Popular Sightseeing Tours in Shifen

For a one-day trip to Shifen, it's recommended to start from the area around Shifen Station. In the morning, you can stroll along Shifen Old Street, soaking in the unique atmosphere where the railway coexists with shops, and enjoy the fun of releasing sky lanterns. Lunch can be had at the old street, savoring local snacks. In the afternoon, head to the magnificent Shifen Waterfall to admire its curtain-like beauty and marvel at nature's artistry. Finally, you can walk to Jing'an Suspension Bridge, experience its sway, and appreciate Shifen's scenery from different angles, concluding a fulfilling day trip.

The most common way to get to Shifen by train from Taipei Main Station is to first take a Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) train to Ruifang Station. You can choose between local trains, Chu-Kuang, or Puyuma express services. Upon arrival at Ruifang Station, you'll need to transfer to the Pingxi Line local train, which passes through stations like Houtong and Jingtong, before alighting at Shifen Station. The total journey, including the transfer, takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the train schedule you choose.

Shifen Waterfall Park is currently free to enter. Its opening hours are typically from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily, with the last entry at 5:00 PM. During winter months (e.g., October to May), hours may be adjusted slightly, closing earlier at 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. It's advisable to check for any announcements before your visit to ensure a smooth trip. The walking path to the waterfall is gentle and suitable for visitors of all ages.

The Shifen Sky Lantern Festival is an important part of the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival and is typically held around the Lantern Festival (the 15th day of the first lunar month) each year. As it follows the lunar calendar, the specific date varies annually. During this period, there are grand sky lantern release events attracting many domestic and international tourists. Additionally, on weekdays or during non-festival periods, visitors can still experience releasing sky lanterns individually at shops along Shifen Old Street.

When traveling with children, both Shifen and Pingxi have their unique attractions, but Shifen is generally the more recommended choice. Facilities around Shifen Station are more concentrated, the old street is adjacent to the railway, and the sky lantern experience is direct and convenient. The path to Shifen Waterfall is gentle and easy to navigate, posing less of a burden for children. Pingxi might require more walking or transfers to reach various attractions. Shifen's overall atmosphere and main activities are more family-friendly, offering a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

There are many charming and unique attractions around Shifen that can be combined for a one-day or multi-day itinerary. You can head east to visit the Houtong Cat Village, famous for its feline residents, or experience the nostalgic mountain town atmosphere of Jiufen Old Street. To the north, consider Keelung to experience its port city charm. If you wish to continue enjoying railway scenery, Jing Tong Old Street and Wanggu Waterfall along the Pingxi Line are also good options. These places are not far from Shifen and can be connected by transportation, enriching your journey.

Shifen Old Street offers a diverse range of local specialty snacks, allowing visitors to indulge their taste buds while exploring. Among the most popular are 'chicken wings stuffed with rice,' where glutinous rice is packed into chicken wings and roasted to perfection, emitting a tantalizing aroma. You can also savor traditional cream soda, taro balls, peanut ice cream rolls, and other old-fashioned treats, as well as various Taiwanese stir-fries and noodle dishes. While strolling, don't miss out on these delicious local foods filled with local charm.

When planning a family trip to Shifen, focus on a relaxed and enjoyable pace. Upon arrival in Shifen, you can start by decorating and releasing sky lanterns at Shifen Old Street, an interactive experience children will love. Afterwards, wander through the shops lining the old street and sample local snacks. Then, proceed to Shifen Waterfall; the path is gentle and easy to walk, allowing children to safely admire the spectacular waterfall. During the trip, consider dining at restaurants with child seats or offering simple meals, and maintain flexibility to ensure adequate rest for the children.

The must-visit attractions in Shifen primarily include Shifen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, and Jing'an Suspension Bridge. A recommended itinerary can start at Shifen Station, where you can first experience the unique sight of trains passing through the center of the old street. Then, engage in the traditional cultural activity of releasing sky lanterns on the old street and sample local snacks. After lunch, you can walk or take a short transfer to Shifen Waterfall to admire the magnificent natural scenery. Finally, cross Jing'an Suspension Bridge for a different perspective of the Keelung River valley, concluding your day's journey.

Besides the renowned sky lantern experience, the Shifen area offers many other activities worth trying. You can stroll along Shifen Old Street, enjoying the railway scenery and browsing the creative products and souvenirs sold by the shops. Visit Shifen Waterfall Park to experience the grandeur of the 'Niagara of Taiwan' up close. Additionally, Jing'an Suspension Bridge, spanning the Keelung River, is another great spot to experience the local charm, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and rivers from the bridge. For booking arrangements, you can book through KKday, which provides Chinese customer service support and flexible cancellation policies, eliminating language communication barriers.