Shifen Old Street Travel Guide: What to Eat, What to Do, and How to Get There

Hidden amidst the lush green mountains of New Taipei (Taiwan), Shifen Old Street exudes a rustic, serene, and nostalgic charm. The area is renowned for its sky lantern releases on the railway tracks, postcard-perfect views of Shifen Waterfall, and delicious local cuisine.

Let Vietjet guide you through one of Taiwan’s most iconic old towns with this self-guided travel handbook—covering everything from attractions and must-try dishes to how to get to Shifen Old Street.

Shifen Old Street offers many fun experiences alongside the railway.

1. Where is Shifen Old Street?

Shifen Old Street is located in Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan. Only about 36 km from downtown Taipei, it’s a perfect day-trip destination.

In the early 20th century, Shifen was part of a major coal transport railway. Today, the Pingxi Line has become a popular attraction, deeply intertwined with tourism in the old town.

From Vietnam, travelers can fly directly to Taipei with Vietjet at budget-friendly prices. From downtown Taipei, you can easily get to Shifen Old Street via:

Train: From Taipei Main Station, take a TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration) train to Ruifang Station. Then transfer to the Pingxi Line and ride to Shifen Station. The total travel time is about 1.5–2 hours. This is the most popular and cost-effective way to get to Shifen.
Bus: The cheapest way is to take Bus 795, but it takes longer than the train.
Taxi or private car: For groups or those short on time, you can hire a taxi or private car from Taipei to Shifen. Travel time is about 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic.

2. What to Do in Shifen Old Street, Taiwan?

Although Shifen is just a small village nestled along the mountainside, it offers a unique range of experiences that make it hard for visitors to leave. From romantic sky lantern releases on the railway tracks to admiring majestic waterfalls or exploring relics of the old railway, Shifen is a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history.

2.1 Release Sky Lanterns for Good Luck on the Railway Tracks

Releasing sky lanterns is the most iconic activity in Shifen Old Street. Right in the heart of the old town, the active railway track is also a prime spot for launching colorful paper lanterns. Visitors write wishes and prayers on the lanterns and watch them float into the sky, creating a magical scene amidst the mountain landscape. Lanterns cost around 150–200 TWD and are sold at shops along the street.

Note: Trains still run on schedule, so pay attention to safety and make sure to take photos when the tracks are clear.

2.2 Visit Shifen Waterfall – “Taiwan’s Niagara Falls”

Just a 30-minute walk from the old street, Shifen Waterfall is one of the most impressive natural wonders in northern Taiwan. Spanning 40 meters in width with water cascading down from 20 meters high, the waterfall creates a misty curtain and echoing sounds throughout the forest. It’s the perfect spot for relaxing, taking photos, or strolling across wooden bridges leading to the best viewpoints.

The majestic beauty of Shifen Waterfall stirs the hearts of many travelers.

2.3 Walk Across the Historic Jingan Suspension Bridge

Jingan Bridge is a suspension bridge crossing the Keelung River, connecting the two sides of Shifen Old Street. From the bridge, you can enjoy views of the traditional rooftops, watch red-painted trains slowly pass along the tracks, or simply soak in the peaceful natural surroundings. This spot is also a favorite "check-in" location for many travelers.

Jingan Suspension Bridge is one of Taipei’s most famous Instagrammable spots.

2.4 Explore the Pingxi Railway Museum

For those who love history and nostalgia, the Pingxi Railway Museum near Shifen Station preserves vintage train models, archival photos, and stories from the golden age of coal mining in the area. Though small, this museum offers a charming and timeworn atmosphere that helps visitors better understand the origins and cultural heritage of Shifen Old Street.

3. What to Eat in Shifen?

Shifen Old Street's cuisine carries the traditional flavors of Taiwan, offering simple but unforgettable street food. Along the main street next to the railway, you’ll find dozens of food stalls serving everything from crispy fried snacks to refreshing desserts – all freshly made and served hot. Here are some must-try dishes in Shifen:

3.1 Grilled Mochi

One of the most popular snacks in Shifen. Mochi is grilled over charcoal and brushed with peanut, black sesame, or honey sauce. It’s slightly crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside – perfect for a chilly day and absolutely irresistible.

3.2 Stinky Tofu

An iconic staple of Taiwanese cuisine. Its infamous aroma may put you off at first, but the crunchy exterior, soft interior, and tangy-spicy sauce can quickly become addictive. Shifen has many stalls offering different styles: fried, steamed, spicy sauced, and more.

Stinky tofu has a distinctive smell but is surprisingly addictive.

3.3 Glutinous Rice-Stuffed Chicken Wings

A street food specialty often found near the train station. The chicken wing is deboned and stuffed with a flavorful mixture of sticky rice, minced pork, and shiitake mushrooms. It's then grilled or fried to golden crispiness, delivering a rich and savory taste.

3.4 Peanut Ice Cream Roll

Similar to the version in Jiufen, Shifen’s peanut ice cream roll is a beloved snack. A thin crepe wraps a scoop of pineapple or taro ice cream, topped with crushed peanuts and cilantro – a surprisingly harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

3.5 Herbal Sugarcane Juice

After indulging in savory snacks, cool your palate with a glass of chilled herbal sugarcane juice. This refreshing beverage is a staple at many tourist spots in Taiwan, with a mildly sweet and cooling flavor perfect for hot sunny days.

4. Travel Tips for Visiting Shifen on Your Own

4.1 Best Time to Visit Shifen

You can visit Shifen Old Street at any time of the year, but the best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). During these months, the weather is cool, less rainy, and ideal for strolling the streets, taking photos, and visiting Shifen Waterfall.

If you're interested in experiencing the festive atmosphere, plan your trip during the Lantern Festival (around February in the lunar calendar) to join the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival – the most famous cultural event in the area.

The Sky Lantern Festival is one of the highlights in Shifen during the Lantern Festival.

4.2 Best Time of Day to Visit Shifen

Afternoon is the ideal time to explore Shifen. You can plan a combined day trip from Jiufen to Shifen. The best time to release sky lanterns is around 4:00–5:00 PM, when the sky begins to glow with sunset colors, creating a magical and picturesque backdrop. Afterward, enjoy a walk through the old street, have dinner, and head back to Taipei in the evening.

4.3 Tips for Releasing Sky Lanterns

If you want to experience writing your wishes and releasing a sky lantern, keep the following tips in mind to make the most of it:

Avoid releasing lanterns during heavy rain or strong winds.
Use waterproof markers to write your wishes so they don't fade when released.
Lantern stalls usually offer services to help visitors write messages, take photos, shoot videos, and guide you through the process safely.

4.4 Bring Cash

Shifen Old Street is mainly made up of small stalls and shops, and not all of them accept card payments. It’s best to prepare enough Taiwanese Dollars (TWD) for food, shopping, and the sky lantern experience.

To make your trip more convenient, consider exchanging money while you're still in Vietnam. Passengers booking round-trip tickets with Vietjet can access an online currency exchange service with a simple process, competitive rates, and high security. Just enter your PNR code on the Vietjet website or app, and select "Foreign Currency Purchase" to exchange money online and pick it up at any HDBank branch.

With a simple itinerary, affordable costs, and unique experiences, Shifen is definitely a must-visit destination for anyone traveling independently to Taipei. Don’t forget to save this travel guide and start planning your dream trip to this poetic town with a Vietjet flight to Taiwan.

Take advantage of the “0 VND ticket hunt” promotion from 12 PM to 2 PM daily to save more than ever. [Click HERE for details.]

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