Shifen Old Street

Shifen Old Street is one of the most colorful and memorable places Taiwan has to offer. This unique attraction is located in the Pingxi District, not far from Taipei, and is a bustling street through which an active railway runs. It boasts the unmistakable atmosphere of an old town that was originally built for coal transportation.

The main feature attracting travelers from all over the world is the opportunity to walk right along the railway tracks, lined on both sides by shops, eateries, and souvenir stalls. Several times a day, commerce pauses as everyone steps aside to make way for a slow-moving train passing just steps away. This sight creates amazing photo opportunities and offers an unforgettable experience.

In addition to its unusual railway, Shifen is famous for its cultural tradition of releasing sky lanterns. Tourists can write their wishes on a large paper lantern and release it into the sky right from the train tracks. Strolling through the historic streets, where original buildings are preserved, and tasting local street food allows you to fully immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of 20th-century Taiwan.

As Shifen Old Street is essentially a bustling street and a public space, it doesn't have a single contact center. To get information about the opening hours of individual shops, cafes, or the best times for releasing sky lanterns, it is best to consult local sources directly upon arrival. The most reliable way to reach Shifen from Taipei is to take a train to Ruifang Station and then transfer to the charming Pingxi Line, which will take you right into the heart of the old town at Shifen Station.

The main and most famous activity in Shifen Old Street is undoubtedly releasing sky lanterns. This is an iconic local tradition that draws travelers from all over the world. Right on the street, you can buy a paper lantern, write your heartfelt wishes and dreams on its sides, and then release it into the sky from the railway tracks. Local vendors are happy to help you prepare everything you need, turning the process into a memorable and very personal ritual.

Beyond the lantern releasing, Shifen offers other exciting activities. Be sure to walk along the vibrant old street to soak in its unique atmosphere, try various local street foods, and buy original souvenirs. But the adventure doesn't end there. Within walking distance of the town is the famous Shifen Waterfall, often called "Taiwan's Little Niagara" for its power and beauty. Well-maintained trails lead to the waterfall, and observation decks offer scenic views that will be a wonderful addition to your travel experience.

Getting to the picturesque Shifen Old Street from Taipei is quite simple, and the journey itself can be an exciting part of the adventure. The most popular and convenient way is by train. To do this, take a train from Taipei Main Station in Taipei to Ruifang Station. From there, transfer to the historic Pingxi Line, which goes directly to Shifen Station. The entire journey, including the transfer, takes about 1.5–2 hours, allowing you to enjoy scenic views from the window.

Trains on the Pingxi Line run approximately once an hour, so it is worth checking the schedule in advance to plan your time. For convenience, you can purchase a Pingxi Line 1-Day Pass, which allows you to hop off at other interesting stations, such as the Houtong Cat Village. This is an excellent option for those who want to explore the region in more detail.

Alternatively, you can use tourist buses or book a taxi. Many companies offer day tours that include visits not only to Shifen but also to nearby attractions like the historic town of Jiufen and the majestic Shifen Waterfall. This option is especially convenient for travelers who prefer organized trips and want to see as many interesting places as possible in one day without having to figure out public transport schedules. There is also a direct bus route No. 795 from the Muzha Metro Station in Taipei, which will take you directly to Shifen Old Street.

The history of Shifen Old Street is inextricably linked to Taiwan's industrial boom in the early 20th century. The town was founded when the coal industry was actively developing in the region. The construction of the Pingxi Line, which was laid right through the settlement specifically for coal transportation, played a key role in its development. Thanks to this, Shifen quickly turned into an important commercial and industrial hub, and its unusual layout with the railway running right down the middle of the street became its trademark.

Many of the buildings you can see on the old street today have been preserved since those times, reflecting the architecture and atmosphere of that era. Strolling through Shifen, it’s easy to imagine coal trains slowly rumbling along these same tracks while life in the mining town bustled around them. This authentic setting, preserved to this day, allows travelers to literally touch history and feel the spirit of old Taiwan.

When the coal industry declined at the end of the 20th century, Shifen faced the need to find a new path. The town turned its focus to tourism, and this decision proved to be incredibly successful. The foundation for attracting travelers was a local tradition—the releasing of sky lanterns, which were once used for signaling. Today, Shifen is known worldwide as a unique place where historical heritage, scenic nature, and distinct culture merge into one, transforming the former industrial center into one of the most charming attractions near Taipei.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere of Shifen Old Street, it is recommended to set aside 3 to 5 hours for your visit. This will be enough time to take a leisurely stroll along the colorful street, capture the famous photos on the railway tracks where trains pass several times a day, and, of course, participate in the main local tradition—releasing a sky lantern with your wishes.

If you plan to get more thoroughly acquainted with the surroundings, it's worth allocating half a day for your itinerary. This will give you enough time not only for the main activities in the town itself but also for a hike to the picturesque Shifen Waterfall, which is within walking distance. Additionally, you will be able to explore the numerous souvenir shops without rushing and sample a variety of local street food, fully immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of this amazing place.

Shifen Old Street, being essentially a public space, is open to the public 24 hours a day, year-round. However, the main activity—the operation of shops, souvenir stalls, and sky lantern workshops—is concentrated during specific hours. Most establishments are open to visitors daily, from approximately 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM. On weekends, public holidays, and during festivals such as the famous Sky Lantern Festival, hours may be extended.

For a walk along the old street itself, no tickets or advance bookings are required, as entry is free. You will only need to pay for the sky lantern itself if you choose to participate in this popular tradition. While you don't need to plan anything in advance for a regular visit, if you wish to attend a specific event or festival, it is recommended to check the current schedule on local tourism portals.

A visit to Shifen Old Street is just the beginning of an exciting journey through the picturesque Pingxi District. The surroundings of this famous street are full of natural wonders and cultural treasures that will help you dive deeper into the atmosphere of Taiwan. Exploring nearby sites will not only enrich your experience but also open up new, equally exciting pages of history and beauty in this region.

Just minutes or an hour away from Shifen are attractions that definitely deserve your attention. From majestic waterfalls to authentic old streets, there is something for everyone here. To help you plan your further route, we have prepared a list of interesting places nearby.