Pingxi Old Street
A charming old street built along active train tracks, famous for its magical sky lantern releases and serene mountain backdrop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Pingxi Old Street
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming old street built along active train tracks, famous for its magical sky lantern releases and serene mountain backdrop.
"Such a nice place to visit. Very serene and you can enjoy the beauty of nature."
Lantern Prices
Lantern prices are standardized (around 200-250 TWD). Choose colors based on your wishes! :moneybag:
Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets and potentially some light hiking. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sky Lantern Release
Along the train tracks
Write your wishes on a sky lantern and watch it ascend into the heavens. A truly magical and iconic Taiwanese experience.
Historic Train Tracks
Main street
Wander along the active train tracks, a unique setting where shops and food stalls line the railway.
Scenic Mountain Views
Surrounding areas
Enjoy the picturesque mountainous backdrop that surrounds the old street, offering a serene natural escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Lantern Launch Etiquette
Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Lantern Prices
Lantern prices are standardized (around 200-250 TWD). Choose colors based on your wishes! :moneybag:
Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets and potentially some light hiking. :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Moment
The train tracks and lantern releases make for fantastic photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
Explore Nearby
Consider visiting nearby Jingtong Old Street for a quieter, more local feel. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
Lantern Prices
Lantern prices are standardized (around 200-250 TWD). Choose colors based on your wishes! :moneybag:
Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets and potentially some light hiking. :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Moment
The train tracks and lantern releases make for fantastic photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
Explore Nearby
Consider visiting nearby Jingtong Old Street for a quieter, more local feel. :world_map:
Try Local Snacks
Sample delicious street food offerings as you explore the charming old street. :ice_cream:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pingxi Old Street is praised for its serene atmosphere and the magical experience of releasing sky lanterns. Visitors appreciate the scenic mountainous surroundings and the unique charm of the street built along train tracks. While it offers fewer eateries than its neighbor Shifen, it provides a more relaxed and less crowded alternative.
"Amazing old street with mountainous surrounding. There is not many tourist but has significantly less eateries and things to do compared to touristy shifen, but still a nice and relaxing place to wander around"
HW
"Such a nice place to visit. Very serence and you can enjoy the beauty of nature. Was able to fly the lantern and enjoyed sone street foods. A must for every tourists"
Dokrik69 Vee
"Less crowded than Shifen and feels a bit like Jiufen without the tourists and a bit smaler. Lovely place with beautiful nature"
Emil Schnee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is by taking the MRT to Ruifang Station and then transferring to the Pingxi Line train. The journey offers scenic views along the way. Taxis are also an option from Taipei, though more expensive.
Yes, Pingxi Old Street is easily accessible via the Pingxi Line of the Taiwan Railways Administration. The train stops directly at Pingxi Station, which is right on the old street.
The train journey from Taipei Main Station to Pingxi typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on transfers.
Limited parking is available, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Public transport is generally recommended.
Absolutely! The Pingxi Line connects Pingxi, Shifen, and Jingtong Old Streets, making it easy to visit multiple locations in one day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Pingxi Old Street itself is free to enter and explore. You only pay for activities like releasing sky lanterns or purchasing food and souvenirs.
The old street is generally open throughout the day, with shops and food stalls operating from morning until early evening. The train schedule dictates access to the tracks.
You can purchase sky lanterns directly from vendors along the street. Booking in advance is usually not necessary.
While generally permitted, it's always good to be aware of any temporary restrictions due to weather conditions or local regulations. Vendors will advise on this.
The price for a sky lantern typically ranges from 200 to 250 TWD, with multi-colored options costing slightly more.
📸 📸 Photography
The train tracks themselves offer a unique perspective, especially when a train is passing. The surrounding mountains provide a beautiful backdrop. Capturing the sky lanterns at dusk is also highly recommended.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting. For a magical effect, try photographing the sky lanterns as they are released into the evening sky.
Yes, trains regularly pass through the old street. Be sure to be aware of your surroundings and step aside safely when a train is approaching.
Recreating iconic scenes from movies by releasing sky lanterns is a popular photo opportunity. Also, capture the charming traditional architecture.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. For low-light photography, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod can be helpful for capturing lantern releases. :iphone:
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
You'll find a variety of Taiwanese street food, including local snacks, grilled items, and traditional sweets. It's a great place to sample authentic flavors.
While there are many food stalls, sit-down restaurants are less common. The focus is more on quick, delicious street food experiences.
Look out for local specialties like grilled squid, sweet potato balls, and various savory snacks. Trying the street food is part of the charm.
Vegetarian options can be found, but it's advisable to ask vendors about ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Yes, you can typically find popular Taiwanese drinks like bubble tea and fresh juices at various stalls. :bubble_tea:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the street is built along active train tracks, so constant supervision of children is essential. The food stalls offer a variety of snacks that are usually kid-friendly. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and make the experience more comfortable for younger ones.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Exploring the old street itself is free. Street food is abundant and affordable, offering a delicious way to sample local flavors without breaking the bank. Opting for public transport via the MRT and Pingxi Line train is also the most economical way to reach the destination from Taipei.
📸 Photographers
The release of sky lanterns, especially during the golden hour or twilight, creates magical and atmospheric shots. Don't miss capturing the surrounding mountainous landscape for a broader scenic view. Be prepared for dynamic shots when trains pass through, and consider a tripod for low-light lantern photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Sky Lanterns
+1Vendors offer a variety of colors, each with its own symbolic meaning, allowing visitors to personalize their wishes. The sight of numerous lanterns ascending into the twilight sky is a truly breathtaking and memorable experience, often recreated in popular culture.
+1While the experience is magical, it's important to be mindful of environmental impact. Many vendors are now offering more sustainable options, and it's advisable to inquire about responsible practices.
Pingxi's Railway Heritage
+1Trains run at regular intervals, and when one approaches, vendors quickly move their stalls to make way for the passing locomotive. This dynamic interaction between the railway and the street life is a defining characteristic of Pingxi. Visitors can ride the train to reach Pingxi, and it also connects to other charming old streets like Shifen and Jingtong, making it easy to explore the region.
+1The presence of the railway adds a historical layer to the experience, reminding visitors of the area's industrial past. The rhythmic sound of the train and the sight of it chugging along the tracks are integral to the sensory experience of visiting Pingxi Old Street.
A Relaxing Escape
The natural beauty surrounding Pingxi, with its mountainous terrain, adds to the tranquil ambiance. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque scenery while strolling along the old street, sampling local delicacies, and engaging in the cultural practice of releasing sky lanterns.
Many visitors find Pingxi to be a refreshing change of pace, offering a chance to unwind and appreciate the simpler pleasures of a traditional Taiwanese town. It's a place where you can truly soak in the local culture and natural environment without feeling rushed.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit