Taiwan · Region
Pingxi
Pingxi is a former coal-mining district in the mountains of New Taipei City, strung along a narrow-gauge railway that link old streets, waterfalls, and hillside settlements. It is best known as the birthplace of Taiwan's sky lantern tradition, where releasing a wish-inscribed lantern over the railway tracks has become an iconic, year-round ritual (and the centerpiece of the famous winter Sky Lantern Festival).
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Frequently asked questions about Pingxi
How do I get to Pingxi?
Travellers reach Pingxi by taking a Taiwan Railways (TRA) train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station (~40 minutes to 1 hour), then transferring onto the Pingxi Line branch train, which trundles through Shifen, Pingxi, and other stops along the old coal route. A hop-on, hop-off day pass bought at Ruifang is the standard way to explore multiple stations along the line.
How many days should I spend in Pingxi?
Most visitors cover Pingxi's highlights — old street, waterfall, and lantern release — as a single ~1-day trip from Taipei, hopping between two or three stations along the line.
What is Pingxi known for?
Pingxi is a former coal-mining district in the mountains of New Taipei City, strung along a narrow-gauge railway that link old streets, waterfalls, and hillside settlements. It is best known as the birthplace of Taiwan's sky lantern tradition, where releasing a wish-inscribed lantern over the railway tracks has become an iconic, year-round ritual (and the centerpiece of the famous winter Sky Lantern Festival).