Jiufen and Shifen Bus Tour Review 2026: Taipei Day Trip
An honest review of the popular Taipei day tour to Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen. Learn why a guided bus tour is the absolute best way to see these sights in 2026.
My Honest Review of the Taipei Yehliu, Shifen, & Jiufen Bus Tour
Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen are the absolute highlights of any Taipei itinerary.
Trying to see them all in one day is a must, but doing it via public transit? It involves endless transfers, confusing schedules, and total exhaustion by the end of the day...
That is exactly why I opted for a guided day tour by bus!
Looking back, it was hands down the best decision of my trip. It saved my energy, optimized my time, and kept the entire route incredibly stress-free.
Why is the Bus Tour so Popular?

✔️ Covers Taipei's top three bucket-list spots in a single day.
✔️ Jiufen is a steep mountain village with notoriously tricky transport, but the tour bus drops you off right at the main entrance.
✔️ Hassle-free local transfers and skip-the-line ticketing are all handled for you!
✔️ English-friendly guides make navigating and learning the local history seamless.
Instead of wasting precious hours waiting for local buses or trains, the tour guide guides you to the best photo spots at each stop, making the trip feel relaxed and highly efficient.
Tour Route & Daily Schedule
✅ Departure: Taipei Ximen Station or Taipei Main Station
✅ Duration: Approx. 9 hours (based on an 11:30 AM departure)
✅ Route:
Yehliu Geopark → Shifen Waterfall → Shifen Old Street → Jiufen
Since you travel directly from the meeting points in a comfortable tour bus, there is zero transit stress. Plus, you can store your heavy luggage right inside the bus trunk, which is a lifesaver if you are transferring hotels or heading to the airport later.
Inclusions & Exclusions

First Stop: Yehliu Geopark – More Majestic Than Expected


Pictures honestly do not do this place justice. The unique geological formations along the coast are breathtaking.
Seeing the famous Queen’s Head rock in person was incredible—the natural erosion details are so intricate, making it easy to see why visitors queue up for photos.
Our guide pointed out the most photogenic angles immediately, allowing us to capture amazing shots and explore without wasting any time.
Second Stop: Shifen Waterfall & Sky Lanterns


Shifen Waterfall is a stunning sight, often surrounded by a beautiful mist. If the sun hits the water at the right angle, you might even catch a glimpse of a rainbow!
Right after, we headed to Shifen Old Street to release sky lanterns along the historic railway tracks. This area is notoriously difficult to reach independently, making the bus tour incredibly convenient.
The guides are pros at capturing videos and photos, helping families, couples, and solo travelers alike walk away with perfect memories.
Third Stop: Jiufen – Magical Lantern-Lit Alleys




Jiufen is famous for its steep stone steps and narrow hills. Navigating this on your own after a long day of sightseeing can be exhausting.
With the bus tour, we were dropped off right near the entrance and given over 2 hours of free time. This gave us plenty of time to enjoy local tea houses, sample street food, and shop for unique souvenirs at our own pace.

Once night falls, the glowing red lanterns transform the town into a breathtaking, real-life fantasy scene.
Tour Summary & Review

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Final Thoughts

The Taipei Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen bus tour is the ultimate way to experience Taiwan's iconic sights without worrying about schedules, language barriers, or transportation logistics.
If you want a seamless, highly rewarding day trip from Taipei, this is a choice you won't regret!
📍 Yehliu Geopark
No. 167-1, Gangdong Rd., Wanli District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 20744
📍 Shifen Waterfall
No. 10, Qiankeng, Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 226
📍 Jiufen
Jiufen, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the departure location for the Taiwan Yehliu, Shifen, Shifen Waterfall, and Jiufen bus tour, and what is the total duration if departing at 11:30 AM?
The tour departs from Taipei Ximen Station or Taipei Main Station. Based on an 11:30 AM departure, it takes about 9 hours to complete the entire course.
Can I store my luggage on the bus during the Yehliu, Shifen, Shifen Waterfall, and Jiufen bus tour?
Yes, you can store your luggage inside the bus. This allows you to travel conveniently without worrying about your bags if you join the tour before or after checking into your accommodation.
What activities can I experience at Shifen Waterfall and the railway included in the Shifen course?
After viewing Shifen Waterfall, you will move to the Shifen railway to experience flying sky lanterns. The guide will personally take photos and videos for you, making it easy to capture the memories.
For the steep Jiufen course, where does the bus drop off passengers, and how much free time is given?
You will get off right near the entrance of Jiufen, which reduces the physical strain of climbing stairs. After that, you will have about 2 hours of free time to enjoy teahouses, snacks, alley shopping, and the night view of the red lanterns.
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[100% Guaranteed Departure! Yehliu + Shifen + Jiufen + Night View] 12:00 PM Taipei Bus Tour (Ximen/Main Station Pickup) - MyRealTrip