Day 4: Day Trip from Taipei
If Day 3 was all about family fun, Day 4 became one of the longest and most unforgettable days of our Taiwan trip. We followed the suggested Jiufen & Shifen Experience Tour included in our Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass, but instead of following the usual schedule, we decided to begin our adventure early by visiting Shifen Waterfall first.
If Day 3 was all about family fun, Day 4 became one of the longest and most unforgettable days of our Taiwan trip. We followed the suggested Jiufen & Shifen Experience Tour included in our Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass, but instead of following the usual schedule, we decided to begin our adventure early by visiting Shifen Waterfall first.
We left our hotel before 7AM, determined to maximize the day and avoid the heavy crowds as much as possible. Little did we know that this would also turn out to be one of the most tiring days of our trip! Still, every stop was worth it because we got to experience Taiwan’s charming old streets, beautiful scenery, delicious food, and even some fun freebies along the way.
Here’s how our Day 4 itinerary went.
Shifen Waterfall
Pingxi Sky Lantern Experience
Lunch at Ruifang Food Court
Jiufen Old Street
Taste the A-Po’s Taro Balls
Red Lantern Blessing
Claim the free Dragon and Tiger Night Market Cup from the Visitor Center Ximending
Bought an early dinner at Jiguang Fried Chicken
Claim the free pineapple cake at Taipei Main Station Breeze Counter
Shifen Waterfall
Our first stop for the day was the famous Shifen Waterfall, often called the “Little Niagara of Taiwan.” The waterfall is known for its wide, curtain-like flow and scenic natural surroundings.
The walk to the falls was already enjoyable, with suspension bridges, riverside views, and souvenir shops along the way. Since we arrived early, the place was still peaceful and not too crowded, which made the experience more relaxing.
One interesting trivia about Shifen Waterfall is that it is the broadest waterfall in Taiwan. The unique rock formations beneath the water create the impressive layered effect that makes it look even wider in photos.
It was definitely a refreshing way to begin our long day trip.
Here’s how our Day 4 itinerary went.
Shifen Waterfall
Pingxi Sky Lantern Experience
Lunch at Ruifang Food Court
Jiufen Old Street
Taste the A-Po’s Taro Balls
Red Lantern Blessing
Claim the free Dragon and Tiger Night Market Cup from the Visitor Center Ximending
Bought an early dinner at Jiguang Fried Chicken
Claim the free pineapple cake at Taipei Main Station Breeze Counter
Shifen Waterfall
Our first stop for the day was the famous Shifen Waterfall, often called the “Little Niagara of Taiwan.” The waterfall is known for its wide, curtain-like flow and scenic natural surroundings.
The walk to the falls was already enjoyable, with suspension bridges, riverside views, and souvenir shops along the way. Since we arrived early, the place was still peaceful and not too crowded, which made the experience more relaxing.
One interesting trivia about Shifen Waterfall is that it is the broadest waterfall in Taiwan. The unique rock formations beneath the water create the impressive layered effect that makes it look even wider in photos.
It was definitely a refreshing way to begin our long day trip.
Pingxi Sky Lantern Experience
After visiting the waterfall, we headed to Pingxi for the iconic Sky Lantern Experience. This was one of the activities we were most excited about because it is considered one of the most popular things to do in Taiwan. We wrote our wishes and messages on the lantern before releasing it into the sky.
Watching dozens of lanterns float upward felt magical and cinematic, especially with the old railway tracks and mountain surroundings enhancing the atmosphere.
A fun fact about Pingxi: the sky lantern tradition started as a way for villagers to signal safety to one another many years ago. Today, it has become a symbol of hope, blessings, and new beginnings.
Even though it has become touristy, the experience still felt special.
Lunch at Ruifang Food Court
By lunchtime, we were already getting tired from all the walking, so we stopped at Ruifang Food Court for a quick and affordable meal.
Ruifang is usually the gateway to Jiufen and Shifen, making it a convenient stop for travelers. The food court had several local Taiwanese dishes to choose from, giving us a chance to recharge before continuing our journey.
The atmosphere felt very local compared to the more tourist-heavy destinations later in the day.
Jiufen Old Street
Next came one of the highlights of the trip, Jiufen Old Street.
Jiufen is famous for its narrow alleyways, teahouses, lantern-filled streets, and mountain views overlooking the sea. Walking through the old street felt like stepping into another era.
Many people say Jiufen inspired scenes from the animated movie Spirited Away, although the studio has never officially confirmed it. Still, the red lanterns and nostalgic atmosphere definitely give it that magical vibe.
The streets were packed with food stalls, souvenir shops, tea houses, and dessert stores. There was always something interesting around every corner.
Although crowded, Jiufen had a charm that made us want to slow down and simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Trying A-Po’s Taro Balls
Of course, a visit to Jiufen would not be complete without trying the famous A-Po’s Taro Balls.
This well-known dessert shop is popular for its chewy handmade taro balls served either hot or cold with sweet soup and beans.
The texture of the taro balls was surprisingly satisfying, soft, chewy, and not overly sweet. After hours of walking, it was the perfect snack break.
It is amazing how a simple dessert became one of Jiufen’s signature foods and a must-try for visitors.
Red Lantern Blessing
While exploring Jiufen, we also came across the beautiful red lantern displays and blessing areas that added even more charm to the town.
The glowing lanterns against the mountain backdrop made Jiufen feel especially magical as the afternoon slowly transitioned toward evening.
This became one of our favorite photo spots during the trip.
Claiming the Free Dragon and Tiger Night Market Cup at Ximending
After our long countryside adventure, we headed back to Taipei and stopped by the Visitor Center in Ximending to claim the free Dragon and Tiger Night Market Cup included with our pass. It was a small but fun souvenir that made the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass feel even more worth it.
By this time, we were already exhausted from the entire day, but we still had a few more stops left.
Early Dinner from Jiguang Fried Chicken
Before finally heading back to the hotel, we bought an early dinner from the famous Jiguang Fried Chicken.
Taiwanese fried chicken really hits differently, crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and generously seasoned.
After such a tiring day, comfort food was exactly what we needed.
Free Pineapple Cake at Taipei Main Station
Our final stop for the day was at Taipei Main Station Breeze Counter, where we claimed another freebie included in our pass, a pineapple cake.
Pineapple cakes are one of Taiwan’s most famous snacks and are also a popular souvenir for tourists. The buttery pastry with sweet pineapple filling was a nice way to end the day.
Simple, delicious, and very Taiwanese.
Final Thoughts
Day 4 was probably one of the most exhausting days of our Taiwan trip, but it was also one of the most memorable.
From waterfalls and sky lanterns to old streets and local food, the day perfectly combined nature, culture, and food experiences all in one trip.
Even though we went home completely tired, it was the kind of exhaustion that comes from having an amazing adventure.
