To locals, tourists and frequent visitors, the little town of Shifen in Taiwan is filled with rich traditions, interesting attractions as well as scenic destinations.

From its timeless practice of releasing sky lanterns and the town being home to Taiwan’s own little Niagara Falls, you will be sure to fall in love with Shifen.

Here are 8 fun things that you can see and do in Taipei Shifen.

#1 RELEASING SKY LANTERNS

The little town of Shifen is perhaps most fondly visited by both locals and tourists who participate in its tradition of releasing sky lanterns along Shifen Old Street as a form of good luck. 

Every year, thousands of locals and visitors would gather at Shifen on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year to celebrate the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, which has been voted the world’s largest night festival by the Discovery Channel.

The sky lantern is a colourful paper lantern that you can write down your wishes on before releasing it to the skies or even as some may say the heavens.

As Shifen was previously a thriving coal mining district during the Japanese Occupation, decorating sky lanterns takes place along the railway track alongside Shifen Old Street. Visitors should also expect to pay at least NT$150 – $200 for a simple sky lantern, which can be purchased from the shops nearby the railway track.

Shifen Sky Lantern
226, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Pingxi District
Nearest station: Shifen train station

#2 SHIFEN WATERFALLS

Located a 15-20 minutes’ walk away from Shifen Old Street, take a casual stroll to the Shifen Waterfalls along a paved path where you will find the entrance to this iconic waterfall that has been nicknamed Taiwan’s mini Niagara falls.

In order to reach the waterfalls, visitors will have to cross a long, wooden boardwalk surrounded by lush rainforests and climb multiple flights of stairs. However, please take care when visiting the waterfall as the attraction is not particularly wheelchair and stroller friendly.

After about 15 minutes of walking, you will be rewarded with the majestic sights of the Shifen waterfall. Admission to this waterfall is free, by the way!

Shifen Waterfalls
No. 11, Gankeng, Pingxi District, New Taipei City 226, Taiwan (ROC)
Tel: +886 2 2495 8409
Nov to Jan, Daily: 8am – 6.30pm
Feb to Oct, Daily: 8am – 7pm

Photo Credit: Life to Reset

#3 PING HSI BRANCH RAILWAY LINE 

As Shifen was a town originally built for coal transportation, the Ping Hsi railway line runs through Rui Fang and the Pingxi district, with Shifen being the 3rd stop along the railway track.

Although the railway track no longer serves as a means of coal transportation, the railway track is still in operation as a means for visitors to access the town.

Before a train enters the town, visitors will be asked to clear the tracks and are in turn treated to a rare sight of seeing trains running through the town’s streets.

#4 SHIFEN OLD STREET

Running along both sides of the Ping Hsi railway track are rows of shops spanning from sky lantern shops, souvenir shops, grocery stores and eateries.

Unlike most conventional train tracks, visitors are free to walk on the railway track to access both sides of Shifen Old Street.

Some of the hidden gems include bamboo flutes which you can scribe personal well-wishes on. As for those who need a nibble, go for the famous XXL-Crispy Fried Chicken!

#5 TAIWAN COAL MINE MUSEUM

Founded to educate tourists on Taiwan’s rich coal mining history, the Taiwan Coal Mine Museum is a privately run museum that was constructed on a retired coal mine.

At an admission fee of NT$200, your ticket (which can be purchased from the ticketing booth at the foot of the hill leading up to the museum) entitles you to a coal train ride and a guided tour through a coal mine tunnel.

As the museum is not located within walking distance from the train station, the museum will charter a courtesy van to bring travellers to its doorstep.

Taiwan Coal Mine Museum
Address: 226 Taiwan New Taipei City Pingxi District
Tel: +886 2 2495 8680
Opening hours: 9am – 5pm from Tues to Sun

#6 JING AN SUSPENSION BRIDGE

Stretching over 128 metres, the Jing An Suspension Bridge runs almost parallel to the Ping Hsi railway tracks and is another must-see icon of Shifen.

As one of the few well-preserved suspension bridges in Taiwan, the bridge oversees the Shi Fen Old Street as well as Jilong River.

