[2024 New Taipei City Attraction] Travel Guide for Shifen Old Street (Updated Sep)

A Romantic Mountain Town Journey｜Explore Shifen in Taipei

▪️ Shifen is a charming town near Taipei, located in the Pingxi District of New Taipei City. This place is famous for its unique sky lantern culture and beautiful natural scenery. Originally a quiet mining town, Shifen now attracts numerous tourists with its enchanting landscapes and rich cultural activities. 🎈 Sky Lanterns One of the must-do activities in Shifen is releasing sky lanterns. Visitors can purchase paper lanterns by the railway on the old street, write their wishes on them, and then release the lanterns into the sky, hoping for a bright future. The old street of Shifen at night, with sky lanterns rising one after another, feels especially romantic and warm. 🚂 Shifen Old Street Shifen Old Street is built along the Pingxi Line railway, with unique shops and food stalls lining both sides of the railway. Walking down the old street feels like traveling back in time. Here, you can find many nostalgic souvenirs and taste local delicacies. 🌊 Shifen Waterfall Shifen Waterfall, also known as the "Niagara Falls of Taiwan," is the widest curtain-style waterfall in Taiwan. The trails and viewing platforms around the waterfall allow you to experience the impact of the water flow and the magnificence of nature up close. This is also a paradise for photography enthusiasts, where you can capture the waterfall's stunning scenery from any angle. 🚶 Trails and Natural Scenery Besides releasing sky lanterns and visiting the waterfall, there are many hiking trails around Shifen for you to explore the beauty of nature. You can stroll along the trails and enjoy the tranquility and freshness of the natural surroundings. 🔺 Transportation and Travel Tips Getting to Shifen from Taipei City is very convenient, either by train or bus. It is recommended to set aside a whole day to slowly explore this charming town. In addition to the daytime natural scenery, the experience of releasing sky lanterns at night is also a highlight not to be missed. 🐱 Surprise Cat At Shifen Happiness Station, there is a cat that leisurely leaves the platform just before the train departs, which is super cute!

Shifen Old Street 放天灯

This is one of the top most popular attractions in Taiwan, Shifen Old Street. It is well known for people coming to release sky lanterns up into the sky for well wishes and blessings. Many shops selling the sky lanterns. A 4 colored lanterns costs NT250, and the staff will assist you in lighting up and releasing the lantern. They will also help you take video and pictures. Service was good. There is also a railway track in the middle, and the train will pass by periodically. It was nice to catch the train passing. There are also a lot of local street stalls selling local Taiwanese snacks and delights, especially ice cream with corriander crepe. It's a good place to shop for souvenirs too. Walk down the road/track, you will reach the waterfall, and that is another attraction for you to explore and take pictures of. Address - No. 81號, Shifen St, Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 226 Highlights - Sky Lanterns Rating - 8/10 #shifen #skylantern #taiwan

Discover the age-old tradition in New Taipei

One stop for multi-stations to experience the historic relics, natural wonders, and cultural traditions 🤗 💫 Shifen Old Street Located down Keelung River from the waterfall area. The street is lined with souvenir shops, sky lantern shops and eateries. You don't wanna miss out the opportunity to experience this special tradition - setting up the sky lantern on the railway track and release it into the sky. 💫 Shifen Waterfall One of the most popular attractions in this area, widely-known as the “Little Niagara Falls” of Taiwan. 💫 Nanshan Village Not as popular as the old street and waterfall station, but for me, it's also worth for a visit to have a close look at the praying tree and enjoy the peacefulness. #timetotravel #culture #tripblazers

“Shi-fen” hao wan (fun)

my first trip to shifen. and not disappointed. it wasn’t a huge place but huge enough to experience the ancient train ride. nice food option there and a variety of drinks during this hot weather. sky lantern is not expensive and you can play with fireworks too. we went into a small store selling noodles and it tastes good! reasonable price too. the queue back to ruifang train station is quite crowded as many of us queues for the same timing. overall, it’s an interesting one!#shifen

Shifen - Sky Lantern

Shifen is the place if you wish to put up sky lanterns in Taiwan. This place provides local and tourists the option of sending off a sky lantern at any time of year, even outside of official festivals. We took the train in Rui Fang to Shifen, do note that the train run usually hourly to Shifen direction. The time scheduled is fixed so do ensure that you check the timing as the train depart punctually. Google map is a good gauge of timing as it shows the train timings too. A few stops away from Rui Fang, and once reached there will be an old street along the track where shops selling the sky lantern and foods. You can decorate your own sky lantern, and choose the colour for 4 sides and write your wishes on it. The colours are supposed to represent different themes. For example, yellow is for wealth, red is for health, pink is for romance and and blue is for good luck and you can choose other colours that suit you too. The shop owners will help you light the lantern and even take photos and videos before launching the sky lantern. We chose the first shop as you can ensure your photos taken does not have people behind it. It is a must visit place if you wish to 放天灯 or just soak into the atmosphere of an old street. #shifen

SHIFEN SCENIC PARK

Taiwan Little Niagara, one of the Taiwan destinations you must visit! 🌿 Scenic Park and river along the way to Shifen scenic waterfall was really magnificent. The view was really beautiful, with refreshing wind blowing. Getting there: 🚗 From Taipei Main Station, take TRA to Ruifang station. Then, switch into Pingxi line and get off at Shifen Train Station. From the train station, you will walk around 30-40minutes with this beautiful view. You can also rent a scooter for only 10 minutes ride. Attraction: 💕 When I got there, the waterfall was closed. You will need to see the schedule first in New Taipei City website. But overall, I really enjoying the journey to the waterfall along the scenic park. You can also enjoy delicious food in Shifen Old Street. We love our warm wonton soup in cold weather! Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really love the scenery, and definitely will come back again to the waterfall~ #tripblazers #2023travelwish

Shifen Old Street

226, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Pingxi District To get to shifen from ximending, you can take a train to Taipei station. From there, take a train to Ruifang for an hour. Then you changed to the pingxi line to take the train. The train arrives once every hour. The journey takes about 30 minutes. At shifen, you can fly your own sky Lantern. You can choose from a single colour to all four different colour lanterns. It is believed that the higher you fly the sky lanterns up into the sky, the higher chances that your wish written on the sky lanterns will come true. Do explore the shifen area and share your wishes with your family and friends. Best time to come would be in the fall season as the weather is good. #fallingforfall #tripblazers #family

Taipei Shi Fen

#passionpassport - Missed Taipei so much ever since my last trip in 2019! Had the opportunity to explore the very lovely Shi Fen area in search of Tian Deng (Sky Lanterns) but before that I got to explore the lakes and places that offered these wooden blocks thingy to write wishes and all. I came across some funny ones as well 😂 The scenery was really beautiful and felt really good! The weather in October is extremely chilling too. Food was available in some shops though it was quite quiet that weekend. Would definitely try out the Wooden Blocks wishing system the next time round I visit! Can’t wait for taipei to open up :)

Shifen & golden waterfall (taiwan)

Shifen is popular for its beautiful train railway track (that appeared in many popular taiwanese movies such as 那些年) and people usually visit to release the tian deng (lantern) for blessing & wishes. Which we paid to do the same as well, just for the experience. There’s a lot of stalls along the train railway & if you’re lucky, you can even witness the train passing by the rails !! this is when the locals would ask tourists to step aside for the train to pass before resuming their normal activities. Truly an interesting experience to bond with the locals & if you’d like to walk a few km from shifen, you can actually see quite a nice waterfall which we didn’t visit due to lack of time. On the way up to shifen & jiufen, we actually stopped by the golden waterfall for some quick picture time as well, however, it’s just a very small waterfall, though the color looked really special. #shifen #taiwanshifen #goldenwaterfall

Shifen Taipei: A Relaxing Trip with Sky Lanterns, Waterfalls, and Delicious Food.

Today, we will review Shifen, Taipei 1. Relaxing Atmosphere Shifen is located in the Pingxi District of Taiwan. It is a tourist destination with a fantastic natural atmosphere, featuring green mountains, beautiful waterfalls, and clear rivers. This place is perfect for those who want to relax and take leisurely photos. 2. Sky Lantern Release One must-do activity is releasing sky lanterns on the old railway tracks. Tourists write their wishes on the lanterns before releasing them into the sky. It's a beautiful and meaningful moment. 3. Shifen Waterfall Shifen Waterfall is the largest and most beautiful waterfall in Taiwan, often referred to as the "Niagara of Taiwan." The view is spectacular, and you can walk close to it and take stunning photos from various angles. 4. Delicious Food After a tiring day of sightseeing, try visiting the local market in Shifen for some delicious food. There are many options, including pork-filled pastries, bubble tea, and authentic Taiwanese snacks. On that day, I tried stuffed chicken wings, which were so delicious that I had to buy them again.

Half day trip to Jiufen and Shifen

Getting There - Join a tour group or hire a driver for eash access as Jiufen is higher up on the mountains. Attractions - In Shifen, there is the famous Shifen old street and railway where you can fly a sky lantern, and there is also Shifen waterfall nearby. Jiufen is an amazing old town/ street with tons of local street food and beautiful chinese lanterns. Hotels - There are many hotels in Jiufen where you can choose from depending on whether you like to stay higher up the mountains or near the food. Food & Restaurants - Tons of local delicacies in Jiufen and Shifen old streets, Jiufen old street is known for the taro balls as well. Shopping - So many shops in Jiufen old street to buy souvenirs like local snacks, local tea and so on.

Exploring Shifen, Taiwan – A Magical Journey

Shifen, Taiwan, is a destination where the past meets the present in the most enchanting way. From the iconic Shifen Old Street, where you can release sky lanterns carrying your wishes, to the breathtaking Shifen Waterfall, known as the "Little Niagara of Taiwan," every moment here is picture-perfect. Walking along the old railway tracks, you'll feel a sense of nostalgia, with local vendors offering delicious street food and charming souvenirs. For a truly immersive experience, don't miss the Shifen Waterfall Scenic Area. It's a short hike, but the view of the cascading waters is absolutely worth it. If you have time, visit during the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival for a magical experience where the sky is filled with glowing lanterns. Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the hilly terrain. Bring a waterproof jacket if visiting during the rainy season. Shifen is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Taiwan's natural beauty and rich culture. #ShifenTaiwan #TravelTaiwan #SkyLanterns #TaiwanAdventures #ShifenWaterfall #ExploreAsia #HiddenGems #TravelInspiration

Always a good time at shifen for the 天灯experience! Come during good weather 👍🏼

Shifen Old Street

#chinatrip One of the most iconic features of this old street is the railway tracks that run directly through it. You can walk along the tracks, taking photos and enjoying the unique setting. Periodically, a train will pass through, and it’s fascinating to watch how the street comes alive with activity as people clear the tracks. You can also partake in the traditional sky lantern experience by purchasing one from various vendors along the old street. Each lantern typically comes with multiple sides for writing messages. Once the messages are written, the lantern is lit at the base and released into the sky at designated areas. Evenings are the best time to experience the sky lanterns, as the sight of lanterns illuminating the night sky is particularly stunning.

Shifen village provides locals and tourist the option of sending off a sky lantern. Easy to access trains. Convenient to travel. The Shifen old street is incredible, especially when the train cross by. You can eat loads of local foods in there. It is filled with souvenir shops and restaurants. Best experienced ever so far in Taiwan. I will definitely suggest to try the Sky lantern experience or just to explore Shifen Village Old Street. #skylantern #shifen #Shifenvillage #taiwan

Wonderful taipei

Went to Taipei for a short trip. Enjoyed the soya drink and fried fritter, Taiwan cuisine and local scenery. Great holiday, will go again.

Cafe at Shi Fen Taipei

#familytrips2024 Enjoying waffles and milkshakes at Shi Fen Taipei offers a delightful culinary experience in a cozy setting. Located in Taipei, this charming cafe is renowned for its freshly made waffles, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, served with a variety of toppings such as fresh fruits, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream. Pairing these delectable waffles with their creamy and indulgent milkshakes, made from premium ingredients and a variety of flavors, creates a perfect harmony of sweetness and satisfaction. The relaxed ambience and friendly service enhance the enjoyment of this treat, making Shi Fen Taipei a beloved spot for dessert lovers and those seeking a cozy cafe experience in Taipei.

Niagara falls in taiwan

Really fulfilling and enjoyable experience, about 30 mins walk but don’t seem like a 30 mins walk because along the way there are many different sceneries to see and also during summer it’s abit humid, then comes to winter it’s abit windy, all in all shifen waterfall is an enjoyable experience and worth place to go to! can try to eat ichiran ramen near taipei 101 too!

