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This post is all about a fantastic day trip from Taipei: the Yeshif-Po-Jinj Bus Tour.
It’s the perfect way to explore some of Taiwan’s most incredible natural landscapes and charming old streets, completely hassle-free.
I want to make sure you have the best possible trip, so I'm sharing my experience and all the tips I gathered along the way.
Have a safe and wonderful journey!
[Image: https://dry7pvlp22cox.cloudfront.net/mrt-images-prod/2024/08/24/SYq4/kGOYq4NLB9.jpg]
Planning Your Taiwan Adventure?
Let's be real.
When you go to Taiwan, the first thing on your list is probably exploring Taipei City itself.
But a Taipei trip just isn't complete without seeing the Yeshif-Po-Jinj area.
This route covers Yeliu Geopark, Shifen Old Street (for lanterns), Shifen Waterfall, and the famous Jiufen Old Street.
These places are truly magical and offer a glimpse into Taiwan's natural beauty and history.
However, trying to visit all these places on your own can be tough.
Public transport requires multiple transfers and careful planning, especially if you want to see the sunset at Jiufen and get back to Taipei late at night.
It’s just too stressful for a relaxing vacation.
This is exactly why a guided bus tour is essential.
It takes away all the logistical stress.
You get to focus on enjoying the scenery and making memories.
Plus, you get to travel with a guide who knows exactly where to go and when, maximizing your time at each stop.
This tour is specifically designed to hit all these major attractions in one day, so you don't have to worry about a thing.
It's truly the best way to see the beauty of Taiwan outside the city center.
Click here to compare different tour options on MyRealTrip.
👉 [Check out tour packages here]
Why This Tour is the Best Choice
When I was researching bus tours for this route, I found a few key things that set this tour apart.
First, the departure time is perfect for people who aren't early birds—it leaves at 10 AM.
This means you get to enjoy a relaxed breakfast before starting your adventure.
Second, the tour is no tip, no option, no shopping, which means exactly what it sounds like.
You aren't pressured into buying souvenirs or adding extra costs on the spot.
The entire itinerary focuses purely on sightseeing and experiencing the culture.
The bus itself is top-notch.
We had a clean, comfortable, double-decker bus with charging ports at every seat.
I was able to keep my phone charged and ready for all the photos I wanted to take.
Another huge benefit is the flexibility of the drop-off locations.
You can choose to get off at Jiufen to stay longer, or drop off at the Raohe Night Market, Taipei Main Station, or Ximen Station.
This makes it easy to plan your evening activities.
Finally, the guides on this tour are exceptional.
They provide in-depth information about Taiwan's history and culture in fluent Korean.
They make the long drives interesting and educational.
The guides manage large groups efficiently, ensuring everyone stays together and gets to see everything without feeling rushed.
They truly go above and beyond to make sure every traveler feels safe and well-cared for, just like family.
Detailed Tour Itinerary: From Seaside to Night Views
This tour offers a packed day full of diverse experiences.
It starts with Yeliu Geopark, famous for its incredible rock formations shaped by wind and sea over millions of years.
The most famous rock is the Queen's Head, which truly resembles a royal figure with her crown.
We spent about an hour here, which was enough time to walk along the coast and capture some stunning photos.
Next up is Shifen Waterfall, often called Taiwan's Niagara Falls.
It's a beautiful, wide waterfall that cascades into a deep pool.
The walk to the viewpoint is refreshing, especially after being by the sea.
You even cross a small suspension bridge to get a better view.
Then we head to Shifen Old Street, which is where the famous sky lantern experience takes place.
This is where you write your wishes on a lantern and send it up into the sky.
It's a really unique and photogenic activity that’s a highlight for many travelers.
You can also try some local street food here, like the famous chicken wing rice (where rice is stuffed inside a chicken wing) and delicious peanut ice cream.
Afterward, we visit Jinguashi, a former gold mining area.
Here, you get a feel for the region's mining history and beautiful mountain scenery.
This stop is essential if you want to try the famous miner's lunchbox (광부도시락).
It’s a hearty meal of pork chops and rice, served in a traditional metal lunchbox.
The final destination is Jiufen Old Street, where you experience the famous night view with glowing red lanterns.
The narrow, winding alleys feel like stepping into a Studio Ghibli film, especially when the fog rolls in.
We spent about two hours here, which was perfect for grabbing some tea, buying souvenirs, and taking pictures as the sun set.
My Guide-Led Experience: A Guide Who Cared
I’ve been on many tours, but this one truly stood out because of the guide.
I was lucky enough to have Chanchana (찬찬) as my guide.
From the moment we met, he made sure everyone felt welcome and informed.
He had a high level of expertise in Taiwan's history and culture.
