Shifen Old Street Taiwan is one of the most memorable day trips from Taipei, especially for travelers who want to experience sky lanterns, railway-town scenery, old streets, waterfalls, and the nostalgic charm of northern Taiwan.
Located in Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Shifen is famous for its old railway street, sky lantern tradition, local snacks, and the nearby Shifen Waterfall. Many visitors also combine Shifen with Jiufen Old Street, Yehliu Geopark, Golden Waterfall, or the Pingxi Railway Line for a full-day adventure from Taipei.
But here is the important question: is Shifen Old Street easy to visit by yourself, or is a private tour better?
The answer depends on your travel style. If you only want to visit Shifen Old Street and release a sky lantern, a self-guided trip is possible. But if you want to combine Shifen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, Jiufen, Yehliu, or other northern Taiwan attractions in one day, a private Yehliu Jiufen Pingxi day tour is usually much smoother.
In this guide, we will show you what to do at Shifen Old Street Taiwan, how to get there from Taipei, what to eat, how to plan Shifen Waterfall, and whether you should choose a self-guided trip or a private tour.
Prefer a smoother trip? Justaiwantour can arrange a private Jiufen Pingxi day tour with hotel pick-up, flexible timing, Shifen Old Street, sky lanterns, Shifen Waterfall, Jiufen Old Street, and other northern Taiwan highlights based on your schedule.
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💁🏻♀️ Quick Answer: Is Shifen Old Street Worth Visiting?
Yes, Shifen Old Street is worth visiting, especially if this is your first trip to Taiwan. It is one of the best places near Taipei to experience sky lanterns, street food, mountain scenery, and Shifen Waterfall in one route.
Shifen Old Street is best for:
- First-time visitors to Taiwan
- Families with children
- Couples
- Photography lovers
- Travelers interested in sky lanterns
- Visitors planning a Jiufen and Shifen day trip
- Travelers who want an easy nature stop near Taipei
However, Shifen Old Street can get crowded during weekends, holidays, and festival seasons. If you want fewer crowds, visit on a weekday or go earlier in the day.
What Is Shifen Old Street Famous For?
Shifen Old Street Taiwan is famous for one very special scene: a railway track running directly through the old street.
Unlike many old streets in Taiwan, Shifen Old Street is built around the train tracks. Visitors walk along the railway area, browse lantern shops, eat local snacks, take photos, and watch trains pass slowly through the town. When the train is not passing, travelers often stand near the tracks to release sky lanterns.
Shifen is quite different from many other historic streets around Taiwan. If you are deciding whether Shifen, Jiufen, Lukang, Dihua Street or another historic district fits your trip better, see our guide to the 10 Best Old Streets in Taiwan, where we compare them by food, history, scenery, families, seniors and ease of transportation.
The main reasons people visit Shifen Old Street are:
- Sky lantern release
- Railway atmosphere
- Local snacks
- Old street photos
- Shifen Station
- Shifen Waterfall
- Jiufen and Shifen day trip route
- Pingxi Line railway experience
The combination of railway, lanterns, food, and nature makes Shifen one of the most popular Taipei day trip destinations.
A Short History of Shifen and the Pingxi Railway
Shifen was once connected to Taiwan’s coal-mining history. The Pingxi Railway Line was originally developed to support mining transport in the mountain areas of northern Taiwan. Today, the mines are no longer the main attraction, but the railway remains an important part of the travel experience.
This is why Shifen feels different from a normal tourist street. The railway is not just decoration. It is part of the town’s identity.
When you visit Shifen Old Street, you are not only visiting a snack street. You are walking through a historic railway village that has transformed from a mining area into one of Taiwan’s most iconic day trip destinations.
🏮Best Things to Do at Shifen Old Street Taiwan
1. Release a Sky Lantern
The sky lantern experience is the most famous activity at Shifen Old Street.
Visitors choose a paper lantern, write wishes on each side, take photos, and release the lantern into the sky. Different lantern colors often represent different wishes, such as love, health, wealth, career, family, or study.
This experience is especially popular with families, couples, honeymooners, and first-time visitors to Taiwan.
Travel tip: Listen carefully to the shop staff’s safety instructions. They usually help with photos and guide you through the release process.
