Day Trip From Taipei: Shifen Waterfall, Jiufen and Keelung

Day Trip From Taipei: Shifen Waterfall, Jiufen and Keelung

Explore Shifen Town and Waterfall, Jiufen Old Street and Keelung Night Market while on a day trip from Taipei.
Peter SchimkePeter SchimkeOct 4th, 2024

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is filled with intriguing spots and vibrant neighbourhoods. However, let’s be honest: it may not be the most visually stunning city. While I quickly grew fond of its friendly locals and mouthwatering cuisine, there are times when you simply crave an escape into the tranquillity of nature.

Taipei’s answer for spoiled beauty-seeking travellers, like myself, is the Shifen Waterfall, located about 30 kilometres east of the capital. Easily reached by train, a day trip reveals more than just cascading water. Along the way, I found little treasures that will please any admirer of grandeur – the rural town of Shifen, the charming Jiufen Old Street and the energetic Keelung Night Market. If you’re eager to experience the allure of these spots with day trips from Taipei, keep reading!

Also read: Taiwan Itinerary for First-timers: My 6D5N Trip to Taichung & Taipei

Shifen Town

Image credit: wsifrancis

Image credit: Andy Enero

Getting to Shifen from Taipei Main Station takes about 1.5 hours. Unless you’re travelling during Chinese New Year like I did, you can expect a comfortable and spacious train ride, allowing you to enjoy scenic views along the Keelung River. The easiest route involves switching trains at Ruifang Station and then taking a local train to Shifen.

Your arrival at Shifen Station may remind you of the famous Maeklong Railway Market in Bangkok, where trains pass just inches from bustling stalls and pedestrians. While Shifen doesn’t reach that level of intensity, it can feel quite lively during peak times. The railway tracks here are a well-known spot for sending hand-painted sky lanterns into the air.

The village may be small, but its charm and tranquillity make up for its size. Nestled among lush green mountains, the rural houses offer a striking contrast to the bustling atmosphere of Taipei, making the trip worthwhile. However, I recommend saving your exploration of the village for later, as you might need to wait for a returning train. Instead, head straight to the waterfall to make the most of your visit.

Shifen Waterfall

Image credit: Reece Cheng

Image credit: Jennifer

A short 20-minute walk will lead you to the destination. Surrounding the waterfall is nature in abundance, leaving you with plenty to calm your eyes.

Jiufen Old Street

Image credit: Tim Lee

Image credit: Alexander Synaptic

Before catching the train back to Ruifang, don’t forget to get some ‘one-bite’ snacks. One thing I noticed in Taiwan is that people always eat on trains. As soon as the train is in motion, bags of food are unpacked — so do as the locals do.

Arriving once again at Ruifang, take a bus from the station up to Jiufen in the mountains. Although it might seem walkable, the distance and the incline are not to be underestimated.

Jiufen Old Street is undoubtedly the main attraction, with most shops and eateries lining the long, winding pathway. While this vibrant street is a sight to behold, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the rest of the town. Wander through its hidden alleys, where you’ll discover stunning viewpoints overlooking the surrounding mountains and the East China Sea crashing against Taiwan’s coastline.

Jiufen is a paradise for sunset enthusiasts, so I highly recommend lingering in this serene mountain village until twilight blankets the hills. Enjoy the mesmerising transformation of light from one of the many charming cafes, and take your time to wander through the alleyways as Jiufen comes alive with twinkling lights at night.

Keelung Night Market

Image credit: Alexander Synaptic

Image credit: LWYang

Buses from Jiufen to Ruifang run frequently, so you’ll have no trouble returning to the station. While Ruifang may not be the most captivating destination, it’s worth taking a leisurely stroll through the town if you have some extra time. Since there’s no need to rush to Keelung Night Market before night falls over Taiwan, you can enjoy the local atmosphere at a relaxed pace.

Note: While bus frequency between Jiufen and Ruifang has generally been reliable, it’s always a good idea to check schedules in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or on weekends.

To get to Keelung City, you can take a train from Ruifang Station to Keelung Station. The journey is short and convenient. From Keelung Station, it’s a quick 10-minute walk to reach the Keelung Night Market (Miaokou Night Market).

The market offers a wide variety of delicious food, including oyster omelettes, one-bite snacks, caramelized tomatoes, and glutinous rice. Don’t miss the famous sesame ice cream!

To fully enjoy the market, try a little bit of everything instead of focusing on one dish. If you need a break from eating, stroll to the nearby temple. It’s a beautiful place to visit but often overlooked by hungry visitors. After indulging in the delicious food at the Keelung Night Market, take a relaxing train ride back to Taipei.

Also read: 10 Budget-Friendly Airbnb Homes in Taipei for Your Next Taiwan Trip

So there you have it, a one-day adventure from Taipei! Filled with the beauty of Shifen Waterfall, the charm of Jiufen Old Street, and the vibrant atmosphere of Keelung Night Market, it will surely leave you with unforgettable memories.

taipeitaiwan

About Author

Peter Schimke
Peter Schimke

Peter is a freelance writer and author of the novel ‘Beyond Blue’. He has travelled extensively over the past decade and for some reason ends up where there are no tourists to be found. Cocktail bars, bookstores and skate parks are the places you might run into him. He currently calls Singapore his home, as he his banned from Shinjuku, Tokyo (after publishing his book).

CLICK TO SEE MORE ARTICLES BY Peter Schimke