Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern in Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei, Taiwan

Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern

Outty Ranking 88 4.9 · 454 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $99
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Outty Ranking

88/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 454 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern worth booking?

Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern is a 6-hour experience in Taipei, Taiwan, from $99 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 454 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
88 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (454)
Duration
6 hours
From
$99 per person

Discover scenic Northern Taiwan on a private day tour from Taipei. Explore the beauty of historical Jiufen, which inspired Oscar-winning animations, then make a wish with a sky lantern flying over Pingxi.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover scenic Northern Taiwan on a private day tour from Taipei. Explore the beauty of historical Jiufen, which inspired Oscar-winning animations, then make a wish with a sky lantern flying over Pingxi.

    What's included

    Included

    • Parking fees and tolls
    • Lantern activity (one lantern for a car)
    • Bottled water
    • Private & air-conditioned vehicle

    Not included

    • Food & drinks

    What you'll see and do

    1. Taipei

      Your driver-guide will meet you in the hotel lobby or on the 1st floor, holding a sign with your name.

      5 minutes here

    2. Shifen Old Street

      Shifen Old Street is a bustling hub for those eager to get a glimpse of an old railroad town which still retains the charm of yesteryear. Originally built to transport coal, the Shifen Old Street stop has now become one of the most popular on the Pingxi rail-line. It is easy to see why so many are drawn here - local food, souvenir shops and puffing trains add to the charm of this little gem, as well as make it a fantastic place for photography.

      40 minutes here

    3. Shifen Waterfall

      Shifen Waterfall is the most renowned cascading waterfall in Taiwan. The watercourse is from Keelung River, height 20 m. (66 ft.) and width 40 m. (131 ft.).

      40 minutes here

    4. Yin Yang Sea

      Watch the bay where the sea is a mix of yellow and blue before heading to Jiufen.

      10 minutes here

    5. Jinguashi 13 Ruins

      The Remains of the 13 Levels is a former smelter plant in Lianxin Village, Ruifang District, New Taipei, Taiwan. It is also called the Potala Palace of Mountain Mines.

      10 minutes here

    6. Golden Waterfall

      (If traffic control is in effect during the public holiday, we will not proceed to this location.) Golden Waterfall is located in Jinguashi. Although real gold flowing from these falls would be too good to be true, the water is certainly a beautiful gold color as a result of the combination of regular rainfall in this mining area and the abundance of heavy metal elements deposited in the riverbed.

      10 minutes here

    7. Chiufen (Jiufen Old Street)

      With an unmatched old town atmosphere and seaside flair, Jiufen is a must see spot when visiting northern Taiwan. Always teeming with tourists, you might notice that Japanese people make up a huge proportion of the crowds gathered. Many are keen to catch a glimpse of the setting of Hayao Miyazaki's Academy Award winning “Spirited Away”, especially the iconic red lanterns. This is also a film mecca for lovers of Taiwanese film, especially fans of Hou Hsiao-hsien's “A City of Sadness”, which utilized Jiufen as the backdrop to the events of the 228 Incident. Given Hou’s recent award of Best Director in the 2015 International Cannes Film Festival for his new film “The Assassin”, we expect even more people will make their way here in years to come.

      90 minutes here

    8. Taipei

      Back to hotels or other spots you preferred in Taipei City at the end of the tour.

      5 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    YOLO TAIWAN INTERNATIONAL COMPANY LIMITED

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Jiufen (Chiufen), Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern in TaipeiJiufen (Chiufen), Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern in TaipeiPingxi Sky Lantern (Shifen Old Street), Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern in TaipeiJiufen (Chiufen), Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern in TaipeiShifen Waterfall, Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern in TaipeiShifen Waterfall, Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern in Taipei

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 452 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    452 verified traveler reviews for Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    426
    4 star
    19
    3 star
    3
    2 star
    3
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Sanchia_A · October 2026

    This was a 6 hour private...

    This was a 6 hour private driver tour of the area. Carl the driver was very knowledgeable and gave great instructions during drop off and pick up on the visits to Jiufen and Shifen. Overall great value for money.

    via Viator

    johantQ4874JE · October 2026

    Great experience

    James was a great tour guide, told me about the history of taiwan and the meaning behind all the small details pertaining to the temples. I was able to take amazing pictures thanks to him, I would definitely recommend

    via Tripadvisor

    Thao_C · October 2026

    A day with our guide James

    I enjoyed my day with James. He has a rich knowledge of Taiwan and Chinese history that made the tour more enjoyable. We got the 6 hour tour as we we didn’t know if we would last longer but we ended up going over an hour over time because we wanted to spend more time at the stops. Knowing this I would definitely recommend the full day tour.

    via Viator

    jjD7894KT · September 2026

    Fabulous experience!

    Vincent was a great guide and was incredibly flexible during the day. He was very knowledgeable and took photos along the way, which was extremely helpful for a solo traveller. Would highly recommend for anyone wanting to learn more about Taiwan’s culture.

    via Tripadvisor

    Jeremy_C · September 2026

    Excellent trip

    James was an excellent guide. He kept apologizing for his English, but he did a great job. Well worth getting a personal driver for this type of venture outside of Taipei.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $99 to $195
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    159
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by YOLO TAIWAN INTERNATIONAL COMPANY LIMITED, who run 25 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.3.

    See everything YOLO TAIWAN INTERNATIONAL COMPANY LIMITED runs

    Why this scores 88

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
    Review evidence (18% weight)99
    Booking momentum (14% weight)99
    Value for money (12% weight)79
    Listing quality (10% weight)59
    Local standing (8% weight)66
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Taipei.

    How much does Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern cost?

    +

    Prices start at $99 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Taipei usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern take?

    +

    Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Taipei is not rushed.

    Is Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 454 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Taipei, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern?

    +

    Around 159 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Taipei can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Taipei and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Taipei within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Taipei?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Taipei experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small-Group: Yehliu, Jiufen & Pingxi Day Tour from Taipei, Full-Day Private Custom Taipei City Tour, Private Tour to Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Pingxi. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Taipei?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Taipei?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern?

    +

    Included: Parking fees and tolls; Lantern activity (one lantern for a car); Bottled water; and Private & air-conditioned vehicle. Not included: Food & drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 788 listed pickup locations in and around Taipei. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern?

    +

    Across 454 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern.

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