2. Walk Along the Railway Tracks
The railway tracks are the most iconic part of Shifen Old Street. When there is no train passing, visitors can walk near the tracks, take photos, and enjoy the old railway-town atmosphere.
However, remember that this is still an active railway area. Always follow local instructions, move away from the tracks when staff ask you to, and never ignore train warnings.
3. Visit Shifen Station
Shifen Station is one of the main stations along the Pingxi Line and one of the best places to feel the old railway atmosphere. Even if you arrive by private car, it is still worth walking around the station area.
For travelers who enjoy train journeys, Shifen Station is also a good starting point for exploring other Pingxi Line towns, such as Pingxi, Jingtong, and Houtong.
4. Try Local Snacks
Shifen Old Street has many snack stalls and small shops. Popular things to try include:
- Taiwanese sausage
- Grilled squid
- Fried snacks
- Peanut ice cream roll
- Bubble tea
- Local desserts
- Street food near the railway
If you are planning to visit Jiufen later, do not eat too much at Shifen. Jiufen Old Street also has many famous foods, including taro balls, fish ball soup, tea snacks, and peanut ice cream roll.
5. Take Railway Photos
Shifen is one of the best places in Taiwan for railway photos. The old street, shop signs, lanterns, mountain background, and train tracks make the area very photogenic.
Best photo ideas:
- Train entering Shifen Old Street
- Lantern release with railway background
- Shifen Station platform
- Lantern shops beside the tracks
- Old street food stalls
- Railway curve near the station
For better photos, visit on a weekday or earlier in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Shifen Sky Lantern Experience: What to Know Before You Go
The Shifen sky lantern experience is fun and easy, but there are a few things first-time visitors should know.
Most visitors buy a lantern from one of the shops along Shifen Old Street. The staff usually help set up the lantern, explain the meaning of colors, take photos, and guide the release.
The experience usually includes:
- Choosing a lantern color
- Writing wishes on the lantern
- Taking photos on or near the railway tracks
- Lighting the lantern
- Releasing it into the sky
This is one of the most popular activities for travelers visiting Shifen Old Street Taiwan, especially because it feels symbolic and personal.
Good wishes to write on your lantern:
- Safe travels
- Good health
- Family happiness
- Career success
- Love and marriage
- Good grades
- Business growth
- Peace and good fortune
Travel tip: If you are visiting during rainy or windy weather, lantern release may be affected. A private tour can help adjust the schedule if the weather is not ideal.
Shifen Waterfall: Should You Add It?
Yes, Shifen Waterfall is worth adding if you are visiting Shifen Old Street.
Shifen Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in Taiwan and is often called Taiwan’s Niagara Falls because of its broad curtain-like shape. It is located near Shifen Old Street and can be reached by walking, local transport, or private vehicle depending on your route.
Most visitors spend around 45–60 minutes visiting Shifen Waterfall, including walking time, photos, and viewpoints.
Why you should visit Shifen Waterfall:
- It is close to Shifen Old Street
- It adds nature to your itinerary
- It is family-friendly
- It is one of northern Taiwan’s most famous waterfalls
- It pairs well with Jiufen and Pingxi
Important tip: Check the current opening hours before visiting. Shifen Waterfall has seasonal hours and final entry times.
🚶🏻♂️How to Walk from Shifen Old Street to Shifen Waterfall
Many travelers walk from Shifen Old Street to Shifen Waterfall. The walk is manageable for most visitors, but it is not completely flat. Expect a mix of roads, paths, bridges, and viewpoints.
The walking route is scenic and may include views of the river, suspension bridges, and green mountain surroundings.
Good for:
- Active travelers
- Couples
- Families with older children
- Visitors who enjoy light walking
- Travelers with enough time
May be difficult for:
- Seniors with mobility concerns
- Families with strollers
- Travelers with large luggage
- Visitors on a tight schedule
- Hot or rainy days
If your group includes seniors, young children, or travelers who do not want extra walking, a private tour can make the day much easier.
@withxblaire Here’s how to do a DIY trip to Shifen Waterfall from Shifen Old Street 👀 This is a complete visual guide showing you the actual path, road, and trails to take ✨ #taiwantravel #shifen #shifenwaterfall #taipei #travelph ♬ original sound – Blaire | travel & lifestyle
🚗 How to Get to Shifen Old Street from Taipei
There are several ways to get to Shifen Old Street from Taipei.