Hop on board for an epic day trip to Shifen, Taiwan!

#familytrips2024 🙌 Snap Insta-worthy shots on the iconic railway tracks (but stay alert for oncoming trains! 🚨). Then, make a wish by writing it on a Sky Lantern and release the blessings up to the heavens. 🧚♀️ Explore the charming shops lining the tracks for adorable souvenirs. 🎁 Refuel with delicious local bites and bubble tea. 🥤 Then trek to the breathtaking Shifen Waterfall for a nature escape! 💚 Tag your fam and get ready for an unforgettable adventure! 🤩 #ShifenDayTrip #SkyLanternse #WaterfallHike #Railwaytracks #Taiwan

The Charm and History of Shifen Old

Located within the picturesque landscape of northern Taiwan lies the enchanting Shifen Old Town, a cultural treasure trove brimming with history, charm, and a dash of whimsy. Tucked away in the Pingxi District of New Taipei City, this quaint village offers visitors a glimpse into Taiwan's rich heritage while providing an array of unique experiences to delight travelers of all ages. Stepping into Shifen Old Town feels like stepping back in time, as the narrow streets lined with traditional shophouses and red lanterns evoke a sense of nostalgia and authenticity. Originally established as a coal mining settlement during the Qing Dynasty, Shifen Old Town has since evolved into a bustling tourist destination that still retains its old-world charm. One of the highlights of a visit to Shifen Old Town is the iconic Shifen Railway Station, a historic landmark that serves as the heart of the village. Built over a century ago, this charming station exudes vintage charm with its wooden facade and nostalgic ambiance. Visitors can witness the daily spectacle of trains passing through the station, while locals and tourists alike gather on the railway tracks to release colorful sky lanterns—a beloved tradition that adds a touch of magic to the atmosphere. In addition to its railway heritage, Shifen Old Town is also renowned for its vibrant street market, where vendors peddle a variety of local delicacies, handicrafts, and souvenirs. From mouthwatering street food like Taiwanese sausage and stinky tofu to handmade trinkets and traditional Chinese calligraphy, there's something to tempt every palate and interest. For those eager to delve deeper into the town's history, a stroll through the cobblestone alleyways reveals hidden gems such as historic temples, ancestral halls, and preserved artifacts that offer insights into Shifen's storied past. Visitors can explore attractions like the Shifen Old Street, a bustling thoroughfare lined with shops selling everything from local snacks to handmade goods, or pay a visit to the Shifen Waterfall, a majestic cascade located just a short distance away. As the sun sets over Shifen Old Town, the village takes on a magical quality, with the soft glow of lanterns illuminating the streets and the distant sound of trains echoing through the air. Whether you're admiring the sunset from the iconic Shifen Bridge or sampling street food under the glow of paper lanterns, there's an undeniable sense of warmth and hospitality that permeates the town, inviting visitors to linger a little longer and savor the timeless charm of this beloved destination. In essence, a visit to Shifen Old Town is more than just a journey through history—it's an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of Taiwanese culture, to connect with the past while embracing the present, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. #visittaiwan #taiwantrip #Shifenoldtown #Shifen

Shifen Sky Lanterns magical experience

Shifen Sky Lanterns offer a magical experience in the historic mountain village of Shifen, Taiwan. Visitors can participate in the age-old tradition of releasing colorful lanterns into the sky, symbolizing hopes, dreams, and wishes for the future. The lanterns, adorned with messages or drawings, float gracefully into the night sky, creating a mesmerizing spectacle against the backdrop of Jiufen's scenic landscape. This tradition is not only a beautiful sight to behold but also holds cultural significance, with each lantern release representing a moment of reflection and renewal. Participating in the Shifen Sky Lantern festival provides visitors with a unique opportunity to connect with local traditions and immerse themselves in the enchanting atmosphere of this historic village. It's a memorable experience that captures the essence of Shifen’s charm and beauty. #Shifen #TaiwanTradition #WishingLanterns #CulturalExperience #ScenicJiufen #MountainVillage #MagicalMoment #LanternFestival #WishUponALantern #TaiwaneseCulture

Shifen... Near Taipei..

