Yehliu is a cape on Taiwan’s northern coast best known for Yehliu Geopark, where sea erosion has shaped honeycomb and mushroom rocks such as the iconic Queen’s Head and Dragon’s Head. The area is mostly flat but offers little shade, so sun protection is advised during summer.

Feel transported to this former gold-mining mountain town—once built by the Japanese and now a maze of history-rich lanes and alleys. Most of the charming streets are stairways lined with snack stalls and teahouses, and they can get quite crowded. (Tip: If you’d like to experience Jiufen at sunset or dusk, book a departure after 11:00 AM. This will make Jiufen the final stop, giving you time to enjoy the sunset views and evening lights.)

Shifen Waterfall is Taiwan’s most famous cascade, fed by the Keelung River, and measures about 20 meters (66 feet) high and 40 meters (131 feet) wide. Reaching the viewing platform takes about a 30-minute walk, partly shaded and crossing a suspension bridge.

This old street is right next to Shifen Station in the Pingxi area, where an active railway line runs straight through the market. Visitors launch sky lanterns on the tracks, pausing whenever a train rumbles by.