Jiufen and Shifen Day Trip: Pingxi Line, Lanterns and Route Order
Jiufen and Shifen often end up on the same day. Both sit in the hills of New Taipei’s northeast, both are reached via Ruifang, and both are classic photo spots. Their rhythms are very different, though. Shifen is an old street along a railway plus a waterfall, and your time there is tied to train times. Jiufen is slopes, steps and narrow lanes, and it is liveliest and prettiest from late afternoon into the evening. Get the order right and the day becomes much easier.
Shifen or Jiufen first? Use this table
| Plan | Best for | Upside | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shifen morning, Jiufen afternoon | First-timers who want Jiufen at dusk | Waterfall and lanterns by day, Jiufen in the evening | Crowds on the way back from Jiufen; allow time to queue |
| Jiufen morning, Shifen afternoon | Those avoiding Jiufen's evening crowds | Jiufen is easier to walk and photograph in the morning | Shifen Waterfall has a last-entry time, so don't leave it too late |
| Pick one and go slow | Seniors, young children or unsettled weather | One less transfer, less strain | Save the other for next time or a two-day trip |
For most first-time visitors we suggest Shifen first, then Jiufen. The reason is practical: Shifen Waterfall has fixed opening and last-entry times and Pingxi Line trains are not frequent, so a morning visit is less likely to go wrong. Jiufen does not “close”, and arriving later means you see the hillside light up. The reverse order works too, but keep a close eye on the waterfall’s last entry.
Shifen in the morning: Pingxi Line, lanterns and the old street
By train, you usually take Taiwan Railway from Taipei to Ruifang and change to the Pingxi Line for Shifen, Pingxi and Jingtong. Taiwan Railway’s Pingxi Line / Shen’ao Line One-Day Pass costs NT$120 for adults and NT$60 concession from 23 June 2025. It allows unlimited rides on the Badouzi–Ruifang–Jingtong section on the day of use and is non-refundable (Taiwan Railway passes). Taipei to Ruifang is not included, so buy a separate ticket or tap a transit card.
Whether the pass pays off depends on how many stops you make. If you only go to Shifen and back, single tickets may be enough. If you also want to stop at Houtong, Pingxi or Jingtong, the pass is simpler. Trains on the Pingxi Line are far apart, so check the next departure before you get off rather than deciding on the platform.
The most memorable thing about Shifen Old Street is the track running straight between the shops, where many people release sky lanterns. Listen to the shop staff, watch for incoming trains, and be aware that rain or strong wind may make it unsuitable. Another option is the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 795 Muzha–Pingxi route from MRT Taipei Zoo or Muzha Station, via Shenkeng, Jingtong and Pingxi to Shifen. The official site lists the full journey at NT$45 with transit cards accepted, but the mountain road takes longer; check schedules on the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle website.
Shifen Waterfall opening hours and the walk in
Entry to Shifen Waterfall Park is free. New Taipei City Tourism lists opening hours of 09:00–18:00 from 1 May to 30 September with last entry at 17:30, and 09:00–17:00 the rest of the year with last entry at 16:30 (New Taipei City Tourism). It may close for typhoons, heavy rain or trail maintenance, so follow on-site notices.
From Shifen Visitor Center it is about a 15-minute walk to the waterfall entrance. About 400 m of this is the gentle Shifen Friendly Trail, which suits strollers and wheelchairs; you can also cross by suspension bridge from the old street side. The falls drop about 20 m and are impressive when the water is high, but the paths are damp, so wear comfortable shoes that can get wet.
Jiufen in the afternoon: buses, taxis and getting back
After returning from Shifen to Ruifang, head up to Jiufen. New Taipei City’s Transportation Department says to turn left out of Ruifang Station and walk about 250 m to the Ruifang District Square stop, where routes 788, 825, 827, 856, 965 and 1062 run to the Jiufen Old Street stop (New Taipei City Transportation Department). If you are starting from Taipei, route 965 runs from around MRT Ximen and Beimen and route 1062 from MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing, so you don’t need to go via Ruifang.
Taxis also wait at Ruifang Station. The Transportation Department has published a reference one-way fare to Jiufen Old Street, but follow the fares posted on site. Jiufen Old Street is mostly narrow lanes and steps and moves slowly when crowded, and stone stairways such as Shuqi Road are genuinely tough on bad knees.
The ride back is what people underestimate most. On weekend evenings the queue at the Jiufen Old Street stop can be long, and even with buses coming one after another you may not board right away. If you want the night view without a long wait, finish dinner and leave a little off-peak, and decide in advance whether you are going back to Ruifang for the train or taking a bus straight to Taipei. With lots of luggage or a big group, the return leg is the reason many people end up taking a taxi or a private charter.
Adjusting for seniors, children or rain
With seniors or young children, pick one highlight in each place instead of cramming both: the Friendly Trail to the waterfall and a sit-down snack on Shifen Old Street, then one teahouse with a sea view in Jiufen rather than walking end to end. For more on pacing a trip with older travellers, see planning a Taiwan trip with seniors.
It rains often in these northeastern hills, and Jiufen is prone to fog. In wet weather the stone steps and trackside are slippery and lanterns may not be a good idea. Cut your Shifen stop short and spend more time in a Jiufen teahouse, or switch to central Taipei with our Taipei city guide.
When one day isn’t enough
If you also want the Gold Museum in Jinguashi, Yehliu, Keelung’s Miaokou or Houtong, one day is too rushed. Split Jiufen, Shifen and the northeast coast over two days; for example, the Northeast Coast 2-day highlights tour spreads Shifen, Jiufen, Jinguashi, Yehliu and Keelung across two days. Families can also look at the Taipei and Yilan family 2-day tour.
To compare getting around yourself with hiring a driver, see Taiwan charter car vs public transport. With a small group and light luggage, public transport works perfectly well. With a larger group, seniors, or no wish to queue for the ride back from Jiufen, the main value of a charter is saving the energy spent waiting and transferring.
FAQ
Can you see Jiufen and Shifen in one day?
Yes, if you pick highlights. A common plan is Shifen Old Street and Shifen Waterfall in the morning, then Jiufen in the afternoon. If you also want Houtong, Jingtong, Jinguashi or Yehliu, split it into two days.
How much is the Pingxi Line day pass?
Taiwan Railway lists the Pingxi Line / Shen'ao Line One-Day Pass at NT$120 for adults and NT$60 concession from 23 June 2025. It is valid on the Badouzi–Ruifang–Jingtong section on the day of use, with unlimited rides, and is non-refundable. Taipei–Ruifang is a separate fare.
What are Shifen Waterfall's opening hours? Is there a fee?
Entry to Shifen Waterfall Park is free. According to New Taipei City Tourism, it opens 09:00–18:00 from 1 May to 30 September with last entry at 17:30, and 09:00–17:00 the rest of the year with last entry at 16:30. Typhoons or bad weather can close it, so follow on-site notices.
How do I get from Ruifang Station to Jiufen?
New Taipei City's Transportation Department says to turn left out of Ruifang Station and walk about 250 m to the Ruifang District Square stop, where routes 788, 825, 827, 856, 965 and 1062 run to Jiufen Old Street. Taxis also wait at the station; follow the fares posted on site.
