6 tour types in one table — Classic Group, Small-Group, Private, Half-Day Evening, Trip.com Group and Sky Lantern voucher. Compare prices, group sizes, stops included, and which type suits your travel style.
All three sites are in different directions from Taipei: Yehliu (north) is about 35 km up the coast · Shifen (northeast) sits on the Pingxi railway line · Jiufen (northeast) perches on a hillside above Shifen. Getting to all three by public transport in one day is possible but genuinely complicated, which is why many travellers opt for a guided tour with a vehicle.
But not all tours are equal. Prices and experiences vary enormously — from a group bus tour around US$35 to a flexible private vehicle at US$175–300 per car. This page compares every main option so you can find the one that matches your budget and style.
Prices are approximate for 2026 and may vary by season and promotion. Always verify the current price before booking.
| Tour Type | Price / Person (approx.) | Group Size | Duration | Stops Included | Sky Lantern? | Guide Language | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Classic Group (Klook) | ~US$35–55 | 15–30 pax | 6–8 hrs | Yehliu + Jiufen + Shifen | Some tours include | English / Mandarin | Budget travellers, solo |
| 🚐 Small-Group (Klook) | ~US$60–85 | 6–10 pax | 6–10 hrs | Yehliu + Jiufen + Shifen | Some tours include | English / Mandarin | Couples, small groups |
| 🚗 Private Tour (Klook) | ~US$175–300 / vehicle | 1–8 pax / car | 7–10 hrs (flexible) | Customisable route | Some tours include | English / Mandarin / request | Families 4+ / max flexibility |
| 🌟 Half-Day Evening (Jiufen) | ~US$22–35 | 10–30 pax | 4–5 hrs (afternoon) | Jiufen only (at dusk) | Not included | English / Mandarin | Jiufen lantern glow focus |
| 🌏 Trip.com Group Tour | ~US$35–55 | 15–30 pax | 6–8 hrs | Yehliu + Jiufen + Shifen | Some tours include | English / Mandarin | Similar to Classic; compare prices |
| 🏮 DIY + Klook Sky Lantern | ~US$6–12 (lantern only) | Unlimited | Your own schedule | Shifen (lantern release) | ✔ That's the whole point | No guide | Independent travellers |
* Prices are approximate — check current prices and T&Cs on Klook / Trip.com before booking. Private tour price is per vehicle, not per person. Sky lanterns purchased at Shifen cost roughly NT$200–350 (approx. US$6–11) per lantern.
Quick verdict, pros and cons, and a recommendation for each option.
Verdict: The best value option for solo travellers or couples on a tight budget. You share a coach with other travellers, with an English/Mandarin guide on a standard Yehliu–Shifen–Jiufen route. The main trade-off is only ~90 minutes at Jiufen and a fixed schedule with no flexibility.
Verdict: A solid middle ground between price and comfort. The smaller group means a more attentive guide, a minivan instead of a coach, and often a bit more time at each stop. Ideal for couples or groups of 2–4 who want a better experience without going full private.
Verdict: Best experience, highest price — but priced per vehicle, not per person. For 4–8 travellers, the per-head cost is close to a small-group tour. You gain full route flexibility, adjustable stop times, and options like Houtong Cat Village. Best for families with kids or elderly members who need maximum comfort.
Verdict: Perfect for travellers who want Jiufen at dusk with the red lanterns glowing — and aren't interested in Yehliu or Shifen. Tours depart in the afternoon, arriving at Jiufen around sunset and staying until roughly 9–10 pm. The evening atmosphere is genuinely magical. Great if you have multiple days in Taipei and want Jiufen as a standalone evening highlight.
Verdict: The same group tour format as Classic, booked via Trip.com. Sometimes prices differ slightly or promotions vary between the two platforms — always compare both before booking. Reviews and itinerary are typically similar to Klook Classic. Worth checking if Trip.com has a sale or if you're already using their booking credits.
Verdict: If you're travelling the Pingxi railway line independently but want to guarantee a sky lantern release at Shifen without queuing at random shops, Klook offers a pre-paid sky lantern voucher redeemable at a partner shop on Shifen Old Street. Price is similar to buying on the spot but more convenient. Read our DIY guide before you go →
There's no single "best" tour — it depends on what matters most to you.
Pick the Classic Group Tour on Klook or Trip.com. Lowest per-head price, easy logistics, and you'll share the day with fellow travellers from around the world — great for meeting people on a solo trip.
Go with a Small-Group Tour. The smaller group feels more personal, the guide can give more attention, and there's often a bit more breathing room at each stop. Worth the extra ~US$25–30 per person.
Book a Private Tour. At ~US$175–300 per vehicle, split four ways the per-head cost rivals a small-group tour — but you get full control: stop where you want, stay as long as you like, skip what doesn't interest you.
Choose the Half-Day Evening Tour. Depart in the afternoon, arrive at Jiufen around golden hour, and stay until the lanterns glow across the hillside. Best if you have multiple days and want Jiufen as a standalone evening experience.
Take the Pingxi train independently and pre-purchase a Klook Sky Lantern Voucher. Similar cost to buying at the shop but you skip the queue. Pair it with our DIY guide for the full route.
Most tours on Klook and Trip.com operate in English and Mandarin. Use the language filter on each platform before booking. For other languages, search for specialist operators or contact tours directly — availability varies.
Pro tip: overnight guests get Jiufen's stone steps and lantern glow entirely to themselves — here are our fully reviewed B&B picks.
Full Taipei guide with hourly itineraries, airport transfers, hotels, food, and every day trip from the city — all in one place.
Go independently by MRT, Pingxi rail and minibus — with a full timeline, ticket tips, costs, and what to do in each spot.
Read the DIY Guide →Jiufen, Yehliu, Pingxi, Yangmingshan, Tamsui, Hualien and more — full roundup with transport options and time required.
See All Day Trips →How sky lantern releases work, the Pingxi railway line, Houtong Cat Village, and the best time to go.
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