
Mountain splendour, opulent architecture, traditional tea houses and white paper wishing lanterns
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
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!
Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.
I had an absolutely wonderful day with Charlotte. It was my fourth and last day in Taiwan, and she took me to many places and I hadn't seen yet, and encouraged me to try the things I'd heard about but didn't know where or how to try. So we had tea eggs (hard boiled eggs marinated in tea) a type of fruit I've already forgotten the name of, and various nut and sesame and tea infused treats. We went to a traditional market, and I got to ask all my many questions, mostly: what is THAT? I have traveled in Asia before, to Japan and Singapore and Indonesia, but it was a luxury to ask all my questions. We went the beautiful Grand Hotel built by Chaing Kai-shek to receive his guests, and also to a lovely smaller temple, My favorite thing was that we went to a tea house to have traditional Taiwanese tea. The Makong Gondola was closed for maintenance this week, and there wasn't enough time to go up the mountain, but Charlotte found me a tea house in town. It was very soothing to have the tea demonstration and then sit and enjoy it. I highly recommend the experience. I also highly recommend this tour and Charlotte!
Show moreWe were given a full 6 hours if experiences and sightseeing from a lovely local guide who was very knowledgeable.
Show moreMy tour guide and the tour company were super helpful. They're also very informative and quick to response. I got contacted 5 days before the tour. Winnie- my tour guide speaks fluent English, very nice, and answered all my questions. She explained the history and culture of Taiwan and also showed me how to navigate around the subway station. Would definitely recommended.
Show moreWinnie is a great host. She is very informative and helpful with everything. I enjoy my tour with her, it was a great pleasure. Definitely recommended!
Show moreI 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.
Show moreWe loved it! Our guide Robin was charming and really helpful! 5 Stars!
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