Day Trip from Taipei: Jiufen, Shifen, Pingxi and Houtong
The classic escape from Taipei combines Jiufen with the Pingxi railway line. This guide covers train and bus connections, stop order, crowd timing and what to pack for rain.
Szybka odpowiedź
- It fits in one day: take a TR train to Ruifang, then either a bus up to Jiufen or the Pingxi branch line.
- A natural order is Houtong in the morning and Jiufen from afternoon into evening, or Shifen and Pingxi first and back before dark.
- The hills get a lot of rain, so bring a rain jacket and non-slip shoes, and check the forecast before you leave.
The trip at a glance
Every stop lies north-east of Taipei, not far from the city. The hub is Ruifang (瑞芳), a Taiwan Railway (TR) station where the Pingxi branch splits off and buses climb to Jiufen.
| Zatrzymaj się | Co zrobić | Najlepsze do |
|---|---|---|
| Houtong (猴硐) | Cat village in a former coal-mining town | Cat lovers and photographers |
| Jiufen (九份) | Stairway lanes, red lanterns, teahouses, sea views | Late afternoon and evening atmosphere |
| Shifen (十分) | Sky lanterns beside the tracks, Shifen Waterfall | Visitors who want an activity |
| Pingxi (平溪) | Small railway town with an old street and snacks | A slower stop |
How to get there from Taipei
- 1Take a TR train to RuifangBuy a ticket or tap an EasyCard at Taipei, choose a train that stops at Ruifang, and check the timetable on the official TR app or website.
- 2Bus up to JiufenBuses and taxis run up the hill from outside Ruifang station; check which routes currently operate on Google Maps.
- 3Continue on the Pingxi lineReturn to Ruifang and change to the Pingxi line; Shifen is walkable from its station.
- 4Stop at HoutongHoutong sits on the main TR line before Ruifang, so you can break the journey there.
Suggested order of stops
- Leave Taipei in the morning and stop at Houtong for the cat village and old rail bridge.
- Continue to Shifen, release a sky lantern and walk to Shifen Waterfall before boarding the train again.
- If time allows, go on to Pingxi for a stroll, then return to Ruifang.
- Take a bus to Jiufen in the late afternoon and see the lights at dusk.
Releasing a sky lantern at Shifen
Shops along the railway street sell paper lanterns in different colours, each carrying a different meaning. Staff help you write wishes with a brush and release the lantern. Follow their instructions and watch for warnings when a train is approaching.
More detail on each stop
Jiufen
Jiufen was a gold-mining town spread over a hillside. Its narrow Jishan Street (基山街) and Shuqi Road (豎崎路) are packed with snack stalls, teahouses and souvenir shops. Paths are stepped, so wear suitable shoes, and the main lanes are crowded in the evening. Walk past the busiest photo spots to find teahouses with sea views.
Houtong and Pingxi
Houtong was a coal town and is now known for community-cared-for cats; respect them and do not feed them yourself. Pingxi (平溪) is a small railway town with an old street, and at the end of the line Jingtong (菁桐) has a wooden station that photographers love.
Shifen Waterfall
Shifen Waterfall (十分瀑布) is a walk or short ride from the station, with viewing platforms and a suspension bridge in its park. After rain the flow is heavy and paths are slippery. Check opening times and entry terms on the official site before you go.
Optional extension: Yehliu and Keelung
Yehliu (野柳) is a coastal geopark of odd rock shapes, and Keelung (基隆) is a port city with a well-known night market. Both connect by bus or train but add real travel time, so treat them as a second day or drop a stop to fit them in.
Crowds, rain and what to bring
- Weekends and Friday evenings are the busiest; weekdays are calmer.
- Rain is common all year, so bring an umbrella, a rain jacket and non-slip shoes; the Jiufen stairs get slick.
- Carry small cash for street snacks and an EasyCard for trains and buses.
- Carry a power bank, since maps and photos drain the battery all day.
- During typhoon season check the Central Weather Administration, as trains and buses can change schedules.
Food and souvenirs along the way
- Jiufen: taro balls (芋圓) served hot or cold, plus fish balls and fried snacks from lane-side stalls.
- Shifen: grilled sausages and cold drinks while you wait for the train.
- Pingxi and Jingtong: local sweets and coffee in old shops. Vegetarians should ask first, as many street snacks contain meat.
- Souvenirs: tea and small paper lanterns. Check Thai rules on bringing food and plant products home before you buy.
Signal can weaken in hilly stretches, so download offline maps in advance and read “Taiwan Trip Prep: First-Time Checklist and Choosing a SIM or eSIM” for ways to stay online.
FAQ
How long does this trip take?+
Houtong, Shifen and Jiufen fill a full day; Yehliu and Keelung fit better on a second day.
When is the best time to visit Jiufen?+
Late afternoon to dusk shows the lanterns best but draws the crowds; go on a weekday for a calmer walk.
Can I still go when it rains?+
Yes, but watch for slippery steps and poor visibility on the hills; postpone if a typhoon warning is out.
Does EasyCard work here?+
It works on local TR trains and many buses, while many roadside stalls take cash only.
Should I go independently or book a tour?+
Going independently is straightforward with trains and buses, but a one-day tour from Taipei saves connections for groups or anyone who dislikes changing vehicles. Confirm details with the operator directly.
About the author
Porsch Kunnipat Siramanakul
- Co-founder of eSIMonline.asia
- Digital marketer
- Performance marketing and marketing planning
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