Popular Half-day/Full-day Tours in Shifen

There are many worthwhile attractions around Shifen Waterfall. You can stroll through Shifen Old Street, experiencing the unique charm of railway tracks coexisting with shops, and enjoy the fun of releasing sky lanterns while tasting local snacks. Beside the old street is Jing'an Suspension Bridge, perfect for a walk and photos with views of the Keelung River valley. If you have ample time, nearby attractions like Glass Bottle Cave Waterfall and the pothole terrain showcase Shifen's rich geological features. These sites are not far apart, making it easy to connect them for a half-day or full-day itinerary.

There are primarily two ways to book a sky lantern experience in the Shifen area. The most common is to go directly to Shifen Old Street, where numerous shops offer sky lantern services. You can choose your preferred lantern design and shop based on your liking. Alternatively, if you want to ensure a smooth trip and enjoy more convenience, consider booking a sky lantern experience package through online travel platforms. For example, you can book through KKday, which offers Chinese customer service support and flexible cancellation policies, eliminating language barriers and especially beneficial for groups or travelers with specific itinerary needs.

A Shifen day trip and a Jiufen day trip each offer unique charms, and the choice depends on your preferences and travel companions. Shifen is known for its spectacular Shifen Waterfall, the unique experience of releasing sky lanterns on the railway tracks, and its bustling old street. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and cheerful, suitable for travelers who enjoy natural landscapes, railway culture, or family outings. Jiufen, on the other hand, is a mountain town steeped in history, famous for its intricate stone steps, nostalgic architecture, abundant local delicacies, and captivating mountain-sea night views. It's ideal for those seeking a deep cultural experience, a nostalgic ambiance, or photography opportunities. You can decide based on the style of experience you're looking for, your physical condition, and the needs of your companions.

The Shifen area is located in the Keelung River basin, with a generally humid climate and relatively abundant rainfall. Its main rainy season is influenced by the northeast monsoon, typically starting from late autumn (around October, November) and continuing until spring (around March, April) of the following year. During this period, overcast and rainy weather is more frequent. Additionally, the plum rain season in May and June also brings continuous rainfall. Although July and August are not the main rainy season, afternoon thunderstorms are common. Therefore, regardless of the season you visit Shifen, it is advisable to carry an umbrella for unexpected showers to make your trip more comfortable.

Taking the train is the most popular and economical public transportation option from Taipei to Shifen. You can take a Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) train (local or Chu-Kuang Express) from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station. From Ruifang, transfer to the nostalgic Pingxi Line local train, which will take you directly to Shifen Station. The Pingxi Line offers beautiful scenery along the way, train fares are relatively low, and it provides an authentic local experience, making it an excellent choice for planning a half-day or full-day trip to Shifen. If you wish to save time, check the TRA timetable in advance to ensure smooth connections.

The Shifen area is very suitable for a half-day family outing. Shifen Old Street is flat and easy to walk on, and children will be fascinated by the sight of trains passing by. Releasing sky lanterns is an educational activity that allows children to experience traditional culture and write down their wishes. Furthermore, the spectacular Shifen Waterfall is a must-see natural beauty. The path to the waterfall is mostly a gentle trail, suitable for the whole family to stroll along. The old street also offers many local snacks to satisfy children's taste buds. It is recommended that parents pay close attention to child safety when activities are near the railway tracks. Consider preparing a stroller or baby carrier depending on the child's age to make the trip more relaxed and enjoyable.

To plan a fulfilling one-day itinerary for Shifen, it is recommended to start by arriving at Shifen Station in the morning. First, take a walk through Shifen Old Street, soak in the railway atmosphere, experience the joy of releasing sky lanterns, and enjoy local snacks for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Shifen Waterfall and admire the wonders of nature, taking a walk along the waterfall trails. On your way back, you can stop by Jing'an Suspension Bridge to enjoy the views of the Keelung River valley. If time permits, you can also use the Pingxi Line train to connect with nearby Pingxi or Jingtong old towns, exploring more unique railway town charm and making your one-day trip richer and more diverse.

There is no absolute best time to release sky lanterns in Shifen; daytime, dusk, and nighttime each have their unique appeal. During the daytime, you can clearly see the wishes written on the lanterns, take photos with vibrant colors, and get a clearer view of the surrounding mountains and railway scenery. At dusk, the light is soft, and the lanterns slowly ascending against the gradient sky create a romantic and poetic scene, perfect for couples or photography enthusiasts. Releasing lanterns at night allows you to experience the grandeur and warmth of the lanterns lighting up the night sky, with the flames appearing exceptionally brilliant in the darkness, creating a festive atmosphere. You can choose the most suitable time based on your personal preferences and itinerary.

Shifen Old Street is full of nostalgia and offers many unique souvenirs. The most popular are sky lantern-related items, such as exquisite sky lantern-shaped keychains, small ornaments, or pineapple cakes and other pastries shaped like sky lanterns. You can also find many traditional snacks like malt peanut candy, local pastries, and soda candies, to evoke childhood memories. For those who appreciate creative products, the old street also features design items themed around railway culture. If you wish to bring home local flavors, consider locally produced teas or specialty agricultural products to capture the essence of Shifen.

Besides the Shifen area, there are many other distinctive day trip destinations near Taipei. For instance, you can visit the nostalgic Jiufen mountain town, explore its narrow alleys, savor taro balls, and enjoy the captivating mountain-sea night views. Tamsui Old Street and Fisherman's Wharf are also popular choices, ideal for watching sunsets, cycling, and enjoying street food. If you prefer natural scenery, Yangmingshan National Park is a great option, boasting rich geothermal landscapes, hot springs, and seasonal flowers. Additionally, along the North Coast, Yehliu Geopark, Jingshan Old Street, or the pottery culture hub of Yingge Ceramics Old Street are all excellent day trip choices, catering to various travel preferences.