Shifen - Discovering Taiwan

Travelling to Shifen

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Shifen, a pretty good destination in Taiwan (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Shifen and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Shifen, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Taiwan, here's everything to know about Shifen for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Shifen

Shifen is a small town located in Northern Taiwan, known for its scenic waterfall and sky lantern festival. The main attraction in Shifen is the Shifen Waterfall, which is said to be the widest waterfall in Taiwan. Visitors can also release colorful sky lanterns into the sky, with wishes and messages written on them. Shifen is also famous for its railway tracks, where tourists can witness trains passing through a narrow alley surrounded by shops and restaurants. It's a popular day trip destination from Taipei and attracts tourists from all around the world.

What to visit in Shifen

1. Shifen Waterfall - Shifen Waterfall is one of the most beautiful and famous waterfalls in Taiwan. It's about 20 meters wide and 40 meters tall, making it a majestuous sight to behold. You can take the train to Shifen Station and then walk about 20-30 minutes to reach the waterfall.
2. Shifen Old Street - Shifen Old Street is a popular shopping district located in the heart of Shifen. It offers a wide range of traditional Taiwanese street food, souvenirs, and lanterns. You won't help but be charmed by the red lanterns which light up the street at night.
3. Pingxi District - Pingxi is a small district located near Shifen. It's famous for its railway tracks which run through the village. It is also a popular spot for sky lantern releasing activity. You can write wishes on the sky lantern and let it fly.
4. Keelung Mountain - Keelung Mountain is a great hiking spot located around an hour's drive from Shifen. The mountain offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area and is also home to a number of ancient temples.
5. Huangshi Village - Huangshi is a small aboriginal village located an hour's drive from Shifen. It is notable for its traditional village architecture and offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the indigenous people of Taiwan. You can try their traditional food and experience their culture.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Taiwan, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.

When to go on holiday to Shifen

The best time to visit Shifen in Taiwan is from September to November, or from March to May. During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable, and there are fewer tourists compared to peak seasons. It's also a great time to witness the lantern festival in the Sky Lantern Square, where you can participate in releasing your own lanterns to the sky. However, if you want to witness the Pingxi Lantern Festival, the best time to visit Shifen is during Chinese New Year, which usually falls in January or February.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Shifen

To get to Shifen, Taiwan: 1. Take the train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station. The train journey takes about 40 minutes and costs around NT$49 (approx. $1.70 USD).
2. From Ruifang Station, transfer to the Pingxi Line train and alight at Shifen Station. The train ride from Ruifang Station to Shifen Station takes about 25 minutes and costs around NT$22 (approx. $0.80 USD).
Alternatively, if you're traveling in a group or prefer a more convenient option, you can hire a private car or take a taxi from Taipei to Shifen. It takes about 1 hour and costs around NT$1,500-2,000 (approx. $52-$70 USD) one way.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Shifen, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Shifen

Sure, here are some typical foods of Shifen, Taiwan, with a short description for each: 1. Peanut Ice Cream Roll: A sweet and creamy dessert made of peanut brittle and rolled ice cream.
2. Stinky Tofu: A local specialty of fermented tofu that emits a strong odor but has a delicious savory taste.
3. Brown Sugar Cake: A popular street food made of sweetened glutinous rice flour and brown sugar, stuffed with peanut powder or sesame seeds.
4. Sticky Rice Sausage: A sticky rice sausage filled with pork and other ingredients, usually grilled or pan-fried.
5. Grilled Squid: Fresh squid grilled on skewers with soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings.
6. Fried Chicken Cutlet: A deep-fried chicken cutlet that's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, usually served with a spicy dipping sauce.
7. Oyster Omelette: A thin omelette filled with fresh oysters and vegetables, topped with sweet and sour sauce.
8. Red Bean Cake: A sweet cake made of mashed red beans and glutinous rice flour, often served with a hot cup of tea.
These are just a few of the delicious foods you should try when visiting Shifen, Taiwan!
You can find general info about typical foods in Taiwan here.

Is Shifen an expensive destination for tourists?

Shifen, Taiwan can be considered a moderately expensive destination for tourists. The prices of accommodation and food are generally higher than in other parts of Taiwan. However, if you plan your trip well, you can still make it a budget-friendly experience.
For example, if you're on a budget, you can stay in hostels or guesthouses instead of hotels. There are also many street food options that are usually much cheaper than restaurants, and the night markets in the area offer many affordable meal choices.
Additionally, some of the attractions in Shifen, such as hiking or visiting the Shifen Waterfall, are free or low-cost options. However, activities like sky lanterns, private guided tours or river tracing can be more expensive.
Overall, while Shifen may be more expensive than other parts of Taiwan, with some careful planning, it can still be an enjoyable and affordable destination for travelers.

Where to find accomodation in Shifen

It is best to find accommodation in the nearby cities of Pingxi or Jiufen to visit Shifen. Both of these cities are situated close to Shifen and offer a range of accommodation options from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. Additionally, staying in Pingxi or Jiufen will give you easy access to the train stations, night markets, and other popular attractions in the region.
You can check hotel prices at Shifen here:
Booking.com

Is Shifen a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Shifen in Taiwan is generally considered a safe place for tourists. Taiwan has a reputation for being a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, as with any travel destination, it's always important to exercise caution and common sense while traveling. Be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings secure, and follow any safety guidelines provided by local authorities or tourism officials. It's also a good idea to research any potential risks or safety concerns in the area before your trip.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Taiwan here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Shifen.

What type of travelers will enjoy Shifen the most?

Shifen, Taiwan is a popular destination for both young travelers and families. It's particularly popular among couples and young people looking for a fun-filled time. The area around Shifen Waterfall is particularly scenic, and couples and families will enjoy taking in the stunning sights. The area is also home to a number of charming cafes and restaurants that serve up local cuisine. Shifen is particularly well-known for its lanterns, and visitors can release their own lanterns into the sky if they wish. This activity is particularly popular among couples and families.

How to get around Shifen

One of the most popular ways to move around Shifen is to take the Pingxi Line train, which is a scenic rail route that passes through many tourist attractions. Bicycles and scooters are also common ways to get around the area. Additionally, there are shared taxis and buses available for hire. Walking is a good option for visitors who want to explore the streets and experience the local culture at a more relaxed pace.

What to see around Shifen

There are many nice places to visit on a day trip from Shifen. Here are some suggestions: 1. Jiufen: A historic town with narrow alleys, tea houses, and amazing views of the coastline.
2. Pingxi: A mountainous area with beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, and opportunities to release sky lanterns.
3. Yehliu Geopark: A natural wonder with unusual rock formations such as "Queen's Head" and "Sea Candles".
4. Wulai: A hot springs town surrounded by lush forest, hiking trails and aboriginal culture.
5. Keelung: A port city famous for its seafood night markets, temples, and historic sites.
6. Yangmingshan National Park: A volcanic park with hot springs, hiking trails, and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
7. Taipei City: Taiwan's capital city renowned for its modern architecture, museums, night markets, and street food.
These are some of the popular destinations you can visit on a day trip from Shifen.
For every travel information about Taiwan you can click here.

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