Day Trips from Ximending: Complete Transport Guide to Jiufen, Shifen & Yangmingshan 2025

Ximending's central location makes it the perfect base for exploring Taiwan's most famous day trip destinations. From the mystical mountain village of Jiufen to the sky lantern releases at Shifen, here's your complete guide to experiencing Taiwan's natural beauty and cultural treasures—all within easy reach of your Ximending accommodation.

Jiufen Old Street: Mountain Tea Houses & Spirited Away Vibes

This mystical mountain village, inspiration for Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away," offers narrow alleyways filled with traditional tea houses, local delicacies, and stunning Pacific Ocean views. The atmospheric lantern-lit streets create an otherworldly experience, especially as afternoon mists roll in from the mountains.

🚌 Getting to Jiufen from Ximending

Bus 965 (Recommended Route)
Start at Ximen MRT Station Exit 2 on Zhonghua Road. This direct bus is specifically convenient for Ximending visitors and avoids the crowded transfer points elsewhere in Taipei.

• Duration: 60-80 minutes depending on traffic
• Cost: NT$90 one way, NT$180 return
• Frequency: Weekdays every 15-30 minutes (06:00-21:00), Weekends every 10-30 minutes (07:00-21:00)
• Tip: Board early during weekends and holidays—this route gets busy!

What to Do in Jiufen

Wander the narrow Jishan Street, sample traditional sweets like taro balls and peanut ice cream, and settle into a hillside tea house for ocean views. The best photo spots include the red lantern staircases and the main viewing platform overlooking the coast. Visit during late afternoon for the most atmospheric lighting as mists begin to gather.

Shifen: Sky Lanterns & Taiwan's Niagara Falls

Famous for its sky lantern tradition and the impressive Shifen Waterfall, this historic railway town offers a perfect blend of cultural activities and natural beauty. Release a lantern with your wishes written in Chinese characters, then hike to Taiwan's widest waterfall for spectacular photos.

🚂 Getting to Shifen from Ximending

Public Transport Route (Budget Option)
Take the MRT from Ximen to Taipei Main Station, then board a train on the historic Pingxi Railway line.

• Step 1: Taipei Main Station → Ruifang Station (47 minutes, NT$40)
• Step 2: Transfer to Pingxi Line → Shifen Station (30 minutes)
• Total Cost: Approximately NT$70 one way
• Total Journey Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Taxi Option (Convenience)
Direct taxi from Ximending takes 45 minutes and costs NT$1200-1300. Consider sharing with other travelers to split costs.

Sky Lantern Experience

Choose your lantern colors based on traditional meanings—red for health and peace, yellow for money and wealth, blue for career advancement, and purple for academic success. Prices range from NT$200 for single color to NT$350 for four colors. Write your wishes in Chinese characters (shop owners will help with translation) before releasing your lantern into the mountain sky.

Shifen Waterfall

A 20-minute walk from Shifen Station leads to Taiwan's widest waterfall, often called "Taiwan's Niagara." The 20-meter cascade creates impressive rainbows on sunny days. The viewing platform offers perfect photo opportunities, and the surrounding forest provides a refreshing escape from Taipei's urban energy.

Yangmingshan National Park: Hot Springs & Volcanic Landscapes

This volcanic wonderland north of Taipei offers hot springs, hiking trails, and unique sulfur valleys. Spring brings cherry blossoms and calla lilies, while autumn offers comfortable hiking weather through bamboo forests and volcanic terrain.

🚌 Getting to Yangmingshan from Ximending

Take the MRT from Ximen to Taipei Main Station, then catch bus routes to different areas of the park:

• Bus 260: To Yangmingshan visitor center and main attractions
• Bus 230: To Beitou and hot spring areas
• Red 5: To specific hiking trail entrances

Total journey time varies from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on your destination within the park.

Seasonal Highlights

Visit during cherry blossom season (February-March) for spectacular flower displays, or summer months for comfortable hiking temperatures. The sulfur valleys near Xiaoyoukeng offer otherworldly landscapes year-round, while Beitou's hot springs provide perfect relaxation after mountain exploration.

Combining Multiple Destinations

Many visitors successfully combine Jiufen and Shifen in a single day trip. The most efficient route involves visiting Shifen first (morning sky lantern activity), then traveling to Jiufen for afternoon tea and sunset views. A taxi between the two locations costs NT$1300 and takes 40 minutes.

Practical Tips for Day Trippers

Weather Considerations: Mountain weather changes quickly. Bring layers and rain protection, especially during Taiwan's plum rain season (May-June). Jiufen is particularly prone to sudden mists and drizzle.

Crowd Management: Visit on weekdays when possible. Weekend crowds at Jiufen can make navigation difficult. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer better experiences and photos.

Food & Drinks: Each destination offers unique local specialties—taro balls in Jiufen, bamboo rice in Shifen, and mountain vegetables in Yangmingshan. Stay hydrated during hiking activities and try local tea varieties.

Photography: Golden hour (late afternoon) provides the best lighting for mountain scenery. Bring backup phone batteries as you'll be taking many photos, and cell service can be limited in mountain areas.

Return to Ximending

All destinations offer convenient return transport to Ximending throughout the day. Plan your return by 8:00 PM to ensure you don't miss the last direct buses. Once back in Ximending, explore the night market scene and street food—the perfect way to end your mountain adventure with urban Taiwan experiences.

These day trips showcase Taiwan's incredible diversity, from mystical mountain villages to volcanic landscapes, all easily accessible from your Ximending base. Each destination offers unique cultural experiences and natural beauty that complement your urban Taipei exploration perfectly.