Railroad tracks run through this old street with shops & restaurants, plus sky-lantern lightings.

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Shifen Old Street

Shifen Old Street distinguishes itself not merely as a historic lane, but as a railway track itself, where vendors and pedestrians share space with active train lines. This unusual coexistence is the street's defining characteristic, creating a thrilling, albeit carefully managed, experience. Sky lanterns, a ubiquitous symbol of Taiwan, find particular resonance here, released directly above the tracks, their fiery ascent a dramatic counterpoint to the industrial steel below. Unlike other lantern-releasing locations, Shifen offers the unique opportunity to personalize your wishes mere feet from a passing train. The architecture, while charmingly weathered, is secondary to the spectacle of this shared space. Interestingly, the proximity to the tracks has fostered a unique micro-economy, with specialized shops offering customized lantern designs and photography services capturing the fleeting moments of release against the backdrop of the railway. The echoes of train whistles blend seamlessly with the excited chatter of visitors, creating a sensory tapestry unlike any other old street in Taiwan.

Introduction

Shifen Old Street's charm lies in its well-preserved glimpse into Taiwan's old railroad town ambiance. Originally a coal transportation hub, it has evolved into a vibrant destination along the Pingxi rail-line, retaining its historical allure. The active railway tracks running through the heart of the street create a unique experience, where visitors gather to release sky lanterns adorned with calligraphy wishes when trains aren't passing. This tradition, once a signaling system for railroad workers, now offers a captivating spectacle.

The 300-meter-long street is packed with local food stalls and souvenir shops, adding to its appeal as a photography haven. Sky lanterns are a particular highlight, costing between TWD100 to 150 each. Beyond the lanterns, Shifen Waterfalls, often called Taiwan’s “Niagara Falls,” are located a short distance from Old Street, accessible via a wheelchair-friendly trail. This blend of natural beauty and historical charm makes Shifen a compelling destination.

Visiting on weekdays is recommended to avoid large crowds, allowing for a more leisurely exploration of the street's nooks and crannies. The combination of railway history, sky lantern tradition, and local culture creates a unique and memorable experience, making Shifen Old Street a must-visit destination for those seeking a taste of Taiwan's past.

Old Street Charm

Shifen Old Street is renowned as one of the few places in Taiwan where the sky lantern tradition is still actively practiced. Rooted in Fujian province, the tradition evolved from a practical signaling method used by villagers to indicate safety from bandits in the Pingxi area during the mid-1800s. Sky lanterns were originally released to inform those in the mountains that it was safe to come down to the station for supplies. Over time, this custom transformed into a means of writing wishes to the gods, and it became especially popular among newlyweds hoping to conceive sons.

Today, Shifen Old Street draws visitors year-round, who release lanterns from the train tracks. Lanterns are available in various colors, each representing different wishes such as health, wealth, career success, and happiness. The price typically includes all necessary materials to inscribe personal wishes, as well as assistance from shopkeepers who help capture photos and videos of the release.

Despite environmental concerns, with about 30,000 lanterns released monthly, efforts are being made to promote eco-friendly lanterns that completely burn up in the sky, minimizing ground pollution. These biodegradable lanterns, developed by local university graduates, utilize traditional techniques and materials like bamboo and paper pulp. During the annual Lantern Festival, Shifen becomes exceptionally crowded, hosting mass lantern release events that attract large crowds.

Sky Lantern Tradition

Shifen Old Street, closely linked to Shifen Waterfall, serves as a convenient access point to the natural attraction. The walk from Shifen Old Street to Shifen Waterfall takes approximately 30 minutes, offering a scenic route that follows the river and includes views of smaller waterfalls and passing Pingxi trains. This path, however, involves stairs and may not be wheelchair accessible.

At the periphery of Shifen Old Street, where the road forks, marks the end of the main street. From this point, either lane leads to Shifen Waterfall. For those arriving by bus from Muzha MRT in Taipei, the 795 bus route extends past Shifen Old Street to the Shifen Waterfall Visitor Center, the final stop, allowing visitors to explore the waterfall before heading back to the old street.

Travelers can shorten their return trip from the waterfall to Shifen Old Street by following the cement path from the highest viewing platform back to the vehicle road. This drop-off point provides a direct route to Shifen Visitor’s Center and the old street. Given that food options in Shifen are limited and close early, most visitors opt to stay in Taipei or Jiufen, making Shifen a part of a day trip. For those few who decide to stay near the falls, accommodations and the FamilyMart close relatively early.

Shifen Waterfall

Shifen Old Street's story is deeply interwoven with the Pingxi Railway Line, a vital artery initially constructed by the Japanese in 1918 to facilitate coal extraction from the Pingxi Valley. This railway line transformed Shifen into a thriving hub, one of several mining towns that prospered along its route. While the coal mines ceased operations in 1971, the railway line found new life as a tourist attraction in the early 1990s, preserving a tangible link to the past.

The unique characteristic of Shifen Old Street is the active railway tracks running directly through the heart of the street. This remarkable integration of daily life with the railway heritage offers a glimpse into the town's history. Originally, the railway served as a crucial transport link for the coal industry, but today, it carries tourists eager to experience the charm of this old town. The train's passage through the street several times a day serves as a living reminder of Shifen's origins and its evolution from an industrial town to a popular tourist destination.

Adding to Shifen's allure is the tradition of releasing sky lanterns, a practice with roots in the area's history. Sky lanterns were used as a signaling system during times of banditry in the mid-1800s. Over time, this practical communication method evolved into a cultural tradition, with people writing wishes on the lanterns and releasing them into the sky. This custom, combined with the preserved railway heritage, makes Shifen Old Street a captivating destination for those interested in Taiwan's history.

Pingxi Railway Line History

Shifen Old Street in New Taipei City, Taiwan, is a focal point in discussions surrounding the environmental impact of sky lanterns. The popularity of releasing sky lanterns by tourists, with estimates of 300,000 to 400,000 lanterns released annually, poses significant ecological challenges. These lanterns, often constructed with chemically treated paper, bamboo, and metal wiring, are slow to disintegrate, contributing to litter across the landscape. Volunteer cleanup efforts recover hundreds of kilograms of trash, including lantern debris, highlighting the scale of pollution. The New Taipei City Government has attempted to address these issues through recycling incentives, yet tourism imperatives often take precedence.

The environmental concerns have spurred some innovative solutions, such as local startups designing biodegradable rice paper lanterns, though traditional and cost factors hinder widespread adoption. The frames of the lanterns are sometimes collected by elderly residents, who resell them to recycling centers, providing a small economic incentive for cleanup. The persistence of non-degradable lantern materials leads to continuous pollution, impacting hillsides, riverbanks, and trees. As an alternative to lantern release, visitors are encouraged to explore Shifen's natural beauty through sustainable activities like visiting waterfalls and enjoying local street food, which supports the area's economy without harming the environment.

Environmental Impact of Sky Lanterns

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