Shifen Old Street
Shifen Old Street
4
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The area
Neighborhood: Shifen
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Restaurants
19 within 3 miles
Attractions
69 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,513 reviews
Excellent
575
Very good
688
Average
231
Poor
15
Terrible
4
platypus150
Melbourne, Australia27,075 contributions
Mar 2023
Up into the hills in an old diesel rail motor, you travel between two rows of shops into Shifen. The town is famous for the scenic waterfalls a couple of km down the hill, but the old street will take you there. It has all manner of food treats and souvenirs to keep you amused. Many people buy lanterns on which they paint their wishes and then send aloft. The train can be taken from Ruifang on the Pingxi line
Written March 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ai-ling L
Taipei, Taiwan1,093 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We took the train to Ruifang Railway Station(瑞芳車站), and then transferred to the Shenzhen-Ao Branch Line(深澳線) to Shifen Station(十分車站). Next to the railway, we wrote down our visions for our family's health身體健康, exams and studies學業猛進, wealth財源滾滾，財庫飽滿 and Optimistic future prospects光明的未來. We lit a flame點燃火苗 on the oil photo paper油紙, and the sky was beautiful. The lamp 天燈slowly flies to the sky, promises a beautiful and happy family vision, to be very successful and happy!(美麗成功幸福的願景)
We always take the optimistic attitude to the future.*****要十分成功幸福唷*****
We always take the optimistic attitude to the future.*****要十分成功幸福唷*****
Written August 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sabi0james
Manila, Philippines3,413 contributions
Jan 2020
The purpose of our tour is not to go around the area, but to write our wishes on a lantern and release the lantern to the sky. So, within an hour's stay in Shifen, we proceeded to the rail tracks crowded with people (mostly tourists), and both sides of the tracks lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and lantern-makers. Our guide led us to one of the shops and our group was given a lantern for us to write our wishes. This was very timely as the year 2020 just started ( went there January 2). After letting the ink dry a little we went to the tracks where a guide provided by the shop led us to an area on the tracks where we will release our lantern. The guide prompted us to turn our lanterns one side at a time so that he could take pictures of each side. Then he lighted the lantern and let us all hold it. On his cue, we released our red lantern to the sky. With a few more minutes before we go back to our meeting spot, we were able to visit some of the shops selling lanterns, lantern-styled LED lights, and other souvenir items.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cris H
Chicago, IL64 contributions
Dec 2019
One should not leave Taiwan without experiencing Pingxi sky lantern. Our guide, Roger, showed us to places where the best chicken with rice can be found (near the train station). There were a lot of street food and mementos offer along the railway. Always feels great to experience the happy moments with your family.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PsychoGemini
Asan, South Korea28 contributions
Feb 2020
I came here with one purpose and that was to release a sky lantern. I wound up arriving at night and most of the places were closed with not many people in the area. I got some good shots and video of my sky lantern but it's a shame I wasn't able to really walk around and see more of the town. Perhaps I'll have a better experience the next time I go.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mae Ann
3 contributions
Dec 2019
A lot of tourists flock in this old street to fly lanterns. The rail track is sometimes congested which could be dangerous especially when a train is approaching. Although there are guards who give reminders, some tourists do not follow instructions right away. There should be more warning signs and safety measures.
If you want to come here, avoid peak hours.
If you want to come here, avoid peak hours.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ECWorld
Hong Kong, China2,672 contributions
Jan 2020
Yes I know it is great fun for visitors to write their wishes on the sky lanterns and then release them into the sky. But this is not exactly environmentally friendly - I could see remnants of sky lanterns everywhere as I approached the Shifen area (hillside, trees and one even drifted into the Shifen Waterfall). I was told the lanterns were made of waxed paper but some looked suspiciously like plastic to me. And to try to release them on a short stretch of the old street with a crowd of tourist jostling for position was not exacting the most romantic experience. Do not wear your designer shoes/clothes for this experience - the shops where we wrote the wishes on the lanterns using ink and ink brushes were very crowded and I actually saw ink being splashed on shoes. Yes the whole thing was good for a few photos but I just hope this custom is replicated at other places.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Detlef Z
65 contributions
Jan 2020
By the time you get to the end of the street, many locals and tourists were seen with wonder on their faces. The long tradition of Tian Deng was is still alive here. Charming railway and track. Bit concerned about polluting aspects of lanterns.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Call Me Wendy
Los Angeles, CA31 contributions
Oct 2019
The village nested in a spectacular moutain ranges creates the cool atmosphere. The street in Shifen is filled with people come to release the lanterns to the sky. Totally recommend to visit in your trip to Taiwan
Written April 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Enokido20
Buffalo, MO181 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Went to Shifen old street with my lady and had a good time. We got to decorate our own sky lantern and send it off. Theres lots of shops, food carts and the waterfalls are another 20min walk to get to if you want to see them.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Junjie_Jay
Singapore, Singapore26 contributions
Hi I'm planning a half day trip out of Taipei in November with the missus and kids to Shifen just for the lanterns and of cos the food. Does anybody have a public transport option or a driver to recommend? Thanks in advance!
