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Tucked deep in the mountains of Pingxi District, Shifen Old Street (十分老街) is one of the most enchanting places to visit in northern Taiwan.



Known for its nostalgic railway setting and the mesmerizing tradition of releasing sky lanterns, Shifen offers a magical blend of culture, food, and scenic beauty.


In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Shifen Old Street, including our personal experience launching a lantern, trying some unique street food, and capping off the visit with a walk to Shifen Waterfall.

Visit my Ultimate Taiwan Travel Guide to know more about the country.

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Getting to Shifen from Yehliu Geopark

After our morning visit to Yehliu Geopark, we continued our full-day tour (booked through Klook) to Shifen Old Street. Traveling from Yehliu Geopark to Shifen Old Street offers a scenic and memorable experience through some of northern Taiwan’s most picturesque landscapes.

Yehliu Geopark

The journey takes around 30 to 35 minutes by car, covering approximately 28 kilometers, but it’s more than just a point-to-point trip—it’s an exploration of winding coastal roads, forested hills, and charming countryside.

After soaking in the geological wonders of Yehliu Geopark, we started our ride by exiting through Yuao Road, slowly weaving out of the coastal area.

Provincial Highway 2

The air still carried a hint of ocean breeze as we merged onto Provincial Highway 2 (台2線), a road that hugs Taiwan’s northern shoreline. With the sea on one side and rugged hills on the other, it was hard not to be distracted by the view.

A little further along, we veered inland onto Provincial Highway 2A (台2甲線). This route led us through quieter parts of Keelung and into the more mountainous terrain toward Ruifang District.

This freeway in Keelung City offers a scenic view

Soon, we found ourselves on Provincial Highway 62 (台62線), a freeway that made it easy to cover ground quickly while still offering glimpses of green valleys and rolling hills.

One of the longest tunnels is found in the area. It runs through Jifu Road which said to be 2.6 km in length.

Jifu Road Tunnel from New Taipei side

The tunnel entry begins from Nuandong Observation Deck in Keelung City and exits near the Taiwan Coal Mine Museum in New Taipei City.

The long and tall bridge over Shifen

From the expressway, we exited onto County Road 106 (106縣道)—a scenic mountain route that gradually brought us deeper into the Pingxi District.

Overlooking Shifen

The road narrowed here, winding through forests, tunnels, and sleepy villages, the kind of drive that feels like you’ve been transported into a Studio Ghibli film.


As we approached Shifen, signs of life grew livelier—tourist vans, locals setting up stalls, and the distant sound of trains that run parallel to the old street.




The Sky Lantern Experience in Shifen Old Street

One of the most iconic things to do in Taiwan is to release a sky lantern, and Shifen is the only legal place in the entire country where you can do this.


Located right on a still-operating train track of Taiwan Railways (Pingxi Line), Shifen Old Street buzzes with activity, nostalgia, and the steady rhythm of lanterns lifting into the sky.

Shifen Old Street

We booked our sky lantern experience as part of the tour, which included a voucher for a four-colored lantern.

A souvenir store that sold sky lanterns in Shifen

Each color on the lantern represents a specific wish or blessing:


🌈 Sky Lantern Color Meanings


🔴 Red – Health and Peace

🟡 Yellow – Wealth and Prosperity

🔵 Blue – Career or Academic Success

🌸 Pink – Love and Romance

🟢 Green – Growth and Hope

⚪ White – Bright Future or Wisdom

🟣 Purple – Idealism and Wishes for Dreams

🟠 Orange – Enthusiasm and Energy

⚫ Black – Strength and Resilience

Sky lantern colors

We shared a lantern with our friends, Manalos and chose a four-colored lantern with red, yellow, blue, and pink—covering our wishes for good health, success, love, and prosperity.


Before launching it, we each took a side to write down our personal hopes using brushes and ink provided by the vendor.


It was both a reflective and joyful moment as we watched it float up into the sky, rising higher and higher until it disappeared into the clouds.


Did You Know?

While the lanterns are biodegradable, they eventually fall back down into the forested areas surrounding the village.


That’s why locals in Shifen are paid to collect fallen lanterns, earning NT$7 to NT$12 per piece depending on the condition. This eco-friendly incentive keeps the area clean and provides supplemental income for residents.


