Shifen Old Street — Attraction in New Taipei

Review for Shifen Old Street (十分老街)

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Shifen Old Street (十分老街) is a charming and vibrant destination that captures the essence of Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage. Here’s my detailed review:

Atmosphere: Shifen Old Street exudes a nostalgic charm with its vintage railway tracks, traditional shops, and lantern-filled skies. The old street runs parallel to the train tracks, creating a unique atmosphere where visitors can watch trains pass by while exploring the area. The combination of historical ambiance and bustling street life makes it a captivating place to visit.

Cultural Experience: The highlight of Shifen Old Street is undoubtedly the sky lantern tradition. Visitors can purchase lanterns, write their wishes on them, and release them into the sky. This beautiful and symbolic activity is not only a fun experience but also deeply rooted in local culture. The sight of numerous lanterns floating into the sky, especially in the evening, is mesmerizing and adds a magical touch to the visit.

Scenic Beauty: Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Keelung River and surrounding mountains, Shifen Old Street offers stunning natural scenery. The combination of the rustic old street with the lush greenery and river views creates a perfect setting for photography and relaxation.

Food and Snacks: Shifen Old Street is a haven for food lovers. The street is lined with food stalls and small eateries offering a variety of local delicacies. Must-try items include traditional Taiwanese snacks, such as grilled sausages, fried chicken, and sweet taro balls. The food is delicious, affordable, and a great way to sample authentic Taiwanese cuisine.

Shopping and Souvenirs: There are plenty of shops selling unique souvenirs and handmade crafts. From traditional lanterns and paper products to jewelry and local snacks, the variety ensures that there’s something for everyone. These items make for perfect mementos or gifts to take back home.

Accessibility: Shifen Old Street is easily accessible by train from Taipei, making it a convenient day trip. The station is right on the old street, and trains regularly pass through, adding to the charm. The area is pedestrian-friendly, but be prepared for some walking and occasional crowds, especially during peak times.

Service and Facilities: The vendors and shopkeepers are friendly and welcoming, often going out of their way to help tourists. The street is well-maintained, with clean restrooms and seating areas available. Information signs and guides are also present to help visitors navigate the area.

Overall Experience: My visit to Shifen Old Street was truly enjoyable. The combination of cultural richness, scenic beauty, delicious food, and the unique experience of releasing sky lanterns makes it a must-visit destination in Taiwan. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking for a memorable experience, Shifen Old Street offers something special for everyone. Highly recommended for anyone...

Most tourists who are travelling to Jiufen from Taipei City would stop by Shifen Old Town to release the Sky 🌄 Lanterns🏮. Shifen is one of the very few towns that allows the release of Sky Lanterns and perhaps the most popular one at doing so 🌟. History has it that in the past, the people would have to descend down from the mountains ⛰️ to pick up their goods 👝🛄 and groceries 🥦🍎🍚🥩🍗🥚 from the train 🚂 station. And they will wait for the release of the sky lanterns 🏮 as a signal that they are safe and free from the bandits 🥷🦹‍♂️🧌before they will come down.

It would have been perfect for us to visit, unfortunately, it rained 🌧️heavily on the day of our visit. Driving from Taipei City will take 1hr ⏳ to reach Shifen Old Town 🏡. You will head for the train tracks 🛤️ (Which is active!) and that’s where all the shops lined at the side will be selling and helping to paint and release the Sky Lanterns.

Start by selecting the colour 🎨of the Sky Lanterns. Different colours 🎨have different symbolic meanings. (See my pics) For Example, Red 🟥 = Health ⚕️+ Peace ☮️ and Yellow 🟨 = Money 💰+ Wealth 🤑….etc After picking the colors, the shop will hang it up for you to start drawing ✍️. Once the drawing 🖼️ is done on all 5️⃣ sides are done, they will bring it onto the track 🛤️, light it up, take pictures 📸 for you and can release it. #Huatarh

Although it was a really special experience, sadly, I must say that it cannot be good for the environment ♻️. I mean where are all these lanterns gonna land 🚯? I also heard that there are environmentally friendly lanterns for sale. You should consider purchasing those instead.

Besides that, the sides are lined with a lot of shops selling gifts 🎁 and food 🌮🌯🍗🥟🍢. If the weather 🌤️is good, you could walk all the way to the train station 🚉 to take pics with the approaching trains 🚞. And then even further up towards the waterfall 🏞️. Shifen is like Vietnam 🇻🇳– Hanoi Train Tracks café ☕️….. well almost the same.

Pro-tips : Go Early (So you have more time for Cat Town / Jiufen. ⏰ Buy Environmental ♻️ friendly lanterns🏮. (Don’t be like me, coz I didn’t know) Take your time ⌚️to write 🖊️✍️🖌️ your blessing onto the sky lantern. Don’t be rushed by the shop owners. (For them it is faster the better) Take lots of pics 📸 and videos 📹 coz’ you might never do it again. Go and try this unique De-bone chicken 🐓 wing 🍗stuff with rice 🍙 (See my pic) It is really famous and I didn’t see anyone else selling it in Taiwan 🇹🇼 City. Not even at the night market. Visit the Train station 🚉, bridge 🌉 and waterfall if weather permits. You will need...

Shifen Old Street, nestled in New Taipei City’s Pingxi District, offers a captivating blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Renowned for its historic railway and vibrant sky lantern tradition, it’s a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists. 

Sky Lantern Experience: The highlight of Shifen Old Street is the opportunity to release sky lanterns along the active railway tracks. Visitors can purchase lanterns from numerous shops, write their wishes or messages on them, and watch as they’re released into the sky—a truly enchanting experience.  

Scenic Railway Setting: The street is uniquely characterized by its coexistence with the railway tracks. Trains pass slowly through the bustling street, adding to the nostalgic ambiance and offering excellent photo opportunities. 

Culinary Delights: Beyond the lanterns, the street is lined with various stalls and shops offering traditional Taiwanese snacks and local delicacies. From crispy peanut ice cream rolls to savory meat dumplings, there’s a treat for every palate. 

Safety and Environment: While the experience is memorable, it’s essential to exercise caution due to the active railway. Be attentive to train schedules and follow safety guidelines provided by the vendors. Additionally, many shops offer eco-friendly lantern options to minimize environmental impact.

Additional Attractions: Nearby, the Shifen Waterfall offers a serene escape into nature, providing a pleasant contrast to the lively street scene. 

Tips for Visitors: • Timing: The area can get crowded, especially during weekends and holidays. Visiting on weekdays or early in the day can provide a more relaxed experience. • Transportation: Shifen is accessible via train from Taipei’s Ruifang Station. The journey offers scenic views and adds to the overall experience. 

In summary, Shifen Old Street offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, culinary delights, and natural beauty. Whether you’re releasing a lantern, savoring local treats, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, it’s a destination that leaves a lasting...