Day trip to Jiufen and Pingxi with My Taiwan Tour

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During my visit to Taipei, I knew I would be making some day trips. Obviously I love cities, but one must escape to magical places for a change of pace. An enchanted adventure that that was highest on my list was a trip to Jiufen and Shifen (often grouped together for one day). Not too far from the city, they give you a glimpse of another side of Taiwan that you can’t experience within Taipei. Both of these towns you can reach by train/bus, but the easiest way is by booking a day trip to Jiufen and Pingxi with My Taiwan Tour.

What once seemed like a forgotten and abandoned city, Jiufen is booming with tourists and crowds eager to see the winding streets and red lanterns. Due to the critically acclaimed movie “City of Sadness”, and Japanese anime film “Spirited Away”, Jiufen has grown in popularity and is now seen as a “must do” when in Taipei. Yes, there are crowds, but some places just deserve them!

Shifen, located in the Pingxi District is most known for releasing Chinese lanterns while standing on the train tracks of the old street. Visitors flock to Pingxi once a year for the Chinese Lantern Festival, but tourists can let their wishes go year round as if you are going back in time to a slow coal mining town rich in history.

The tours are intimate (only me and three other people were on it), so you do not feel pushed around too much an can really enjoy your time!” The tour guide is knowledgeable as well as a great resource throughout the whole trip. Having a van allowed flexibility, as well as beautiful high view points without walking. You are able to lookout from above at the Yin-Yang Sea, explore old gold mines, gaze at the Golden Waterfall, have lunch while taking in the quaint street of Jiufen and release your own wishes on the tracks of historic Shifen. Hence making this the best day ever. This can all be done without worrying about navigating public transportation. The trip was easy and the perfect day trip and break from the bustling city of Taipei.

Highlights from the Day trip to Jiufen and Pingxi

with My Taiwan Tour

Lookout to Yin-Yang Sea

 

Golden Waterfall

 

Spend time at Jiufen’s Old street & Teahouses

Here is my favorite moment of the tour – while looking out to beautiful cemeteries, and soaking up the blue sea and green mountains, I was enjoying delicious, homemade Taiwanese food. One of those *put your phone down and enjoy*.

 

 

 

Learn to make lanterns, write your wishes and send them off!

 

 

Seeing Jiufen and Pingxi was a highlight of my Taiwan trip. Viewing old mines, temples, and busy streets that once were empty, was nothing short of amazing. If you are heading to North Taiwan for some sightseeing, I can’t suggest enough, a day trip to Jiufen and Pingxi with My Taiwan Tour!

Special thanks to My Taiwan Tour for a great day! As always all opinions are my own 🙂

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