What to Eat at Shifen Old Street

Beyond the lanterns, Shifen Old Street is also a haven for street food lovers. We explored the small alleyways lined with vendors selling everything from grilled seafood to sweet potato balls.


Here are the snacks we tried and recommend:


Rice-Stuffed Chicken Wings

These wings are deboned and filled with sticky rice, then grilled to perfection. The smoky aroma and savory stuffing make them an irresistible savory treat.


Peanut Ice Cream Roll with Cilantro

Yes, cilantro in dessert—and it surprisingly works! This local delicacy features shaved peanut brittle, scoops of vanilla ice cream, and fresh coriander all wrapped in a delicate crepe-like skin. The blend of sweet, salty, and herbal flavors is uniquely Taiwanese.


There are also other options like Taiwanese sausages, fried mushrooms, and bubble tea if you’re up for a little food adventure.




A Short Walk to Shifen Waterfall

After enjoying snacks and lanterns, we walked a few hundred meters to the nearby Shifen Waterfall (十分大瀑布), often referred to as the "Niagara of Taiwan."

Road to Shifen Waterfall

It’s about a 15- to 20-minute walk from the old street, following a scenic trail with suspension bridges and viewing platforms.

With a width of 40 meters and a height of 20 meters, the waterfall forms a beautiful horseshoe shape and creates misty rainbows when the sun hits it just right.

Shifen Waterfall

We spent nearly an hour here, taking photos, enjoying the cool breeze, and simply relaxing after a busy but beautiful day.



How to Get to Shifen

Traveling from Taipei to Shifen offers a delightful journey through Taiwan's scenic landscapes, whether you opt for public transportation or drive. Here's how you can make the trip:


🚆 By Train: A Scenic and Budget-Friendly Option


Route Overview:

  1. Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station:

    • Board a train on the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) line.
    • Duration: Approximately 50 minutes.
    • Cost: Around NT$40.

  2. Ruifang Station to Shifen Station:

    • Transfer to the Pingxi Line, a charming branch line that meanders through lush valleys.
    • Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.
    • Cost: Around NT$20.
    • Total Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on transfer times.

Taiwan Railways (Pingxi Line)

A
Highlights:

  • The Pingxi Line offers picturesque views and stops at quaint villages like Houtong Cat Village and Pingxi.

  • Trains on the Pingxi Line run approximately once an hour, so planning ahead is advisable.



🚌 By Bus: Direct but Less Frequent


Route Overview:

  • MRT to Muzha Station:

    • Take the Taipei MRT Wenhu Line to Muzha Station.
    • Bus 795 to Shifen Visitor Center:
    • From Muzha Station, board Bus 795 (Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Muzha-Pingxi Line).

  • Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 26 minutes.

  • Cost: Around NT$90.

Note: Bus 795 operates hourly, so check the schedule in advance.


🚗 By Car: Flexibility and Speed


Route Overview:

  • Drive from Taipei to Shifen via Provincial Highway 5 and County Road 106.

Distance: Approximately 33 kilometers.

Duration: Around 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Considerations:

  • Driving offers flexibility to explore nearby attractions at your own pace.

  • Parking in Shifen can be limited, especially during weekends and holidays.


Final Tips


Best Time to Visit: Weekdays are less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience.

Activities in Shifen: Don't miss releasing a sky lantern on the railway tracks and visiting the nearby Shifen Waterfall.

Combining Destinations: Consider pairing your Shifen visit with a trip to Jiufen for a full-day adventure.


Whether you choose the scenic train ride, the direct bus, or the flexibility of driving, your journey to Shifen promises to be a memorable part of your Taiwan adventure.


Final Thoughts

Shifen Old Street is more than just a tourist stop—it’s a soulful, interactive experience. From writing down your dreams on a lantern and sending it to the skies, to savoring local delicacies and witnessing one of Taiwan’s most impressive waterfalls, everything about Shifen feels like stepping into a storybook.


Whether you're on a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a solo exploration of Taiwan, Shifen is a must-visit that perfectly blends culture, tradition, and natural beauty.

Visit my list of Frequently Asked Questions in Taiwan (FAQs) to learn more.