This bridge is located behind the Shi Fen train station and serves as a connection bridge for the villages of Shi Fen and Nanshan today. If you have the time, consider taking a walk over to Nanshan Village where you will discover that some houses have blue windows, doors and even exterior walls!

Photo Credit: www.panoramio.com/

#7 YEN JING DONG WATERFALL

Often translated as the “Glasses Hole Waterfall”, the Yen Jing Dong waterfall is one of the notable Ping Hsi waterfalls located at the upper part of the Jilong River and viewable from the Jing An Suspension Bridge.

If you look closely, you would be able to conceive a shape of glasses which was the inspiration behind the name of the 6m high and wide waterfall.

Yen Jing Dong Waterfall
Address: 226 Pingxi Dist New Taipei City Taiwan 226
Tel: +886 2 2960 3456

#8 WUFEN MOUNTAIN

For those who are looking for an adventure or to experience Shifen in a different way, a hike up the Wufen mountain is just for you.

The Wufen mountain offers visitors one of the best vantage points in the Taipei area and boasts truly dreamy views of the Keelung River and Shifen.

Choose between two possible ways to scale the mountain either by driving up from Ruifang to Shifen Road followed by a 5 minutes’ walk to the summit, or to follow road directions to the Taiwan Coal Museum and walk along the foot trail flanked by rich greenery, for approximately 2 hours to reach the top of the mountain.

If you are heading to Shifen, be sure to include the famous Jiufen in your Taipei itinerary. Read our guide on the 7 must-try local food in Jiufen.

Taipei might just be one of the most underrated cities to visit. It doesn’t matter whether you are a foodie, a shopper, or if you simply enjoy marvelling at the wonders of nature – Taipei will have you covered.

So many street snacks to love, so many night markets to roam at, so many more karaoke sessions that we need, so many cultural centres to visit. Taipei is one destination in Asia you must visit.

Here are 25 Reasons To Love Taipei.

#1 THE CITYSCAPE AND ITS ORGANISED MESS

You’ve longed to see iconic skylines in cities like Paris and New York, but Taiwan’s scenic cityscape also holds its own charm. Signboards are everywhere, mostly with Chinese characters that we can’t read – but this mess is precisely what we appreciate.

#2 TAIWAN MILK TEA

Taiwan is home to many good milk teas. They come in bottles of all sizes and patterns, and can be easily found at all the convenience stores. Just pick one up at random and chances are it won’t disappoint.

#3 STEAMED DUMPLINGS

Taiwan might not be the origin of dumplings, but you will be able to find tons of these all over the streets. A plate of piping hot steamed dumplings are what we yearn for the most when we visit in the cold December.

#4 THE EFFICIENT METRO SYSTEM

Getting around the country is easy, especially when their metro system is clean, organised and very efficient. And inexpensive, of course.

#5 THE SHEER NUMBER OF NIGHT MARKETS

This goes without saying. Taiwan’s sheer number of night markets means every night will be occupied and fulfilling. We love roaming these markets and hunting for the best street hawkers and snack stalls.

#6 DIN TAI FUNG

Taiwan is, after all, the birthplace of the world-famous Din Tai Fung. Take things up a notch by visiting the brand’s very first outlet in Xinyi road.

#7 THE ARRAY OF CONVENIENCE STORES AT THE READY

Sounds silly, but if you’ve stepped in to one at Taiwan, you would realize how much it eases your life! Apart from the usual routines like picking up a snack or a drink, you can pay your utility bills, buy movie tickets, use the ATM, have your blood pressure measured, print documents and so much more – all within one convenience store.

Read more about the 12 Things That Make Taiwanese Convenience Stores So Awesome.

#8 YONG KANG STREET – A DINING DESTINATION IN TAIPEI

Yong Kang Street is a dining destination in Taipei. Whether its cheap and delicious Taiwanese snacks like ‘cong zhua bing’, shaved ice mountain or beef noodles; nice and chic cafes where you can get a cup of good coffee and desserts; or niche boutiques selling lifestyle products – there are plenty of options at Yong Kang Street. You can easily spend a day wandering in the alleys.