If this is your first time using public transportation in Taipei, it may help to read our guide on how to use Taipei MRT before planning your Shifen Old Street trip. Although Shifen is not directly on the Taipei MRT, many travelers still use the MRT to reach Taipei Main Station, Ruifang transfer points, or Taipei Zoo Station for the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 795.
Option 1: Train from Taipei to Ruifang, Then Pingxi Line to Shifen
This is one of the most classic self-guided routes.
You can take a train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station, then transfer to the Pingxi Line and get off at Shifen Station.
Best for:
- Train lovers
- Budget travelers
- Independent travelers
- Visitors who want the Pingxi Railway experience
Weak points:
- You need to transfer
- Train timing matters
- It can be crowded on weekends
- Adding Jiufen later requires more planning
This is a good option if your main goal is to experience the railway line and you are comfortable using public transportation.
Option 2: Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus 795
Another option is to take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 795 Muzha Pingxi Line. This route connects the Taipei Zoo / Muzha area with Pingxi and Shifen.
Best for:
- Travelers staying near the Wenhu Line
- Visitors who prefer bus travel
- Travelers going directly toward Pingxi and Shifen
Weak points:
- Travel time depends on road conditions
- It may be slower during busy travel times
- You still need to manage return transportation
Option 3: Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi can be easier than public transportation, especially if you are traveling with two to four people. However, it can be more expensive, and you may still need to arrange your return.
Best for:
- Couples
- Small groups
- Travelers who want a direct ride
Weak points:
- Higher cost
- Less explanation
- Return planning still needed
Option 4: Private Jiufen Pingxi Day Tour
A private tour is the easiest option if you want to combine Shifen with Jiufen, Yehliu, Golden Waterfall, or other northern Taiwan attractions.
With a private tour, you can enjoy:
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Flexible schedule
- Private vehicle
- Local driver-guide
- Easier route planning
- Better weather backup
- Less walking between transport points
- More realistic Jiufen + Shifen route
A self-guided Shifen trip is possible if you only want to visit Shifen Old Street and Shifen Waterfall. But if you want to combine Shifen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, Jiufen Old Street, Golden Waterfall, or Yehliu Geopark in one day, a private tour is much easier and more comfortable.
Can You Visit Jiufen and Shifen in One Day?
Yes, Jiufen and Shifen can be visited in one day, and this is one of the most popular day trip combinations from Taipei.
However, doing Jiufen and Shifen by public transportation requires careful planning. Jiufen and Shifen are both in northern Taiwan, but they are not directly next to each other by a simple MRT route. You may need to use a mix of train, bus, taxi, or local connections.
Jiufen is best for:
- Old streets
- Tea houses
- Mountain and sea views
- Taro balls
- A-Mei Tea House photos
- Gold-mining history
If you want to slow down after visiting Shifen, Jiufen is a great place to enjoy a traditional tea house experience. You can read our guide to Jiufen cafes and tea houses before choosing where to rest, take photos, and enjoy the mountain view.
Shifen is best for:
- Sky lanterns
- Railway photos
- Shifen Waterfall
- Pingxi Line scenery
- Family-friendly activities
If you are traveling by public transport, keep the itinerary simple. Choose Jiufen Old Street + Shifen Old Street, or Shifen Old Street + Shifen Waterfall. Trying to include Jiufen, Shifen, Shifen Waterfall, Yehliu, Golden Waterfall, and Yin Yang Sea by public transport in one day can be too rushed.
For most families, seniors, couples, and groups, a private Jiufen Pingxi day tour is the better choice.
Best Jiufen and Shifen Day Trip Route
For a smooth private tour route, we recommend:
- Taipei hotel pick-up
- Yehliu Geopark or Golden Waterfall
- Shifen Waterfall
- Shifen Old Street sky lantern
- Jiufen Old Street
- A-Mei Tea House photo spot
- Return to Taipei hotel
If you prefer a slower route, choose:
- Taipei hotel pick-up
- Shifen Waterfall
- Shifen Old Street
- Jiufen Old Street
- Tea house experience
- Return to Taipei hotel
If you prefer a more scenic route, choose:
- Taipei hotel pick-up
- Yehliu Geopark
- Golden Waterfall
- Yin Yang Sea viewpoint
- Jiufen Old Street
- Shifen Old Street
- Return to Taipei hotel
This type of route is much easier with a private vehicle because you do not need to worry about train transfers, bus waiting times, or crowded weekend transport.
