Pingxi Old Street: lantern-town atmosphere on the Pingxi Line

Pingxi is about atmosphere: a quieter pace, rail-line energy, and the satisfaction of leaving the city for a day that still feels connected to Taipei’s orbit. It’s a historic mountain town with a century of coal-mining history, and it still preserves traditional elongated ‘long’ houses and Japanese-colonial-era storefronts.

There’s real heritage layered into the lanes, too: wartime air-raid shelters from the town’s mining era, and what’s said to be Taiwan’s oldest postbox. The street even appeared as a filming location for the hit movie ‘You Are the Apple of My Eye’.

The big draw is the sky lantern. Historically used in the area as safety signals, the lanterns are now released year-round by visitors, and the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is one of New Taipei City’s most representative festivals.

Releasing one is straightforward: vendors set you up, you write your wishes on the paper, and it’s sent up over the valley. A single-color lantern runs around NT$150, with multi-color lanterns up to about NT$300.

From Taipei Main Station, take the TRA to Ruifang (about 45 minutes), then transfer to the scenic Pingxi Branch Line and ride to Pingxi Station. A Pingxi Line one-day ticket is NT$52, and EasyCard is accepted.

Because it’s a working rail line, trains pass close to the street—follow the signs and step clear of the tracks well before a train is due.

The best Pingxi day is simple: do Pingxi plus one other nearby stop (usually Shifen). Avoid stacking multiple far places—your day trip will feel better if it’s spacious. Budget about 1–2 hours for the street itself, more for a half-day combined with other Pingxi Line stops.

Pair Pingxi with Shifen for nature texture and a second lantern experience, then return to the city for an easy dinner.