New Taipei City Private Charter Car/Shared Ride One-Day Tour | Shifen Old Street & Jinguashi Golden Waterfall & Houtong Cat Village & Jiufen Old Street

Visiting Shifen Old Street in the late afternoon, usually between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, is ideal. This timing allows you to experience the street in daylight, witness the scenic surroundings, and then enjoy the magical atmosphere of sky lantern releases as dusk settles. Releasing lanterns after sunset, with the lanterns glowing against the night sky, offers a particularly memorable view. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends or holidays.

Shifen Old Street offers a delightful array of local snacks. Be sure to try the famous "chicken roll" (雞翅包飯), which is glutinous rice stuffed inside a chicken wing. Other popular treats include the peanut ice cream roll, a unique combination of taro ice cream, crushed peanuts, and cilantro wrapped in a thin pancake. You'll also find various traditional Taiwanese pastries, local sausages, and refreshing herbal teas from street vendors.

To fully experience Shifen Old Street, including releasing a sky lantern, browsing the unique shops, enjoying local snacks, and taking photos, it is generally recommended to allocate about 1.5 to 2 hours. This duration allows for a relaxed pace to soak in the atmosphere, explore the train tracks, and enjoy the culinary offerings without feeling rushed.

Jiufen Old Street is famous for its charming, narrow alleyways, traditional teahouses, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Key activities include exploring the vibrant market stalls selling local handicrafts and street food, such as taro balls and herbal cakes. Visiting a traditional teahouse, especially at dusk when the red lanterns illuminate the street, offers a picturesque experience. Don't miss the iconic A-Mei Teahouse, known for its unique architecture and atmosphere.

For a multi-stop tour, a common recommendation is to visit Shifen Old Street in the late afternoon to experience sky lantern releases during daylight and then as night falls. Afterward, proceed to Jiufen Old Street in the early evening. Jiufen truly comes alive after dark when its iconic red lanterns are lit, creating a magical, nostalgic ambiance that complements the daytime charm of Shifen. This sequence allows you to enjoy the unique highlights of both locations at their best.

Houtong Cat Village is a unique stop known for its large population of friendly stray cats. It has become a haven for feline lovers, with cat-themed cafes, shops, and art found throughout the village. Visitors can interact with the cats, observe their daily lives, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. The village also offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and rivers, making it a charming and relaxing addition to any day tour.

At Jinguashi Golden Waterfall, visitors can marvel at a distinctive natural phenomenon. The water flowing over the rocks is tinged with a striking golden-orange hue, caused by high concentrations of iron and heavy metal elements from the former Jinguashi copper mine. This creates a visually impressive contrast with the surrounding greenery. From the viewing area, you can also often see the "Yin-Yang Sea" in the distance, another unique natural sight where two distinct colors of water meet.

Reaching Shifen Old Street from Taipei typically involves taking a train to Ruifang Station, then transferring to the Pingxi Line. This can be time-consuming due to multiple transfers and crowded trains, especially on weekends. Alternatively, for a more comfortable and direct journey, travelers often opt for private charter cars or shared ride services. These options offer convenience, eliminate the hassle of navigating public transportation, and provide a relaxing way to reach Shifen and other attractions in the area.