Taiwan’s YSJ Bus Tour: Unforgettable Day Trip & Top Tips! 🚌🌟

Are you dreaming of escaping Taipei’s bustling urban jungle for a day and diving into Taiwan’s picturesque northern coast? Then the Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen (often abbreviated as YSJ or 예스진지 in Korean) bus tour is calling your name! This iconic trio offers a magical blend of natural wonders, historical charm, and cinematic beauty. Having just completed this fantastic journey, I’m thrilled to share my detailed review, complete with all the “honey tips” (꿀팁) to make your own adventure smooth and memorable! Let’s dive in! 👇

Why Choose a Bus Tour for YSJ? 🤔

While you can navigate Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen independently using public transport or a private taxi, a bus tour is often the most hassle-free and popular choice for many reasons:

• Convenience: No need to plan routes, figure out transfers, or decipher local bus schedules. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
• Time-Efficiency: Bus tours are expertly planned to maximize your time at each location, ensuring you see the highlights without rushing too much.
• Comfort: Modern, air-conditioned buses make the journey pleasant, especially after a long day of exploring.
• Guided Experience: Many tours offer guides who provide interesting commentary about the history, culture, and geology of each site, enriching your experience.
• Cost-Effective: Often cheaper than hiring a private car, especially for solo travelers or small groups.

However, remember that bus tours operate on a fixed schedule, meaning less flexibility at each stop. If you’re someone who likes to linger for hours, this might be a slight drawback. But for most, the benefits far outweigh this!

Our YSJ Bus Tour Adventure: A Day to Remember! 📸

Our bus tour kicked off bright and early in the morning, departing from a central meeting point in Taipei. The anticipation was palpable among fellow travelers from all corners of the globe!

1. First Stop: Yehliu Geopark 🗿

• Journey: About an hour’s drive from Taipei. The coast slowly came into view, teasing us with glimpses of the ocean.
• What to Expect: As soon as you step out, you’re greeted by a surreal landscape straight out of a sci-fi movie! Yehliu Geopark is famous for its unique geological formations, sculpted by wind and sea erosion over thousands of years.
• Highlights:
  • Queen’s Head (女王頭): The undisputed star of the park! This iconic mushroom-shaped rock resembles Queen Elizabeth II’s profile. Be prepared for a queue to take your photo with it – patience is key! 👑
  • Fairy Shoe (仙女鞋): Another fascinating formation resembling a delicate slipper.
  • Candle Holders, Sea Candles, Dragon Head: Explore and discover countless other intriguing shapes. It’s like a natural art gallery!
  • Ocean Views: The crashing waves against the rugged coastline provide a stunning backdrop.
• Our Experience: We spent about 1.5 hours here, which felt just right to explore the main pathways, marvel at the formations, and snap tons of photos. It’s surprisingly vast and offers incredible photo opportunities around every corner. Don’t miss the viewing platforms for panoramic shots!

2. Second Stop: Shifen Old Street & Waterfall 🏮

• Journey: Roughly 45 minutes from Yehliu, heading inland. The scenery shifts from coastal to lush, green mountains.
• What to Expect: Shifen is famous for two main attractions: its charming old street, where sky lanterns are released, and the magnificent Shifen Waterfall.
• Highlights:
  • Sky Lantern Release (放天燈): This is often the highlight for many! Purchase a colorful lantern (each color represents a different wish, e.g., red for health, yellow for wealth), write your hopes and dreams on it with a calligraphy brush, and then release it into the sky directly from the train tracks! It’s an incredibly symbolic and moving experience. ✨
  • Shifen Waterfall (十分瀑布): Nicknamed “Taiwan’s Niagara Falls,” this impressive cascade is a short walk or shuttle ride from the old street. The horseshoe-shaped waterfall is truly beautiful, especially after rainfall. There are various viewing platforms for different perspectives. 🏞️
  • Street Food: Don’t leave Shifen without trying some local delicacies! The chicken wing stuffed with rice (雞翅包飯) is a must-try – savory and delicious! Also, look out for the ice cream peanut roll (花生捲冰淇淋), a unique sweet treat. 🍢🍦
• Our Experience: We had about 2 hours here. We prioritized releasing a sky lantern (a truly magical moment!), grabbed some delicious street food, and then made the scenic walk to the waterfall. The sound of the waterfall is incredibly soothing, a stark contrast to the lively old street.

