Shifen - New Taipei, Taiwan
Since Shifen is just a short train ride from Houtong Cat Village, I headed there after my visit. Shifen is famous for its old street, sky lanterns, and waterfall—my main reasons for visiting.
It was still pouring rain, and navigating the crowded old street with umbrellas everywhere wasn’t easy. At the centre, a train track runs directly through the street, where people were releasing lanterns inscribed with their wishes. I considered lighting one myself, but knowing not all lanterns are retrieved, I decided to simply watch for environmental reasons. Tourists carefully wrote messages on all sides of their lanterns before lighting them and sending them floating into the sky, creating a colourful, moving spectacle despite the weather.
Afterward, I went to see the Shifen Waterfalls. The area features a mix of small and large falls, with paths leading to different viewpoints along the way. Near the entrance, I spotted a Thai-style temple and grabbed a quick bite before beginning my walk. The mossy paths were slippery from the rain, so I moved carefully. The largest waterfall—dubbed “Taiwan’s Niagara Falls”—was spectacular, but the heavy rain made it hard to fully appreciate. By the end, I wasn’t sure whether I was soaked from the rain, the waterfall’s spray, or from exertion.
On my way back to Taipei, the trains were delayed due to the weather, and it took much longer than expected to return to the city. Despite the challenges, Shifen offered a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural charm, and whimsical tradition, making it a memorable stop on Taiwan’s northeast coast.
Background
Shifen (十分) is a historic town in New Taipei City, part of the Pingxi District, which developed during Taiwan’s coal mining era. Today, the town is a popular tourist destination thanks to its preserved railway line, quaint old street, and Shifen Waterfall, one of Taiwan’s largest waterfalls. Releasing sky lanterns is a traditional practice in the region, originally intended to send messages or prayers to the heavens. The town’s combination of industrial heritage, natural beauty, and cultural customs has made it a must-visit for travellers exploring northern Taiwan.
Getting There
From Taipei:
Take the TRA train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station (about 40 minutes), then transfer to a local train on the Pingxi Line to Shifen Station. The journey takes roughly 1–1.5 hours total, depending on connections.
From Houtong Cat Village:
Shifen is just one stop away on the Pingxi Line, about 10 minutes by train. Trains run frequently, though delays are possible during heavy rain or peak tourist periods.
Once at Shifen Station, the old street, lantern areas, and waterfall are all within walking distance, making the town easy to explore on foot.
Route Overview
Distance: 4.29 km out & back (Shifen Station)
Total elevation gain: 61 m
Duration: 1 hr 16 min (with breaks 1 hr 53 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Train: Houtong Station → Shifen Station — NT$22
Food: NT$160
