From Taipei: Heping Island, Shifen, and Jiufen Private Tour

Exploring Taiwan’s northern coast in a single day with a private guide sounds like a dream — and from what travelers report, this tour comes pretty close. This customized, 8-hour journey offers the perfect blend of scenic coastal views, natural wonders, and charming old streets, all in the comfort of your own vehicle.

What we really love is the flexibility of the itinerary, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Plus, the friendly, professional driver makes the experience smooth and stress-free, especially when you’re trying to soak in so many sights in one day. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off in Taipei adds convenience, removing the hassle of navigating public transport or figuring out how to get around.

One potential consideration is the duration of each stop — while most travelers praise the attractions, some mention that time can be tight, especially at Jiufen, where the streets are charming but can also be crowded and winding. This tour will suit those who love a personalized, guided experience but are okay with a packed schedule. Perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers alike, it’s an excellent way to get a taste of Taiwan’s natural beauty and historical charm in a single day.

Good To Know

• Private and customizable: Tailored itinerary with a private vehicle for maximum flexibility
• Top sights: Heping Island, Shifen Waterfall, Jiufen Old Street
• Comfort and convenience: Hotel pickup, professional driver, all transportation included
• Cultural experiences: Releasing sky lanterns, exploring historic streets, scenic coastal vistas
• Value for money: For $120 per person, you get a curated day with expert guiding and admissions included
• Consideration: Stops can feel rushed if you want a leisurely pace, so be prepared for a full day

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: What to Expect on this Private Taiwan Day Tour

If you’re craving a personalized escape from Taipei that combines natural beauty with cultural charm, this private tour promises just that. It’s especially appealing if you prefer a relaxed, yet well-structured day led by a friendly driver-guide who knows the ins and outs of the region.

You’ll love the comfort of a private vehicle, which means you won’t have to worry about crowded buses or navigating public transit. The flexibility means you can spend more time at your favorite spots or skip those that don’t appeal — perfect for those wanting an experience tailored to their interests.

One of the main draws is the variety — from rocky coastlines and waterfalls to old streets filled with lanterns and tea houses. The inclusion of unique activities like lantern releasing adds a dash of magic to the day. A slight drawback is the limited time at each stop, so if you’re looking for a super relaxed, lingering experience, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, most travelers find that the value and convenience far outweigh this minor inconvenience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want to see a lot without the hassle, appreciate guided insights, and enjoy the comfort of private transportation. It’s great for those new to Taiwan or visitors short on time but eager to maximize their experience.

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour

Pickup in Taipei and Journey to Heping Island

The day starts with hotel pickup in Taipei, making it easy to begin your adventure without fuss. The drive to Heping Island isn’t long, and the scenery along the way gives you a glimpse of Taiwan’s lush landscapes.

Heping Island Park is the first stop, where you’ll have about an hour to walk along scenic trails and marvel at the coastal geological formations. This island is a standout for its rock formations and panoramic views of the northern coastline. Travelers note that it’s a fantastic spot for photos, with some reviewers mentioning the tranquility and natural beauty that make it worth a visit.

While it’s a short visit, the admission is included, and your guide can point out the geological features that make this protected park special. It’s a peaceful start to the day, setting the tone for more awe-inspiring sights.

Shifen Waterfall – Nature’s Power and a Touch of Tradition

Next, you’ll head to Shifen Waterfall, often called Taiwan’s Niagara. The guided visit here lasts about 105 minutes, covering both a photo stop and a more detailed tour. The waterfall’s cascading water over terraced rocks provides excellent photo opportunities, and most visitors find it impressive for its size and the roar of the water.

Travelers praise their guides’ knowledge, with one noting, “the guide was great and was there just for us,” which adds a personal touch to the experience. While the area can get busy, especially on weekends, the views remain spectacular and well worth the visit.

Following the waterfall visit, you’ll walk to Shifen Old Street, famous for its sky lantern tradition. Releasing a lantern here is often regarded as a highlight — it’s not just fun but also a deeply memorable cultural activity. Most reviews highlight how special it is to send a lantern floating into the sky, carrying wishes or hopes.

