Pingxi and Shifen are located in the mountainous area of New Taipei City, famous for sky lanterns, railway scenery, and natural waterfalls. They are popular choices for day trips or two-day trips from Taipei. Take the "Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 795 Muzha Pingxi Line" from MRT Taipei Zoo Station and enjoy attractions along the way including Shenkeng, Jingtong, Pingxi, and Shifen for a relaxing journey.
The Pingxi area offers different scenery throughout the four seasons, and sky lantern releases are available year-round.
| Season | Months | Main Features & Activities | Recommended Highlights & Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mar - May | Firefly Season, Tung Blossom Season | Watch fireflies in Pingxi and Jingtong mountain areas from April to May; Tung blossoms bloom around Jingtong, with white petals falling like "May Snow." |
| Summer | Jun - Aug | Cool Escape, Waterfall Refreshment | Shifen Waterfall has abundant water flow, perfect for cooling off; Pingxi Old Street is cooler than the city, ideal for strolling. |
| Autumn | Sep - Nov | Silver Grass Season, Pleasant Hiking | Silver grass blooms along the mountain areas, creating beautiful scenery with the railway; comfortable weather for hiking trails. |
| Winter | Dec - Feb | Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival (Lantern Festival) | The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is an annual highlight (usually held around Lantern Festival), with thousands of lanterns rising simultaneously—a spectacular scene. Book transportation in advance. |
💡 Tip: Sky lantern releases are available year-round. Lantern shops are located throughout Pingxi and Shifen Old Streets, priced around NT$150 - 200 per lantern.
Public transportation is recommended for visiting Pingxi and Shifen, as parking is limited and mountain roads are narrow. Travel time from Taipei city center is approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
| Option 1: Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 795 Muzha Pingxi Line (Recommended) | |
|---|---|
| Departure | MRT Taipei Zoo Station (Wenhu Line, Exit 1) |
| Terminus | Shifen Visitor Center |
| Stops Along the Way | Shenkeng, Jingtong, Pingxi, Shifen |
| Travel Time | Approximately 60 - 90 minutes for the full route |
| Fare | Section-based fare; EasyCard, iPASS, or cash accepted |
| Advantages | No transfers needed, hop on/off at attractions, regular service |
| Option 2: TRA + Pingxi Line Train | |
|---|---|
| Route | Taipei Main Station → Ruifang Station → Transfer to Pingxi Line Train |
| Pingxi Line Stops | Houtong, Sandiaoling, Dahua, Shifen, Wangu, Lingjiao, Pingxi, Jingtong |
| Frequency | Approximately 1 train per hour; check timetable in advance |
| Advantages | Experience railway charm, visit Houtong Cat Village |
| Option 3: Self-Driving | |
|---|---|
| Route A | National Highway 5 → Shiding Interchange → Provincial Highway 106 → Pingxi |
| Route B | National Highway 1 → Badu Interchange → Provincial Highway 62 → Ruifang → Provincial Highway 106 → Pingxi |
⚠️ Mountain roads are prone to traffic jams on weekends and holidays, and parking is limited. Public transportation is highly recommended.
| Shenkeng Old Street | 📍 Get off at: Shenkeng Shenkeng is famous throughout Taiwan for its tofu. The old street preserves traditional Southern Fujian-style architecture and is the perfect first stop for local cuisine. Must-Eat: Stinky tofu, braised tofu, tofu ice cream, bamboo shoots ⏱ Suggested stay: 1 - 1.5 hours |
| Jingtong Old Street | 📍 Get off at: Jingtong The terminus of the Pingxi Line, preserving a Japanese-era wooden station and mining heritage sites with a nostalgic atmosphere. Must-See: Jingtong Station, Crown Prince Chalet, Jingtong Mining Life Museum Must-Do: Hang wish bamboo tubes by the railway tracks ⏱ Suggested stay: 1 - 1.5 hours |
| Pingxi Old Street | 📍 Get off at: Pingxi The birthplace of sky lanterns! The railway runs directly above the old street—watching trains pass overhead is an iconic photo opportunity. Must-Do: Release sky lanterns (approx. NT$150 - 200 per lantern) Must-Eat: Peanut roll with ice cream, Pingxi taro balls ⏱ Suggested stay: 1.5 - 2 hours |
| Shifen Old Street | 📍 Get off at: Shifen The busiest stop on the Pingxi Line, with the old street situated on both sides of the railway tracks—the most popular spot for releasing sky lanterns. Must-Do: Release sky lanterns, Jingan Suspension Bridge Must-Eat: Chicken rolls, peanut ice cream ⏱ Suggested stay: 1.5 - 2 hours |
| Shifen Waterfall | 📍 Get off at: Shifen Visitor Center Known as the "Niagara of Taiwan," approximately 40 meters wide with a 20-meter drop—Taiwan's largest curtain-type waterfall. Admission: Free Opening Hours: Summer (Jun-Sep) 09:00 - 18:00 (last entry 17:30); Other seasons 09:00 - 17:00 (last entry 16:30) Walking: Approximately 20 - 30 minutes on foot from Shifen Old Street ⏱ Suggested stay: 1 - 1.5 hours |
| Itinerary | Suggested Route |
|---|---|
| Half-Day Trip (4 - 5 hours) | MRT Taipei Zoo Station → Shenkeng Old Street (lunch) → Shifen Old Street (sky lanterns) → Shifen Waterfall → Return |
| Full-Day Trip (7 - 8 hours) | MRT Taipei Zoo Station → Shenkeng Old Street → Jingtong Old Street → Pingxi Old Street → Shifen Old Street → Shifen Waterfall → Return |
| Two-Day Trip (Combined with Jiufen) | Day 1: Route 795 Pingxi Line → Shenkeng → Pingxi → Shifen → Stay overnight in Ruifang or Jiufen Day 2: Jiufen Old Street → Gold Museum → Take Route 965 back to Taipei |
| Weekend Crowds | Popular stops like Shifen and Pingxi can be very crowded on weekends; buses may be full. Consider leaving early or visiting on weekdays. |
| Changing Weather | Mountain areas are prone to rain; bring an umbrella. Watch your step on slippery trails. |
| Motion Sickness | Mountain roads are winding; those prone to motion sickness should take medication beforehand. |
| Last Bus Time | Be aware of the last bus schedule to avoid missing it. Route 795's last bus departs Shifen around 20:30. |
| Eco-Friendly Lanterns | Please choose eco-friendly sky lanterns to help protect the mountain environment. |