Shifen
Taiwan · New Taipei · 100 m
Description
Shifen (十分) lies on the Pingxi branch railway, a single-track line built to carry coal that now carries visitors up a narrow green valley. The trains run so close to the shopfronts of Shifen Old Street that the crowd steps aside as they pass, and between them people write wishes on paper sky lanterns and release them over the tracks. A short walk downstream, Shifen Waterfall is the widest in Taiwan, a broad curtain dropping into a green plunge pool. The same line reaches Pingxi and Jingtong, both quieter, and Houtong nearby has been given over to cats. The valley's set piece is the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in February, when thousands of lanterns go up at once.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: April or October
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Shifen Old Street with the Train Passing Through
- Sky Lantern Release
- Shifen Waterfall
- Pingxi Branch Railway Line
- Jingtong Station and Railway Story House
- Pingxi Old Street and Shidi Bridge
- Jingan Suspension Bridge
- Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival (February)
- Lingjiao Waterfall
- Yanjingdong Waterfall
- Taiwan Coal Mine Museum
- Cimu Bridge
- Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail with Hegu, Motian and Pipadong Falls
- Wanggu Station and Huiyao Waterfall
- Xiaozi Mountain Crags
- Dahua Station and the Keelung River Potholes
- Houtong Cat Village(Day trip)
Getting there
- Train stations:
- Shifen