Your guide can assist with the lantern activity, ensuring you capture the moment and understand its significance. This part of the tour lasts about 45 minutes, which gives just enough time for a quick browse of the street’s stalls and some souvenir shopping.

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Jiufen Old Street – Charm, Tea, and a Touch of Miyazaki

The final major stop is Jiufen, one of Taiwan’s most beloved mountain towns. Here, you’ll enjoy around 1.5 hours to walk the narrow, lantern-lit lanes filled with tea houses, street snacks, and shops.

Most travelers love the atmosphere — the blend of old-world charm and bustling markets. According to one review, Jiufen’s streets are “famous for their lantern-lit streets, tea houses, and ties to the movie Spirited Away,” which makes it a must-visit for fans and casual explorers alike.

Your guide can point out recommended spots, but there’s also plenty of freedom to wander and take photos, especially of the stunning views of the ocean and mountains. Many find that Jiufen’s cozy tea houses are perfect for relaxing after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Returning to Taipei

After exploring Jiufen, your private vehicle will whisk you back to Taipei, completing the roughly 8-hour journey. The smooth return means you arrive relaxed and with plenty of time to continue your Taipei adventures or unwind after a full day.

The Value of This Tour

At $120 per person, this private day trip offers excellent value considering the personalized service, admissions included, and the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. For travelers who want to see top sights without the hassle of public transportation or group tours, this experience provides efficiency combined with comfort.

It’s a particularly good deal for small groups of 1-3 who will get a dedicated car and driver-guide, or for larger groups that can be accommodated comfortably with a van or bus. The flexibility of the schedule means you can prioritize your favorite locations or skip parts if you prefer a less hurried pace.

Most importantly, the tour’s reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views as major positives, ensuring you’re in good hands whether you’re snapping photos at Heping Island or releasing lanterns in Shifen.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for those who want to maximize their time in Taiwan with a curated, private experience. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with family, a partner, or friends and prefer a flexible itinerary over rigid group tours.

If you love natural scenery, charming streets, and cultural activities like lantern releasing, you’ll appreciate the variety packed into this day. It’s also a good fit if you’re new to Taiwan and want an English-speaking guide to help interpret the sights.

However, if you prefer a very slow, unstructured day, or want to explore each site at length, this tour might feel a bit rushed. Still, for most travelers, the combination of comfort, scenery, and cultural insight offers substantial value.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with a flexible starting time subject to availability.

What is included in the price?
The price covers round-trip transfers from your Taipei hotel, a professional chauffeur, tolls, parking, fuel fees, passenger insurance, admission to Heping Island, and lantern flying activities.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to eat at Jiufen.

How many people can join?
The tour is private and can accommodate groups of 1-15 people, with different vehicle options depending on your group size.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss your preferences with the guide, though the main stops are fixed for optimal experience.

Is there a guide with us during the tour?
Yes, a live English or Chinese-speaking guide is included, providing insights at each stop and assisting with activities like lantern release.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, some cash for souvenirs or snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing depending on the season.

Final Thoughts

This private tour from Taipei offers a well-rounded experience of Taiwan’s north coast, blending natural beauty with cultural richness. The flexibility of a private vehicle and guide makes it a fantastic choice for travelers seeking comfort and customization without breaking the bank.

You’ll love the stunning coastal views at Heping Island, the powerful spectacle of Shifen Waterfall, and the charming, lantern-lit streets of Jiufen. The inclusion of activities like lantern releasing, combined with the knowledgeable guidance, ensures a memorable day with plenty of photo-worthy moments.

While it’s a relatively packed schedule, most travelers find that the value, scenic variety, and personalized touch make this a highly worthwhile investment. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Taiwan explorer, this tour provides a practical, authentic way to experience some of the best sights along the island’s northern coast.

In summary, this tour is perfect for those who want a comfortable, guided, and flexible day trip. It suits travelers eager to see multiple highlights without the stress of planning logistics or navigating public transport. If you’re ready for a memorable adventure that balances scenic views with cultural experiences, this private tour has a lot to offer.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby