Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 434 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 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 434 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 87 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (434)
- 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
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
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
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
Yin Yang Sea
Watch the bay where the sea is a mix of yellow and blue before heading to Jiufen.
10 minutes here
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
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
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
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
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 433 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
433 verified traveler reviews for Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Taiwan short trips
She is a very friendly and very polite.
via Tripadvisor
Must do if short on time
Absolute best experience showcasing beautiful sights of Taipei if you’re short on time. Our family of 4 (incl. 2 teenagers) thoroughly enjoyed every stop of the half-day tour and learn about the history. The Sky Lantern was the best! Our tour guide + driver, Mr. Ken, was the epitome of professionalism mixed with kindness, fun and knowledge. He expertly navigated the traffic and managed our tour so that we would maximize our time at every stop. Deepest gratitude to him since our tour extended beyond the 6-hour period but he accommodated with a smile. Would definitely recommend the company and Ken to anyone wanting to do this tour.
via Viator
awesome!
Mr. Hicky Wong, our driver and tour guide is great. We have a joyfull moment with him.
via Tripadvisor
Put on a nice outfit...
Put on a nice outfit because Vincent is serious about taking photos for you! He has all the good angles! He is kind, polite and knowledgeable and really wants you to enjoy your visit.
via Viator
Wonderful experience
James Chan was an excellent guide! I highly recommend him! He was knowledgeable and led an interesting tour. I would use for other tours in the future!
via Tripadvisor
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
- 152
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 87
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
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?
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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?
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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?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 434 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?
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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?
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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?
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Around 152 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?
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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?
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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?
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On Outty we rank every Taipei experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Full-Day Private Custom Taipei City Tour, Private Tour to Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Pingxi, Full-Day Private Northern Taiwan Tour from Taipei with Pickup. 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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