Ultimate Travel Guide to Shifen Old Street

Jump to: About | History | What to See | What to Do | How to Get There | Where to Stay | Local Delicacies | Travel Tips | Nearby Attractions | Related Posts

About Shifen Old Street

Shifen Old Street (十分老街) is an iconic cultural destination nestled in the lush Pingxi District of New Taipei City. World-famous for its unique setting where active train tracks slice directly through the center of a bustling market street, Shifen offers an unforgettable blend of nostalgia, local flavor, and tradition. It is best known as the heartland of Taiwan's sky lantern culture, where visitors write wishes on colorful paper lanterns before releasing them into the mountain sky.

Built alongside the scenic Pingxi Branch Railway Line, Shifen Old Street captivates travelers with its vintage charm, lively souvenir shops, and close proximity to natural wonders like Shifen Waterfall. Whether you are watching local trains rumble past just feet away from shop fronts or releasing a lantern along the tracks, a trip to Shifen is a highlight of any Taiwanese adventure.

History and Mining Heritage

Originally settled by ten families during the Qing Dynasty—earning the area its name Shifen, which translates to "ten portions"—the town remained a quiet agricultural community until the early 20th century. During the Japanese colonial era, rich coal seams were discovered in the surrounding Pingxi valley, sparking a rapid industrial boom.

To transport coal efficiently, the Pingxi Railway Line was constructed in 1921. Shifen grew into the principal coal transportation hub of the region, lined with worker housing, administrative offices, and supply shops along the railway. As coal resources depleted in the late 1970s and mining operations ceased, the town pivoted toward cultural tourism. The traditional practice of releasing sky lanterns—originally used by early villagers as signals to signal safety from bandit raids—was revived as a symbol of peace and hope, transforming Shifen into an internationally celebrated tourist destination.

What to See

Shifen Old Street and its surrounding valley are packed with historic structures, natural landscapes, and cultural sights. Here are five sights you should not miss during your visit:

1. Active Railway Tracks on Jingshan Street

The defining sight of Shifen is the narrow street where buildings and market stalls sit directly against the Pingxi Branch Line. Watching pedestrians quickly scatter to the sides as trains rumble through the street is a unique spectacle.

2. Shifen Railway Station (十分車站)

A charming vintage train station built during the Japanese era that still serves active commuter trains. Its historic platforms, wooden signage, and nearby souvenir shops offer great photo opportunities.

3. Jingan Suspension Bridge (靜安吊橋)

Located steps from Shifen Railway Station, this historic 128-meter pedestrian suspension bridge spans the Keelung River. Painted in blue and white, it offers sweeping views over the river valley and surrounding mountain scenery.

4. Shifen Waterfall (十分瀑布)

Located a 15-minute walk from the Old Street, this 20-meter-tall cascades is widely known as the "Little Niagara of Taiwan." The roaring horseshoe waterfall creates brilliant rainbows in the mist on sunny days.

5. Lantern Artisan Workshops

Observe local artisans hand-crafting traditional paper sky lanterns using bamboo frames and specialized rice paper, preserving centuries-old Taiwanese craftsmanship.

What to Do

A visit to Shifen is interactive, memorable, and deeply tied to local traditions. Make sure to include these five activities in your itinerary:

1. Release a Personalized Sky Lantern

Choose a multi-colored sky lantern—with each color representing different aspirations like health, wealth, love, or career—write your personal wishes using calligraphy brushes, and launch it directly off the train tracks.

2. Walk the Shifen Waterfall Trail

Follow the scenic paved trail crossing suspension bridges and river boardwalks down to the multiple viewing platforms around Shifen Waterfall to admire the rushing waters up close.

3. Hop on the Pingxi Branch Railway Line

Purchase a Pingxi Line One-Day Pass to ride the scenic retro train up and down the valley, exploring neighboring historic stopovers like Pingxi Old Street and Houtong Cat Village.

4. Stamp a Travel Memory Notebook

Collect decorative souvenir ink stamps at Shifen Railway Station and local shops along the tracks, a popular tradition for travelers exploring Taiwan's historical rail lines.

5. Send a Wooden Postcard Home

Purchase a unique wooden postcard from local craft shops, write a message to yourself or loved ones, and mail it directly using the red vintage postbox outside the station.

