[Mixed] Night Tour of Jiufen and Shifen (Raising Sky Lanterns) <Departing in the Evening/Japanese>

The Shifen sky lantern activity holds deep cultural significance, rooted in historical practices where lanterns served as signals for communication and safety among early settlers. Today, it has transformed into a cherished tradition allowing participants to write wishes and blessings on lanterns before releasing them into the night sky. This act symbolizes hopes for the future, peace, and good fortune, offering a unique opportunity to engage with Taiwanese culture and express personal aspirations. While especially popular during the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, this uplifting experience is available throughout the year in Shifen.

Yes, in Shifen, the release of sky lanterns is carefully regulated to ensure public safety and minimize environmental impact. Lanterns must be crafted from specific biodegradable materials. The activity is primarily conducted along designated sections of the active railway tracks, under the direct supervision of local vendors and authorities. These supervisors enforce strict adherence to fire safety protocols and weather conditions, guaranteeing a managed and safe cultural experience for all visitors while preserving the local environment.

A typical Shifen sky lantern experience usually includes the provision of one large paper lantern, commonly featuring four sides for personalized messages. Participants receive a brush and ink to write their wishes and blessings. Local vendors offer guidance throughout the process, from assisting with the lantern's preparation to ensuring its safe release into the sky. They often also help capture memorable photographs as your lantern ascends, providing a comprehensive and cherished cultural activity for visitors.

While both Shifen and Pingxi are located within the larger Pingxi District and are renowned for sky lanterns, they offer distinct experiences. Shifen is widely recognized for its impressive Shifen Waterfall and the iconic activity of releasing sky lanterns directly from the active railway tracks, which is highly photogenic. Pingxi, the central town of the district, offers a more traditional and quaint old street ambiance with various small shops and historical elements. It provides a quieter, more local feel for exploring lantern-related culture, especially outside of the major festival period.

Traveling between Jiufen Old Street and Shifen typically involves a combination of public transportation or private hire. A common method is to take a local bus from Jiufen to Ruifang Station, then transfer to the scenic Pingxi Line train, which stops directly at Shifen Station. Taxis are also readily available in both areas, offering a more direct and convenient travel option, though generally at a higher cost. For a seamless journey, many visitors choose organized tours that include transportation between these two popular destinations.

Visitors can conveniently reach Shifen for the sky lantern experience primarily by public transportation or by joining an organized tour. From major hubs like Taipei, the most common route involves taking a train to Ruifang Station. At Ruifang, transfer to the charming Pingxi Line, which provides direct service to Shifen Station, the heart of the sky lantern activities. For a completely hassle-free journey, opting for an organized tour that includes round-trip transportation from your starting point directly to Shifen is a highly recommended option.

For public transportation services to Jiufen Old Street, the most commonly accepted payment methods include cash, particularly exact change for bus fares, or using an electronic fare card such as an EasyCard or iPass. These reusable smart cards are widely utilized across Taiwan's public transit network and can be easily purchased and reloaded at convenience stores or metro stations. While less frequent, some intercity bus routes departing from larger terminals might also accept credit card payments for tickets.

To thoroughly explore Jiufen Old Street and fully immerse yourself in its unique charm, it is generally recommended to allocate at least 2 to 3 hours. This timeframe allows for a leisurely stroll through the intricate alleyways, ample opportunity to browse the diverse local shops for unique souvenirs, and to savor various Taiwanese street foods. Additionally, you'll have time to relax at one of the traditional teahouses, enjoying the stunning coastal views and capturing memorable photographs of the iconic red lanterns, especially as twilight transforms the street's ambiance.