Shifen Old Street Travel Guide: Sky Lantern Wishes, Local Snacks & Waterfall Wanderings


Tucked deep in the mountains of Pingxi District, Shifen Old Street (十分老街) is one of the most enchanting places to visit in northern Taiwan.



Known for its nostalgic railway setting and the mesmerizing tradition of releasing sky lanterns, Shifen offers a magical blend of culture, food, and scenic beauty.


In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Shifen Old Street, including our personal experience launching a lantern, trying some unique street food, and capping off the visit with a walk to Shifen Waterfall.

Visit my Ultimate Taiwan Travel Guide to know more about the country.

Loading...

Getting to Shifen from Yehliu Geopark

After our morning visit to Yehliu Geopark, we continued our full-day tour (booked through Klook) to Shifen Old Street. Traveling from Yehliu Geopark to Shifen Old Street offers a scenic and memorable experience through some of northern Taiwan’s most picturesque landscapes.

Yehliu Geopark

The journey takes around 30 to 35 minutes by car, covering approximately 28 kilometers, but it’s more than just a point-to-point trip—it’s an exploration of winding coastal roads, forested hills, and charming countryside.

After soaking in the geological wonders of Yehliu Geopark, we started our ride by exiting through Yuao Road, slowly weaving out of the coastal area.

Provincial Highway 2

The air still carried a hint of ocean breeze as we merged onto Provincial Highway 2 (台2線), a road that hugs Taiwan’s northern shoreline. With the sea on one side and rugged hills on the other, it was hard not to be distracted by the view.

A little further along, we veered inland onto Provincial Highway 2A (台2甲線). This route led us through quieter parts of Keelung and into the more mountainous terrain toward Ruifang District.

This freeway in Keelung City offers a scenic view

Soon, we found ourselves on Provincial Highway 62 (台62線), a freeway that made it easy to cover ground quickly while still offering glimpses of green valleys and rolling hills.

One of the longest tunnels is found in the area. It runs through Jifu Road which said to be 2.6 km in length.

Jifu Road Tunnel from New Taipei side

The tunnel entry begins from Nuandong Observation Deck in Keelung City and exits near the Taiwan Coal Mine Museum in New Taipei City.

The long and tall bridge over Shifen

From the expressway, we exited onto County Road 106 (106縣道)—a scenic mountain route that gradually brought us deeper into the Pingxi District.

Overlooking Shifen

The road narrowed here, winding through forests, tunnels, and sleepy villages, the kind of drive that feels like you’ve been transported into a Studio Ghibli film.


As we approached Shifen, signs of life grew livelier—tourist vans, locals setting up stalls, and the distant sound of trains that run parallel to the old street.




The Sky Lantern Experience in Shifen Old Street

One of the most iconic things to do in Taiwan is to release a sky lantern, and Shifen is the only legal place in the entire country where you can do this.


Located right on a still-operating train track of Taiwan Railways (Pingxi Line), Shifen Old Street buzzes with activity, nostalgia, and the steady rhythm of lanterns lifting into the sky.

Shifen Old Street

We booked our sky lantern experience as part of the tour, which included a voucher for a four-colored lantern.

A souvenir store that sold sky lanterns in Shifen

Each color on the lantern represents a specific wish or blessing:


🌈 Sky Lantern Color Meanings


🔴 Red – Health and Peace

🟡 Yellow – Wealth and Prosperity

🔵 Blue – Career or Academic Success

🌸 Pink – Love and Romance

🟢 Green – Growth and Hope

⚪ White – Bright Future or Wisdom

🟣 Purple – Idealism and Wishes for Dreams

🟠 Orange – Enthusiasm and Energy

⚫ Black – Strength and Resilience

Sky lantern colors

We shared a lantern with our friends, Manalos and chose a four-colored lantern with red, yellow, blue, and pink—covering our wishes for good health, success, love, and prosperity.


Before launching it, we each took a side to write down our personal hopes using brushes and ink provided by the vendor.


It was both a reflective and joyful moment as we watched it float up into the sky, rising higher and higher until it disappeared into the clouds.


Did You Know?

While the lanterns are biodegradable, they eventually fall back down into the forested areas surrounding the village.


That’s why locals in Shifen are paid to collect fallen lanterns, earning NT$7 to NT$12 per piece depending on the condition. This eco-friendly incentive keeps the area clean and provides supplemental income for residents.


