Jiufen, Shifen and Houtong Cat Village Private Tour in Taipei
Taipei, Taiwan

Jiufen, Shifen and Houtong Cat Village Private Tour

Outty Ranking 80 4.9 · 86 traveler reviews7 hoursFrom $99

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

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Age 12 and under

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Outty Ranking

80/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 86 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Jiufen, Shifen and Houtong Cat Village Private Tour worth booking?

Jiufen, Shifen and Houtong Cat Village Private Tour is a 7-hour experience in Taipei, Taiwan, from $99 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 86 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
80 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (86)
Duration
7 hours
From
$99 per person

Discover the charm of Northern Taiwan on this private tour. Begin with a visit to Houtong Cat Village, followed by the unique experience of releasing a sky lantern in Pingxi. Stroll through the historic Jiufen Old Street

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover the charm of Northern Taiwan on this private tour. Begin with a visit to Houtong Cat Village, followed by the unique experience of releasing a sky lantern in Pingxi. Stroll through the historic Jiufen Old Street, famously known as the inspiration for Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. Conclude the tour by admiring the stunning Shifen Waterfall and exploring Shifen Old Street, known for its local charm and iconic railroad. The tour includes convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off in Taipei City, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Toll fees
    • In-Person English and Mandarin Guide
    • Surcharges on fuel
    • Lantern flying experience in Pingxi - Shifen Station
    • Parking fees

    Not included

    • Meals and beverages
    • Other personal expenses

    What you'll see and do

    1. Taipei

      Pick-up from your hotel in Taipei City: Your driver-guide will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby or on the first floor of your Airbnb, holding a sign with your name. Thank you.

      5 minutes here

    2. Shifen Waterfall

      Shifen Waterfall is a scenic waterfall located in Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan, on the upper reaches of the Keelung River.

      50 minutes here

    3. Shifen Old Street

      Located in the Pingxi area, Shifen Old Streets is a collection of lanes and alleys in and around the Shifen railway station area where you can have lantern activities.

      50 minutes here

    4. Houtong Cat Village

      Houtong was once a rich small mining town in Ruifang, renowned for a well-preserved culture surrounding its railway, which was built during the Japanese rule of Taiwan.

      60 minutes here

    5. Jiufen Old Street

      Jiufen Old Street is a narrow, winding alleyway with shops, teahouses, and restaurants that offers tourists a view of traditional Taiwanese life.

      120 minutes here

    6. Taipei

      Drop-off at your hotel or Airbnb 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
    cmn, 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

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Taiwan, Jiufen Old StreetTaiwan, Houtong Cat VillageTaiwan, Jiufen Old StreetTaiwan, Jiufen Old StreetTaiwan, Pingxi, Shifen stationTaiwan, Shifen Waterfall

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 86 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 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.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

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

    Traveler reviews

    86 verified traveler reviews for Jiufen, Shifen and Houtong Cat Village Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    84
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Ruston_R · August 2026

    Great time with Vincent

    We had a great time with our guide Vincent. Very kind, knowledgable, and helpful! Would recommend this tour to all.

    via Viator

    tessmch1 · August 2026

    Our energetic experience of Shifen, Jiufen, and cats in every kind of weather.

    Junior was an excellent guide. He arrived at the hotel early in a new, super clean and comfortable car. He jumped out of the car to say hello when we arrived and introduced himself and the tour once we were all in and settled. He was organized, with cold water in the holders for all of us, and his english is fabulous. During his tour, he always made sure we had umbrellas during downpours and were guided and wrangled during busy, packed streets, using all the short cuts as needed. He was an excellent guide and easy company and gave us choices to stop and rest, eat or keep going! He helped us stop and get cash from an ATM and coffee, provided information on Taiwan and Taipei and kept the energy and fun high. We had the best time and still talk about Jiufen.

    via Tripadvisor

    E6632XSjenniferk · August 2026

    Paul - Great Guide

    I did the Jiufen, Yehliu, and Cat Village experience and it was a great day! Paul, our guide, was attentive and made sure we had a great time. He was knowledgeable and hit all the highlights. Ask him to play his playlists! He has great music taste. Would definitely recommend

    via Tripadvisor

    bukolal2019 · August 2026

    Bubble is great!

    Bubble was a great guide of Taiwan! We had just arrived and were very much in need of assistance to find cash and he helped us. Our kids were very jetlagged and he was patient and helped us get to most of the stops and guided us thru the Jiufen market and helped us locate some great shops. We loved releasing our wishes on the lantern. He went above and beyond! Our daughter fell asleep in the car and woke up asking for Bubble. Definitely recommend this tour.

    via Tripadvisor

    X8144DSkatherinew · July 2026

    Great experience with Yolo Taiwan!

    Jeffrey was a great guide! Very communicative and organized. We really enjoyed our day with him and learned a lot.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    7 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $99 to $190
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    30
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Why this scores 80

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)72
    Booking momentum (14% weight)67
    Value for money (12% weight)83
    Listing quality (10% weight)74
    Local standing (8% weight)64
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Jiufen, Shifen and Houtong Cat Village Private Tour: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Jiufen, Shifen and Houtong Cat Village Private Tour 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 Jiufen, Shifen and Houtong Cat Village Private Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 7 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 Jiufen, Shifen and Houtong Cat Village Private Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 86 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Taipei, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Jiufen, Shifen and Houtong Cat Village Private Tour?

    +

    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 Jiufen, Shifen and Houtong Cat Village Private Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Jiufen, Shifen and Houtong Cat Village Private Tour?

    +

    Around 30 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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Jiufen, Shifen and Houtong Cat Village Private Tour 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 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?

    +

    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.

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