Shifen Old Street Travel Guide
Sky Lantern · Train Passing in Front of the Door · Shifen Waterfall
Shifen Old Street is in Pingxi, New Taipei, Taiwan, China. What is most special is that the railway tracks are laid in the middle of the street—the train slowly passes just a few meters in front of the homes. This is also the birthplace of sky lanterns, where people write their wishes on the tracks before releasing the lanterns into the sky.
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Destination Details
Shifen Old Street is located in Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan, and stretches along the Pingxi Line railway tracks. The most unique feature is that the tracks are laid in the middle of the street, with houses and shops on both sides. When the train arrives, it slowly passes by almost touching the eaves of the buildings — this street serves as both a road and a railway.
Main Highlights
Releasing Sky Lanterns
Pingxi is the hometown of sky lanterns. In the past, releasing lanterns was a signal for safety. Today, it has become the most important experience here. Shops provide four-sided paper lanterns and brushes; families write their wishes on the lanterns. After the shop staff help light them, they release the lanterns, which slowly rise into the sky and gradually become smaller. Lantern releasing usually takes place on the tracks, and before a train comes, staff will direct everyone to move aside safely.
Train Passing Through the Street
The small trains on the Pingxi Line do not run frequently, and waiting for a train to arrive can often take more than ten minutes. Because of this, "waiting for the train" itself becomes an activity on the old street. When standing by the tracks to take photos, be sure to pay attention to announcements and staff reminders.
Shifen Waterfall and Suspension Bridge
Walking along the signs from the old street for about twenty minutes will lead to Shifen Waterfall, which has a drop of approximately 20 meters and a width of about 40 meters, making it a rare curtain-style waterfall in Taiwan. Along the way, you will pass the Jing’an Suspension Bridge, which spans the Keelung River. From the bridge, you can overlook the pothole landform of the riverbed.
Suggested Route
- Classic: Shifen Station → Old Street for sky lanterns → Jing’an Suspension Bridge → Shifen Waterfall → Return to Old Street, approximately 2–3 hours.
- Combine with Jingtong and Pingxi Stations for a one-day Pingxi Line trip; combine with Jiufen and Jinguashi for a two-day New Taipei Mountain Town itinerary.
Practical Information
You can take a train from Taipei to Ruifang or Badu and transfer to the Pingxi Line, taking about 1.5 hours in total. It is recommended to buy a Pingxi Line one-day pass, which allows unlimited hopping on and off at Shifen, Pingxi, and Jingtong stations. The mountain area is often rainy, so be sure to bring rain gear; when releasing sky lanterns, follow the shop's guidance and avoid releasing them when it's very windy.
