Guided in Japanese: Chiufen Walking Tour

4.5 hours | Taipei (Keelung) | K E 1 - 3 8 4
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Strenuous activity

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Not far from the flashy, bustling excitement of Keelung is the quaint, old village of Chiufen - once the center of gold mining in Taiwan. The gold is long gone, but the village remains, offering up breathtaking scenery and intriguing glimpses into a bygone era to those willing to explore.

Join the exploration of this enchanting village during this 4.5 hour, guided excursion. You'll board an air-conditioned motorcoach at your pier that will transport you up along winding roads, through lush, rolling mountains, upon which wispy white clouds skim. Up, up you go, until Chiufen reveals itself with its closely-packed houses that cling to steep mountainsides facing the sea. Chiufen means "nine portions" in Mandarin and refers to a time when only nine families lived in this village during Ch'ing Dynasty.

Accompanied by your guide, set off on foot to explore the crooked alleys and steep cobblestone steps of this former mining town. Marvel at the plentiful Japanese-styled architecture that can be found along its maze of winding streets.

Spend time perusing Old Street, lined in paper lanterns and crowded with vendors selling an exotic variety of items. Sample wonderful delicacies from peanut brittle to squid balls! Shop for crafts created by local artisans. Marvel at the sights, sounds and smells of this vibrant market and imagine a time when gold miners and their families traded here.

As you stroll along Old Street, which goes through most of the village, you'll be treated to amazing and romantic views of the countryside that are unparalleled. So be sure to have your cameras at the ready to capture these spectacular vistas.

Take a break from exploring to visit Chiufen Tea House, a traditional teahouse located in an historical building. Here you can relax and enjoy a pot of tea (oolong, anyone?) and a snack. Partake in a lesson on the art of preparing and pouring tea. No quick dipping of teabags here. Here tea-drinking is an art to be experienced and savored. Delicious and educational.

As your excursion draws to a close and you head back down the mountain en route to your Princess ship, contemplate the simplicity of this quaint mountain village, steeped in the tradition and beauty of a bygone era.

Special Notes:

This excursion requires substantial walking and step climbing. Recommended only for passengers in good physical condition.

Most vendors in Chiufen accept local currency only.

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Depart from ship for a guided walking tour of Chiufen

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
36
Travel time:
00:40
Time at site:
01:55
Free time at site:
120
Inside visit:
No
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
500
Steps:
30
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
Yes
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Refreshments at a local Tea House

Transport type:
Walking
Transport Capacity:
36
Travel time:
00:15
Time at site:
01:00
Free time at site:
40
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
Yes
Walking distance:
20
Steps:
10
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
Yes
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Reboard your motorcoach and return to your ship

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
36
Travel time:
00:40