What to Eat at Shifen Old Street

Beyond the lanterns, Shifen Old Street is also a haven for street food lovers. We explored the small alleyways lined with vendors selling everything from grilled seafood to sweet potato balls.


Here are the snacks we tried and recommend:


Rice-Stuffed Chicken Wings

These wings are deboned and filled with sticky rice, then grilled to perfection. The smoky aroma and savory stuffing make them an irresistible savory treat.


Peanut Ice Cream Roll with Cilantro

Yes, cilantro in dessert—and it surprisingly works! This local delicacy features shaved peanut brittle, scoops of vanilla ice cream, and fresh coriander all wrapped in a delicate crepe-like skin. The blend of sweet, salty, and herbal flavors is uniquely Taiwanese.


There are also other options like Taiwanese sausages, fried mushrooms, and bubble tea if you’re up for a little food adventure.




A Short Walk to Shifen Waterfall

After enjoying snacks and lanterns, we walked a few hundred meters to the nearby Shifen Waterfall (十分大瀑布), often referred to as the "Niagara of Taiwan."

Road to Shifen Waterfall

It’s about a 15- to 20-minute walk from the old street, following a scenic trail with suspension bridges and viewing platforms.

With a width of 40 meters and a height of 20 meters, the waterfall forms a beautiful horseshoe shape and creates misty rainbows when the sun hits it just right.

Shifen Waterfall

We spent nearly an hour here, taking photos, enjoying the cool breeze, and simply relaxing after a busy but beautiful day.



How to Get to Shifen

Traveling from Taipei to Shifen offers a delightful journey through Taiwan's scenic landscapes, whether you opt for public transportation or drive. Here's how you can make the trip:


🚆 By Train: A Scenic and Budget-Friendly Option


Route Overview:

  1. Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station:

    • Board a train on the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) line.
    • Duration: Approximately 50 minutes.
    • Cost: Around NT$40.

  2. Ruifang Station to Shifen Station:

    • Transfer to the Pingxi Line, a charming branch line that meanders through lush valleys.
    • Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.
    • Cost: Around NT$20.
    • Total Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on transfer times.

Taiwan Railways (Pingxi Line)

A
Highlights:

  • The Pingxi Line offers picturesque views and stops at quaint villages like Houtong Cat Village and Pingxi.

  • Trains on the Pingxi Line run approximately once an hour, so planning ahead is advisable.



🚌 By Bus: Direct but Less Frequent


Route Overview:

  • MRT to Muzha Station:

    • Take the Taipei MRT Wenhu Line to Muzha Station.
    • Bus 795 to Shifen Visitor Center:
    • From Muzha Station, board Bus 795 (Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Muzha-Pingxi Line).

  • Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 26 minutes.

  • Cost: Around NT$90.

Note: Bus 795 operates hourly, so check the schedule in advance.


🚗 By Car: Flexibility and Speed


Route Overview:

  • Drive from Taipei to Shifen via Provincial Highway 5 and County Road 106.

Distance: Approximately 33 kilometers.

Duration: Around 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Considerations:

  • Driving offers flexibility to explore nearby attractions at your own pace.

  • Parking in Shifen can be limited, especially during weekends and holidays.


Final Tips


Best Time to Visit: Weekdays are less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience.

Activities in Shifen: Don't miss releasing a sky lantern on the railway tracks and visiting the nearby Shifen Waterfall.

Combining Destinations: Consider pairing your Shifen visit with a trip to Jiufen for a full-day adventure.


Whether you choose the scenic train ride, the direct bus, or the flexibility of driving, your journey to Shifen promises to be a memorable part of your Taiwan adventure.


Final Thoughts

Shifen Old Street is more than just a tourist stop—it’s a soulful, interactive experience. From writing down your dreams on a lantern and sending it to the skies, to savoring local delicacies and witnessing one of Taiwan’s most impressive waterfalls, everything about Shifen feels like stepping into a storybook.


Whether you're on a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a solo exploration of Taiwan, Shifen is a must-visit that perfectly blends culture, tradition, and natural beauty.

Visit my list of Frequently Asked Questions in Taiwan (FAQs) to learn more.



Attraction Northern Taiwan Old Street Shifen Sky Lantern Taiwan

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