Our Taiwan Itinerary: Shifen, Jiufen, Taipingshan & Alishan (Best Things to Do in Taiwan)

GetYourGuide Tour: Shifen and Jiufen Day Trip
One of the easiest ways to explore northern Taiwan is by booking a guided tour through GetYourGuide. We simply hopped on the bus and let our guide take care of everything, which made the entire experience smooth and stress-free.

Our first stop was the stunning Shifen Waterfall. The power of the cascading water, combined with the mist and roaring sound, made it a truly breathtaking natural attraction. It is easily one of the most impressive waterfalls in Taiwan.

Next, we visited Shifen Old Street, where we experienced the famous sky lantern tradition. Writing our wishes and watching the lantern float into the sky felt both meaningful and memorable. The staff also doubled as photographers, helping us capture great photos during the launch.
For snacks, we tried the popular stuffed chicken wing. It is a unique street food where savory rice is packed inside a grilled chicken wing. It was filling enough to keep us going through the afternoon. We also grabbed some ice cream while strolling along the street.

By evening, we arrived at Jiufen Old Street. This mountain town is known for its nostalgic charm and is often linked to the anime Spirited Away due to its lantern-lit tea house. As expected, the place was packed with tourists.

Instead of staying in the crowd for long, we found a local spot to enjoy a comforting bowl of beef noodles. The beef was tender with just the right amount of fat, and the noodles were firm, served in a rich and savory broth. It was perfect for the chilly evening weather.
Our final stop was Raohe Night Market. Right at the entrance, we tried the famous black pepper pork bun, freshly baked and full of flavor. As we explored further, we discovered our first XXL fried chicken in Taiwan. Crispy, well-seasoned, and truly massive, it was the perfect way to end the night.

Taipingshan Day Tour from KKDay
We joined another guided trip, this time booking a Taipingshan Day Tour through KKDay. We met our guide at Yilan Station early in the morning and traveled in a comfortable 7-seater vehicle.

Although we were informed the night before that an English-speaking guide was unavailable, our Chinese-speaking guide made a genuine effort to communicate with us throughout the trip.

We paid separately for entrance to Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area, and it was absolutely worth it.
Our first stop was the Jianqing Historic Trail, an 800-meter trail offering scenic mountain views and remnants of an old railway line. It was a gentle hike with rewarding views.

We also experienced the Bong Bong Train, a historic timber transport railway that runs along a cliffside route. It added a unique and nostalgic touch to the journey.
Another highlight was hiking the Maosing Reminiscent Trail. Surrounded by towering trees and fresh mountain air, it was both refreshing and peaceful.

We then headed to Jiuzhize Hot Springs, where we tried boiling corn as a snack. Visitors can also boil eggs, and within minutes they are ready to eat. It was a simple but fun experience, especially while exploring the area and crossing the hanging bridge.
Before ending the tour, we stopped for Aiyu jelly, a natural plant-based dessert that reminded me of gulaman from the Philippines. Light and refreshing, it was a perfect way to wrap up the day.
This full-day tour was far from tiring. Instead, it left us amazed by the natural beauty of Taipingshan.

Alishan Hiking and Sunrise Experience
Our trip to Alishan National Scenic Area was one of the highlights of our Taiwan itinerary. Our hotel package included tickets for the famous sunrise train, so we woke up at 4 AM to catch it.
It was a cold January morning, from the train ride to the viewing platform, but everything felt worth it. Watching the sunrise slowly appear from behind the mountains was a quiet and powerful moment. It gives you a sense of hope and reminds you to be grateful for a new day.
After breakfast, we explored several key attractions including the Three-Generation Trees, Alishan Museum, Alishan Shouzhen Temple, and the Sister Ponds.

Walking among the giant trees was a humbling experience. Their size and presence are truly majestic, and being surrounded by them made the hike both calming and memorable.


Taipei 101 Visit
A trip to Taipei would not be complete without visiting Taipei 101. We purchased our tickets and headed up, but not before stopping at the highest café in the building for coffee.
The observation deck offers incredible panoramic views of Taipei. One of the most interesting features is the massive golden damper inside the building. This engineering marvel helps stabilize the tower during strong winds and earthquakes. There is even a video exhibit showing how it moves during seismic activity.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Taipei 101 offers Skyline 460, which allows visitors to walk on an open-air platform. Personally, I was happy enjoying the view safely from inside the 88th floor.

