Popular Railway in New Taipei City

New Taipei City's railway lines feature several charming attractions. For instance, the Pingxi Line covers old streets like Jingtong, Pingxi, and Shifen, where visitors can experience sky lantern culture, stroll along old tracks, and explore the magnificent Shifen Waterfall. Houtong Cat Village is a must-visit for cat lovers. Additionally, Ruifang Station is the main transfer point for destinations in the Northeast Coast Scenic Area, such as Jiufen, Jinguashi, and the Gold Museum. The Shen'ao Line offers the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology, Badouzi Station, and the railway-themed bike path, providing unique coastal scenery and railway experiences.

The most convenient way to travel from New Taipei City to Jiufen by train is to first take a train to Ruifang Station. After arriving at Ruifang Station, you can transfer to a bus or taxi uphill. Several bus routes are available, such as those heading towards Jinguashi, which stop at Jiufen Old Street. The train and bus connections are frequent, making the overall travel time efficient and allowing travelers to reach Jiufen with ease.

A New Taipei City railway one-day tour offers a distinctly different experience from a Taipei Metro tour. The Taipei Metro primarily connects urban commercial, cultural, and gastronomic attractions with convenient transportation. In contrast, New Taipei City's railways, especially the Pingxi and Shen'ao lines, are renowned for their unique nostalgic atmosphere, natural landscapes, and historical relics. Visitors can experience railway culture, explore mountain towns, admire waterfalls, interact with cats, or enjoy coastal views. It's more suited for tourists seeking a slower pace, outdoor activities, and historical and cultural exploration.

During the Lunar New Year period, to accommodate the large number of travelers returning home and vacationing, train services on various routes in New Taipei City (including Taiwan Railways main lines and branches like the Pingxi Line) are usually adjusted, with additional services potentially added to manage passenger flow. However, demand will also surge significantly, making tickets for popular times or routes harder to obtain. It is highly recommended that travelers plan their itineraries in advance and purchase tickets as early as possible to ensure smooth travel and avoid disruptions due to full trains.

The one-day pass for the Pingxi Line in New Taipei City can typically be purchased at major Taiwan Railways stations, such as Taipei Station, Banqiao Station, and Ruifang Station, as well as at stations along the Pingxi Line that offer ticketing services. The one-day pass allows unlimited rides on the Pingxi and Shen'ao lines within a specified period. It is advisable to purchase it on the day of departure or the day before at the station counter to facilitate your itinerary planning. You can inquire with station staff for detailed usage instructions when purchasing.

When planning a train trip in New Taipei City, it's advisable to check train schedules in advance, especially as branch lines like the Pingxi Line may have less frequent services than main lines. Considering the crowds on holidays, opting for weekdays or off-peak hours can lead to a better travel experience. Wearing comfortable shoes will aid in exploring the various attractions on foot. If you have specific sites you wish to visit, please confirm their opening hours beforehand. Additionally, some attractions may require separate transportation, so planning ahead will ensure a smoother journey.

Accommodation options around Ruifang Station are primarily concentrated in the Ruifang urban area, Jiufen, and Jinguashi. The Ruifang urban area offers a good selection of convenient hotels and guesthouses, making transfers easy. If you wish to experience the mountain town ambiance, Jiufen and Jinguashi provide numerous unique guesthouses and scenic inns, offering views of the distinctive mountain and sea nightscapes or a nostalgic atmosphere. The accommodations in these areas offer varied experiences, allowing travelers to choose based on their budget and preferences.

The most direct way to check fare information for New Taipei City train routes is through the official website of the Taiwan Railways Administration. By entering the departure and arrival stations on the website, you can find fare and schedule information for different train types. Additionally, ticket counters and automatic ticket machines at each station also provide fare inquiry services. Fares vary depending on the train type (Local train, Chu-Kuang Express, Tzu-Chiang Express, etc.) and the distance traveled.

Traveling from New Taipei City to Keelung Miaokou Night Market by train is very convenient. Travelers can take a train from any station within New Taipei City to Keelung Station. Keelung Station is only about a ten-minute walk from Miaokou Night Market, with clear signage along the way, making it easy to reach. This is a very popular route, suitable for planning a short railway trip that includes a culinary experience.

Besides popular attractions, New Taipei City also offers unique hidden gems suitable for train exploration. For example, Badouzi Station at the end of the Shen'ao Line is known as the 'station closest to the sea,' offering stunning ocean views and the Shen'ao Railway Bike experience. Near Dahua Station on the Pingxi Line, you can walk to the lesser-known Dahua Caves and Giant's Tear Waterfall to experience the wonders of nature. These places are relatively serene and offer a more in-depth exploration experience.