Releasing a sky lantern
Shifen Old Street is built directly alongside the still-active train tracks, and vendors along it sell paper lanterns you write or paint your wishes on before releasing into the sky. It's a properly hands-on souvenir — you're creating and launching something yourself, not just buying a trinket — and the sight of dozens of lanterns drifting up over the narrow street is the main reason people make the trip. Trains still run through, so when one approaches, everyone clears the tracks; it's a normal, well-managed part of the experience, not a safety concern.
Lantern colors & what they mean
Lanterns are sold in single colors or multi-color sets, each traditionally associated with a different kind of wish: pink for love and relationships, yellow for wealth, blue for career or academic success, green for health, purple for a partner's fidelity, orange for family safety, and white as a catch-all for general wishes. Multi-color lanterns let you write a different wish on each panel — the most popular option with visitors wanting to cover a few bases at once.
Write your wish before you inflate and light the lantern, not after — it's much easier to write on it flat than once it's upright and ready to release. Vendors will help position it for the photo and the launch.
Shifen Waterfall
A short, easy walk from Shifen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall is Taiwan's widest waterfall, sometimes nicknamed the "Little Niagara" — a striking, full-width curtain of water worth the 15–20 minute walk from the station, with a viewing platform positioned for a full-width view.
The Pingxi branch railway
Beyond Shifen, the same branch line connects several other former mining towns — Jingtong, the line's terminus, retains an old-fashioned railway-town atmosphere with far fewer visitors than Shifen. A one-day unlimited-ride pass for the branch line is available and worth it if you want to explore more than one stop along the route.
Getting there
| Train | From Taipei Main Station, take a train to Ruifang, then transfer to the Pingxi branch line for Shifen — the same Ruifang transfer point used for Jiufen. |
|---|---|
| Organized tour | Widely available, often combined with Jiufen since both routes pass through Ruifang. |
| Time needed | Half a day for Shifen alone; a full day if exploring further up the branch line. |
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to release a sky lantern near train tracks?
Yes — it's a well-established, locally managed practice. Vendors and staff clear the tracks and manage timing whenever a train approaches.
How much does a sky lantern cost?
Prices vary by size and number of colors, with multi-color lanterns costing more than single-color ones. Vendors along Shifen Old Street display pricing clearly.
Can I combine Shifen with Jiufen in one day?
Yes — both are accessed via a transfer at Ruifang Station, making them a natural pairing, though it makes for a fuller day than either alone.