From Yehliu to Shifen: A 3-day Itinerary in Taipei

  • Day 1: Yehliu Geological Park
    1 hour 20 minutes (27.8 km) from Taipei Main Station

    Yehliu Geological Park is a unique landscape in northern Taiwan. This park features unusual rock formations caused by weathering and ocean erosion. The most famous rock formation is the iconic Queen's Head. You can also enjoy the stunning coastal scenery and see the local fisherman's culture by visiting the neighboring fisherman's wharf.

  • Day 2: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Taipei 101
    30 minutes (5.5 km) from Yehliu Geological Park to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, then 30 minutes (6.9 km) from Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall to Taipei 101

    Start your second day by visiting the grand Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, which is dedicated to the former president of Taiwan. Stroll on the grounds, watch the changing of guards, and visit the National Theater and National Concert Hall located on opposite sides of the square. Then head to Taipei 101, a world-famous skyscraper. You can take a high-speed elevator to go up to the observation deck on the 89th floor to admire the panoramic views of Taipei.

  • Day 3: Waterfalls and Shifen Old Street
    1 hour 10 minutes (27.4 km) from Taipei 101 to Shifen Old Street via Shifen Waterfall

    For your final day, visit Shifen Waterfall, a beautiful natural wonder surrounded by lush green trees. You may feel the mist on your face while admiring the majestic waterfall. Afterward, head to Shifen Old Street, which is a lively and nostalgic marketplace with a railway track in the middle of the street. You can release sky lanterns, enjoy street food, and buy souvenirs while exploring the small alleys.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Yehliu Geological Park (2-3 hours, NT$80)
  • Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (1-2 hours, free)
  • Taipei 101 (1-2 hours, NT$600-800)
  • Shifen Waterfall (1-2 hours, NT$80)
  • Shifen Old Street (1-2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: NT$760-960

Transportation

To travel around Taipei, you can use the convenient and efficient MRT (metro subway) system, which connects to most attractions in the city. You can purchase an EasyCard at any MRT station to use it as payment for all public transportation. A single journey is NT$20-65, depending on the distance. You can also use buses, taxis, and online ride-sharing services like Uber, which cost from NT$15-35 per kilometer.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit other famous attractions like the National Palace Museum, Beitou Hot Springs, or Ximending pedestrian area. If you have less time, it’s recommended to take a half-day trip to Jiufen, a mountain town with stunning views, old-fashioned tea houses, and local street food. Beware that Taipei is a crowded city, so plan to visit popular attractions early to avoid waiting in long lines.

Airports

The main airport in Taipei is Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). It is located about 40 kilometers west of Taipei city center and takes about 40-50 minutes by car. You can also take the MRT airport express service or airport shuttle bus to transfer to the city center. Another airport is Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA), which is located in downtown Taipei and only operates domestic flights or short-haul international flights. It takes about 10-15 minutes by car to reach the city center.

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