Ultimate Guide to a Day Trip in Pingxi: Transportation, Attractions, and Must-Try Delicacies!

Located in New Taipei City, Pingxi is a mountain town full of historical culture, natural scenery, and cultural charm. The most distinctive feature is the Pingxi Branch Rail Line, which passes through stations such as Pingxi, Shifen, and Jingtong. In Pingxi, besides experiencing the majestic "Shifen Waterfall," which is known as the "Niagara Falls of Taiwan," what's even more special is the annual sky lantern release event on Pingxi Old Street during the Lantern Festival, which attracts tourists from all over the world.

If time permits, I suggest arranging a day trip to Pingxi for a deeper exploration. It is a must-visit attraction that many tourists come to see. Curious about what's fun and delicious in Pingxi? Then keep reading!

Recommended Must-Visit Attractions for a Day Trip to Pingxi

Shifen Waterfall

The Shifen Waterfall, located in Pingxi District, New Taipei City, is a very famous waterfall in Taiwan and is one of the must-visit attractions for many people going to Jiufen and Shifen.

With a drop of about 40 meters, Shifen Waterfall is currently the largest curtain-style waterfall in Taiwan. When the water falls, it is majestic, earning it the nickname "Taiwan's version of Niagara Falls!"

If you're lucky, you can also see the beautiful rainbow that appears when the sunlight refracts. There is also a natural stone cave below the flowing waterfall, where visitors can walk inside and admire the waterfall. It has always been a dreamlike destination for many tourists, and it's even free to visit. It's really a must-go place!

Opening Hours

• During Daylight Saving Time (June to September), the opening hours are from 9:00 to 18:00, with the last entry at 17:30.

• During non-Daylight Saving Time (October to May), the opening hours are from 9:00 to 17:00, with the last entry at 16:30.

• Source: New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau

Further reading: Shifen Waterfall Transportation Guide: 7 Ways to Easily Reach Taiwan's Version of Niagara Falls!

Shifen Old Street

Shifen Old Street is one of the liveliest old streets in the Pingxi area. Here, besides enjoying the delicious food and buying some sky lantern souvenirs, I think the main reason to visit Shifen is to experience the unique atmosphere different from other old streets. This old street is adjacent to the railway, so you might encounter a train coming towards you while walking, which is really special!

No wonder there are so many foreign travelers eager to visit this quaint little town. Oh, by the way, when you visit here, remember to be careful not to linger on the tracks! Especially if you are traveling with young children, please pay extra attention!

Jingtong Station

Jingtong Station is the last station on the Pingxi Line railway and one of the oldest wooden stations in Taiwan. It was built in 1929 and has a history of nearly a hundred years. The station exudes a strong nostalgic atmosphere of Japanese style. It is a popular location for advertisements and Instagrammers. Additionally, there is a "Railway Story House" at this station that attracts many railway enthusiasts.

Jingtong Old Street

Jingtong Old Street is another ancient street in the Pingxi area, different from the bustling Jiufen Old Street and Shifen Old Street. The quaint old street sells various handicrafts, antiques, and souvenirs. If you have the opportunity to visit Jingtong, I highly recommend trying the nostalgic miner's bento that can only be enjoyed here, paired with a cup of carbon-roasted coffee from the washing media field.

Pingxi Station

Pingxi Station, originally known as "Shidi Station," was initially a simple small station. It was originally built for transporting coal and faced abolition due to the decline of the coal mine. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of influential individuals, we still have the opportunity to witness the historical traces of Pingxi Station. Of course, few people know this history because when it comes to Pingxi, what most people think of is the phrase "Pingxi Sky Lantern." Yes! It is this Pingxi that was originally only known for its lantern event during the Lantern Festival, but has now become one of the world-famous events in Taiwan. It is also an activity that many foreigners specifically request to participate in!

Pingxi Old Street

Speaking of Pingxi Old Street, you may not have been there, but if I tell you that the male and female protagonists in the movie "You Are the Apple of My Eye" released sky lanterns together here, you might have a slight impression of Pingxi Old Street, right?

It is said that the sky lantern originated from the Three Kingdoms period and was invented by Zhuge Liang. At that time, it was used to transmit military information using the principle of hot air balloons. Later, it was introduced to Taiwan. In addition, as there were often bandits harassing the Pingxi area in earlier years, clever villagers used sky lanterns as a signal of safety. Therefore, it has become an important custom during the Lantern Festival in the Pingxi area. It is said that by writing wishes on the sky lantern and praying to the heavens, the wishes can come true.

Therefore, Pingxi Sky Lantern is a very unique traditional folk activity in Taiwan and is also a world-famous Taiwanese festival, along with Tainan's Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival!

Recommended Itinerary for a Day Trip to Pingxi

Itinerary 1: Jing Tong Station→Jing Tong Old Street→Shifen Old Street→Shifen Waterfall→Pingxi Station→Pingxi Old Street

1. Morning:

• Jing Tong Station: A quaint wooden station, perfect for taking photos.

• Jing Tong Old Street: Taste the nostalgic miner's lunchbox and enjoy some local coffee while browsing for handmade crafts.

2. Lunch:

• Shifen Old Street: Sample local delicacies and explore the unique atmosphere of the street adjacent to the railway.

3. Afternoon:

• Shifen Waterfall: Experience Taiwan's largest curtain-style waterfall and admire its beauty.

• Pingxi Station: Learn about the station's history and immerse yourself in the culture of sky lanterns.

