About Shifen Old Street and Pingxi Sky Lantern
Shifen Old Street is a charming and historic street located in Shifen, a small town in New Taipei City, Taiwan. Famous for its old-world charm, beautiful landscapes, and cultural experiences, Shifen Old Street is one of the most popular attractions in the Pingxi District, which is known for its traditional railway town atmosphere.
Shifen Old Street is situated along the Pingxi Railway Line, a picturesque train route that was once a key part of Taiwan’s coal mining industry. The street itself is lined with traditional Taiwanese shops, snack stalls, and souvenir shops, where visitors can immerse themselves in the nostalgic atmosphere of a bygone era. The area retains much of its historical charm, with old buildings and the iconic railway tracks running through the street, adding to the unique experience.
One of the main highlights of Shifen Old Street is its connection to the Sky Lantern Festival. Shifen is renowned for its sky lanterns, which are traditionally released into the sky during various festivals and special occasions. Visitors to Shifen can purchase colorful sky lanterns and write wishes or prayers on them before sending them up into the sky, a practice that symbolizes hopes and dreams being carried to the heavens.
The area is also known for the Shifen Waterfall, often referred to as the “Niagara of Taiwan,” which is located just a short distance from the Old Street. Shifen offers visitors a blend of natural beauty, cultural traditions, and a nostalgic atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure.
In addition to the scenic views, the town’s old-fashioned railway station and bustling street markets provide a glimpse into Taiwan’s history, offering a truly unique experience for visitors. Whether you’re looking to release a lantern, take in the stunning waterfall, or simply stroll through the old street, Shifen Old Street promises an unforgettable visit.
Sky Lantern
2025 Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
2025 Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival will take in two different locations. It will occur on February 8 at the Pingxi Event and February 12 at the Shifen Event.
📍Pingxi Venue
◆Date: February 08, 2025 (Sat)
◆Time: 18:00 – 21:30
◆Venue: Pingxi Junior High School
◆Address: No. 295, Sec. 2, Jing’an Road, Pingxi District, New Taipei City
📍Shifen Venue
◆Date: February 12, 2025 (Wed)
◆Time: 18:00 – 21:00
◆Venue: Shifen Square
◆Address: No. 136, Nanshanping, Pingxi District, New Taipei City
The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in New Taipei City is a famous cultural image in Taiwan. Every year, the release of sky lanterns in Pingxi attracts tens of thousands of people to participate. The origin of the release of sky lanterns in Pingxi can be traced back to the early years when Taiwanese people released signals to report their safety to each other in order to avoid bandits.
After the situation stabilized, it was preserved and became a local custom. Villagers often write words of blessing and wishing on the sky lanterns and release them to pray for the safety of the year. As a result, sky lanterns are also called “prayer lanterns” or “safety lanterns”.
Where the Most Popular Location?
The main locations for releasing sky lanterns include Pingxi , Shifen and Jingtong. Shifen Old Street is the most popular location and the earliest place to release sky lanterns. So most tourists come here to release sky lanterns.
■ Shifen Sky Lantern Experience (Colorful Sky Lantern Voucher) Shifen old street
Can I release sky lanterns any day?
You can also buy and release sky lanterns any day of the year at Pingxi, Shifen or Jingtong. There is a time limit for releasing sky lanterns. It is forbidden to release sky lanterns between 22:00-06:00.
You can release sky lanterns any day of the year. However, there is a Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival celebration around the Yuanxiao Festival (Lantern Festival) every year. The Lantern Festival, celebrated around the 15th day of the first lunar month. If you have time, you can attend the event.
When is the best time to release sky lanterns?
The best time to release sky lanterns is usually between 16:00-19:00.
What should I pay attention to when releasing sky lanterns in Pingxi?
It is safer to choose a windless day to release sky lanterns. You need to keep a distance between people and objects to avoid the risk of burning.
Sky Lantern Price?
Single color sky lantern: about NT$150
Two-color sky lantern: about NT$200
Colorful sky lanterns: about NT$300
Environmentally friendly sky lanterns: about NT$400
How to release alantern?
Go to a shop and buy a colorful lantern.
Write words of blessing and wishing on the lanterns.
Ask the staff to help light the fuel in the lantern.
Hold it down while the hot air fill the lantern.
Release the lantern to float upwards.
These lanterns are waterproof, so rain is not a problem. However, windy weather can cause serious damage.
Opening Hours
Opening Hours: 24H
Price
Cost: Free Entrance
The Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Shifen depends on what kind of experience you’re seeking, but generally, here are a few tips to consider when planning your trip:
Best Time for Festivals
Lunar New Year (January or February) and the Lantern Festival (usually around February or March) are exciting times to visit Shifen, as the town is famous for its sky lantern releases. During these festivals, many people release sky lanterns into the sky with wishes written on them, creating a beautiful and magical scene. If you’re visiting during this time, expect larger crowds and a festive atmosphere.
