7-Hour Join tour – Jiufen Village & Shifen Town

Exploring Taiwan’s Hidden Gems: A 7-Hour Journey through Jiufen and Shifen

If you’re visiting Taipei and looking to escape the city’s hustle for a few hours, this 7-hour join tour to Jiufen Village and Shifen Town offers a balanced mix of scenery, culture, and fun — all with a small-group feel. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, reviews and details suggest this tour is an excellent way to explore beyond the typical city sights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

What we really love about this experience is the personalized small-group setup—with a maximum of just 15 travelers, it feels more like a friendly day out than a crowded bus tour. The comfortable, round-trip transportation from Taipei makes it easy, especially for those who prefer not to navigate public transit. Plus, the itinerary covers some of Taiwan’s most photogenic spots, including a charming old street and a stunning waterfall, with plenty of time to soak it all in. The cost of $39 per person makes it quite a good deal considering the sights, transportation, and guide included.

A possible consideration is the physical activity involved — this tour includes a fair amount of walking, which might not suit travelers with mobility concerns. The schedule is well-paced but still packed, so if you prefer a very leisurely pace or are traveling with older family members who struggle with walking, you might want to consider that. Overall, it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate activity and eager to see a slice of Taiwan’s scenic and cultural highlights.

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors who want a well-organized, authentic taste of Taiwan’s countryside and historic towns without the hassle of planning multiple transportation legs. It’s ideal for families, solo travelers, and couples alike who appreciate a blend of nature, history, and local flavors.

Good To Know

• Small-group experience offers a more personalized, less crowded atmosphere.
• Affordable price point provides good value considering the sights and transportation included.
• Diverse stops include waterfalls, old streets, and scenic views, appealing to varied interests.
• Comfortable transport from Taipei makes day-tripping easy and hassle-free.
• Guided insights enhance the experience, thanks to knowledgeable guides.
• Physical activity involves some walking, so suitable for travelers in moderate shape.

Why choose this tour?

This tour is designed for travelers who want to see Taiwan’s most photogenic villages without spending hours on public transport or organizing their own itinerary. It offers a well-rounded snapshot of Taiwanese culture, history, and natural beauty within a manageable timeframe. The small-group setup often means more flexibility and personalized attention from guides like Jerry or George, who are appreciated for their friendly and informative approach.

Transportation and Price: A Value-Focused Offer

At just $39 per person, this tour provides round-trip transportation in a comfortable vehicle, which is a significant convenience for visitors unfamiliar with local transit options. According to reviews, the van is very comfortable, and the timing feels just right—not rushed, yet efficient.

The cost includes insurance and a professional guide, but food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to budget extra for snacks or meals. The tour’s affordability makes it appealing, especially as it covers multiple highlights in one afternoon.

Meeting Point and Duration

Starting at 9:00 am at Taipei Main Station, the tour kicks off with a clear and convenient meeting point. The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, typically ending back at the starting point, making it a flexible option for those with evening plans or early flights.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Stop 1: Shifen Old Street

Your first stop is Shifen Old Street, a lively strip running alongside active train tracks. The street is lined with stalls selling local snacks, souvenirs, and sky lanterns—a must-try experience (though lantern release is at your own expense). As one reviewer noted, “The street runs alongside active train tracks, lined with shops selling traditional snacks and souvenirs.” This creates a charming, bustling atmosphere.

Expect about 50 minutes here to wander, browse, and maybe grab a quick snack. The highlight is the opportunity to write wishes on sky lanterns and release them, a fun, iconic activity that symbolizes good luck. One reviewer shared, “It was a dream place where you can enjoy the sky lantern activity at your own expense.”

Stop 2: Shifen Waterfall

Next, you’ll visit Shifen Waterfall, affectionately called “Little Niagara of Taiwan”. It’s the widest waterfall in Taiwan, with powerful cascades and mist that often create rainbows on sunny days—a truly magical sight.

The walk to the waterfall is easy, and approximately 50 minutes are allotted for viewing and taking photos. Reviews mention that the “rainbows on sunny days” add a mystical touch to the experience, and many appreciate the chance to see this dramatic natural feature.

