Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall, Houtong Cat Village & Sky Lantern Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall, Houtong Cat Village & Sky Lantern Tour worth booking?
Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall, Houtong Cat Village & Sky Lantern Tour is a 8-hour experience in Taipei, Taiwan, from $58 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 4 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 52 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (4)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $58 per person
Explore the highlights of northern Taiwan on this full-day tour combining nature, culture, and charming historic towns. Begin at Shifen Waterfall, Taiwan’s widest waterfall, where scenic forest paths and viewpoints provi
What you get
About this experience
Explore the highlights of northern Taiwan on this full-day tour combining nature, culture, and charming historic towns. Begin at Shifen Waterfall, Taiwan’s widest waterfall, where scenic forest paths and viewpoints provide beautiful photo opportunities. Continue to Shifen Old Street, famous for its railway tracks and traditional sky lantern tradition, offering a unique cultural experience. Next, visit Houtong Cat Village, a delightful stop known for its friendly cats, cat-themed artwork, and relaxed village atmosphere. Enjoy free time to stroll, take photos, and explore small cafés and shops. The journey then leads to Jiufen Old Street, a former gold-mining town filled with narrow lantern-lit alleys, local food stalls, and panoramic views of the Northeast Coast. Ideal for couples, families, and solo travelers, it’s a perfect choice for those seeking memorable sights, local culture, and stunning
What's included
Included
- Transport
What you'll see and do
Shifen Waterfall
Begin your day with a visit to Shifen Waterfall, the widest waterfall in Taiwan and often called the “Little Niagara of Taiwan.” Enjoy a scenic walk along the forest trail and suspension bridge, with time to admire the powerful cascades and take photos of the surrounding natural landscape. If the Shifen Waterfall suspension bridge is undergoing annual maintenance, an alternative route will be taken, which may require additional walking. Please be advised.
50 minutes here · Admission included
Shifen Old Street
Continue to Shifen Old Street, famous for its railway track running through the village. Stroll along the tracks, explore local shops, and experience the traditional sky lantern release (optional, at own expense), a memorable cultural activity symbolizing wishes and good fortune.
50 minutes here · Admission included
Houtong Cat Village
Visit Houtong Cat Village, a unique and charming destination known for its friendly cats and cat-themed art. Walk through the village, enjoy free time to interact with the cats, take photos, and explore small cafés and souvenir shops in a relaxed atmosphere.
100 minutes here · Admission included
Jiufen Old Street
Head to the historic Jiufen Old Street, a former gold-mining town set on the mountainside with stunning coastal views. Wander through narrow alleyways lined with traditional food stalls and teahouses, sample local snacks, and enjoy panoramic scenery of the Northeast Coast.
130 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Taipei
Meet at Ximen MRT Station. Arrive 15 minutes before the departure time.
Meeting point
Taipei
Meet at Taipei Main Station. Arrive 15 minutes before the departure time.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet at Ximen MRT Station. Arrive 15 minutes before the departure time.
Ends at
Meet at Taipei Main Station. Arrive 15 minutes before the departure time.
Options you can book
Day Night Tour
Day Tour
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- cmn, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- TREVOPEDIA
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Total tour duration includes transportation time.
- Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure to check in with the guide
- Due to typhoon damage to the railway, train service between Shifen Old Street and Houtong Cat Village is temporarily suspended immediately.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
1 mentionExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Pace and timing
1 mentionSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall, Houtong Cat Village & Sky Lantern Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing tour guide!
It was a great experience. Tour guide (Kate Hsiao) was a very patient and professional tour guide and managed to get us to each destination faster than other groups (especially when it was time to get home - there were at least a 100 people ahead of us on the bus home but she negotiated our smaller group to jump ahead). The chicken wing she recommended was so yummy too! 🍗🍗 we ordered 2 from her but it was such a good recommendation we ended up ordering 2 more! 🔥🔥🥳
via Viator
The itinerary was changed...
The itinerary was changed after I booked the tour. I did not like the change and asked the tour operator to accommodate the tour I paid for, or cancel the tour. It took a long time for the tour operator by the name of Khan to respond, he did not address my concern, he did not address my request for cancellation. I waited until the next morning but still no response from him to cancel my tour. So I went to the meeting point with no tour guide to be found. I texted him with no response. I called his phone number twice but only to be forwarded to a voice recording. So I contacted platform Viator and requested the refund. Don’t think this tour is run by the locals.
via Viator
Best tour guide ever, good trip into the mountains
This was a very good tour. We especially liked the Shifen waterfall, Shifen Old Street and the Houtong Cat Village. Shifen old street was a long pedestrian street with many shops and street food vendors. The highlight there was the launching of sky lanterns. At Houmtong Cat village, there were dozens of beautiful cats to interact with. There was also an area that gave information about the former mining that took place in the area. Jiufen was interesting but crowded. The main attraction there was a many blocks long, enclosed market street. Lots of options for food and souvenirs. The bus was comfortable. Our guide, Vivian’s was phenomenal - we travel a lot and we think she is the best guide we have ever had. She went out of her way to assist my wife, who uses a rollator wslker. If you do have mobility issues, be advised that the tour involves a lot of walking, including up and down hills and stairs.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you had such a great experience and enjoyed visiting Shifen Waterfall, Shifen Old Street, and Houtong Cat Village. It’s great to know the sky lantern experience and the time spent with the cats were highlights of your trip. We’ll also be sure to share your kind words with your guide — they’ll be thrilled to hear this. Thank you again, and we hope to welcome you on another memorable tour soon!
via Viator
It wasn't the tour I booked. We haven't been to cat city, but to the geological park, but the ER-Superman guide or
The tour was not the one I booked. We've been taken to the geological park instead of the cat village. The other two cities are very good. The experience of launching the flashlight is highly recommended. In addition, the guide, ER-Superman has provided us with the entire experience from start to finish.
Response from the operator: Gracias por compartir su experiencia. Lamentamos que una parte de la excursión no haya sido la reservada y tomamos nota de su comentario para revisarlo internamente. Nos alegra saber que disfrutaron de las otras paradas, de la experiencia de lanzar la linterna y del excelente apoyo del guía ER-Superman durante todo el recorrido.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $58 to $80
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 52
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall, Houtong Cat Village & Sky Lantern Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Taipei.
How much does Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall, Houtong Cat Village & Sky Lantern Tour cost?
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Prices start at $58 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 Waterfall, Houtong Cat Village & Sky Lantern Tour take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Waterfall, Houtong Cat Village & Sky Lantern Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable food & drink in Taipei, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall, Houtong Cat Village & Sky Lantern Tour?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall, Houtong Cat Village & Sky Lantern Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall, Houtong Cat Village & Sky Lantern Tour?
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Around 1 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall, Houtong Cat Village & Sky Lantern Tour 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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