Sky Lantern Festival (February or March) is a particularly popular time in Shifen. The entire area becomes alive with colorful lantern releases, and the sky is dotted with vibrant lights. It’s a truly magical experience, but it can get crowded, so expect some lines at the lantern booths and popular spots.
Avoiding the Crowds
If you’d like to avoid the heavy crowds, weekday mornings are the best time to visit Shifen, especially if you’re planning to explore Shifen Old Street or take a quiet walk to the Shifen Waterfall. The weekends and public holidays tend to get busier, with both local visitors and tourists flocking to the area.
The off-peak seasons, like late fall or early spring, are also ideal for avoiding large crowds, and you’ll still get great weather for outdoor activities.
Ideal Time for Sky Lantern Experience
The best time to release a sky lantern is in the evening, as you’ll be able to witness the glowing lanterns floating into the night sky, which creates a magical experience. The lanterns are available for purchase throughout the day, but releasing them during dusk or night makes for the most stunning visual.
How to get to?
About Day Tour
Because you are not familiar with transportation, your round trip could take up to 4.5 hours. If you live in Taipei, I recommend taking a day tour. This way you can have fun without worrying about which station to get off and transfer to another bus, and then you can sleep peacefully on the car. For convenience, almost all Foreign tourists will choose a day tour to Jiufen and Shifen, or rent a car and let the driver go to Jiufen and Shifen. Don’t doubt it, one-day tour is your best choice.
Day Tour From Taipei (klook)
■ Shifen Sky Lantern Experience (Colorful Sky Lantern Voucher) Shifen old street
■ Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfall
■ Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen
■ Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen with Taiwanese Pastry Making
■ Houtong Cat Village, Jiufen and Shifen
■ Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen
■ Heping Island, Shifen and Jiufen
Car Rental with Driver From Taipei (klook)
■ Taipei Car Rental with Driver- Customized itinerary (Chinese/English/Korean/Japanese)
■ Private tour Car Rental with Driver : Jiufen , Pingxi (Chinese/English/Korean/Japanese)
How to get to Pingxi?
Because you are not familiar with transportation, your round trip could take up to 4.5 hours.
By MRT + Bus:
Take the MRT to MRT Muzha (BR02 Exit) → then take Muzha Pingxi Shuttle Bus(to Pingxi)or(to Shifen) (Bus No. 795)
◆Muzha Pingxi Shuttle Bus(to Pingxi) (Bus No. 795)
Bus From: Muzha Station(Google Coordinates: 24°59’51.4″N 121°34’26.4″E)
To: Pingxi
OR
◆Muzha Pingxi Shuttle Bus(to Shifen) (Bus No. 795)
Bus From: Muzha Station(Google Coordinates: 24°59’51.4″N 121°34’26.4″E)
To: Shifen Visitor Center(Shifen Waterfall)
You MUST get off at Pingxi (Google CoordinatesL: 25°01’28.4″N 121°44’17.0″E).
By TRA Train:
Take the MRT or TRA to Taipei Station → transfer to the TRA Badu Station or Ruifang Station → then take the TRA to Pingxi Station.
How to get to Shifen?
By MRT + Bus:
Take the MRT to MRT Muzha (BR02 Exit) → then take Muzha Pingxi Shuttle Bus(to Shifen) (Bus No. 795)
◆Muzha Pingxi Shuttle Bus(to Shifen) (Bus No. 795)
Bus From: Muzha Station(Google Coordinates: 24°59’51.4″N 121°34’26.4″E)
To: Shifen Visitor Center(Shifen Waterfall)
By TRA Train:
Take the MRT or TRA to Taipei Station → transfer to the TRA Badu Station or Ruifang Station → then take the TRA to Shifen Station.
🔥ChiaTe Pineapple Cake / Delivery or Airport Pickup
■ ChiaTe Bakery Pineapple Pastry-Delivery(Home / Hotel) / Airport Pickup (klook)
Prepare your trip to Taiwan?✈️Buy discounted tickets in advance (Klook)
■ EasyCard and SIM Card Package
■ Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket
■ Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus
■ National Palace Museum Ticket
■ Taipei Fun Pass (Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Taipei MRT, city buses, and 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle)
■ Taipei Transport Fun Pass (Taipei MRT, city buses, 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes, and Maokong Gondol)
■ Taipei Metro (MRT) Day Pass
■ (Taiwan Pass) HSR + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket for non-Taiwanese Discounts or Buy 1 Get 1
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Joint Ticket
■ (Taiwan Pass) Taiwan Railways + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle