Taiwan Day Tour: Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfall Day Tour
Rock formations at Yehliu Geopark, Taiwan
If you're short on time in Taiwan and want to see some of the most iconic, Instagrammable spots in one day, the Yehliu, Jiufen, Shifen & Golden Waterfall Day Tour with Klook is a solid option. In just 8–9 hours, it covers multiple must-see locations - Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen Old Street, Shifen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, and the Golden Waterfall - with round-trip transportation from Taipei.
The tour is well-organized, budget-friendly, and ideal for travelers who don’t want to navigate Taiwan’s public transit to these more remote sites. The bus was clean and the schedule ran smoothly.
But is it a must-do? That depends. If you're into Taiwanese history, love photography, or want that classic shot of a sky lantern floating over Shifen, it delivers. If you prefer slower travel, local interaction, or off-the-beaten-path experiences, it might feel a bit rushed and touristy.
I’ve been on some fantastic tours in other countries where the guide stayed with the group, shared engaging stories, answered questions, and offered help along the way. This wasn’t one of those tours. While our guide was friendly and kept things on schedule, the experience was more about transportation between photo stops than a super in-depth exploration. If you’re hoping for detailed commentary or a more immersive look at each location, you may want to consider a different tour option.
What’s Included in the Tour:
Round-trip transportation from Taipei
Free time to explore each destination
Optional sky lantern experience in Shifen
Tour Stops & Quick Thoughts
1. Yehliu Geopark
Famous for its unique rock formations like the Queen’s Head, Yehliu is geologically fascinating. But it's very touristy, and most visitors are there for a quick walk and photo session.
2. Jiufen Old Street
This hillside village is known for inspiring Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, but expect huge crowds. You’ll find lots of snacks, tea houses, and souvenir shops - but not much quiet charm unless you go early or off-season.
This was our lunch stop and we had enough to stroll the entire street, grab a quick bite, and wander back at a relaxed pace. I would have preferred more time here to explore at a slower pace rather than spending it in Shifen Waterfall, but overall, there’s still enough time to browse the shops and grab a bite.
3. Shifen Old Street & Shifen Waterfall
Shifen is all about the sky lanterns : write a wish, launch it into the sky, snap a photo. Fun? Yes. Authentic? Maybe not.
Shifen Waterfall scenic viewpoint in Taiwan
The nearby Shifen Waterfall is certainly scenic, but the tour seemed to allow more time here—and at the other Shifen stops—than necessary. We walked to the falls, enjoyed the view, and strolled back, only to find ourselves with about 20 minutes left to fill.
Releasing my sky lantern in Shifen, Taiwan
I did enjoy writing my wishes on a lantern and releasing it—it’s a fun, photo-worthy moment. Maybe I was just too quick with it, which is why I ended up with extra time to spare. Beyond the lantern activity, Shifen Old Street is essentially one stretch of repetitive souvenir and lantern shops, so it doesn’t take long to see it all.
4. Golden Waterfall
Golden Waterfall, Taiwan
A quick photo stop with an interesting history (it gets its color from heavy metal deposits in the water). Worth a look, but don’t expect to spend more than 10 minutes here.
Is It Worth Booking?
Walking along Jiufen Old Street
If your goal is to see Taiwan’s top tourist attractions in one day, or you’re short on time, this Klook tour is a great budget-friendly option. However, if you're hoping for a more immersive or local experience, you may want to explore these areas on your own or opt for a smaller, private tour.
Tips Before You Go:
Jiufen Old Street
Bring snacks - meal stops are short and crowded.
Wear comfortable shoes, it’s a long day.
Expect big crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
Charge your phone and bring a battery pack!
Overall: It was okay. Not a waste of a day, but not mind-blowing either. Great for easy sightseeing and travel photos, less so for those wanting depth or uniqueness.
Be sure to check out my other Taiwan travel blogs for even more insider tips, including:
