Release Sky Lanterns in Shifen, Taiwan
We woke up early that morning, had our breakfast at 7'11 and then slowly made our way to the train station. We booked our RTA ticket the night before, in that way, we were able to choose the train timing and made sure we had seats for the next day's travel. It's very convenient to book a RTA ticket just look for the automated machine and press your desired time and destination. We took the RTA when we went to Hualien so it wasn't that hard to look for the train station this time around. Let’s go!
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- Check-in: Here-There Hostel
- Address: No. 28, Emei St, 4F.-1, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
- Phone:+886 2 2361 2061
- 4 days 3 nights
- NT 3,800 - 2 bunk beds ( mixed room )
Alight at Ximen MRT Station, take Exit 6, Cross the little pedestrian lane and once you see Watson keep walking straight, pass by the 7'11 shop, a wide transparent door to a Hotel and the small street that leads to the hostel.
1. Convenient Transportation
Address: Ping River (Pingsi) Township, New Taipei City 226, Taiwan (ROC)
How to get there
By Train
- From Taipei Main Station purchase a TRA train ticket to Ruifang Station.
- Travel time: 45 minutes - 1 hour
- Ticket fare: NT 60
In Ruifang Station
- Purchase a One Day Ticket to the Pingxi Line train,
- alight at Shifen Station.
- Ticket fare: NT 50
Be early at the train station
If you're catching a train in the morning please ensure to be in the train station at least 1 hour before time especially if you're a clueless tourist like us. The trains are efficiently on time and leave a minute after the arrival. An hour early gives you plenty of time to get lost, be on the correct platform, or the right car train, refund a ticket, have some snacks and even have a relaxing waiting time.
Buy your ticket ahead of time
Don't lose your ticket even if you've boarded the train and keep it somewhere accessible for last minute glance at train details before boarding and for the ticket collection afterwards. Double check the train platform, train number, train arrival, your train car number and make sure you're seated at the right number. One mistake can cause you to miss out on your train. Book your tickets ahead of time if you buy the tickets right there on the spot it might be fully booked for the day.
Shifen Station
Once you arrive at Shifen Station make sure to check the train timings or better yet buy your return tickets back to Ruifang Station. I really love the train station here where you can legally cross the railway to the other side platform.
2. Release Sky Lanterns
This was the top priority of our itinerary when we reached Shifen. The lantern stores are just a walking distance from the train station, so we chose the one with a more open space to release the sky lanterns.
There are different kinds of paper lanterns to choose from. We chose the multicolor that represents Wealth, Marriage (future), Success (business) and Happiness. Happiness is also meant for good health so it sums up everything we want in life.
Lantern Price: NT 150 - NT 200
Fun fact
The lanterns are released in the middle of the railway. A functional railway where the train passes by once in a while. We were standing along the railway looking at people releasing their lanterns then suddenly people around us moved vigorously to the sides. Everyone stayed calm like it was just the wind passing by, no one was actually shouting to warn passersby of the coming train. It really put a smile on my face.
The rushed wind of the train passing by me was exhilarating, I don't exactly know why it felt that way. It reminded me of those Wild West movies where they would jump inside a running train to get away from their pursuers.
Reminders
On weekdays try to be in Shifen before dark as most stores close early.
3. Write your Wishes
Write your best wishes in the colorful paper lantern, then release the lantern to the sky and hope for the best in life.
The intimate feeling of listing down what you are and letting it go is very liberating. I personally love the feeling. Besides It's not every day that you have the opportunity to write your prayers in a lantern, take this chance and release your plea. Let's pray that our wishes go to heaven and somehow things might go well. Have an optimistic approach and be open-minded.
4. Food trip
After releasing the lanterns grab some street food along the way. We bought this interesting wrap snack which comprises two ice cream, some peanut shavings and slices of coriander leaves.
5. Tourist Spots
There are a few tourist spots around the area that might interest you so check them out: Shifen Old Street (most lantern stores fill this long stretch of street) , Shifen Railway Station, Jingan Suspension Bridge (just behind the station) and the Shifen Waterfall (15-20 minutes walk from the station).
6. Perfect Souvenirs
I wanted to buy something unique for my souvenirs this time around, not just the ordinary foot or hand keychains with the country's name marked on them. I've found what I'm looking for in Shifen. There are plenty of souvenir shops so make sure to window shop two to three stores to compare prices.
They have lantern keychains, tiny plastic lanterns for phone accessories, home decor and lanterns with good wishes. I bought the ones with good wishes for my family and friends. We even bought one for our future business soon, we will hang it there one day and think about the good days we had in Taiwan.
7. World Class
According to my research, CNN named it one of the top things to do in 2013.
If you come to Shifen during the Lantern Festival then you're lucky enough because Fodor's Travel Guide considers it as one of the 14 festivals a person must see in their lifetime. Even Discovery Channel says it's the second largest nighttime festival in the world another great reason to be there during the festival.
The Lantern Festival is usually celebrated on the Chinese New Year either end of January or the first week of February.
8. Bucketlist
Make this one of your bucket list when you're visiting Taiwan. It's one of those unique activities you can do in your travels. Skip the city tour and head to Shifen to have a different kind of experience.
9. Simply Fun
Release the child in you and just have fun with it.
Fun Fact: I've read that back then these lanterns were used by workers as a signaling system for their families to tell them about their safety.
Jiufen's Old Street is just a bus away from Shifen. Have a great nostalgic tour of the old days in Juifen, try local foods and check out great goodies and souvenirs for your family and friends.
How to get there: Shifen to Jiufen
- Take the train in Shifen back to Riufang station, in front of the Ruifang station cross the road, walk until you see the police station and board the Keelung Transit Bus towards Jiufen, Bus 788 or Bus 825.
- Travel time: 15-20 minutes
- Bus Fare: NT 20- NT 30.
We visited Shifen and Jiufen on the same day. Manage your time wisely. Shifen was our first stop because it's farther and there's a bus conveniently located nearby the Ruifang station that goes straight to Jiufen. At the same time, there's a direct bus going back to Taiwan Main Station outside of Jiufen's Old Street. It was a perfect set-up for us and we executed it efficiently the whole day. You can visit the Keelung Night Market if you want to have some dinner before heading back to the city.
How to Return back from Shifen to Taipei Main Station
- Take the train back to Ruifang Station and purchase a ticket bound to Taipei Main Station.
- Travel time: 45 minutes - 1 hour
More Places to Visit in Tawain
- We stayed in Hualien for 3 days:Took the train back to Taipei City and stayed there for 4 days:
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Do you want more adventure?
If you still have one more day to spare why not go on an Authentic Food Tour at Jiufens Old Street in Taiwan.
Where am I going next?
My next adventure is to visit my sister in South Korea and visit the land where my favorite Korean dish "bibimbap" materialized in this world.
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