Flying Sky Lanterns × Listening to Waterfalls: A Romantic Day in Pingxi Mountain Town

Pingxi is located in the upper reaches of the Keelung River, surrounded by untouched mountain ranges such as Wufen Mountain and Xiaozishan. With its unique terrain and steep slopes, it is considered a classic example of a monoclinal mountain in northern Taiwan. Historically, Pingxi was centered around coal mining, leaving behind numerous mining relics and old miners' residences scattered along the area. As the mining industry declined, Pingxi transformed into a tourist destination focused on scenery and culture, forming a railway tourism circle centered around Pingxi, Shifen, and Jingtong. This narrow-gauge railway not only witnessed the coal transportation era but also carries the romance and nostalgia of modern visitors. 🎈 Sky Lantern Ceremony: A Journey of Hope in the Sky Pingxi's most iconic cultural event is the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, held annually during the Lantern Festival. Tens of thousands of sky lanterns are released simultaneously, creating a breathtaking blessing spectacle near Taipei's outskirts. It is often referred to as "Southern Beehive Fireworks, Northern Sky Lanterns." Even outside of festival periods, places like Pingxi Old Street, Shifen Old Street, and Jingtong Old Street offer sky lantern experiences. Visitors can write their wishes on lanterns by the railway and release them, enjoying a romantic and meaningful moment. 🚂 Railway Exploration: Nostalgia Interwoven with Nature Take the Pingxi Line's yellow railway, which stops at stations like Jingtong, Pingxi, Shifen, Wanggu, and Dahua, each with its unique charm: • Jingtong Old Street: Experience the historical ambiance of Japanese-era wooden houses and coal unloading platforms. • Pingxi Station and Old Street: Stroll along the stone-paved streets, enjoy local snacks, and release wish lanterns, all while trains rumble by. • Shifen Old Street: The liveliest stop, featuring more shops, sky lantern zones, and proximity to the magnificent Shifen Waterfall. 🌊 Shifen Waterfall: Taiwan's "Niagara" with a Mountainous Roar Shifen Waterfall is Taiwan's largest curtain-style waterfall, with a drop of about 20 meters and a width of approximately 40 meters. Its grandeur has earned it the nickname "Taiwan's Niagara." The deep pool below often showcases rainbows after rain, creating a dreamy "Rainbow Pool." Nearby attractions like Glasses Cave and Stone Cave Waterfall are also worth exploring. Walking on the suspension bridge while listening to the symphony of water and mountain breezes offers an unforgettable experience. 🎯 Travel Tips • Transportation: Take the MRT to Muzha and transfer to the 795 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle, or transfer to the Pingxi Line from Taiwan Railways at Ruifang or Badu. The one-day pass is highly cost-effective. • Festival Notes: During the Sky Lantern Festival, traffic may be restricted, so check in advance. • Gear Suggestions: Mountain weather can be unpredictable; bring sunscreen, rain gear, and comfortable walking shoes. • Photography Tips: Night shots of sky lanterns are dreamy against backlight, and waterfall photography requires attention to safety and misty reflections. Pingxi is not just an old mining town; it is a harmonious blend of "mountains and railways, people and wishes." Whether you're writing wishes on sky lanterns, capturing railway light and shadows, or strolling through serene landscapes, Pingxi fulfills your travel desires for culture, nature, and history.