For today I had booked an organized trip to cover some of the sights North-East of Taipei, close to Keelung.

The first stop after about an hour was at Shifen Waterfall – a nice, romantic waterfall with some short walking trails around and vendors selling local delicacies. While not ovwhelming, this was surely a good first stop.

The next stop was just around the corner – Shifen “Old Street”, famous for its sky lanterns. With many people (tourists and locals alike) coming here, to draw/ write their wishes on one of those lanterns and then send them off into the sky. There is also a trainline going right through the street,  adding a  bit of adventure.

What the sky lanterns are for Shifen is the local food for Jiufen – another old street, this one more narrow with tons of food, tea, and souvenir vendors trying to get peoples’ attention for their wares. A great place to try some different foods or get an introduction to Taiwanese teas.

The real highlight of the day for me followed in the late afternoon – Yehliu Geopark with its rock formations right at the sea. Another place with walking trails to the formations – all with their imaginative names. The tour ended at Raohe Street Night Market just in time for dinner – so it was street food again before a trip bac to the hostel.