If you plan to stay in Jiufen until evening, you can also read our Jiufen at night guide to see when the lanterns look best, what to expect after sunset, and how to plan your return to Taipei.
@maplemoogs Such a fun way to explore more of Taiwan! Loved the lanterns in Jiufen and the waterfall in Shifen!🏮 #taipeitravel #taipeidaytrip #taiwantravel #taipeieats #asiatravel #traveltaiwan #jiufenoldstreet #jiufentaiwan #shifenwaterfall #shifentaiwan #shifenoldstreet #shifenskylantern ♬ original sound – Megan
🆚 Shifen Old Street vs Pingxi Old Street vs Jingtong Old Street
Many travelers are confused by Shifen, Pingxi, and Jingtong because they are all part of the Pingxi Railway experience.
Here is the simple difference.
Shifen Old Street
Best for sky lanterns, Shifen Waterfall, railway photos, and first-time visitors.
Shifen is the most famous and most visited stop on the Pingxi Line. If you only have time for one stop, choose Shifen.
Pingxi Old Street
Best for a quieter old street experience and local atmosphere.
Pingxi Old Street feels smaller and more local than Shifen. It is good for travelers who want to explore beyond the most famous tourist spot.
Jingtong Old Street
Best for railway nostalgia, old station photos, and a slower atmosphere.
Jingtong is usually quieter than Shifen and has a nostalgic end-of-line feeling.
Which one should you choose?
First-time visitors: Shifen
Families: Shifen
Sky lantern experience: Shifen
Quieter old street: Pingxi
Railway nostalgia: Jingtong
Full Pingxi Line trip: Shifen + Pingxi + Jingtong
If you are short on time, focus on Shifen Old Street and Shifen Waterfall.
If your Taiwan itinerary goes beyond the Pingxi Line, there are many old streets with completely different histories and experiences. Our Taiwan old street guide compares Shifen with places such as Jiufen, Lukang, Anping, Daxi and Beipu so you can decide which ones are actually worth adding to your route.
🆚 Shifen Old Street Self-Guided Trip vs Private Tour
A self-guided Shifen trip can be fun, but it is not the best option for every traveler.
| Travel Style | Self-Guided Shifen Trip | Private Jiufen Pingxi Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Lower cost | Higher cost |
| Transportation | Train/bus transfers required | Hotel pick-up and drop-off |
| Flexibility | Limited by public transport | Flexible schedule |
| Comfort | Can be crowded | Private vehicle |
| Best for | Solo travelers and budget travelers | Families, seniors, couples, groups |
| Adding Jiufen | Possible but needs planning | Easy |
| Adding Yehliu | Difficult by public transport | Easy |
| Rainy day backup | Harder to adjust | Easier to adjust |
| Time control | Less predictable | Better control |
| Local explanation | Limited | Driver-guide can explain the route |
Choose a self-guided Shifen trip if you are comfortable with public transportation and only want to visit Shifen Old Street and Shifen Waterfall.
Choose a private Jiufen Pingxi tour if you want a smoother route, hotel pick-up, flexible timing, and a comfortable way to combine Shifen with Jiufen, Yehliu, Golden Waterfall, or the North Coast.
Suggested Shifen Old Street Itinerary from Taipei
Half-Day Self-Guided Shifen Itinerary
08:30 — Depart Taipei
10:00 — Arrive at Shifen Station
10:15 — Walk around Shifen Old Street
10:45 — Release a sky lantern
11:15 — Try local snacks
12:00 — Walk to Shifen Waterfall
13:30 — Return to Shifen Station
14:00 — Return to Taipei or continue to Pingxi
Best for: Budget travelers, train lovers, independent travelers
Full-Day Jiufen and Shifen Private Tour Itinerary
09:00 — Taipei hotel pick-up
10:00 — Shifen Waterfall
11:15 — Shifen Old Street and sky lantern
12:30 — Lunch or local snacks
14:00 — Jiufen Old Street
15:30 — Tea house or A-Mei Tea House photo spot
👉 For travelers who want to include a relaxing tea break, check our Jiufen cafes and tea houses guide before deciding where to stop.
