Shifen Old Town and Waterfall

To begin with, Shifen is famous for its 20 meter high waterfall, Shifen Waterfall, which is considered one of the most famous places in Taiwan. Shifen Old Street is a bustling hub for those wishing to get a glimpse of an old railway town that still retains the charm of years past.

Originally built to transport coal, the Shifen Old Street stop has now become one of the most popular stops on the daily Pingxi Railway from Ruifang Station, including stops at Ruifang Station. Daihua, Shifen, Wanggu, Lingjiao, Pingxi and Jingtong stations. Currently, this place has been renovated and restored for visitors to visit and learn more about the history of coal mining in Taiwan. In addition, coming to Shifen, visitors can also participate in many other activities such as enjoying local cuisine, visiting souvenir shops and watching trains. These features add to the charm of the little gem, as well as make it a great spot to take photos to keep memories.

Visitors to Shifen Old Street can also release sky lanterns with their wishes. It was once used as a signaling system for people living and working in the railway industry, today visitors will draw their wishes in calligraphy before releasing lanterns into the sky. Lanterns are usually of two types, single-color lanterns and multi-colored lanterns. Taiwanese believe that each color symbolizes a certain meaning such as happiness, wealth, health, ... Shifen Old Street is one of the interesting stops on the Pingxi Line, but if you have time, Visitors can take the train to visit several other stations or take a leisurely stroll on the side of the mountain, release sky lanterns and get a close-up view of the trains from the first day of coal mining in Taiwan.

After sending wishes and lanterns to the sky, it's time for visitors to visit the beautiful Thap Fen waterfall. Shifen Waterfall (十分大瀑布) is 40 meters high and is located a 30-minute walk northeast of the train station area. Visitors can walk along the tracks to Thapfen Waterfall. The right side of the track is busier and passes by Cheng-An Temple (成安宮), while the left side is more scenic. Note that the waterfall is on the right side of the track, and guests walking on the left side will have to cross the track again down the path to reach the falls.

Shifen Falls is perhaps Taiwan's most famous destination and is nicknamed "Little Niagara" because of its horseshoe shape that mimics North America's most famous waterfall. The waterfall is neither too high nor too wide, with a height of 20 meters and a width of 40 meters, this is a powerful waterfall but with splendid beauty. Visitors can hike up to the falls and admire the natural beauty of the turquoise river flowing through the green mountains, and countless photo spots.

After visiting the Old Town and Shifen waterfall, visitors can also visit the Houtong Cat Village. This is a village full of feral cats, which is easy to combine with a Shifen day trip as it is right on the Pingxi line, on the way back to Taipei. Located along the Keelung River, this is the former coal mining village of Houtong and is now home to hundreds of cats. In addition, this place also has beautiful shops, cafes and many restaurants that cater to tourists from all over the world who come here every weekend.

Coming to Taipei, visitors cannot miss the beautiful Old Town and waterfall in Shifen and the Houtong village of cats. This will be an unforgettable experience during your stay in Taiwan.

Opening hours: daily

Sightseeing tickets:

Drop lanterns from 100 to 150 TWD for 1 lamp