#9 TAIPEI 101 TOWER

When in Taipei, the Taipei 101 Tower is a must-see. The magnificent giant houses offices and many retail shops. Going up the tower will allow you to get an aerial view of the entire city too.

#10 CHIA TE’S SUNCAKCES AND PINEAPPLE TARTS

Chia Te makes some of the best Taiwanese pastries, and the queues outside their stores – comprising both locals and tourists – is proof of that statement.

#11 THE BEAUTIFUL STREETS OF JIUFEN

Jiufen retains an old-world charm; think bright red lanterns and cobbled pavement. The narrow, snaking streets are made up of souvenir and snack stalls. Jiufen is also a popular filming spot for Taiwanese TV programmes!

Read about the 7 Must-try Local Food at Taiwan’s Jiufen Old Street.

#12 PETS ARE PART OF BOUTIQUES

It is not every day that you get to play with Toy Poodles while shopping for your clothes in a local boutique. Taiwanese sure love their pets and they bring them along to work!

#13 FUJIN STREET – THE OTHER YONGKANG STREET

This is the other Yongkang Street you never knew about.

Primarily a residential area, Fujin Street is an upcoming area in Taipei that is littered with coffee shops and lifestyle boutiques. It is still pretty untouched by tourism, and the quaintness is exactly what we appreciate.

Read our guide on What To See & What To Eat at Fujin Street.

#14 SMITH & HSU TEA & SCONE SALON

For us, no trip to Taipei s complete without visiting the renown tea salon. They serve some of the best scones we’ve ever tasted, along with a myriad of fragrant tea flavours to choose from.

#15 XIMENDING

Ximending is probably the most bustling area in Taipei. This is where youngsters head to for some shopping fix and food. While the retail aspect is pretty acquired, we love Ximending for its food options.

#16 ALPACAS

Alpaca Cafe is real, and Oia Cafe is where you need to be at.

Oia Cafe is home to a few alpacas and they roam around freely in the cafe. Play with these adorable white creatures and feed them with carrots or food that are approved by the cafe’s owner—this is also the best way to get the alpacas to take a selfie with you.

#17 THE ENDLESS STREET FOOD

Fried squid, fried XXL chicken, sweet potato balls, taro chips, Taiwanese hot dogs, pork buns, milk tea, bittergourd juice… and the list goes on and on. Taipei is not for those who are on slimming diets.

And we say just eat to your heart’s content. The myriad of street food options is simply mind-boggling!

#18 ADDICTION AQUATIC DEVELOPMENT

Addiction Aquatic Development is a massive space that houses fresh seafood and aquamarine products, a large Japanese-style supermarket, and many themed restaurants and food kiosks under one roof.

It stands head and shoulders above other famous seafood markets in the world such as Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market, Seoul’s Noryangjin Fish Market, Sydney’s Fish Market, and Perth’s Fremantle Market.

Watch our video of Addiction Aquatic Development on our Facebook page.

#19 KARAOKE SESSIONS

Because karaoke sessions are the best in Taipei. Holding personal concerts are what we do best, especially when the karaoke systems and rooms in Taipei are so impressive.

The song list is unbeatable too, for after all, Taipei is home to Mando-pop.

#20 AY-CHUNG MEE SUA

Yes, it is touristy. And yes, there are better mee sua in Taipei. But you know what? We still go to Ay-Chung Mee Sua every time we are in Taipei. It always hits the spot.

#21 THE PHOTOGENIC CITY STREETS

Let’s face it—Taipei has clean streets and you like your nice OOTD shots taken against the iconic background of motorcycles and yellow taxis, yes?

#22 DUNHUA SHOPPING AREA

This district in Taipei is home to a huge amount of stores selling new-age clothing. It is where the shoppers should know about.

#23 THE NEVER-ENDING AMOUNT OF SHOE STORES

Taiwanese seem to be really into the sports-luxe trend. Bagging home a pair of sneakers or two is easy peasy with the sheer number of options availabile—New Balance, Nike, Adidas, Ked’s and more.

#24 SUN YAT-SEN MEMORIAL HALL

It is almost like a ritual for all first-timers to Taipei—a visit to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, who was the National Father to The Republic of China. It is a multi-purpose centre to learn more about Dr Sun’s contribution and his life.