Luchi E
Singapore, Singapore25 contributions
Half day can be a little short of time considering the travel time to and from that can last almost an hour each way not to mention a traffic. I would recommend to check from "Klook" specially if you're travelling with kids, less hassle rather taking your own way to go Shifen by bus which I'm not sure if there is direct bus from Taipei Main Station.
Allyskate.travels
Singapore, Singapore25 contributions
I hope to see the Ping Xi Lanterns Festival this year but I will only be arriving on the 14th of September 2019 and I heard that the mass light up will be on the 13th. I know you can light up lanterns at any other time but I want to see the huge amounts light up the sky. So my question is, will there be substantial crowd lighting up the lanterns over the weekend or would it be just for that one day? Will the other festivities also finish on that one day?
Luchi E
Singapore, Singapore25 contributions
It is a must or will always be recommended in every tourist itinerary to at least experience this activities whenever your in Taiwan so it is expected to have a handful tourist anytime of the day, everyday.
断捨離
Tokyo Prefecture, Japan352 contributions
今月台北に行きます
半日で「九分」を見てから「十分」でランタン飛ばしをしたいと思っています
九分から十分までの移動の仕方がわかりません
どなたか、教えて下さい
mimimi101010
Takaoka, Japan77 contributions
バスかタクシーで九份から瑞芳（ルイファン、Ruifang）駅まで行き、平渓線に乗って十分へどうぞ。瑞芳駅から十分駅まで30-40分で到着です。一時間に一本くらいしかありませんのでご注意ください。
Tweetie B
Edmonton, Canada33 contributions
If we're not interested in lanterns is it still worthwhile to go to Shifen? We'll definitely be going to Juifen.
171258Philip
Singapore, Singapore191 contributions
Is it alright, if you are OK to view how such a village looked in the past near a currently serviced train service.
If you are a little more adventurous, you can hire electric scooter to reach the shifen waterfall within 5 minutes.
_vcck2002
Singapore10 contributions
Hi, we have 1.5 days and am wondering if we should use Taipei as our base to travel to jiufen, shifeng, Yeliu, shilin night market, rouhe night market and maybe also danshui. We will be coming from Maoli on a Fri late morning and will be leaving Taiwan on Sun noon. There are 5 of us with a few seniors, one of whom is 70+. we plan to book a vehicle to bring us around. Any recommendation? If possible, would love to visit sun, moon lake.
Keith L
Singapore, Singapore256 contributions
Yes, you can use Taipei as your base. I would recommend you to charter a mini van or vehicle for 5 of you for this 1.5 days. Jiufen, shifen and yeliu would need nearly whole day. You would most likely be only able to go to one of the night markets. Depending on how many hours is your 0.5 days, you may be able to visit Danshui. Sun Moon Lake is very unlikely in 1.5 days. As you have seniors and you have to walk in all the places, especially upward walking in Jiufen, you may have to forgo a couple of places. Enjoy your trip.
Applelse
Singapore6 contributions
Is it better to book a cab tour (NT3500) from Taipei to Jiufen and Shifen or take the train and bus option (which are much cheaper)?
We have a group of 5, which 4 of them are over the age of 55.
Any advice?
171258Philip
Singapore, Singapore191 contributions
Go to klook website and there is a mini bus that cost S$21 each two ways. Just to let you know that at Jiufen you will need to climb around 150 to 200 steps up.
Donald S
Windsor, Connecticut, United States
Do you rent two or three months at a time. Are the rooms fully equipped. What is the rate?
Ilena_NM
Jakarta, Indonesia47 contributions
Hi Donald, I agree if you find other place to stay, as Shifen itself is easily reached by train, which attraction is right by the train station. It's a nice place for 1-2 hour or so.
Shifen Old Street (Pingxi) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Shifen Old Street
- We recommend booking Shifen Old Street tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 26 Shifen Old Street tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Shifen Old Street:
- Experience Pingxi Sky Lantern and Shifen Waterfall from Taipei (From $52.00)
- Small-Group Tour: Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Shifen from Taipei (From $38.50)
- Pingxi and Jiufen Day Trip from Taipei with Sky Lantern Experience (From $130.00)
- Full-Day Private Northern Taiwan Tour from Taipei with Pickup (From $100.00)
- Taipei Private Car Charter Tour (From $170.00)
- Hotels near Shifen Old Street:
- (0.14 mi) Shifen Traveler Homestay
- (0.19 mi) Louachu
- (0.25 mi) Shifen Memories Small Hotel
- (0.32 mi) Herwan Hotel
- (0.46 mi) Shi-Fen-Xing-Fu
- Restaurants near Shifen Old Street:
- (0.03 mi) Mr Q
- (0.03 mi) Zou Wei de Ka Fei
- (0.05 mi) Shi Fen Eatery
- (0.07 mi) Shifen Sister Cooks
- (0.04 mi) Peanut Ice Cream Roll
- Attractions near Shifen Old Street:
- (0.02 mi) Sky Lantern Grandma
- (0.03 mi) San Jie Mei Tian Deng
- (0.06 mi) Shifen Waterfall Walk Area
- (0.07 mi) Jingan Bridge
- (0.11 mi) Shifenliao