Should I go to Shifen or Jiufen first?

Visiting Jiufen first in the morning (around 10 AM) is recommended to avoid heavy crowds and enjoy the teahouses before tour buses arrive, followed by Shifen in the afternoon for lantern lighting. Alternatively, going to Shifen first allows you to end your day in Jiufen to see its famous lanterns turn on at sunset.

Should I go to Jiufen or Shifen first?

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.

How much time do you need in Shifen?

If you choose to walk to the nearby Shifen waterfall, this will take around an hour for a round trip, including sightseeing. We would personally recommend a minimum of 2 hours at Shifen old street, if you want to see the area in its entirety.

Where to go in Taiwan for first timers?

Sharing the 9 places I visited in TAIWAN as a first timer 1. Shifen Old Streer (Pingxi Sky Lantern) 2. Shifen Waterfall 3. Longshan Temple 4. Maokong Gondola 5. Taipei 101 (my fave as I saw the NY Fireworks) 6. Ximenting 7. YehLiu Geopark 8. Justen 9. Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall (another fave)

How long do you need in Jiufen?

You only need to set aside half a day, about 6 to 8 hours to enjoy and explore Jiufen. What is this? Staying overnight is not required, though it could be a good option if you're looking to enjoy Jiufen without all the crowds.

JIUFEN & SHIFEN Day Trip from Taipei | Full Itinerary Guide (2025)

How far is Shifen to Jiufen?

The distance between Shifen and Jiufen is 21 km. The road distance is 20.5 km. How do I travel from Shifen to Jiufen without a car? The best way to get from Shifen to Jiufen without a car is to line 6333 bus and line 1062 bus which takes 38 min and costs $2 - $4.

When to avoid visiting Taiwan?

Worst Times to Visit Taiwan

July to September (Typhoon Season): The risk of extreme weather events can lead to disrupted travel plans. Public Holiday Rush: Prices can surge, and attractions crowd during months with national holidays, like the Lunar New Year (January/February).

Is it okay to wear red in Taiwan?

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. 

What is the nicest city in Taiwan?

This book is all about helping you find yours.

1. Taipei: Best for Public Transportation & Things to Do. ...
2. New Taipei City: Best Cost of Living near Taipei. ...
3. Taitung City: Best City for Nature Lovers. ...
4. Tainan City: Best for Taiwanese Culture and Food. ...
5. Kaohsiung: Best Big City for Affordable Housing.

What time does Jiufen light up?

Jiufen worths the visit especially when dusk sets around 5.30pm local time in winter and the lanterns lit up.

How long is the walk to Shifen waterfall?

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).

What to wear to shifen?

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.

Is Jiufen the same as shifen?

Jiufen, also spelled Jioufen, is a seaside mountain village located in New Taipei City's Ruifang District, about 45 minutes away from Shifen. It is best known for supposedly inspiring the animated film Spirited Away.

Where to avoid staying in Taipei?

Wanhua District and Zhongshan District have been considered as the most dangerous districts in Taipei.

How early should I get to Jiufen?

Jiufen Old Street is a tourist hot spot. It gets ridiculously crowded every day of the year. The best time to visit is from 10 AM (when most things open) till around noon. In the afternoon to early evening, crowds reach their peak, then taper off in the early evening.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for outfits?

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.

Why can't you pick up a red envelope in Taiwan?

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.

How to not be rude in Taiwan?

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.

Which month is earthquake season in Taiwan?

In terms of location; in Taipei area, there are more earthquakes in September and less in June; for the Hsinchu area, there are more earthquakes in November and less in February and March; for the Hualien area, there are more earthquakes in October and November, and less in June and July; whereas in Tainan and Taitung, ...

What month is typhoon season in Taiwan?

Typhoons occur during the wet season from May to November, causing heavy rain, flooding and strong winds and can disrupt essential services and transport. If a typhoon is approaching, monitor the local media and follow instructions from local authorities (see 'Safety').

How many days in Taiwan is enough?

Two weeks is a good amount of time if you want to do a full circle around Taiwan. You won't be able to hit every stop along the way (unless you are willing to rush and change hotels/locations almost every night). But you can at least cover most of the main ones.

How tall are Taiwanese girls?

For example, from 1985 to 2019, the average height of males and females in Taiwan increased from 169.2 cm to 173.5 cm and from 158.3 cm to 160.7 cm, respectively; those for males and females in the United Kingdom increased from 176.4 cm to 178.2 cm and from 162.7 cm to 163.9 cm, respectively5,6,7,8,9,10.

What not to miss in Taiwan?

First Batch of Things To Do in Taiwan – Been There, Would Recommend

• Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. This one's a memorial site smack-dab in the middle of Taipei. ...
• Shifen Village. ...
• Longshan Temple. ...
• 228 Peace Park. ...
• Dihua Old Street. ...
• Jiufen. ...
• Taipei 101. ...
• Raohe Night Market.

Where do rich people stay in Taiwan?

Based on the above, I would say that, depending on which rooms you choose, The Lalu, Volando Urai, Villa 32, Mandarin Oriental, and Gaia Hotel are the most expensive hotels in Taiwan.