich in history
Visiting Jiufen Old Street as part of an excursion allows travelers to better understand the village’s history and evolution:
The guide provides cultural insight that greatly enriches the visit, beyond a simple stroll.
🌅 A unique atmosphere, especially late in the day
Jiufen is particularly famous for:
As night falls, the atmosphere becomes more intimate and almost cinematic. It is one of the highlights of excursions that include Jiufen in the late afternoon or evening.
As the sun begins to set over the hills of northern Taiwan, Jiufen completely transforms. The alleys are illuminated by red lanterns, viewpoints are bathed in golden light, and the atmosphere becomes more intimate. Discovering Jiufen Old Street in the evening is one of the most memorable experiences of a Jiufen & Shifen excursion from Taipei.
This nighttime ambiance, often highlighted in excursions with a late-afternoon option, particularly appeals to travelers seeking a strong visual and emotional experience.
🌙 An incomparable atmosphere
Visiting Jiufen later in the day offers several advantages:
At nightfall, Jiufen offers an almost cinematic atmosphere. Illuminated stairways, balconies overlooking the coast and hanging lanterns create a unique setting, often considered one of the most beautiful in northern Taiwan.
🧭 A format designed for specific traveler profiles
The evening option on a Jiufen & Shifen excursion is particularly suited for:
This type of excursion often favors a gentler pace, with arrival in Jiufen in the late afternoon, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the changing light until nightfall.
Depending on your travel schedule, pace and preferences, two Jiufen & Shifen excursion formats are generally offered. Each has its advantages, and the choice mainly depends on the experience you want to enjoy.
☀️ The classic and comprehensive format
The Jiufen & Shifen day trip is ideal for a first discovery. It allows travelers to:
This format is particularly suitable for travelers who want a well-paced excursion without returning too late to Taipei, while still enjoying a complete overview of both villages.
🌙 A more immersive experience
The late-day / evening format focuses more on atmosphere and emotion:
This type of excursion is often chosen by travelers already familiar with Taipei or those who want to experience Jiufen at its best… or rather, at its most beautiful by night.
This question often comes up among travelers preparing their trip to Taiwan. While it is technically possible to visit Jiufen and Shifen on your own, a guided excursion remains by far the most comfortable and efficient option.
🎟️ A turnkey service
A Jiufen & Shifen excursion from Taipei generally includes:
Some options also offer small groups or more personalized experiences, ideal for a more intimate visit.
✅ A logical choice for most travelers
Booking an excursion offers many advantages:
For a short stay in Taipei, the Jiufen & Shifen excursion allows travelers to discover the essentials without stress, while fully enjoying each stop. It is especially appreciated by those who want to combine comfort, discovery and an authentic experience.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
Yes, especially during peak season and on weekends. Jiufen & Shifen tours from Taipei (day trips or evening options) fill up quickly, especially those that include lantern releases in Shifen. Booking in advance allows you to choose the time (daytime or late afternoon), the type of group, and avoid last-minute unavailability.
Yes, some packages include arriving in Jiufen in the late afternoon to enjoy the nighttime atmosphere. This is ideal if you want to see Jiufen Old Street lit up by red lanterns, which is often more photogenic and pleasant after the crowds have left. Make sure that the “evening” option is indicated when booking.
Most excursions include round-trip transportation from Taipei, an optimized itinerary (Shifen + Jiufen), and free time on arrival. Some offer a guide, others a driver-guide. The lantern experience in Shifen is often included (sometimes the lantern is optional). What's included varies, so be sure to check the duration and format.
The day trip format is suitable if you want a full itinerary, more time at each stop, and a comfortable visit. The late afternoon option is perfect if your goal is to see Jiufen at night and enjoy the lantern atmosphere. If you're unsure, choose based on your priority: a convenient day trip or a more immersive and photo-friendly nighttime experience.
Lanterns in Shifen are available all year round, but the experience is often more enjoyable in dry weather. For Jiufen, late afternoon is ideal: you can enjoy the soft light, then the lanterns lit at dusk. During the week, it is generally less crowded than on weekends, especially in the evening.