Famous among the Yes Jinji tour list, the price for sky lanterns is 200 for single color and 250 for four colors, and it seems like everyone has a fixed price system. For Koreans, you can come all the way to the end of Shifen Station and go to Mother Kayong's shop. She speaks a little Korean and takes good pictures, so you'll get a Polaroid photo as a service, so make sure to get your photo after the shoot. If you go to the very end, there's a train track with not many people. It looks like a decent place to take pictures, but there's no one to warn you when the train is coming, so you have to be careful.. It's crowded, but that's also a charm in its own way.

Shifen: Where Dreams Take Flight

#winhkflight As someone who recently explored Shifen, it's more than just a village—it's a tapestry of enchantment woven with history and wonder. Walking along its ancient streets, I felt transported to a simpler time, with the nostalgic charm of the old railway tracks and traditional architecture. Releasing a sky lantern was a highlight, as my wishes soared into the heavens, leaving me with a sense of hope and wonder. The majestic Shifen Waterfall added to the allure, its thundering cascades a reminder of nature's raw beauty. Shifen is a place where dreams take flight and memories are etched in the heart forever.

Flying Traditional Lantern at Shifen

#winhkflight Shifen is a charming small town located in Taiwan. It's famous for its picturesque old streets, traditional lanterns, and stunning waterfalls. Visitors often flock to Shifen to experience its unique atmosphere and scenic beauty. One of the town's highlights is the Shifen Waterfall, known as the "Little Niagara of Taiwan," which cascades gracefully into a deep pool below. This view is really stunning! Additionally, Shifen is renowned for its lantern flying tradition, where visitors can write their wishes on lanterns and release them into the sky, symbolizing their hopes and dreams taking flight. The town's vibrant culture, delicious street food, and warm hospitality make it a must-visit destination for tourists looking to immerse themselves in Taiwan's rich heritage. I want to travel to Hong Kong to visit the Yuen Long to experience the local culture.

Day Tour - Shifen Sky Lantern Square Northeastern of Taiwan

#freehotelstay

@lanter

So greatfull to visit this amazing place ❤️

A daily tour in Shifen Old Street

#2024wish Shifen old Street is one of the most beautiful places I visited in Taiwan. I came gere by 1-hour train ride from Taipei. Even this journey through the forest was very enjoyable. 🚂 After landing at Shifen station, you can see the street stalls. There are many different street foods available. 🍦🌭My favorites were the stir-fried chicken stuffed with ice cream and rice. Here, when there are no trains, you can walk along the train tracks, take photos and fly the famous wish balloons into the sky. Additionally, Shifen waterfall, Jingan suspension bridge and coal mine museum are among the places you can visit within walking distance. If you wish, it is located in places where you can camp in the forest area. 🏕️ I strongly recommend you to come here. I want to go to Nepal to see Mount Everest in 2024 🏔️ #shifen #asiatrip #travelinspiration #taiwan #oldstreet

Wish Upon A Shifen..! LanternCity Taiwan

Visit the beautiful Shifen in Taiwan. Fly all your wishes to come true at this Lantern flying place. Colorful lanterns and lively ambience. Better visit this place in Winter for a much more fun and chilling experience.

Shifen Old Street

#2024wish #Shifen Railroad tracks run through this old street with shops & restaurants, plus sky-lantern lightings

Sky Wishes - Releasing Lanterns at Shifen

#2024wish On our third day, we hired a car to explore Jiufen and Shifen. Our affable driver took us to Shi Fen for a sky lantern release before our visit to Jiu Fen, perfectly timing it before the predicted rain. Walking down the tracks, vibrant stores offered competitively priced sky lanterns, each colour carrying auspicious meanings: - Red for good fortune - Pink for romance - Peach-red for decisions and opportunities - Orange for money - Yellow for success - White for health - Green for growth - Blue for hope - Purple for idealism We selected colours symbolising what mattered most to us - health and good fortune. Traditionally, Kongming lanterns were intricately crafted with biodegradable materials, but recent high demand has led to the use of non-biodegradable ones, posing great environmental hazards. Despite nature's sacrifice for our hope and wishes (which may not even come true), local dependence on this activity makes restriction challenging. If environmental concerns trouble you, consider skipping the lantern release. Nevertheless, Shifen offers an unforgettable cultural experience worth exploring!