16:30 — Golden Waterfall or Yin Yang Sea viewpoint
18:00 — Return to Taipei
Best for: Families, seniors, couples, groups, and first-time visitors
North Coast + Jiufen + Shifen Route
09:00 — Taipei hotel pick-up
10:00 — Yehliu Geopark
12:00 — Local lunch
13:30 — Shifen Waterfall
14:30 — Shifen Old Street sky lantern
16:00 — Jiufen Old Street
18:00 — Return to Taipei
Best for: Travelers who want to see more of northern Taiwan in one day
Best Time to Visit Shifen Old Street Taiwan
Shifen Old Street can be visited year-round, but timing can make a big difference.
Morning
Best for fewer crowds, easier photos, and a smoother walking experience.
Afternoon
Best for combining Shifen with Jiufen or Pingxi.
Evening
The lantern atmosphere can be beautiful, especially when the shops and lanterns begin to glow. However, transportation back to Taipei may be more crowded, and Shifen Waterfall may already be closed. If you are planning an evening route, you can also read our guide to things to do in Taipei at night for more night market, food, and nightlife ideas after returning to the city.
Weekdays
Best for travelers who want fewer crowds.
Weekends and holidays
More lively, but also much busier. Expect more people on the old street, at lantern shops, and on public transportation.
Best overall timing:
Visit Shifen Old Street in the morning or early afternoon, then continue to Jiufen later in the day if you want a classic northern Taiwan day trip.
Shifen Old Street Travel Tips
● Wear comfortable shoes because you may walk between the old street, station, and waterfall.
● Bring cash because many snack stalls and lantern shops may prefer cash.
● Check train and bus schedules before you go.
● Avoid large luggage because the old street can be crowded.
● Visit on a weekday if possible.
● Go early if you want better photos.
● Check Shifen Waterfall opening hours before visiting.
● Be careful near the railway tracks.
● Follow staff instructions during sky lantern release.
● Book a private tour if you are traveling with seniors, kids, or a tight schedule.
Is Shifen Old Street Good for Families?
Yes, Shifen Old Street is a great family-friendly day trip from Taipei. Children usually enjoy writing wishes on the lantern, watching the train pass through the old street, trying snacks, and visiting Shifen Waterfall.
However, families should plan carefully. The area can be crowded, and the walk to Shifen Waterfall may be tiring for younger children.
For families with young kids, strollers, grandparents, or limited time, a private tour is recommended. It allows you to avoid complicated transfers and adjust the schedule based on everyone’s energy level.
Is Shifen Old Street Suitable for Seniors?
Shifen Old Street can be suitable for seniors, but the route needs to be planned carefully.
The old street itself is manageable, but the area can be crowded, and the walk to Shifen Waterfall may not be ideal for travelers with knee problems or limited mobility.
For senior travelers, we recommend:
- Visit on a weekday
- Avoid peak afternoon crowds
- Keep the route simple
- Do not rush to too many stops
- Use a private vehicle if combining Shifen and Jiufen
- Choose comfortable shoes
- Plan rest stops
A private Jiufen Pingxi day tour is usually the better option for senior travelers because it reduces walking between transport points and makes the schedule more flexible.
What to Combine with Shifen Old Street
Shifen Old Street is rarely visited alone. Most travelers combine it with one or more nearby attractions.
Shifen Waterfall
Best for nature and easy sightseeing.
Jiufen Old Street
Best for tea houses, food, mountain views, and nostalgic atmosphere.
Yehliu Geopark
Best for coastal rock formations and northern Taiwan scenery.
Golden Waterfall
Best for a quick scenic photo stop near Jinguashi and Jiufen.
Yin Yang Sea
Best for coastal views and mining landscape.
Pingxi Old Street
Best for a quieter old street experience.
Jingtong Old Street
Best for railway nostalgia and slower travel.
