Shifen Town

Introducing Shifen Town

Shifen, formerly known as "Shifenliao," is a small village in Pingxi Township, New Taipei City, located midway along the Taiwan Railway's Pingxi Line. With the hit film "Those Years," the Pingxi Line has become increasingly popular. Shifen Station, featured on the poster for Hou Hsiao-hsien's film "A Time to Live and a Time to Die," is also known as the "Happiness Station."

Shifen Town has a famous Shifen Old Street. The old street is narrow and the train passes between two rows of houses. You can see many small shops across the railway tracks. There is always a long queue in front of the Liuge Chicken Wrap Rice stall. The crispy chicken skin is wrapped in fried rice, which is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

The Sky Lantern Square here is also a favorite attraction for tourists. At a glance, there are many small shops selling sky lanterns. Some people are writing, some are releasing, and some are taking pictures. Everyone writes down their wishes, blessings, and expectations on the sky lanterns. On the night of the Lantern Festival every year, there are "thousands of lanterns lit up" here, which is spectacular.

Climate and best time to travel

Subtropical monsoon climate;

The tung flowers here are in full bloom in May, which is very beautiful.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Recommended 1-day tour

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

All day

---

Most Popular FAQs for Shifen Town

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Shifen Town is a historic railway town known for its sky lanterns and beautiful waterfall. It played an important role in Taiwan's coal transportation industry during the Japanese colonial period.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Shifen is located in New Taipei City, about an hour's drive from Taipei. You can take a train from Taipei to the Shifen Railway Station or take a bus or taxi directly to the town.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Shifen is open year-round, and the best times to visit are during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds. The sky lantern releases are especially popular during the Lantern Festival.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

There is no entrance fee for the town, but activities like sky lantern releases and visiting the waterfall may have additional fees. You can buy lanterns and tickets on-site.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking in advance is not necessary for general visits, but it is recommended for lantern releases or guided tours during peak seasons.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Plan for about 2 to 3 hours to visit the waterfall, release a sky lantern, and explore the old street and nearby trails.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The must-see highlights are the Shifen Waterfall, the old street with its local shops, the iconic railway tracks, and releasing sky lanterns at the Shifen station.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin and English. Audio guides are available for some specific attractions, such as the waterfall and historical sites.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots include the Shifen Waterfall, the old railway tracks with the sky lanterns, and the surrounding mountain trails for scenic views.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with a visit to the Shifen Waterfall, followed by a walk along the railway tracks and the old street, then finish with releasing a sky lantern and exploring the nearby trails.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Shifen is known for its evening sky lantern releases, making it a popular evening destination. There are no light shows, but the lantern release at night is a unique experience.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Shifen can get crowded on weekends and holidays, especially during festivals. The best times to visit for fewer crowds are weekdays and early mornings.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Shifen has public restrooms, food stalls offering local snacks, water stations, and shops selling souvenirs, including sky lanterns.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Shifen is relatively accessible, though some areas like the waterfall may require walking on uneven paths. The old street is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, but the railway tracks might not be fully accessible for those with limited mobility.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is commonly used in Shifen, though many places accept cards and mobile payments like Apple Pay or LINE Pay for purchases.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Shifen has several local eateries offering Taiwanese snacks, including bubble tea, fried snacks, and local delicacies. There are also small cafes with scenic views of the surrounding nature.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available at some eateries in Shifen. However, halal food is limited in the area, so it's recommended to check in advance for specific dietary needs.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are a few guesthouses and homestays in Shifen, as well as hotels in nearby towns like Jiufen and Pingxi. For more options, you can stay in Taipei and visit as a day trip.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the scenic town of Jiufen, the Pingxi Sky Lantern festival, and the Keelung Night Market. These can be combined in a day trip from Shifen.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops in Shifen sell sky lanterns, local handicrafts, and postcards. You can also buy themed items related to the waterfall or the town's railway history.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

You can take a bus or taxi to nearby attractions such as Jiufen or Pingxi. Alternatively, take a train or bus back to Taipei for further exploration.