National Railway Museum Taiwan
As train enthusiasts, visiting the National Railway Museum Taiwan was a must. Taiwan’s railway system is known for its efficiency, similar to what we experienced in countries like Switzerland, Japan, and the UK.
One of the highlights is the Diesel-Electric Locomotive Workshop, displayed in the restored Taipei Railway Workshop. It feels like stepping into a real maintenance facility.
The museum offers an immersive experience with lighting effects and audio-visual displays. A standout feature is the simulation of a train undergoing a scan, where you can see its internal components as if it were an X-ray. It showcases how far Taiwan’s railway technology has come.

Massage Experience in Zhongshan
After days of walking and exploring, we treated ourselves to a massage at Bu Lao Song Massage.

I’ll admit, at first glance, the place gave off a modest, almost low-key vibe. The area around Xinsheng in Zhongshan District reminded me of Avenida in Manila, with its dim lighting and quieter streets. It made me wonder what to expect.

But everything changed the moment we stepped inside. The place was fully packed, which immediately told us that people trust and keep coming back for their service.

Before the massage, our tired feet were soaked in a warm herbal broth, setting the tone for relaxation. The full body and foot massage that followed was both refreshing and rejuvenating. It was the kind of pressure that feels intense in the best way possible. I even found myself drifting off a few times.

By the end of the session, we felt completely recharged. It was the perfect way to recover after days of exploring Taipei.

KKDay app product page for the Taipingshan National Forest Day Tour featuring small group 7-seater vehicle options.

GetYourGuide app interface showing a confirmed booking for the Shifen and Jiufen day tour from Taipei.

We all love a good deal—and let’s be real, Klook has been the “OG giant” sitting comfortably in our travel apps for years. But ever felt like you’re just another booking in a sea of thousands? Sometimes, you just want something a little more you, not a cookie-cutter itinerary.
Well, here’s the tea — GetYourGuide and KKDay are seriously stepping up the game, and they might just become your new travel besties.

GetYourGuide: Effortless Adventures Done Right
For Taiwan’s iconic Shifen & Jiufen route, I ditched the DIY stress and went with GetYourGuide—and WOW, zero regrets. From the moment we hopped on the bus, everything was handled like clockwork. No confusing train transfers, no guessing games.

The best part? We wrapped up the day at Raohe Night Market, feasting on that legendary XXL Chicken (yes, Stall 95… trust me on this 😋).

Why you need to book at GetYourGuide: Smooth, stress-free, and perfect for ticking off those must-see spots without breaking a sweat.

KKDay: Cozy, Curated, and a Little Bit Fancy
Then came my KKDay experience—completely different vibe, in the best way possible. Think: small group, comfy 7-seater ride, and a journey up to Taipingshan that felt more like a road trip with friends than a tour.

We met bright and early at Yilan Station, and from there, it was all misty mountains, fresh air, and pure serenity.

Why you need to book at KKDay: If you love nature and prefer something more personal and less “tour bus energy,” KKDay absolutely delivers.

Pro Tip: Mix & Match for the Win. 
Here’s the real hack—don’t limit yourself to just one platform. I used GetYourGuide for the iconic, bucket-list spots and KKDay for those deeper, more immersive adventures.

The result? The perfect Taiwan trip—zero stress, all vibes 🙌
Ready to plan your own adventure?

 
Go ahead and check out GetYourGuide and KKDay for the latest deals, exclusive tours, and those sweet skip-the-line perks. Your future self will thank you 😉

 

Panoramic view of Shifen Waterfall in Taiwan, the most impressive natural attraction in New Taipei City.

  

Yellow historic Bong Bong Train traveling through the misty mountain forests of Taipingshan National Forest.

   

Breathtaking 4 AM sunrise view from the Alishan National Scenic Area observation deck in winter.

 

Restored vintage trains and diesel-electric locomotives at the National Railway Museum Taiwan.