Morning tour of Jiufen, Shifen (sky lantern raising), and Shifen Waterfalls <Japanese guide>

Jiufen Old Street is renowned for its narrow, winding alleys, traditional tea houses, and a nostalgic atmosphere enhanced by red lanterns and panoramic mountain and ocean views. Historically a gold mining town, it offers a charming, somewhat mystical ambiance. Shifen Old Street, conversely, is famous for the unique activity of releasing sky lanterns directly on the active railway tracks, symbolizing blessings. It's also the gateway to the scenic Shifen Waterfall, providing a focus on interactive cultural experience and natural beauty.

Shifen is best known for the heartwarming experience of releasing sky lanterns onto the old railway tracks, a tradition believed to carry wishes to the heavens. Visitors can purchase lanterns, inscribe their hopes, and launch them. A major natural attraction is the majestic Shifen Waterfall, often called Taiwan's Niagara Falls, which offers stunning views from various viewing platforms. The Old Street area also features local food stalls and souvenir shops.

In Shifen, visitors can savor a range of traditional Taiwanese street foods and local snacks. Popular culinary delights include savory sausage wrapped in sticky rice, various types of handmade mochi, crispy fried chicken cutlets, and the unique peanut brittle ice cream rolls. Many stalls also offer refreshing local beverages and seasonal fruits, providing an authentic taste of the region's culinary culture.

To fully explore Jiufen Old Street, including leisurely strolling through its famous alleys, browsing unique craft shops, enjoying a traditional tea ceremony, and taking in the panoramic views, it is generally recommended to allocate approximately 2 to 3 hours. This duration allows visitors to immerse themselves in the nostalgic atmosphere, sample local delicacies, and appreciate the town's distinct charm without feeling rushed.

For an optimal experience, it is generally recommended to visit Jiufen first, particularly if beginning your tour early in the day. Jiufen's narrow, bustling streets can become very crowded later on. After exploring Jiufen's unique charm, proceeding to Shifen allows for sky lantern releasing and a visit to Shifen Waterfall. This sequence helps manage crowd levels effectively and offers a pleasant transition between the distinct experiences of both locations.

Yes, it is highly feasible and a popular choice to visit both Jiufen Old Street and Shifen Waterfall within a single day. Many organized day tours specifically combine these two iconic destinations due to their proximity and complementary experiences. Starting your journey early in the morning is particularly effective for enjoying both sites before they become heavily crowded, maximizing your exploration time at each location.

Traveling between Jiufen and Shifen typically involves a combination of public transportation or a direct taxi/private transfer. From Jiufen, you can take a local bus to Ruifang Station. From Ruifang Station, you would then transfer to the scenic Pingxi Line train, which will take you directly to Shifen Station. Taxis or pre-booked private car services offer a more direct and convenient alternative, reducing travel time and the need for transfers.

Jiufen Old Street's unique atmosphere is shaped by its history as a former gold mining town, reflected in its intricate network of stone-paved alleys and traditional architecture. The town is particularly known for its iconic red lanterns that beautifully illuminate the streets after dusk, traditional tea houses offering stunning mountain and ocean vistas, and a mysterious, nostalgic ambiance often likened to scenes from classic animated films. This blend creates a truly distinctive and memorable visitor experience.