Experience the historic relics, natural wonders, and cultural traditions of Pingxi on this 4-hour tour from Taipei. Take part in the age-old tradition of releasing a sky lantern. Discover the town’s coal mining heritage as you walk down Shifen Old Street.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 4 hours
- Starting time 8:00 AM
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, Chinese, Japanese
- Pickup included
- Pick-up from any hotel in downtown Taipei City. The exact pick-up time will be advised on reconfirmation.
Experience
Highlights
- Stroll down Shifen Old Street, where movies such as ‘Dust In The Wind’ were filmed
- Learn about Taiwan’s heritage with a visit the historic coal-mining town of Pingxi
- Fly a sky lantern, an age-old tradition said to bring good luck
- Enjoy magnificent views of Shifen Waterfall
Full description
Your tour begins with an 8:00 AM pickup from your central Taipei hotel by air-conditioned coach. Soak up the scenery as you drive through New Taipai City, afterwards head into the countryside, winding along mountain roads into the Pingxi district.
After an around 40-minute drive, arrive in Pingxi, a historic coal mining town that played an important role in Taiwan’s 20th-century coal boom. Start your visit taking part in the age-old tradition of flying a sky lantern. The nostalgic ritual is said to bring good health and good fortune. Your guide will explain the origin of the tradition and how it’s become the focal point of the annual Taiwan Lantern Festival.
Continue to Shifen Old Street, a lively street set around the historic Pingxi rail line, which was built in 1918, and now runs as a tourist train, following a scenic route through the Keelung River Valley. Hear how famous Taiwanese movies such as Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s ‘Dust In The Wind’ were filmed here and pose for photos on the atmospheric street.
There’s just time for one more stop before returning to the city. The magnificent Shifen Waterfall, a natural wonder nicknamed the ‘Little Niagara of Taiwan’.
Back in Taipei, your tour ends with drop-off at your hotel.
Includes
- English-speaking tour guide (other languages available upon request)
- Fees of leasing the sky lantern
- Hotel pick-up and drop off for hotels in downtown Taipei City
- Local travel insurance
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities (optional)
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
- People with mobility impairments
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All required protective equipment is provided
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers will get a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Important information
Not allowed
- Luggage or large bags
