Spend roughly 2 to 3 hours in Shifen to comfortably experience the Old Street, release a sky lantern, and walk to the Shifen Waterfall. It is a small village, making it an ideal half-day trip from Taipei, often combined with nearby Jiufen, for a total of 4-5 hours of touring time.
Shifen old street is pretty small, so you will be able to see it all in 15-20 minutes. However, if you plan on setting off a sky lantern, expect to stay for closer to 1 hour. If you choose to walk to the nearby Shifen waterfall, this will take around an hour for a round trip, including sightseeing.
If you're planning to visit either, you might as well visit both. If you are driving or taking a taxi, it doesn't really matter which town you visit first. The shops at Jiufen open at 10 and it starts to get busy after noon. If you don't like crowds, it might be better to go to Jiufen first in the morning.
It takes about 30 minutes to walk from Shifen Old Street to Shifen Waterfall (one-way), or 40 minutes from Shifen train station to the waterfall. At the end of Shifen Old Street here, you can continue along the lane on either side of the train tracks (both are called “Shifen Street” or 十分街).
In my opinion, you can spend quite a long time just being in Taiwan: Eating all the foods, going on all the hikes, soaking in all the hotsprings, visiting all the islands :-) But if you are like most people and don't have unlimited time, I think 2 weeks in Taiwan is the perfect amount to get a good first impression, ...
Taipei Day Trip to SHIFEN & JIUFEN | Taiwan Travel Tips & Guide 🇹🇼
What is the 183 day rule in Taiwan?
Residents are individuals who are either domiciled in Taiwan or are not domiciled but reside in Taiwan for at least 183 days in a tax year. Residents are required to pay the higher of either personal income tax or alternative minimum tax (AMT).
Yes, you can absolutely wear red in Taiwan; it's a very auspicious color symbolizing good fortune, happiness, and celebration, used extensively in festivals, weddings, and temples, though you should avoid writing someone's name in red ink as it's considered bad luck and a sign of death. Red clothing is common and welcomed, especially during festive times, and generally, you can wear whatever you like, with few restrictions.
The best months to visit Taiwan are generally March-May (Spring) for blossoms and mild weather, and October-November (Autumn) for comfortable temperatures, low humidity, and fall foliage, avoiding the hot, humid, typhoon-prone summer (June-August) and the cooler, wetter winter in the north. Spring offers cherry blossoms and hiking, while autumn is great for festivals, hiking, and national parks, though occasional typhoons can occur.
Are Golden Waterfall and Shifen Waterfall the same?
Better than the Golden Waterfall. This was part of the itinerary to see Shifen waterfall if you are dropping by Jiufen and Shifen. The waterfall is much bigger and more manificiant as compared to the Golden waterfall.
Typhoons occur during the wet season from May to November, causing heavy rain, flooding and strong winds and can disrupt essential services and transport.
While this might not be too much of an issue during a warm and sunny day, it is always wise to pack a lightweight jacket just in case! Apart from the rain jacket, simply wear a pair of comfortable trainers for the walk to the Shifen waterfall viewing decks.
If you prefer to avoid large crowds, visit Jifuen first thing in the morning as it starts getting busy around 12 PM onwards. If you prefer to experience the Spirited Away vibe, visit Shifen first and end your day at Jiufen. This will give you the opportuntiy to see those famous red lanterns switch on as the sun sets.
The busiest month is December. Pretty good (and extremely popular) months are December, January, February, and March, but avoid Chinese New Year if you can. The worst months to visit Taiwan are May, June, July, August, and September.
Loose fitting, lightweight cotton materials are the most comfortable for humid weather, while layers of warmer clothes are advised for any cooler evenings, etc. The dress code throughout the region is fairly casual, but everyone appreciates and respects nice clothing and a clean appearance.
Yes, you can swim in the pools of the Four Waterfalls Walk in the Brecon Beacons, as many people do for wild swimming, especially at Sgwd yr Eira and Sgwd y Pannwr, but you must exercise extreme caution due to cold, deep water, strong currents, and no lifeguards; ensure safe entry/exit and waterproof footwear for the slippery paths.
Seven Falls is one of Santa Barbara's most cherished natural landmarks, offering a scenic and adventurous hike through Mission Canyon. The hike follows the west fork of Mission Creek, where years of erosion have sculpted the resistant Coldwater Sandstone into deep pools, smooth potholes, and cascading falls.
The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.
While these envelopes are typically thought to be filled with money, they also carry a darker connection to the spirit world. According to local folklore, picking up a red envelope could mean you're being tied to a ghost seeking a spouse—often someone who passed away without marrying.
Putting an arm around someone's shoulder, winking, and pointing with your index finger are all considered rude gestures. You may point with an open hand. Palms facing outward and in front of the face moving back and forth means “no”. Nervous movements, such as tapping your foot, are considered rude.