3. Third Stop: Jiufen Old Street 🏮

• Journey: Approximately 30-40 minutes from Shifen, climbing up winding mountain roads.
• What to Expect: Prepare to be transported into a whimsical, atmospheric world! Jiufen Old Street, a former gold mining town, is renowned for its narrow alleyways, traditional teahouses, and vibrant red lanterns, which many believe inspired Hayao Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away.”
• Highlights:
  • A-Mei Teahouse (阿妹茶樓): The most iconic spot! Its distinctive architecture and glowing lanterns make it instantly recognizable and a prime photo spot, especially at dusk. Grab a cup of traditional Taiwanese tea here for the full experience. 🍵
  • Street Food Galore: Jiufen is a foodie’s paradise!
    • Taro Balls (芋圓): A signature dessert, served hot or cold with various toppings. Chewy, sweet, and comforting. My absolute favorite! 🍡
    • Fish Ball Soup (魚丸湯): Delicious and hearty.
    • Grass Jelly (仙草): Refreshing, especially on a warm day.
    • Sausage (香腸): Grilled on sticks, a popular savory snack.
  • Souvenirs & Crafts: Browse countless shops selling local crafts, unique souvenirs, and traditional snacks.
  • Panoramic Views: From various viewpoints, you can catch stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
• Our Experience: We arrived as dusk was setting in, which was absolutely perfect! The lanterns began to glow, creating a truly magical atmosphere. It was incredibly crowded, but that’s part of the charm of Jiufen – it adds to the lively, bustling energy. We navigated the narrow streets, indulged in taro balls and other snacks, soaked in the “Spirited Away” vibes, and took countless photos. We had about 2 hours here, which felt adequate to explore the main area and grab some bites.

Return to Taipei 🌃

After a full day of exploration, our bus made its way back to Taipei, dropping us off at the central meeting point. It was a comfortable and relaxing ride, allowing us to reflect on the incredible sights and experiences of the day. We arrived back in Taipei feeling tired but incredibly satisfied and full of wonderful memories!

Is the YSJ Bus Tour Right for You? 🤔

• Perfect for: First-time visitors to Taiwan, those with limited time, travelers who prefer organized tours, families, or anyone looking for a hassle-free way to see these iconic sights.
• Less ideal for: Extreme budget travelers (public transport is cheaper but more complex), those who dislike crowds, or anyone who wants complete flexibility to spend unlimited time at each location.

Essential “Honey Tips” for Your YSJ Adventure! 꿀팁 대방출! 🌟

Based on my experience and insights from fellow travelers, here are my top tips to make your YSJ bus tour even better:

1. Book in Advance! 🗓️ Especially if you’re traveling during peak season, weekends, or holidays. Tours fill up quickly! Check reputable online travel agencies or local tour operators.
2. Check the Weather! ☔ Northern Taiwan, especially Jiufen, is notorious for rain. Bring an umbrella or a lightweight raincoat, even if the forecast looks clear. It can change quickly!
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes! 👟 You’ll be doing a lot of walking at all three sites, especially at Yehliu Geopark and navigating the steps and slopes of Jiufen Old Street.
4. Bring Cash! 💰 Many street food vendors, small souvenir shops, and even some lantern shops in Shifen are cash-only. Have plenty of small denominations ready.
5. Pack a Power Bank! 🔋 You’ll be taking endless photos and videos. Don’t let your phone die mid-adventure!
6. Stay Hydrated & Bring Snacks! 💧 It’s a long day. While there’s plenty of food to buy, having your own water bottle and a few small snacks is always a good idea.
7. Manage Your Time Wisely! ⏰ Tour schedules are strict. Keep an eye on the clock and listen carefully to your guide’s instructions for meeting times.
8. Embrace the Crowds! 🤗 Especially in Jiufen and Shifen, expect large crowds, particularly on weekends. Try to enjoy the lively atmosphere rather than letting it overwhelm you.
9. Prepare for Winding Roads! 🤢 The drive to Jiufen involves some winding mountain roads. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions beforehand.
10. Download Offline Maps! 🗺️ While on a tour, you might not need it much, but it’s always handy to have Google Maps or a similar app downloaded offline for the areas, just in case you want to quickly locate something.
11. Learn Basic Phrases! 🙏 A simple “Xie Xie” (謝謝 – thank you) goes a long way and is always appreciated by locals.

What to Bring / Pack for Your YSJ Tour: 🎒

• Small backpack: To carry your essentials.
• Water bottle: Stay hydrated!
• Umbrella or Raincoat: Non-negotiable for Northern Taiwan!
• Comfortable walking shoes: Your feet will thank you.
• Cash (NTD): For food, souvenirs, and lanterns.
• Power bank & charging cable: Keep your devices alive.
• Camera: To capture all the beauty!
• Sunscreen & Hat: If it’s a sunny day, the sun at Yehliu can be strong.
• Light jacket or layers: The weather can change, and it might get cooler in the mountains or in the evening.
• Hand sanitizer: After handling cash and street food.

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Taiwan Experience! 💖

The Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen bus tour is truly an iconic and essential part of any Taiwan itinerary. It offers a diverse and captivating glimpse into the island’s natural beauty, rich culture, and unique charm. While it’s a long day, every minute is packed with incredible sights and experiences that will leave you with lasting memories.

So, pack your bags, prepare your camera, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through Taiwan’s northern gems! You won’t regret it! ✨

Ready to book your own Taiwan adventure? Let me know in the comments if you have any questions! 👇 G