On this information, we’ll share the whole lot you could find out about visiting Shifen Outdated Road, together with our private expertise launching a lantern, making an attempt some distinctive avenue meals, and capping off the go to with a stroll to Shifen Waterfall.
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| Provincial Freeway 2 |
The journey takes round 30 to 35 minutes by automobile, overlaying roughly 28 kilometers, however it’s greater than only a point-to-point journey—it’s an exploration of winding coastal roads, forested hills, and charming countryside.
After soaking within the geological wonders of Yehliu Geopark, we began our journey by exiting by means of Yuao Highway, slowly weaving out of the coastal space. The air nonetheless carried a touch of ocean breeze as we merged onto Provincial Freeway 2 (台2線), a street that hugs Taiwan’s northern shoreline. With the ocean on one facet and rugged hills on the opposite, it was onerous to not be distracted by the view.
A bit of additional alongside, we veered inland onto Provincial Freeway 2A (台2甲線). This route led us by means of quieter components of Keelung and into the extra mountainous terrain towards Ruifang District. Quickly, we discovered ourselves on Provincial Freeway 62 (台62線), an expressway that made it straightforward to cowl floor rapidly whereas nonetheless providing glimpses of inexperienced valleys and rolling hills.
From the expressway, we exited onto County Highway 106 (106縣道)—a scenic mountain route that progressively introduced us deeper into the Pingxi District.
The street narrowed right here, winding by means of forests, tunnels, and sleepy villages, the type of drive that feels such as you’ve been transported right into a Studio Ghibli movie.
As we approached Shifen, indicators of life grew livelier—vacationer vans, locals establishing stalls, and the distant sound of trains that run parallel to the previous avenue.
Probably the most iconic issues to do in Taiwan is to launch a sky lantern, and Shifen is the one authorized place in your entire nation the place you are able to do this.
Situated proper on a still-operating prepare monitor, Shifen Outdated Road buzzes with exercise, nostalgia, and the regular rhythm of lanterns lifting into the sky.
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| Shifen Outdated Road |
We booked our sky lantern expertise as a part of the tour, which included a voucher for a four-colored lantern.
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| A memento retailer that offered sky lanterns in Shifen |
Every shade on the lantern represents a particular want or blessing:
🌈 Sky Lantern Shade Meanings
🔴 Pink – Well being and Peace
🟡 Yellow – Wealth and Prosperity
🔵 Blue – Profession or Tutorial Success
🌸 Pink – Love and Romance
🟢 Inexperienced – Development and Hope
⚪ White – Brilliant Future or Knowledge
🟣 Purple – Idealism and Needs for Desires
🟠 Orange – Enthusiasm and Vitality
⚫ Black – Power and Resilience
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| Sky lantern colours |
We shared a lantern with our mates, Manalos and selected a four-colored lantern with purple, yellow, blue, and pink—overlaying our needs for good well being, success, love, and prosperity.
Earlier than launching it, we every took a facet to put in writing down our private hopes utilizing brushes and ink supplied by the seller.
It was each a reflective and joyful second as we watched it float up into the sky, rising larger and better till it disappeared into the clouds.
Did You Know?
Whereas the lanterns are biodegradable, they ultimately fall again down into the forested areas surrounding the village.
That’s why locals in Shifen are paid to gather fallen lanterns, incomes NT$7 to NT$12 per piece relying on the situation. This eco-friendly incentive retains the realm clear and offers supplemental revenue for residents.
Past the lanterns, Shifen Outdated Road can be a haven for avenue meals lovers. We explored the small alleyways lined with distributors promoting the whole lot from grilled seafood to candy potato balls.
Listed here are the snacks we tried and suggest:
Rice-Stuffed Hen Wings
These wings are deboned and crammed with sticky rice, then grilled to perfection. The smoky aroma and savory stuffing make them an irresistible savory deal with.
Peanut Ice Cream Roll with Cilantro
Sure, cilantro in dessert—and it surprisingly works! This native delicacy options shaved peanut brittle, scoops of vanilla ice cream, and contemporary coriander all wrapped in a fragile crepe-like pores and skin. The mix of candy, salty, and natural flavors is uniquely Taiwanese.
There are additionally different choices like Taiwanese sausages, fried mushrooms, and bubble tea when you’re up for just a little meals journey.
After having fun with snacks and lanterns, we walked just a few hundred meters to the close by Shifen Waterfall (十分大瀑布), sometimes called the “Niagara of Taiwan.” It’s a few 15- to 20-minute stroll from the previous avenue, following a scenic path with suspension bridges and viewing platforms.
With a width of 40 meters and a top of 20 meters, the waterfall types a ravishing horseshoe form and creates misty rainbows when the solar hits it good. We spent practically an hour right here, taking photographs, having fun with the cool breeze, and easily enjoyable after a busy however lovely day.
Shifen Outdated Road is greater than only a vacationer cease—it’s a soulful, interactive expertise. From writing down your goals on a lantern and sending it to the skies, to savoring native delicacies and witnessing one among Taiwan’s most spectacular waterfalls, the whole lot about Shifen appears like stepping right into a storybook.
Whether or not you are on a romantic getaway, a household journey, or a solo exploration of Taiwan, Shifen is a must-visit that completely blends tradition, custom, and pure magnificence.