For most first-time visitors, the best combination is:
Shifen Waterfall + Shifen Old Street + Jiufen Old Street
Why Book a Private Jiufen Pingxi Tour?
A private tour is not necessary for every traveler, but it can make a big difference if you want comfort, flexibility, and a better route.
A private Jiufen Pingxi tour is especially useful if you:
- Want hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Travel with children or seniors
- Have limited time in Taipei
- Want to visit Jiufen and Shifen in one day
- Want to add Yehliu or Golden Waterfall
- Do not want to manage train and bus transfers
- Prefer a flexible pace
- Want local recommendations for food and photos
- Are visiting on a rainy day or weekend
With Justaiwantour, your route can be customized based on your hotel location, travel pace, weather, food preferences, and group size.
Popular private tour combinations include:
- Shifen Old Street + Shifen Waterfall + Jiufen Old Street
- Yehliu + Shifen + Jiufen
- Jiufen + Golden Waterfall + Yin Yang Sea + Shifen
- Taipei city + Shifen sky lantern experience
- Keelung shore excursion to Jiufen and Shifen
This is one of the easiest ways to experience northern Taiwan without feeling rushed.
Conclusion: Is Shifen Old Street Taiwan Worth Adding to Your Itinerary?
Shifen Old Street Taiwan is absolutely worth visiting if you want to experience sky lanterns, railway scenery, local snacks, mountain-town atmosphere, and Shifen Waterfall in one day. It is one of the most iconic day trips from Taipei and works especially well when combined with Jiufen Old Street.
If you are an independent traveler and only want to visit Shifen Old Street, a self-guided trip by train or bus can work well. But if you want to visit Shifen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, Jiufen, Yehliu, Golden Waterfall, or Yin Yang Sea in one day, a private tour is the smoother and more comfortable option.
For families, seniors, couples, groups, cruise passengers, or travelers with limited time, Justaiwantour can customize a private Jiufen Pingxi day tour with hotel pick-up, flexible timing, sky lantern experience, waterfall visit, Jiufen Old Street, and other northern Taiwan highlights.
👉 Plan a Private Jiufen Pingxi Tour!
FAQ About Shifen Old Street Taiwan
What is Shifen Old Street famous for?
Shifen Old Street is famous for its railway tracks, sky lantern experience, local snacks, Shifen Station, and nearby Shifen Waterfall. It is one of the most popular day trips from Taipei.
How do I get to Shifen Old Street from Taipei?
You can get to Shifen Old Street from Taipei by train to Ruifang and then the Pingxi Line to Shifen Station. You can also take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 795 bus or book a private Jiufen Pingxi day tour.
Can I visit Shifen Old Street and Jiufen in one day?
Yes, Shifen Old Street and Jiufen can be visited in one day. It is possible by public transportation, but a private tour is much easier if you want to include Shifen Waterfall, Jiufen Old Street, and other nearby attractions.
Is Shifen Waterfall near Shifen Old Street?
Yes, Shifen Waterfall is near Shifen Old Street. Many visitors walk from Shifen Old Street to the waterfall, but the walk may be tiring for seniors, young children, or travelers visiting on hot or rainy days.
How long should I spend at Shifen Old Street?
Most visitors spend around 1–2 hours at Shifen Old Street. If you also visit Shifen Waterfall, plan around 3–4 hours total.
Is the Shifen sky lantern experience worth it?
Yes, the Shifen sky lantern experience is worth it for many first-time visitors. It is symbolic, fun, photogenic, and one of the most famous experiences in the Pingxi area.
Is Shifen Old Street suitable for families?
Yes, Shifen Old Street is suitable for families. Children usually enjoy the sky lantern activity, railway atmosphere, snacks, and Shifen Waterfall. Families with young children may prefer a private tour for easier transportation.
Is Shifen Old Street suitable for seniors?
Shifen Old Street can be suitable for seniors, but the area can be crowded and the walk to Shifen Waterfall may be tiring. A private vehicle and slower schedule are recommended for senior travelers.
Should I book a private Jiufen Pingxi tour?
Book a private Jiufen Pingxi tour if you want hotel pick-up, flexible timing, local guidance, and an easier way to combine Shifen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, Jiufen, Yehliu, Golden Waterfall, or Yin Yang Sea in one day.