Tip: Bring your camera and maybe a raincoat or umbrella — the mist can be quite refreshing!

Stop 3: Jiufen Old Street

Your final destination is Jiufen, a historic gold-mining town with narrow, cobblestone streets that evoke nostalgia. The architecture remains heavily influenced by its Japanese colonial past, giving the town a distinctly vintage feel.

You’ll spend around 2 hours and 30 minutes here, plenty of time to explore its many quaint cafes, shops, and vantage points. Reviewers rave about the “beautiful views and nostalgic atmosphere”, noting that “the streets and architecture retain a distinctly nostalgic atmosphere”.

While exploring, you might sample local snacks (at your own expense), and soak in the breathtaking mountain views that make Jiufen a favorite for photographers and wanderers alike. Some reviews mention that guides like Mr. Jack or Tony do a great job of highlighting the area’s history and pointing out must-see spots.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic local experiences are woven into the stops — from tasting street food to releasing sky lanterns — making it more than just sightseeing. The tour’s small-group size enhances interaction, and the guides’ knowledge and friendliness elevate the trip significantly.

Practical Details: What to Expect

While the tour covers substantial ground, it’s important to note the walking involved. Reviewers mention that “the tour includes a lot of walking” and suggest it’s best suited for moderate fitness levels. The vehicles are air-conditioned, adding comfort after long walks or in hot weather.

Since food and drinks are not included, it’s wise to bring some cash or an Easycard (at least NT$30) for snacks, souvenirs, or lantern releases. The tour is operated by a multi-lingual guide, which is helpful for international travelers.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Overall, reviewers are highly satisfied, with a rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 25 reviews. Many highlight the guides’ friendly, helpful nature and well-organized itinerary. For example, one traveler praised Tito Steve as being “so friendly and helpful”. Others appreciated the timing — feeling that each stop was just the right length, “not rushed but not too long”.

Several reviews also mention the value for money — especially considering the comfort of transportation and the variety of sights covered — making this a practical choice for most visitors.

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors eager to see a mix of natural beauty and cultural highlights without the stress of self-organizing. It’s particularly well-suited for families and couples who enjoy moderate walking and want a personalized, small-group experience.

Those looking for a cost-effective way to visit Jiufen and Shifen will find this tour offers great value. However, travelers with mobility issues or those who prefer a more leisurely pace with less walking might want to consider their physical comfort.

This 7-hour tour offers a thoughtful and authentic glimpse into some of Taiwan’s most picturesque spots, all while providing small-group intimacy and professional guidance. From the spectacular waterfalls to the nostalgic streets of Jiufen, you’ll come away with memorable photos, stories, and perhaps a few lantern wishes.

For those seeking a well-rounded day trip that balances natural beauty, history, and local culture, this experience hits the right notes. The combination of comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and diverse stops makes it a smart pick within Taipei’s day-trip options.

If you’re ready for a fun, authentic, and value-packed afternoon, this tour is surely worth considering. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring some cash for snacks and souvenirs. It’s a charming way to discover some of Taiwan’s best-kept secrets beyond the city streets.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Taipei Main Station in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle is included, making it easy to relax and enjoy the scenic drive.

How long do we spend at each stop?
You’ll have about 50 minutes at Shifen Old Street and Shifen Waterfall, and roughly 2.5 hours at Jiufen Old Street, giving enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but you may choose to buy snacks or meals at each stop. Budget accordingly, especially for local street food.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour involves a fair amount of walking, so it’s best for kids who are comfortable with moderate activity.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in most weather conditions, but if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How large are the tour groups?
Maximum of 15 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and flexible. There can be up to 40 travelers in some cases.

Do I need to bring an Easycard or cash?
Yes, for activities like lantern releases or purchasing snacks, a public transportation Easycard with at least NT$30 or NT$30 cash is recommended.

In summary, this tour offers a fantastic, manageable way to experience some of Taiwan’s most scenic and cultural highlights. Perfect for those wanting a guided, authentic adventure without the hassle, it’s a day well spent exploring Taiwan’s charming villages and waterfalls.