• Pingxi Old Street: Experience the traditional sky lantern culture, make a wish, and explore the ancient streets.

Itinerary 2: Shifen Waterfall→Shifen Old Street→Pingxi Old Street→Release Sky Lanterns in Pingxi

1. Morning:

• Take the Pingxi Line train to Shifen Waterfall: Enjoy the magnificent view of the waterfall.

2. Lunch:

• Shifen Old Street: Indulge in the unique street food.

3. Afternoon:

• Pingxi Old Street: Take a leisurely stroll and soak in the nostalgic atmosphere.
• Release Sky Lanterns in Pingxi Old Street: Join the tradition of releasing sky lanterns and make your wishes come true.

Itinerary 3: Houtong Cat Village → Jingtong Railway Story House → Jingtong Old Street → Sky Lantern Release at Jingtong Old Street

1. Morning:

• Houtong Cat Village: Interact with adorable cats.

2. Afternoon:

• Jingtong Railway Story House: A must-visit attraction for railway and photography enthusiasts in Pingxi.

3. Afternoon:

• Jingtong Old Street: Experience the nostalgic atmosphere.

• Sky Lantern Release at Jingtong Old Street: Follow the local tradition and release a sky lantern to make wishes and pray for blessings.

Itinerary 4: Pingxi Coal Mining Museum → Wanggu Waterfall → Pingxi Old Street → Sky Lantern Release in Pingxi

1. Morning:

• Pingxi Coal Mining Museum: Learn about the coal mining history of Pingxi.

2. Afternoon:

• Pingxi Old Street: Enjoy local specialties and snacks.

3. Afternoon:

• Wanggu Waterfall: Admire the magnificent scenery of Wanggu Waterfall.

• Sky Lantern Release at Pingxi Old Street: Follow the local tradition and release a sky lantern to make wishes and pray for blessings.

What are the transportation options for a day trip to Pingxi?

There are several transportation options to get from Taipei to Pingxi. You can drive by yourself, take a train or bus, or use the MRT and transfer to a bus. However, if you prefer a hassle-free and non-transfer option, you can also consider charter services or carpooling services.

If you want to learn more detailed information about transportation to Pingxi, you can refer to the Pingxi Transportation Guide that our team has prepared for you.

Further reading: Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Around Pingxi: Train, Drive, or Charter? Find Your Perfect Transportation!

Must-try Food in Pingxi

Railway Sausage

The authentic charcoal-grilled sausages and chicken fillets have been popular for over 30 years. It is a signature dish that is often recommended by food bloggers. The nostalgic taste at an affordable price will surely make you want to have more.

Address: No. 18, Pingxi Street, Pingxi District, New Taipei City

Traditional Noodle Tea

Specialty pancake is a very unique traditional snack in the area. Paired with a hot and delicious traditional noodle tea, oh! This is a favorite of mine, highly recommended to everyone! In addition, the peanut soup and almond tea in the shop are also popular choices for traditional drinks!

Address: No. 35, Pingxi Street, Pingxi District, New Taipei City

Yang Family Chicken Roll

This is definitely the most popular old shop on Jing Tong Old Street. The freshly fried delicacies are perfect for replenishing energy after a tiring stroll at noon.

Address: No. 127, Jing Tong Street, Pingxi District, New Taipei City

What are the questions about Pingxi day trip card and PTT that people want to know?

Q: Can sky lanterns be released in Pingxi on weekdays?

A: Of course! Sky lanterns can be released in Pingxi on weekdays throughout the year, as long as the weather is good.

However, if you want to participate in the annual Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, remember to choose the period during the Lantern Festival.

Q. What season is best for a day trip to Pingxi?

A. A day trip to Pingxi is suitable for all seasons, but the best time is during the warm and pleasant spring, summer, and autumn.

But don't miss the large-scale Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival held during the Lantern Festival!

Q. What activities can be done on a day trip to Pingxi?

A. When you visit Pingxi for a day trip, in addition to releasing sky lanterns and strolling through the old streets to experience the strong nostalgic atmosphere and local delicacies, don't miss the beautiful scenery of Pingxi, such as the Shifen Waterfall, which is known as the Taiwanese version of Niagara Falls, it is the scenery that I highly recommend!

In short, Pingxi is a place where you can let go of your worries. It not only satisfies your taste buds and enjoys visual beauty, but also allows you to release sky lanterns to make wishes come true and have more hope for the future!

Want to have a leisurely day trip to Pingxi? Start with choosing Tripool!

A relaxed and laid-back itinerary. In Pingxi, you can experience the unique atmosphere of a mountain town, admire the magnificent natural landscapes, and enjoy the fun of releasing sky lanterns. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, a day trip to Pingxi is definitely a good choice.

Pingxi is a great destination for family or friends to travel together. You can admire the magnificent natural landscapes and experience the joy of releasing sky lanterns. But if you want a more leisurely day trip to Pingxi without the hassle of planning and transportation,

don't worry, now you have a better choice! Tripool's charter service allows you to focus on appreciating and savoring the beauty of Pingxi, leaving all the transportation issues to Tripool! Start your worry-free journey by choosing Tripool's charter service.

If you want to learn more about the charter service and transportation, you can refer to: Taiwan Private Car Rental Price List | The Most Comprehensive Price Guide for Renting a Car with Driver, Must-Read Before Your Trip

Let the professional driver pick you up at home and take you directly to Pingxi. Try calculating the price on the Tripool website now! https://www.tripool.app/en