Pingxi Line Itinerary: Lanterns, Trains & Pawprints in Taiwan

✧ Series Note – Once Again, Taiwan ✧
Feels like coming home. Feels like a chapter you’ve reopened with fresh eyes.
Here’s to solo travel, fourth times, and stories that keep unfolding. ✨🇹🇼
📅 Travel Dates: August 10–13, 2023

On my final full day in Taiwan, I returned to one of my favorite corners of New Taipei City—Shifen Old Street. But this time, I let the journey unfold along the Pingxi Line, a historic railway that winds through lush valleys, sleepy villages, and lantern-lit streets. It’s more than a train ride—it’s a passage through Taiwan’s soul.

Collage of Ruifang Station in New Taipei, Taiwan, featuring yellow‑blue and white‑green trains at platforms, close‑ups of railway tickets, station architecture, and the colorful “Welcome to Ruifang Station” mural. — Ruifang Station connects Taiwan’s railway charm.

I started at Taipei Main Station, grabbing breakfast at 7 AM since my hostel meal wouldn’t be ready until 8. I purchased a one-way ticket and boarded a local train on the Western Trunk Line, headed toward Keelung. What I didn’t realize was that this route wouldn’t take me directly to Ruifang Station—so I hopped off at Badu Station, waited for a transfer, and continued on the Yilan Line.

Outdoor display in Pingxi, New Taipei, Taiwan, with bamboo tubes hanging from red strings on a colorful railing, each inscribed with handwritten wishes, surrounded by lush greenery and local tea signage. — Pingxi bamboo wishes reflect Taiwan’s cultural spirit.

There’s a quiet thrill that comes with hopping on a train in a foreign country—the anticipation, the unfamiliar names scrolling past, and the comfort of knowing Taiwan’s railways are impressively reliable. I was especially excited to explore the stops along the Pingxi Line, a scenic route that has long captured my imagination.

Street scene at Shifen Old Street in New Taipei, Taiwan, with railway tracks running through the center, traditional buildings with tiled exteriors and balconies, shops and stalls, and people walking along the tracks. — Shifen Old Street blends railway and market life.

I never considered the idea of exploring the iconic locations along the picturesque Pingxi Line in a sequential manner. While this oversight was certainly a misstep on my part, I chose to embrace the journey and trust my instincts. Ultimately, one of my key objectives for this trip was to deeply immerse myself in the vibrant local culture, savor each moment of my adventure, and uncover the rich stories behind the charming sites I encountered along the way.

🚉 The Pingxi Line: A Railway of Stories

The Pingxi Line is a 12.9-kilometer branch line established during the mining boom to transport coal from the mountains. Today, it serves not as a lifeline for industry but for travelers seeking heritage, charm, and quiet adventure.

Scenic railway track in New Taipei, Taiwan curving through lush greenery with palm trees, a multi‑story café with arched supports and red roof overlooking the tracks, under a partly cloudy sky. — Ruifang railway winds through Taiwan’s green hills.

Connected to Ruifang Station, near the iconic Jiufen, the line has since been preserved as a heritage railway. Many of the stations still retain their classic wooden architecture and nostalgic ambiance.

🏙️ Ruifang Station: The Gateway

I started my journey at Ruifang Station, the gateway to the Pingxi Line. Stepping outside, I was greeted by local eateries and the tempting aroma of Taiwanese street food. Nearby buses idled, waiting to take travelers to Jiufen Old Street, but today, my heart was set on the rails.

Collage of Ruifang Station in New Taipei, Taiwan, featuring a silver train with a blue stripe at the platform, station signage, a speed limit marker, and colorful pedestrian streets lined with brick and concrete buildings against a green hillside. — Ruifang Station anchors Taiwan’s railway gateway.

Just before boarding, I realized I had only purchased a one-way ticket instead of the unlimited Pingxi Line Pass—a slight inconvenience, but nothing that could ruin the day. I chose not to dwell on it and instead focused on the adventure ahead.

🎐 Pingxi Old Street: Wishes in the Wind

My first stop was Pingxi Station, home to the less-crowded yet equally charming Pingxi Old Street. This town is known for the Lantern Festival, where people release glowing sky lanterns carrying their wishes into the night sky. Walking through the sloping streets filled with lanterns, souvenirs, and local snacks, I found it more peaceful and less touristy than Shifen.

Collage of Pingxi in New Taipei, Taiwan, featuring the Pingxi Station entrance with signage, a quiet hillside street lined with multi‑story buildings and parked scooters, and a road bordered by dense trees with directional signage. — Pingxi Station reflects Taiwan’s tranquil heritage.

Out of environmental respect, I chose not to fly a sky lantern this time. Instead, I simply stood by and watched others make their wishes. Sometimes, observing can be just as meaningful.

A group of people in Pingxi, New Taipei, Taiwan, releasing colorful sky lanterns—red, orange, white, and blue—each inscribed with handwritten wishes, along railway tracks surrounded by greenery. — Pingxi sky lanterns light Taiwan’s wishes.

📜 Jingtong Station and Museum: Nostalgia in the Hills

At the end of the Pingxi Line lies Jingtong Station, a quiet, nostalgic gem. Its old street, lined with wooden buildings and paper lanterns, felt like stepping into a time capsule.

