Exploring the Pingxi Line: Five Must-See Attractions in Northern Taiwan and a Complete Transportation Guide

Exploring Northern Taiwan: A Complete Guide to the Pingxi Line Railway and Its Surrounding Attractions

For adventure-loving travelers, the Pingxi Line railway in northern Taiwan is like a hidden treasure, allowing you to experience Taiwan's unique charm amidst nature. This is not just a train journey; it's a travel experience that transcends time, immersing you in the local culture, cuisine, and the beautiful scenery that is unique to the area. Below, let's follow the editor to delve into the operation of the Pingxi Line, the attractions along the way, and some practical transportation suggestions, so that your journey will be smoother.

I. Pingxi Line Railway Overview

The Pingxi Line is a well-known scenic railway in northern Taiwan, connecting the Pingxi and Ruifang districts of New Taipei City. This railway line is home to many popular tourist attractions, which may make you want to explore each stop. Trains here run frequently, which is very suitable for you to arrange day trips.

1. Train Schedule and Ticket Prices

If you plan to depart from Taipei, the best option for traveling to the Pingxi Line is to take the train. The basic itinerary includes:

• Take the train: Starting from Taipei Main Station, you can first take the Taiwan Railway to Ruifang Station or Badu Station, and then transfer to the Pingxi Line to Pingxi Station.
• MRT and Bus: If you prefer public transportation, you can also take the Taipei MRT to Muzha Station, and then transfer to bus No. 795 to Pingxi Station.

The entire trip won't take too long, perhaps just over an hour, so you can quickly reach this picturesque place.

2. Transportation Notes

The editor has a few transportation tips here to make your train experience smoother:

• Taking photos or releasing sky lanterns next to the railway tracks is prohibited, and violators may face a fine of NT$10,000 to NT$50,000. If you want to capture beautiful scenery, it is best to choose a safe viewing platform so you can enjoy the best views.

II. Introduction to Attractions Along the Way

1. Pingxi Old Street

Pingxi Old Street is a must-see attraction after you arrive in Pingxi. It is filled with authentic food stalls and souvenir shops, adding more charm to your little trip. Stroll along the old street, admiring the surrounding ancient buildings, while tasting the following delicacies:

• Salted Crispy Chicken: This is the local signature snack, with a hot and crispy exterior and tender chicken, making you want to eat one after another, and you can't stop.
• Ginger Tea: Especially suitable for enjoying in cooler weather, it warms the heart and stomach, making people feel happy.
• Taro Balls: You definitely can't miss this dessert here, with a chewy texture and a variety of flavors to choose from.

In addition, there are many handicraft shops here, which will inevitably attract you, allowing you to purchase some unique Taiwanese souvenirs to take home as a memento.

2. Shifen Old Street

Also known as "Sky Lantern Street," Shifen Old Street is a romantic spot not to be missed, especially at sunset, when the entire street is as dazzling as a movie scene. Here, in addition to releasing sky lanterns to make wishes, there are many local snacks waiting for you to try:

• Barbecue: The fragrant barbecue will definitely make your mouth water;
• Pineapple Cake: This is a classic Taiwanese souvenir, with a rich pineapple filling and a crispy crust, simply perfect.
• Rattan Cane Package: This unique snack is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Friends who like to chew will definitely love it.

Walking on such a distinctive old street, it's like going back in time, with every step echoing the history.

3. Jingtong Station

Jingtong Station is an old station full of history and worth a visit for history lovers. The station still retains many of the architectural styles of the Japanese colonial period. You can stroll along the tree-lined paths, feeling the passage of time, and the atmosphere here is particularly peaceful, as if time has stood still.

4. New Pingxi Coal Mine Museum

This museum displays the rich coal mining history of Pingxi, and it's a good place for friends who love history. The ticket is about NT$200, and there are various exhibitions, including historical artifacts and interactive experiences, suitable for exploring with children to broaden their horizons.

5. Shifen Waterfall

As a natural scenic spot in Pingxi, Shifen Waterfall is a stunning sight. Walking on the viewing trail over 200 meters, the sound of gurgling water can be heard. In summer, the water flow of the waterfall is even more torrential, and the surrounding scenery is also particularly charming. There is also a glass platform for viewing the waterfall, allowing you to admire the grandeur of the waterfall up close, which is very suitable for taking photos.

III. Precautions for Traveling on the Pingxi Line

Here, the editor has a few small suggestions that can make your trip smoother and more comfortable:

• Safety First: Especially for families with children or the elderly, be sure to be careful when visiting mountain attractions and avoid playing on the edge.
• Preparation Beforehand: It is recommended to check the train schedule in advance and plan your itinerary, so as to avoid missing any beautiful scenery.
• Respect Local Culture: When visiting various attractions, try not to disturb local residents and other tourists, so that everyone can enjoy this trip happily.

IV. FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are the trains on the Pingxi Line frequent?

Yes, the trains on the Pingxi Line are very frequent, which facilitates passengers' daily travel and makes short trips very easy.

2. What tickets can you buy at Pingxi Station?

At Pingxi Station, you can easily buy one-way and round-trip tickets for the Pingxi Line, allowing you to arrange your itinerary at will.

3. When can you release sky lanterns?

On Shifen Old Street, it's a good time to release sky lanterns during the day and at night, but the romance and the beauty of the lanterns floating in the air at night are intoxicating.

V. Conclusion

The Pingxi Line railway can not only allow you to feel the rich historical culture, but also the charming natural scenery, which is simply an ideal place to explore Taiwan. Whether you are a traveler who enjoys food or a history enthusiast full of curiosity, there is fun for you here. Don't forget to use camping map to check the surrounding attractions and campsites, making your adventure more complete, enjoying a double feast of mind and vision, and starting an unforgettable Pingxi trip!