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How to Get There

Reaching Shifen Old Street from central Taipei is straightforward using Taiwan's rail network or public buses:

• By TRA Train + Pingxi Branch Line (Most Scenic):
  • Take a northbound TRA train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Railway Station (approx. 40–50 minutes).
  • Transfer at Ruifang Station to the Pingxi Line and ride the local train to Shifen Railway Station (approx. 30 minutes).
• By MRT + Express Bus 795 (Fast Direct Route):
  • Take the Taipei Metro Brown Line to Muzha MRT Station.
  • Board Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus 795 (Muzha-Pingxi Route) directly to the Shifen Old Street Bus Stop (approx. 60 minutes).
• By Taxi or Private Tour:
  • Hiring a taxi or private day-tour car directly from downtown Taipei takes roughly 40 to 50 minutes, and easily pairs Shifen with nearby Jiufen or Yehliu.

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Where to Stay

While most travelers visit Shifen as a day trip from Taipei or combine it with Jiufen, staying overnight in the Pingxi valley allows you to enjoy quiet, starry mountain nights and lantern-lit views away from daytime crowds. Recommended options include:

Beimen Wow Poshtel

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Inn Cube

Offering a minimalist, capsule-inspired concept near major transit hubs, Inn Cube provides compact, private rooms for solo travelers and quick overnight stays. It is ideal for those who value privacy, clean air-conditioned spaces, and maximum convenience. 👉 Book Inn Cube here! Special Offer: Save on your trip by booking with Hotels.com to earn rewards nights on eligible stays.

Cavemen Hostel

Featuring unique interior styling and cozy pod-style bunk beds with privacy curtains, Cavemen Hostel offers a comfortable retreat in central Taipei. Situated within easy walking distance of CKS Memorial Hall, it provides fast Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a friendly vibe for global backpackers. 👉 Book Cavement Hostel here! Special Offer: Check rates on Trip.com to grab special mobile-only deals and flexible booking options.

Fun Inn

Positioned near Ximending and central MRT stations, Fun Inn is a bright, contemporary hostel known for high standards of cleanliness, keycard security, and comfortable privacy-screened dorms. It serves as a social, budget-friendly launchpad for exploring the city's historic landmarks. 👉 Book Fun Inn here! Special Offer: Reserve your bed via Booking.com for free cancellation flexibility on select room rates.

Meow Day Hostel

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Local Delicacies

Shilin and Pingxi districts feature distinct, mouthwatering street food options served right along the railway tracks:

• Stuffed Wings with Stained Sticky Rice (Liu Ge Stuffed Wings): Boneless, grilled chicken wings stuffed to the brim with seasoned glutinous rice and scallions, coated in a sweet savory barbecue glaze.
• Peanut Ice Cream Roll: Two scoops of taro or pineapple ice cream placed over freshly shaved peanut candy, wrapped in a thin crepe with cilantro.
• Grilled Taiwanese Black Pork Sausage: Juicy, smoky local pork sausages grilled over hot coals, served with fresh raw garlic cloves.
• Deep-Fried Taro Balls & Sweet Potato Bites: Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, tossed with plum powder or pepper salt.
• Bamboo Tube Rice: Savory sticky rice cooked inside freshly cut natural bamboo cylinders, infused with a subtle woody aroma.

Travel Tips

• Be Mindful of Train Schedules: Pingxi Line trains run approximately once per hour. Check station timetables upon arrival so you don't miss your return connection.
• Watch for Approaching Trains: While track-walking is part of the experience, listen for warning whistles and move off the tracks immediately when trains approach.
• Choose Eco-Friendly Lanterns: Look for vendors offering fully biodegradable rice-paper lanterns with bamboo frames to reduce environmental impact on the surrounding forests.
• Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes: Expect plenty of walking on cobblestones, railway ballast, and paved trail steps leading down to Shifen Waterfall.
• Use Your EasyCard: You can tap your EasyCard on TRA train gates and local buses (Bus 795) for effortless transit without buying paper tickets.

Nearby Attractions

Maximize your trip along the Pingxi Branch Line by visiting these nearby destinations:

• Houtong Cat Village: Located just a few train stops away on the Pingxi Line, a charming historic mining town home to dozens of friendly, free-roaming cats.
• Pingxi Old Street: The neighboring stop on the train line, featuring quieter traditional lanes, wooden houses, and additional lantern-launching spots.
• Jiufen Old Street: Located just a short train and bus transfer away, famous for its lantern-lined stone staircases and oceanviews over the Pacific.
• Lingjiaotiao & Wanggu Waterfalls: Quieter, hidden waterfall stops along the Pingxi Railway Line perfect for travelers seeking tranquil nature walks away from crowds.

• Taiwan Travel Guide for Filipinos
• Shifen Waterfall: Things You Need to Know
• Taiwan Top Tourist Spots

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