Taipei

Day trip to enchanting Pingxi & Jiufen

Day Trips & Local Escapes • 8 hours 5.0
(6)

Day trip to enchanting Pingxi & Jiufen

Mountain splendour, opulent architecture, traditional tea houses and white paper wishing lanterns

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What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Escape Taipei for a day and visit the historic mining towns of Pingxi and Jiufen with your host
  • Wander through the enchanting cobbled streets and soak up the gold-mining history of Jiufen
  • Take in azure ocean views, charming back streets and traditional Chinese architecture
  • Then, explore Pingxi, another historic mining town where you can make and release a paper lantern into the sky - dreamy times
  • Enjoy an authentic local meal at a spot recommended by your host
  • Get tips from your host about other day trips to make during your stay

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know
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8 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Private & personalised experience
8 hours with a host (including travel time)
Transport costs
Walking experience (other transport can be arranged at an additional cost)

What’s not included

Food & drinks
Transportation (Other than that provided in the experience)
Tickets to any attractions
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

If a change is as good as a holiday, then a change of scenery on your holiday must be the answer to all the world’s problems. You’ll join your local Taipei host on a day trip to the beautiful mountain towns of Jiufen and Pingxi, just north of Taipei.

Jiufen, a former mining town, is stunning in its opulence and cobbled stone street curiosities. Stop off at a historic tea house and discover for yourself why it became the inspiration for Miyazaki’s film, Spirited Away.

Enjoy some lunch at an authentic local eatery, or, as is the custom in Taiwan, dig into some delicious street food and enjoy it on a park bench with your host.

Next, you’ll travel to Pingxi - home of the famous Sky Lantern Festival. After taking in the wonders of its beautiful natural surroundings, why not make your own lantern and release it into the sky? There’s something liberating about this process, and you’ll feel your spirits soar as you watch it disappear into the heavens.

After your little jaunt into the country, you’ll feel ready to tackle Taipei all over again!

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Per person incl.
taxes & fees $270.16 for
Adults (Aged 13+)
Children (Up to 12 years old)
$270.16
per person
including taxes & fees
Select a date and start time
Tailor your experience
Flexible start times
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

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What travelers think of this experience

Venir Feb 2024

I had an excellent tour, thanks largely to my guide, Kevin Wang. Kevin went above and beyond by providing me with insights, in addition to background info, on the places we visited. Although not originally part of my itinerary, I was very glad that Kevin suggested that we visit the Shifen Waterfalls in Pingxi District. It was admittedly the highlight of my tour. I'm afraid I insisted on staying a little bit longer in Shifen, so we no longer had time to visit the cats in Houtong Village but I promise to visit the cats next time I'm in Taipei. I enjoyed sampling the various Taiwanese delicacies that we found during the tour. If you're a foodie, Kevin will give you suggestions on where to find the best Taiwanese food, including those found in the various night markets inn Taipei.

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Sarah Aug 2018

We loved it! Our guide Robin was charming and really helpful! 5 Stars!

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Joseph May 2025

If you want to eat like a local this tour is a great opportunity. My guide Alice did an excellent job walking me through the Night Markets and showing me the foods that Taiwanese people love. Although there are some outlandish options that might test a westerner, there are also plenty of tamer options as well. We even got lucky and scored some fresh Chinese Bayberries which have a very short season.

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Michael May 2025

She was fabulous

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James May 2025

Guide was excellent.

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Chani May 2025

Absolutely the best first night in a new country, all thanks to Alice! It was informative, catered to my interests, and conversation moved like we were old friends meeting again after a long time apart. I could rave about her forever. Such a fantastic guide!

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5.0
(6 reviews)
Venir, Feb 2024

I had an excellent tour, thanks largely to my guide, Kevin Wang. Kevin went above and beyond by providing me with insights, in addition to background info, on the places we visited. Although not originally part of my itinerary, I was very glad that Kevin suggested that we visit the Shifen Waterfalls in Pingxi District. It was admittedly the highlight of my tour. I'm afraid I insisted on staying a little bit longer in Shifen, so we no longer had time to visit the cats in Houtong Village but I promise to visit the cats next time I'm in Taipei. I enjoyed sampling the various Taiwanese delicacies that we found during the tour. If you're a foodie, Kevin will give you suggestions on where to find the best Taiwanese food, including those found in the various night markets inn Taipei.

Sarah, Aug 2018

We loved it! Our guide Robin was charming and really helpful! 5 Stars!

Joseph, May 2025

If you want to eat like a local this tour is a great opportunity. My guide Alice did an excellent job walking me through the Night Markets and showing me the foods that Taiwanese people love. Although there are some outlandish options that might test a westerner, there are also plenty of tamer options as well. We even got lucky and scored some fresh Chinese Bayberries which have a very short season.

Michael, May 2025

She was fabulous

James, May 2025

Guide was excellent.

Chani, May 2025

Absolutely the best first night in a new country, all thanks to Alice! It was informative, catered to my interests, and conversation moved like we were old friends meeting again after a long time apart. I could rave about her forever. Such a fantastic guide!