Shifen & Pingxi Railway
Release a sky lantern over the railway tracks, stand behind a cascading waterfall, and ride a vintage train through misty mountain valleys.
Why Visit Shifen
Shifen (十分) is a small railway village in the hills of New Taipei City, famous for two iconic experiences: releasing handwritten sky lanterns over the active railway tracks, and visiting the broad, multi-tiered Shifen Waterfall. The Pingxi Branch Line winds through tunnels and over bridges, making the journey itself a highlight. The village retains a charming, old-Taiwan atmosphere with wooden shophouses and a relaxed pace of life.
Sky Lanterns
Write your wishes on a paper lantern and release it over the railway as a train passes through the village. A symbol of hope and tradition.
Shifen Waterfall
Known as the "Niagara of Taiwan," this 20-meter-wide waterfall cascades over shale rocks in a horseshoe shape. A 20-minute walk from the village.
Pingxi Railway
The vintage branch line snakes through the Keelung River valley, offering stunning views of mountains, bridges, and riverside villages.
How to Get to Shifen
| Route | From | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| TR to Ruifang + Bus | Taipei Main Station to Ruifang | ~60 min total | ~NT$50 |
| Pingxi Branch Line | Ruifang to Shifen Station | ~40 min | ~NT$20 |
| Private Car / Taxi | Direct from Taipei | ~50 min | Variable |
Tip: The Pingxi Branch Line runs roughly every hour. Plan your return time in advance to avoid long waits at the station.
Top Things to Do in Shifen
Release a Sky Lantern
Choose a lantern color (each symbolizes a different wish), write your hopes on the paper, and watch it float over the tracks. Vendors assist and photograph the release.
Hike to Shifen Waterfall
A pleasant 20-minute riverside walk leads to the viewing platform. The 40-meter drop spans 20 meters wide and is especially dramatic after rain.
Walk the Old Street
Shops and food stalls line both sides of the railway. Try peanut ice cream rolls, grilled sausages, and local tea eggs while watching trains pass.
Visit Houtong Cat Village
A stop on the way to Shifen, Houtong is a former mining village now home to hundreds of friendly cats. Cat lovers should not miss it.
Practical Tips
Best Time to Visit
- ✓ Weekdays: Far fewer crowds and easier to photograph the lantern release.
- ✓ After rain: The waterfall is at its most powerful and photogenic.
- ✓ Late afternoon: Golden light over the river and village.
What to Bring
- ✓ Comfortable walking shoes — the path to the waterfall is uneven.
- ✓ Cash for lanterns, snacks, and train tickets.
- ✓ A rain jacket — mountain weather can change quickly.
Shifen Quick Facts
~60 min
Travel time from Taipei
NT$150
Typical lantern cost
40 m
Waterfall height
Pingxi
Scenic railway line
Nearby Attractions
Jiufen Old Street
A lantern-lit mountain village with cliffside tea houses and gold rush history. The perfect afternoon after a morning in Shifen.
Learn more →Houtong Cat Village
A railway stop before Shifen where hundreds of friendly cats roam the old mining village streets. Cat lovers should not miss it.
All day trips →Pingxi Old Street
Another railway village along the Pingxi Line. Smaller and quieter than Shifen, with a charming old street and local snacks.
All day trips →What Makes Shifen Special
Unlike many tourist destinations, Shifen retains a genuine working-village atmosphere. The railway still serves local residents, and the shops are mostly family-run businesses that have been here for generations. The combination of natural beauty, cultural tradition, and the romantic symbolism of the sky lanterns makes Shifen a uniquely Taiwanese experience that stays with visitors long after they leave.
The Pingxi Branch Line itself is a heritage railway that has been running since the Japanese colonial era. The train passes through tunnels, over bridges, and along the Keelung River, offering some of the most scenic rail views in northern Taiwan. Many visitors choose to ride the full line from Ruifang to Pingxi, stopping at multiple villages along the way.
Make It a Combo Day Trip
Combine Shifen with Jiufen for the ultimate Taipei day trip. Release a lantern in the morning, then take a bus to Jiufen for sunset tea and lanterns.