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
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.
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 locationCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat 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 mostWhat 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?
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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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David
Mar 2025
We had a great time. Kevin has had such an interesting life so far, and his worldly experiences added flavor to his stories and the history of Taipei and Taiwan.
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Martina
Mar 2025
Ich hatte einen großartigen Tag mit Vila! Ich habe viel gesehen und erlebt und sehr viel erfahren über Geschichte, das heutige Taiwan bis hin zu heimischen Gerichten, die ich in einem einheimischen Lokkal auch genießen konnte. Eine Top Empfehlung! Danke Vila! I had a fantastic day with Vila! I saw and experienced a lot, and learned a great deal about history, modern-day Taiwan, and even local dishes, which I was able to enjoy in a local restaurant. Highly recommended! Thank you, Vila!
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Jerry
Mar 2025
This was a great experience exploring Taipei's night market for the first time. I really appreciated having a local guide who could communicate with the street vendors. The meat buns from the Michelin Star place was probably my favorite food the entire evening. I also really appreciated the guide giving me a tour of a local temple while providing cultural and historical context about it. This was overall a great evening.
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CC
Mar 2025
Perfectly tailored and developed itinerary based on my interests. Highly recommend booking this tour, especially with the guide, Green. He is knowledgeable, professional, personable, and he made me feel safe and valued - the best guide!
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