Connect at Ruifang Station
Arrive early, confirm the Pingxi Line timetable and keep the station as your transfer point between Shifen and the bus to Jiufen.
Transport
Ruifang Railway Station →
Public transport · About 9–11 hours
Jiufen and Shifen Northeast Coast Day Trip
Combine Shifen’s railway town and waterfall with Jiufen’s hillside lanes and signature snacks on a full day using trains and local buses.
Plan at a glance
- Best for
- Travelers who want a full day of railway towns, waterfalls and hillside lanes.
- Start point
- Ruifang Station
- Getting around
- Combine the Pingxi Line with local buses to Jiufen.
- Key reminder
- Leave a buffer at Ruifang because connections are not guaranteed.
- Not ideal for
- Visitors looking for a low-walking or unhurried itinerary.
Before you go
- Start early and check both the Pingxi Line timetable and current bus information before departure.
- Allow a buffer at Ruifang because train and bus connections are not guaranteed.
- Wear shoes with reliable grip; Shifen paths and Jiufen stairs can be slippery after rain.
- Weekends are crowded. Consider visiting Shifen first and reaching Jiufen later in the afternoon.
Tours and activities nearby
Guided day option
See Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen in one day
A guided option for travelers who want to fit the Northeast Coast highlights into one day from Taipei.
Route overview
Jiufen and Shifen Northeast Coast Day Trip
Start at Shifen Old Street
Explore the shops beside the active railway and try a rice-stuffed chicken wing before following signs toward the waterfall.
Transport
shí fēn chē zhàn
Shifen Station →Eat nearby
雞翅包飯 · Snack
Rice-Stuffed Chicken Wing
jī chì bāo fànA deboned chicken wing packed with seasoned fried rice, then grilled until the skin is smoky and crisp—a popular handheld bite in Shifen.
Walk to Shifen Waterfall
Follow the riverside path to the viewing platforms, allowing enough time to walk back for your planned train.
Transport
shí fēn chē zhàn
Shifen Station →Finish among Jiufen’s hillside lanes
Return through Ruifang and take a local bus to Jiufen. Explore the old street, then sample taro balls, fish ball soup and herbal rice cake before heading back.
Transport
ruì fāng huǒ chē zhàn
Ruifang Railway Station →Eat nearby
芋圓 · Dessert
Jiufen Taro Balls
yù yuánChewy taro and sweet-potato dumplings served warm in syrup or chilled over ice - Jiufen's signature mountain-town dessert.
Vegetarian-friendly
魚丸湯 · Soup
Fish Ball Soup
yú wán tāngSpringy handmade fish balls in a light, savory broth. Jiufen shops may also serve Fuzhou-style balls with a juicy pork filling.
草仔粿 · Snack
Herbal Rice Cake
cǎo zǎi guǒA soft, chewy green rice cake scented with local herbs. Fillings range from savory preserved radish to sweet red bean.
Trip plans