The main entrance to the hall also contains a statue of Dr Sun Yat-sen. The renown guards-changing ceremony takes place hourly at the memorial hall’s entrance too.

#25 TRAIN RIDES ACROSS THE COUNTRY

You can take train rides to get from the city to more rural areas like Hualien. The trains are very comfortable, making the ride so much more painless. The trains will go past forests and mountains and rivers, and we love admiring those scenic landscapes along the way.

FOR MORE RECOMMENDATIONS ON WHERE TO GO, READ OUR TAIPEI’S FOOD AND TRAVEL GUIDES.

Jiufen is a mountainous attraction located at the Rui Fang District in New Taipei City. With the discovery of gold in the village during the Japanese Occupation, it has slowly boomed since then and is now one of the most favoured destinations among locals and tourists.

Other than being a popular filming spot, Jiufen is home to many incredible snacks and food, and traditional homemade snacks which you can bag home at really affordable prices.

Here are some of the Jiufen Must-Eats which you have to try at least once in your life!

# 1 YU WAN BO ZAI 

Located at the first food stretch of Jiufen, you can easily spot this shop with its bustling crowd. Priced at NT60, the signature set comes with a bowl of piping hot vermicelli and unique balls of fish paste that are freshly beaten daily and boast a springy texture.

#2 LAI AH PO YU YUAN 

Much like Blackball in Singapore, patrons can choose from the hot and cold selections, and every serving comes with handmade taro, sweet potato, green tea balls and kidney beans. It is sold at a very affordable NT35, and is the combat for the scorching sun.

#3 KUROBUTA SAUSAGES 

You will be able to find this snack at almost every corner of Jiufen. When bitten into, the texture of the grilled meat is slightly more tender than usual sausages and it makes the best grab-and-go snack.

#4 AH ZHU PEANUT ICE CREAM 

This stall encourages photo-taking and even has a set-up ready for you to snap your pictures. Every Instagrammer-cum-foodie should be grateful! That said, let’s focus on the goodness of this iconic snack – smooth taro ice cream is served on traditional popiah skin and sprinkled with shaved peanut bits, Ah Zhu Peanut Ice-cream is an all-time favourite and one that we think of immediately every time we reminisce good times at Jiufen!

#5 Grilled Sea Snails

For the more adventurous foodies, you might want to give this a shot! Sharing the same family tree as escargots, the sea snails are grilled freshly and then seasoned with 5-spice sauce before serving. Definitely not for the faint-hearted!

#6 CURRY FISH BALLS

The fish balls here at Jiufen are sold at NT20 per stick. Drenched in spicy curry sauce, these springy fish balls are a delight to munch on, and good for sharing. Its robust flavour is unforgettable.

#7 GRILLED MUSHROOMS

Mushroom may sound like a nightmare to many, but trust us when we say you have to try the jumbo mushrooms here at Jiu Fen. They call it the “chicken drumstick mushroom”, simply because they are huge. Grilled and coated with a sweet sauce, then cut into bite-sized pieces, this is a real treat!

#8 AH LAN HAKKA GLUTINOU RICE CAKE 

The traditional glutinous rice cakes sold at Ah Lan are lovingly handmade every day, and comes in sweet red bean or salted vegetable fillings. There are many stalls selling glutinous rice cakes actually, but you just have to spot the long queue and there you have it – the most famous stall at Jiufen – Ah Lan. It is one traditional delight that you must try when you are at Jiufen.

Other than these delectable eats, you might want to visit their Japanese-inspired traditional tea houses to indulge in the art of tea, or simply stop and take in the magnificent sea view. What impressed us most was the picturesque sight of Jiufen’s ascending mountain top.

TO GET TO JIUFEN FROM TAIPEI 

Hop on the train from Taipei Main Station to Rui Fang Station and board the Kee Lung Transit bus headed to Jiufen. It takes approximately an hour to get there.

Alternatively, you can also board Bus 1062 from Zhong Xiao Fu Xing Station. It takes slightly longer, but it will be great if you want to enjoy the scenic view of Northern Taiwan along the way.

For more recommendations, read our food & travel guides on the best things to see, do and eat in Taipei.