He even created an open chat to share real-time location updates and tips for the rest of our trip.
It felt like I had a personal guide for my entire Taiwan vacation.
He also had a great sense of humor and managed our large group smoothly.
Other travelers mentioned guides like Lava (라바) and Bao (바오) who were equally amazing.
Lava guide referred to everyone as our family (우리식구) and gave excellent recommendations for food and local life.
Bao guide was meticulous, making sure everyone was comfortable and offering a wealth of information about everything from food to etiquette.
I truly felt that the quality of the guides made this tour exceptional.
They weren't just reciting facts.
They truly cared about our experience and created a fun, positive atmosphere all day long.
Thanks to the guide's perfect time management, we never felt rushed.
We were always a step ahead of other tour groups, so we could enjoy the attractions with fewer crowds.
This professionalism and passion are truly rare, and it made all the difference in enjoying this trip.
Location Guide and Meeting Logistics
This tour makes logistics simple by offering two convenient meeting points in central Taipei.
First, Ximen Station Exit 5.
This is probably the easiest spot to find for most travelers staying in the Ximending area.
The second option is Taipei Main Station (Exit M1).
Both locations are easy to access by metro.
The return journey is equally convenient.
You can choose to be dropped off in Ximending, at Taipei Main Station, or at Raohe Night Market.
This is especially great if you want to continue exploring the local nightlife after the tour.
It’s important to note one logistical detail from the tour information.
On weekends and major public holidays, there are traffic restrictions in the Jinguashi/Jiufen area due to high visitor volume.
During these times, you may need to transfer to local public transport (at a small extra cost, usually around NT$30-45).
The guide manages this process smoothly, but it’s something to keep in mind if you prefer to avoid crowds on weekends.
Tips for a Perfect Yeshif-Po-Jinj Tour
Based on my experience and what I learned from other travelers, here are some essential tips for a smooth day trip:
1. Wear comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially at Yeliu Geopark and Jiufen Old Street. Jiufen's streets can be steep and uneven.
2. Check the weather and pack accordingly. The weather can be unpredictable in this coastal/mountain region. Even on a sunny day, it can be windy and chilly in Jiufen. Taiwan often experiences rain, so bring an umbrella or raincoat (the guides often have extra ones on hand).
3. Eat the local snacks. Don't miss out on the local specialties. The miner's lunchbox at Jinguashi is hearty and delicious. At Shifen Old Street, try the chicken wing rice and peanut ice cream. At Jiufen, the taro balls are a must-try.
4. Listen closely to your guide. They give out valuable information, including historical context for the sites and insider tips on where to eat and shop for authentic souvenirs (like pineapple cakes and nougat crackers). Many shops offer discounts if you show your tour wristband.
5. Book the tour early in your trip. I found that the guides' advice extended beyond the tour itself. Many travelers who took the tour early in their trip gained helpful tips for planning the rest of their stay in Taipei.
Concluding Thoughts on the Yeshif-Po-Jinj Tour
Honestly, this tour package is a fantastic deal for first-time visitors to Taipei.
It combines all the must-see attractions outside the city center into a single, well-organized day.
With a dedicated bus and knowledgeable guide, you can experience the beauty of Yeliu, the charm of Shifen, and the ambiance of Jiufen without any stress.
If you want to maximize your time in Taiwan and create unforgettable memories, this tour is truly a no-brainer.
I highly recommend it!
👉 [Book your Yeshif-Po-Jinj tour here]
Review Spotlight
I wanted to share a few thoughts on my experience during this tour.
The guide, Chanchana, really made the trip.
He was full of energy and knowledge about Taiwan’s culture and history.
He even created an open chat and kept us updated in real-time, which was so helpful for finding things and checking the itinerary.
He specifically helped me find good photo spots at Jiufen and gave me tips on where to buy souvenirs.
I also appreciated that the tour wasn't rushed.
We spent plenty of time at each location, especially at Jiufen where the two hours allowed us to really explore the streets and enjoy the atmosphere as the lanterns turned on.
I tried the miner's lunchbox at Jinguashi, which was absolutely delicious and perfect for fueling up during the day.
The whole day was a success.
I came away with beautiful photos and a better understanding of Taiwan.
I would definitely choose this tour again, especially with a guide who cares so much about the travelers.
I highly recommend taking this tour early in your trip to get local advice for the rest of your vacation.
Tags: [Taiwan Yeshif-Po-Jinj tour], [Taipei day trip], [Jiufen bus tour], [Shifen lantern festival], [Yeliu Geopark], [Taiwan travel guide], [Taipei things to do], [Shifen waterfall], [Jinguashi day trip], [Taiwan tour review]