Collage of Jingtong Station in New Taipei, Taiwan, featuring a white wooden station building with a tiled roof and potted plants; signage reading “Jingtong Station"; decorative wooden plaques on a nearby building; and a train at the platform with a palm tree backdrop. — Jingtong Station preserves Taiwan’s railway heritage

I visited the local museum and learned about the history of Jing Tong, adding another layer of depth to my experience in this charming town. The museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that offer insight into the area’s past, making it a must-visit for those interested in delving deeper into the cultural significance of Jing Tong Old Street.

💌 Message Sent

Inside the Jingtong Story House, a cozy souvenir shop, I bought postcards and chatted with the friendly lady at the counter. When she mentioned they sold postage stamps, I smiled—I knew exactly what to do. I picked out a card and mailed it back home. There’s something deeply fulfilling about sending a piece of your journey to your future self.

Exterior of Jingtong Railway Story House in New Taipei, Taiwan, featuring a rustic wooden storefront, traditional Chinese signage, a vending machine, a painted mailbox, and railway‑themed decorations. — Spotted some railway memorabilia here. A great spot for a railway enthusiast like me.

The Jing Tong Story House souvenir shop is not only a great place to purchase mementos but also a hub of local knowledge and storytelling.

Rustic wooden building in Jingtong, New Taipei, Taiwan, with weathered panels, tinted glass windows, Chinese and English signage reading “Jingtong,” a red lantern, figurines, a vintage mailbox, and colorful directional signs pointing to local destinations. — Jingtong preserves Taiwan’s rustic railway charm.

Rustic building in Jingtong, New Taipei, Taiwan, with weathered wood and metal textures, colorful wooden panels, hexagonal plaques with Chinese characters, a cat‑shaped figure, circular signs, and decorative signage reading “Jingtong Little Town.” — Jingtong Little Town reflects Taiwan’s cultural charm.

🌧️ Shifen Old Street: Rain, Lanterns & Milk Tea

Back on the train, I made my way to the beloved Shifen Old Street—famous for its bustling lantern-lit railway where trains still roll past people sending lanterns into the sky. The energy here was vibrant and chaotic in the best way.

Street scene at Shifen Old Street in New Taipei, Taiwan with railway tracks running through a busy market, people walking and taking photos, colorful sky lanterns, shop signs, and scooters parked along the street. — Shifen Old Street blends lanterns and railway life.

As I was about to walk to Shifen Waterfalls, a sudden downpour sent everyone scrambling for shelter. I ducked into a souvenir shop and waited it out. The rain didn’t last long, and when it stopped, it left the air cooler and the street shimmering.

Collage of Shifen Station in New Taipei, Taiwan featuring red‑brick station building with signage, people entering and exiting, railway tracks lined with shops and stalls, visitors walking along tracks, and train platform with yellow train and mountain backdrop. — Shifen Station anchors Taiwan’s railway heritage.

With a cup of milk tea in hand, I lingered a bit longer, letting the warmth of the place soak in. Watching the sky lanterns float upward felt like the perfect metaphor for letting go—and for hoping, always hoping.

Suspension bridge in New Taipei, Taiwan with weathered concrete towers painted blue, steel cables, railway tracks running parallel, decorative wall with yellow shield symbols, lush green hills, and lantern floating in cloudy sky. — Suspension bridge frames Taiwan’s railway heritage.

Then I made my way to Shifen Station and proceeded to my next destination.

🐱 Houtong Cat Village: Whiskers & Wonder

My final stop was Houtong Cat Village, a quirky, heartwarming destination where cats are both the stars and the soul of the place. Furry residents lounged lazily across windowsills and stairways, completely unbothered by tourists fawning over them.

Exterior of Houtong Station in New Taipei, Taiwan with concrete facade, signage in Chinese and English, crowds entering and exiting, colorful shop signage, and rust‑stained textures. — Houtong Station connects Taiwan’s railway and culture.

There were cat murals, cat sculptures, and cat-themed snacks everywhere. It was delightful. I wandered the quiet alleyways, soaking in the peaceful vibe before grabbing another postcard—my way of wrapping up the day with a personal touch.

Collage of cats in Houtong, New Taipei, Taiwan featuring black and white cat on wooden bench, tabby cat near bench and bowls, calico cat sitting on paved area, orange and white cat with patterned collar resting near plant pot, and relaxed street settings. — Houtong Cat Village captures Taiwan’s playful charm.

🛤️ Back to Taipei: Bento & Bittersweet Goodbyes

By 5 PM, I was back at Ruifang Station, waiting for the train to Taipei Main Station. The ride took nearly an hour. I picked up a railway bento—chicken drumstick, tofu, and veggies—and ate it back at my accommodation for dinner while packing up my things for my flight the next morning.

Scenic railway station in New Taipei, Taiwan, surrounded by lush green hills and dense vegetation, with wooden railings, a concrete wall, a metal water tank in the foreground, train tracks, and station platforms in the midground, and misty forested mountains under a cloudy sky. — Misty hills frame Taiwan’s railway heritage.

☁️ A Bittersweet, Gentle Goodbye

The next day, I left early to catch the Airport MRT. My flight back to Manila was at 10 AM. I walked through Taipei Main Station slowly, soaking in one last moment with the city that has quietly become a part of me.

No matter how many times I visit, Taiwan always leaves me with more than I came for.

I still didn’t want to leave—but I promised myself I’d be back.

*** I went to Taiwan alone from August 10–13, 2023. I visited Kaohsiung City, Taipei City, and New Taipei City. ***