Attraction · Jiufen & the Northeast
Shifen Old Street & sky lanterns
A former coal town where the railway runs straight through the market. Writing a wish on a paper lantern and releasing it over the tracks is a beloved, photogenic ritual.
Photo: xiquinhosilva · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
The visit
The pleasure here is the odd closeness of the market and the railway. Write a wish on a lantern, watch it lift over the tracks, then follow the line to the waterfall. It is touristy, but genuinely memorable.
History and context
Shifen grew around the coal railway, and the tracks still run straight through its market. Releasing sky lanterns began as a local wish-making ritual and is now a popular visitor tradition.
The Pingxi railway line opened in the 1920s to transport coal, and Shifen grew around its station. The lantern tradition began as a local ritual for good fortune and has become the town’s best-known visitor experience.
What to see
- Sky lanterns released over the railway
- Old street built around the coal line
- Riverside walk to Shifen Waterfall
- Local snacks and souvenirs
Practical notes
- Allow about: 1.5 hours
- Type: cultural site
- Destination: Jiufen & the Northeast
- Tickets: Free
- Best time: Evening
- Booking: Not needed
- Accessibility: Partial
Getting there
- Train: Shifen
Good to know
Lanterns cost around NT$200 and are released in designated areas. Keep the experience respectful: avoid plastic decorations and take your rubbish with you.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take?
Recommended duration: 1.5 hours.
When is the best time to visit?
Come in the evening, when the area is liveliest.
Do I need to book?
No booking is needed.
Location
Keep exploring
More places in Jiufen & the Northeast
Bitou Cape
A grassy headland with a lighthouse, sea caves and a clifftop trail where the East China Sea meets the Pacific. On clear days the views stretch to the horizon in both directions.
FamilyHoutong Cat Village
A former mining village turned cat-themed stop, with railway cats, a cat café and hillside paths overlooking the Keelung River. It is kitsch, but charming.
CultureJiufen Old Street
A warren of stone stairs and covered lanes packed with taro-ball desserts, tea shops and souvenir stalls. The classic view is from the teahouses at the top, looking down over the rooftops to the sea.
NatureShifen Waterfall
A wide, curtain-like waterfall on the Keelung River, reached by a short riverside walk. It is the broadest waterfall in Taiwan and especially powerful after rain.