Yehliu x Shifen x Jiufen-The Most Popular Northern Taiwan Day Trip
In Northern Taiwan, a single day can feel like a journey through a thousand years of landscapes. From the rugged seaside rock formations to the nostalgic glow of mountain towns, the region blends the artistry of nature with traces of human history. Here, you can witness vanishing wonders, release your wishes into the sky, and find your first unforgettable impression of Taiwan among the aroma of tea and the glow of red lanterns.
| Attractions | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Yehliu Geopark | Famous for its unique rock formations, including the ever-changing Queen’s Head, listed by CNN among the world’s most extraordinary landscapes. |
| Golden Waterfall | 因A stunning golden cascade created by mineral oxidation — one of the North Coast’s most photogenic spots. |
| 13-Layer Remains | The remains of an old copper refinery, known as “Taiwan’s Castle in the Sky.” |
| Shifen Waterfall | Taiwan’s grand horseshoe-shaped waterfall, admired for its power and beauty. |
| Shifen Old Street | Release a sky lantern to make a wish and light up the night sky. |
| Sky Lantern Festival | The Pingxi Lantern Festival, held each February, lights up the night sky with thousands of floating lanterns. |
| Jiufen | Once a gold-mining town, now a charming hillside village filled with tea houses, street food, and nostalgic beauty. |
Recommended local souvenirs
Jiufen Taro Balls：
Soft, chewy taro and sweet potato desserts, also available in DIY packs.
Ginseng Oolong Tea：
A fragrant blend of oolong tea and ginseng.
SF station：
Try sky-lantern pastries or black gold pineapple cakes as tasty keepsakes.
First-Time in Taipei? Don’t Miss These 10 Classic Spots!
Taipei is a city that perfectly blends the old and the new — from enjoying panoramic skyline views atop Taipei 101, to exploring priceless artifacts at the National Palace Museum, and strolling through the historic streets of Dihua Street and Longshan Temple. Spend your day admiring architectural and cultural landmarks, catch the sunset over Elephant Mountain, and at night, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Shilin Night Market and Dadaocheng Wharf Market. If it’s your first time in Taiwan, these classic Taipei attractions are not to be missed!
| Attractions | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Taipei 101 | Once the world’s tallest building and an iconic landmark of Taiwan. The observatory offers stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. |
| Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall | A symbol of Taipei with its grand architecture and the famous hourly guard-changing ceremony. |
| Monga Longshan Temple | One of Taiwan’s most visited and revered temples, representing centuries of Buddhist faith and artistry. |
| National Palace Museum | Home to over 700,000 ancient Chinese artifacts. Must-see treasures include the Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-shaped Stone. A must-visit cultural landmark in Taiwan. |
| Elephant Mountain | The best vantage point to photograph the Taipei 101 skyline at sunset or night. |
| The Red House | A century-old octagonal red-brick building that now hosts art exhibitions, cultural events, and creative markets. |
| Ximending | The heart of Taipei’s youth culture, filled with trendy shops, street food, and street performances. Once the largest entertainment district in Taiwan. |
| Dihua Street | One of Taipei’s most historically significant streets, dating back to the late Qing Dynasty. Known for tea, herbal medicine, and dried goods shops — a preserved slice of old Taipei. |
| Dadaocheng Wharf | A scenic riverside spot lined with food stalls and container markets. The Dadaocheng Summer Festival in July and August features fireworks, live music, and night markets — a must-visit annual event. |
| Shilin Night Market | Taipei’s largest and most famous night market, featuring an underground food court, countless street snacks, and lively games — the perfect taste of local culture. |
Recommended local souvenirs
Palace Museum Creative Gifts：
Inspired by the Jadeite Cabbage and other cultural relics, available as magnets, pins, and postcards — practical and meaningful keepsakes.
Baozhong Tea Candy：
A handmade Taiwanese sweet blending the aroma of Baozhong tea with pumpkin seed powder. Smooth, fragrant, and not overly sweet — a perfect local treat.
Natural Dried Fruits：
Made from locally grown Taiwanese fruits such as strawberries, mangoes, and guavas. Low-temperature baked to retain flavor and nutrients.
You Haven’t Truly Visited Taipei Until You’ve Been to Yangmingshan and Beitou!
A trip to Taipei isn’t complete without visiting Yangmingshan and Beitou — two destinations that perfectly blend nature and culture. One is a mountain paradise changing its beauty with the seasons; the other, a historic hot spring town with over a century of charm. Enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, cool retreats in summer, silver grass in autumn, and hot springs in winter. From stunning natural scenery to authentic local cuisine, this route captures the essence of Taiwan’s landscape and lifestyle. Whether you’re traveling with family, elderly parents, or simply seeking a peaceful escape from the city, this is the most classic and relaxing one-day trip in Northern Taiwan. JoyTrip Taiwan presents the Yangmingshan × Beitou One-Day Itinerary — explore volcanic landscapes, dreamy flower fields, traditional hot springs, and tranquil forest spots, and experience the perfect balance of nature and culture in one journey.
| Attractions | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Silvergrass Trail at Yangmingshan | A golden sea of silver grass in autumn creates a breathtaking view, as if walking among clouds. |
| Qing Tian Gang | Known as “Taiwan’s Hokkaido,” this vast meadow is home to roaming cattle and panoramic mountain views. |
| Lengshuikeng | A forest-surrounded geothermal zone with free public footbaths, perfect for a short, relaxing soak. |
| Xiaoyoukeng | A volcanic fumarole area formed by sulfur mining in the past, now famous for its constant steam vents and sulfur crystals — the most iconic geothermal spot in Yangmingshan. |
| Manger Flower Village | Known for hot springs, tea, and local cuisine. A peaceful retreat with wooden bathhouses and a forest teahouse offering authentic mountain flavors. |
| Lengshuikeng Hot Spring Baths | After hiking, relax with a free foot bath or public hot spring. Quiet setting, easy parking, and scenic mountain views make it the perfect rest stop. |
| Zhuzihu | A floral paradise: calla lilies, cherry blossoms, and wisteria in spring; hydrangeas in summer; daylilies in autumn — a scenic retreat all year round. |
| Cama Cofee Roasters | A cozy wooden café nestled in a century-old forest, offering coffee and tranquility in nature. |
| Guan Chen Can Guan | A local favorite for its famous roasted chicken (Tong Zai Ji), with thousands of five-star online reviews. |
| Hot Spring Museum | Built in 1913, once East Asia’s largest public bathhouse. A blend of Japanese and Western architecture featuring Roman-style pools and stained glass windows. |
| Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch | Taiwan’s first green building library, combining natural light and wood architecture — a peaceful haven and model of sustainability. |
| Thermal Valley | The source of Beitou’s hot springs, known for its mystical steam rising year-round. Listed among the “Eight Scenic Spots of Taiwan” during the Japanese era. |
Recommended local souvenirs
Hot Spring Soap：
Made with rare yu-hua (hot spring minerals) and herbal extracts, it gently cleanses and soothes the skin with a relaxing natural fragrance — the perfect Beitou keepsake.
Tankan Shortcake：
A handmade pastry with tangy Grass Mountain tangerine filling wrapped in flaky crust, inspired by the swirling steam of hot springs.
Tangerine Liqueur：
Crafted from Yangmingshan tangerines grown in volcanic soil, this aromatic fruit wine captures the essence of Beitou’s autumn and winter seasons.
