Board a vintage train winding through river valleys, release a glowing lantern above the tracks at Shifen, then hunt for cats in Houtong village — one of Taiwan's most beloved day trips.
If you're looking for a single day that combines "releasing a lantern into the sky," "riding a vintage train through green valleys," and "tracking down cats in a historic village" — the Pingxi Branch Line (平溪線) is your answer. This 12.9 km spur line snakes along the Keelung River in New Taipei City, stopping at 5 stations each with its own distinct character.
Whether it's Shifen (十分), famous for sky lantern releases above the railway tracks and the most photogenic waterfall in northern Taiwan, or Houtong (猴硐), a coal-mining village now overrun with dozens of free-roaming cats, or quiet Jingtong (菁桐) at the end of the line — this railway tops every "best day trips from Taipei" list for good reason.
Buy a Day Pass (NT$80) and hop on or off as many times as you like. Trains run every 20–30 minutes.
Sky Lanterns — Buy a lantern (NT$200–400) from a trackside shop. The owner helps hold and light it. Stand on the tracks — trains move slowly and give warning — then let it float skyward. Takes 15–20 minutes total.
Shifen Waterfall — A 20–30 minute walk from the station. Broad and powerful, often called the "Niagara of Taiwan." Free admission. Bring a waterproof jacket on humid days.
Cat Village — Dozens of cats roam freely along rooftops, wooden beams and walkways. A footbridge crosses the stream to the denser cat area. Perfect for photos.
Coal Mine Museum — Houtong was once Taiwan's largest coal-mining town. Rusted machinery and mine structures remain as quiet monuments. The contrast with the cats is oddly charming.
Pingxi Old Street — A compact historic street along the river. Lantern shops, local snacks and souvenir stalls line both sides. Much quieter than Shifen and great for a slow stroll.
Another Lantern Launch Spot — Pingxi has a dedicated open-air launch area away from the tracks, ideal if you want a scenic backdrop without the rail setting.
Jingtong is the end of the line — the fewest crowds, an old wooden station, and a wooden bridge over the stream. Ideal for nature photography and a peaceful break.
Lingjiao is a small station between Shifen and Pingxi. Most visitors skip it, but if you want a completely crowd-free spot beside the river, it's worth a 15-minute stop.
Simple route, no guesswork — TRA train to Ruifang, then transfer directly to the Pingxi Branch Line.
Main Festival (Yuan Xiao Night): Held 15 days after Lunar New Year — usually January or February. Thousands of lanterns rise simultaneously in a breathtaking spectacle. Crowds are intense; arrive very early or book a tour.
Board a TRA train at Songshan Station or Taipei Main Station toward Ruifang (about 40 minutes). Buy your NT$80 Day Pass at Ruifang before boarding the Pingxi Branch Line.
Houtong is calmer in the morning — the cats are more active and crowds are thin. Spend 45 minutes to an hour exploring the cat walkways, crossing the bridge, and visiting the old mine structure.
Get off at Shifen and release your sky lantern first before the crowds build. Then walk 20–30 minutes to Shifen Waterfall. The path is well marked. Budget about 1.5–2 hours here in total.
Both stations have local noodles, rice dishes and street snacks at reasonable prices. Try the thick-cut pork ribs or braised tofu — Pingxi old street has slightly more variety and shade.
Walk Pingxi's old street, browse the lantern shops, and board the train back to Ruifang. From Ruifang, buses 788 and 825 run directly to Jiufen — making this a classic full-day double: Pingxi Line in the morning, Jiufen at dusk.
Combined Shifen + Pingxi + Jiufen tours skip the train schedule juggling and include a guide. Compare options on Klook. (Affiliate link)
Red-lantern alley at dusk in Jiufen combined with sky lanterns at Shifen — the ultimate single-day itinerary from Taipei.
See the Day Trip Guide →The Queen's Head rock and 150+ bizarre geological formations on the same north coast. Easy to combine into a multi-stop day trip.
See the Yehliu Guide →All the top Taipei day trips and city highlights in one place — from Taipei 101 to Beitou hot springs and Maokong gondola.
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