Northeast Coast
Lantern-lit alleys above the sea, waterfalls and a wild rocky coast.
Photo: Another Believer · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Why go
The northeast corner of Taiwan packs an unreasonable amount of scenery into a small area. Jiufen climbs a steep hillside above the sea, its narrow lanes lined with red lanterns, teahouses and snack stalls. On a misty evening it feels like a film set — which it has often been.
Around it, Shifen sends paper lanterns floating over a railway, Yehliu’s honeycomb rocks meet the Pacific, and Wulai brings hot springs and Atayal indigenous culture to the mountains. This is an easy, rewarding add-on to any Taipei itinerary.
The northeast is best treated as a loop rather than a single stop: Jiufen, Shifen, Houtong and Yehliu can be linked in a long day, but two days give you time for the coast and a hot spring.
If you are based in Taipei, an overnight in Jiufen is the single best upgrade to a standard city itinerary.
Before you go
Take the train from Taipei to Ruifang (about 50 minutes), then bus 1062 or a short taxi to Jiufen. Shifen and Yehliu are best linked by bus or a private driver.
Train from Taipei to Ruifang in about 50 minutes, then bus 1062 or a short taxi up to Jiufen. Avoid weekends for fewer crowds.
Bus 1062 links Taipei and Jiufen in about 1 hour 15 minutes; it leaves near the main station and drops you in the village centre.
A private driver is the easiest way to combine Jiufen, Shifen and the Yehliu rocks in a single day.
The essentials
The essentials, in roughly the order you might see them. Every pin appears on the map.
Select a pin for a short description, or open the place directly in Google Maps.
A warren of stone stairs and covered lanes packed with taro-ball desserts, tea shops and souvenir stalls. The classic view is from the teahouses at the top, looking down over the rooftops to the sea.
Stay until early evening when the day-trippers leave and the lanterns come on. A-Mei Tea House is the famous spot, but Shuqi Road's smaller teahouses are calmer.
A wide, curtain-like waterfall on the Keelung River, reached by a short riverside walk. It is the broadest waterfall in Taiwan and especially powerful after rain.
Walk the full loop for different angles, then continue to Shifen Old Street to release a lantern.
A former coal town where the railway runs straight through the market. Writing a wish on a paper lantern and releasing it over the tracks is a beloved, photogenic ritual.
Lanterns cost around NT$200 and are released in designated areas. Keep the experience respectful: avoid plastic decorations and take your rubbish with you.
A surreal landscape of sandstone hoodoo rocks carved by wind and sea, including the famous Queen's Head. The boardwalks follow the coast past honeycomb weathering and fossil beds.
Go early to beat the tour buses, and check the tide and weather forecast before setting out.
A former mining village turned cat-themed stop, with railway cats, a cat café and hillside paths overlooking the Keelung River. It is kitsch, but charming.
It pairs naturally with Jiufen and Shifen on the Pingxi Line. Do not feed the cats human food.
An Atayal mountain village known for hot springs, a tall waterfall and a small log cabin museum. The riverside hot-spring hotels are a relaxed escape from the coast.
The Wulai Log Cart is a short, fun ride. Combine it with a riverside soak in the late afternoon.
A grassy headland with a lighthouse, sea caves and a clifftop trail where the East China Sea meets the Pacific. On clear days the views stretch to the horizon in both directions.
The trail is exposed; bring sun protection and hold on to your hat in the strong coastal wind.
Taste
Chewy taro and sweet-potato dumplings served warm or over ice. Jiufen's signature snack.
A thin spring-roll wrapper filled with shaved peanut brittle and ice cream, sold all along Jiufen Old Street.
The fishing ports around Badouzi and Keelung serve some of the freshest seafood on the island.
Neighbourhoods
The main hillside village. Stay overnight for the quietest hours, when the lanterns reflect in the wet stone.
A small railway town with waterfalls, lantern shops and a slower pace than Jiufen.
The transport hub for the area, with good local food and connections to the Pingxi Line.
Before you go
On the road
Ready-made routes that pass through this part of the island.
2 days
Classic
Taipei
A city day, then lanterns in the mountains.
1 week
Classic
Round island
The full loop: cities, gorge, coast and the tropical south.
2 days
Hiking
Taipei
City views, volcanic peaks and a ridge above the sea.
Your privacy choices
We use necessary cookies to run the site. With your consent, we also use Google Analytics (loaded through Google Tag Manager) to understand how the site is used. Read the privacy policy
Cookie preferences