Shifen and Jiufen, Taipei

On our third day in Taipei, we ventured beyond the city, hiring a driver to explore the breathtaking landscapes outside the city.  From city to waterfalls and mountain roads to historic streets and misty coastlines.

Our driver picked us up from our hotel in Cimending at 9:3am.  The traffic was clear and the weather was perfect.  Our 1st stop was at Shifen.

📍 Shifen Waterfall – Known as Taiwan’s "Little Niagara," this stunning cascade was our first stop. The sound of rushing water and the lush surroundings made it feel like a hidden paradise.

📍 Shifen Old Street – We strolled along the tracks of this charming old railway town, where we released sky lanterns with our wishes written on them — an iconic picture square experience.

📍 Jiufen Old Street – Winding alleyways, lantern-lit teahouses, and nostalgic vibes make this mountain town feel like stepping into a Studio Ghibli film.

📍 Buyan Pavilion – A peaceful stop offering panoramic views over the coast — the perfect spot to pause and soak in the scenery.

📍 The Golden Waterfall (黃金瀑布 Huángjīn Pùbù), Jiufen, Ruifang District, New Taipei – Just outside Jiufen, we admired this otherworldly waterfall with its glowing orange hue, caused by mineral-rich water flowing through old mining terrain.

📍 Yinyang Sea – A surreal sight where yellow mineral-laden water meets the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean.

Everywhere we went, the scenery was breathtaking. From mountain peaks to historic alleys to waterfalls, this day reminded us just how diverse and beautiful Taiwan truly is.

We returned to Taipei and ended the day with a comforting bowl of Taiwan’s beloved beef noodles at Lao Shandong Homemade Beef Noodles, Ximending.  This restaurant is located at the basement of a shoplot, quite hidden away.