Taiwan’s North Coast is a gem filled with natural beauty, rich history, and a sprinkle of magic. Jiufen and Shifen are the perfect stops for this North Coast trip. It's a mix of coastal charm, traditional culture, and stunning landscapes. While there are also other well-known attractions like Yehliu Geopark and Yin Yang Sea, the 4th day of our 6D5N DIY Taiwan Itinerary was focused on Shifen and Jiufen.
It had been a tiring day before this tour to Taiwan's North Coast so we went to Shifen after lunch.
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Mid-Day: Taipei to Shifen
How to go to Shifen:
- From Taipei Main Station: Take the TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration) train to Ruifang Station (about 40 minutes). Once at Ruifang, transfer to the Pingxi Line and board the train to Shifen Station (around 30 minutes).
Once you arrive in Shifen:
- Shifen Waterfall: The waterfall, known as “Taiwan’s Niagara Falls,” is a short 20-minute walk from the station. The cascade is breathtaking, and the surrounding area offers plenty of picturesque spots for photos.
- Shifen Old Street: Located right next to the railway tracks, Shifen Old Street is the perfect place to release a sky lantern. Write your wishes on the lantern and watch it float into the sky for good luck.
- Jing-An Bridge in Shifen is a notable landmark, located along the railway that runs through the town. This quaint bridge provides access to the scenic Shifen Waterfall and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
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| Before flying the Sky Lantern |
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| There goes my wishes |
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| Jing An Bridge |
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| Jing An Bridge |
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| Nostalgic Old Train at Shifen Station |
Jiufen, perched in the mountains overlooking the ocean, is a historic town with winding alleyways filled with traditional food stalls, tea houses, and lantern-lit streets. Once a gold mining town, it now captivates visitors with its nostalgic atmosphere, stunning views, and timeless charm, especially at the famous A-Mei Tea House.
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| The Alleys of Jiufen Old Street starts to turn on their lanterns |
How to go From Shifen Station to Jiufen:
- Take the Pingxi Line train back to Ruifang Station. This journey takes about 30 minutes. Trains on the Pingxi Line run approximately every hour.
- Once you arrive at Ruifang, exit the station and head to the bus stop just outside.
- Take the Bus to Jiufen:
- Board Bus 788 or 1062 (Keelung Bus). These buses will take you to Jiufen Old Street in about 15 minutes. The route winds through scenic mountain roads, offering beautiful views along the way.
Once you arrive in Jiufen, the town’s charming streets await:
- Jiufen Old Street: Wander through this bustling maze of narrow lanes filled with local treats, handmade crafts, and stunning views of the ocean. Make sure to try the famous taro ball dessert, a must-have while you’re here.
- A-Mei Tea House: After strolling through the old street, take a break at the famous A-Mei Tea House. This beautiful tea house inspired the visuals for Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, and the views overlooking the town and sea are unforgettable.
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| What a stunning view |
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| The famous A-MEI Tea House |
Return to Taipei
- From Jiufen: Take Bus 1062 or 788 back to Ruifang Station. Then hop on a TRA train to Taipei Main Station. The journey back takes around 1.5 hours.
Tips:
- Bus 1062 runs directly from Jiufen to Taipei, skipping the need for a train transfer at Ruifang if you want a faster return.
- Try to visit on a weekday to avoid the heavy weekend crowds at both Jiufen and Shifen.
- Bring an umbrella or raincoat, as the North Coast can be misty and rainy at times.
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