In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Shifen Old Street, including our personal experience launching a lantern, trying some unique street food, and capping off the visit with a walk to Shifen Waterfall.
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| Yehliu Geopark |
The journey takes around 30 to 35 minutes by car, covering approximately 28 kilometers, but it’s more than just a point-to-point trip—it’s an exploration of winding coastal roads, forested hills, and charming countryside.
After soaking in the geological wonders of Yehliu Geopark, we started our ride by exiting through Yuao Road, slowly weaving out of the coastal area.
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| Provincial Highway 2 |
The air still carried a hint of ocean breeze as we merged onto Provincial Highway 2 (台2線), a road that hugs Taiwan’s northern shoreline. With the sea on one side and rugged hills on the other, it was hard not to be distracted by the view.
A little further along, we veered inland onto Provincial Highway 2A (台2甲線). This route led us through quieter parts of Keelung and into the more mountainous terrain toward Ruifang District. Soon, we found ourselves on Provincial Highway 62 (台62線), an expressway that made it easy to cover ground quickly while still offering glimpses of green valleys and rolling hills.
From the expressway, we exited onto County Road 106 (106縣道)—a scenic mountain route that gradually brought us deeper into the Pingxi District.
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| Overlooking Shifen |
The road narrowed here, winding through forests, tunnels, and sleepy villages, the kind of drive that feels like you’ve been transported into a Studio Ghibli film.
As we approached Shifen, signs of life grew livelier—tourist vans, locals setting up stalls, and the distant sound of trains that run parallel to the old street.
One of the most iconic things to do in Taiwan is to release a sky lantern, and Shifen is the only legal place in the entire country where you can do this.
Located right on a still-operating train track, Shifen Old Street buzzes with activity, nostalgia, and the steady rhythm of lanterns lifting into the sky.
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| Shifen Old Street |
We booked our sky lantern experience as part of the tour, which included a voucher for a four-colored lantern.
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| A souvenir store that sold sky lanterns in Shifen |
Each color on the lantern represents a specific wish or blessing:
🌈 Sky Lantern Color Meanings
🔴 Red – Health and Peace
🟡 Yellow – Wealth and Prosperity
🔵 Blue – Career or Academic Success
🌸 Pink – Love and Romance
🟢 Green – Growth and Hope
⚪ White – Bright Future or Wisdom
🟣 Purple – Idealism and Wishes for Dreams
🟠 Orange – Enthusiasm and Energy
⚫ Black – Strength and Resilience
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| Sky lantern colors |
We shared a lantern with our friends, Manalos and chose a four-colored lantern with red, yellow, blue, and pink—covering our wishes for good health, success, love, and prosperity.
Before launching it, we each took a side to write down our personal hopes using brushes and ink provided by the vendor.
It was both a reflective and joyful moment as we watched it float up into the sky, rising higher and higher until it disappeared into the clouds.
Did You Know?
While the lanterns are biodegradable, they eventually fall back down into the forested areas surrounding the village.
That’s why locals in Shifen are paid to collect fallen lanterns, earning NT$7 to NT$12 per piece depending on the condition. This eco-friendly incentive keeps the area clean and provides supplemental income for residents.
Beyond the lanterns, Shifen Old Street is also a haven for street food lovers. We explored the small alleyways lined with vendors selling everything from grilled seafood to sweet potato balls.
Here are the snacks we tried and recommend:
Rice-Stuffed Chicken Wings
These wings are deboned and filled with sticky rice, then grilled to perfection. The smoky aroma and savory stuffing make them an irresistible savory treat.
Peanut Ice Cream Roll with Cilantro
Yes, cilantro in dessert—and it surprisingly works! This local delicacy features shaved peanut brittle, scoops of vanilla ice cream, and fresh coriander all wrapped in a delicate crepe-like skin. The blend of sweet, salty, and herbal flavors is uniquely Taiwanese.
There are also other options like Taiwanese sausages, fried mushrooms, and bubble tea if you’re up for a little food adventure.
After enjoying snacks and lanterns, we walked a few hundred meters to the nearby Shifen Waterfall (十分大瀑布), often referred to as the «Niagara of Taiwan.»
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| Road to Shifen Waterfall |
It’s about a 15- to 20-minute walk from the old street, following a scenic trail with suspension bridges and viewing platforms.
With a width of 40 meters and a height of 20 meters, the waterfall forms a beautiful horseshoe shape and creates misty rainbows when the sun hits it just right.
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| Shifen Waterfall |
We spent nearly an hour here, taking photos, enjoying the cool breeze, and simply relaxing after a busy but beautiful day.
Shifen Old Street is more than just a tourist stop—it’s a soulful, interactive experience. From writing down your dreams on a lantern and sending it to the skies, to savoring local delicacies and witnessing one of Taiwan’s most impressive waterfalls, everything about Shifen feels like stepping into a storybook.
Whether you’re on a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a solo exploration of Taiwan, Shifen is a must-visit that perfectly blends culture, tradition, and natural beauty.
