[Pocket Guide] Discovering the Historic Shifen Old Street - A Unique Cultural Landmark in Taiwan

Where is Shifen Old Street? The History of the Ancient Town

To answer the question of where Shifen Old Street is, this ancient street is situated in the Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan. It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, dating back over 100 years. Besides its historical significance, Shifen Old Street (Shifen Ancient Town) is a free attraction that hosts annual festivals, drawing large numbers of visitors.

Where is Shifen Old Street? (Photo: @lehatruc)

Shifen village, originally an agricultural area, still retains its tranquil, timeless atmosphere. As you stroll along the railway that runs through the town, you can easily sense a nostalgic aura that surrounds the alleys, flower gardens, and even the local souvenir shops, which offer a distinct taste of the area.

Shifen Old Street is the perfect destination in Taiwan for those who enjoy exploring and learning about local culture. It allows you to immerse yourself in the traditional Taiwanese architecture, the majestic Shifen Waterfall, and the iconic Jing'an Suspension Bridge. In particular, visitors can take part in the daily sky lantern releasing activities held here.

The Best Time to Visit Shifen Old Street in Taiwan

Shifen Old Street, located in a mountainous region, enjoys an average temperature of around 20°C with a cool climate. The best time to visit is during the spring months from March to May, or in autumn from September to November. During these times, the weather is comfortable, avoiding the summer rains and the cold, damp conditions of winter.

In particular, visitors who travel to Shifen Old Street during the spring have the opportunity to fully experience the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival. This festival, symbolizing luck and hope, usually takes place on the 15th day of the lunar new year, marking the end of the Chinese New Year and is one of the most dazzling festivals in Taiwan.

Visit Shifen Old Street during the Pingxi Festival (Photo: @spiritualtravels)

How to Get to Shifen Old Street

Traveling from Vietnam to Taipei

According to Taiwan travel tips, to travel from Vietnam to Taipei and Shifen Old Street, the primary mode of transportation is by plane, with options for direct flights or connecting flights (1-2 stopovers). Many domestic and international airlines operate this route, including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, China Airlines, Eva Airways, and Hong Kong Express Airways.

The flight duration from Vietnam to Taipei typically ranges from 2.5 hours to 24 hours, depending on whether it's a direct flight or one with layovers. However, the prices between these routes are generally similar. Travelers can check out some itineraries and ticket prices on Mytour below:

*The airfare mentioned is as of September 2024.The price does not include taxes and fees, and is subject to change based on the travel date.

Getting from Taipei to Shifen Old Street

As one of the four Asian Tigers, Taiwan boasts well-developed infrastructure and transportation. With a distance of about 36km from Taipei to Shifen Old Street, travelers have many options for getting there, including the subway, train, bus, or taxi.

The journey from Taipei to Shifen Old Street

• Subway (MRT): Taking the subway from Taipei to Shifen Old Street is the most convenient and fastest way to travel. Passengers can board the green line at Taipei Main Station and ride it to Shifen Station for about 160 TWD (125,000 VND). The total travel time, including walking through the station, is approximately 50 minutes.
• Train: The train also follows its own tracks, avoiding traffic issues, but it takes longer than the subway. The ticket price is slightly lower, ranging from 78 - 118 TWD (61,000 - 92,000 VND). Trains depart from Taipei Station to Ruifang Station, where passengers transfer to the Pingxi Line to reach Shifen Station.

Take the train and enjoy the stunning views of Taipei on your way to Shifen Old Street (Photo: @discover_taiwan)

• Bus: The slowest transportation option, but with the advantage of a low cost. A one-way trip from Taipei to Shifen Old Street costs just 45 TWD (35,000 VND) and takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Travelers can take bus route 795 to begin their journey.
• Taxi: Perfect for travelers who want to manage their time and avoid transferring between stations. Taxis from Taipei to Shifen Old Street come in both traditional and ride-hailing types. The base fare starts at 85 TWD (66,000 VND), and the total fare for the 40-minute trip is usually around 1000 - 1200 TWD (780,000 - 936,000 VND).

A unique experience at Shifen Old Street that you simply cannot miss.

Discover the unique architecture of Shifen Old Street.

Located on the same tectonic plate as Japan, Taiwan often experiences earthquakes of varying intensities. This is likely why the island's architecture has evolved with such distinctive features to withstand natural disasters.

If you pay attention, you'll notice that the buildings in Taiwan, especially in Shifen Old Street, are not painted but are instead covered with bricks. These fired bricks are incredibly sturdy and tightly affixed to the exterior walls, creating an architectural style that is both nostalgic and resilient against natural calamities.

The unique architecture of Shifen Old Street in Taiwan

One of the distinctive features of the architecture in Shifen Old Street is the railway track that runs along the street, flanked by narrow alleys, local shops, and souvenir stores, all reflecting the charm of the area.

Releasing sky lanterns with wishes.

According to legend, during the feudal era, Shifen Village was frequently attacked by bandits, forcing the villagers to flee into the mountains. Once the danger passed, young men would return to check the area. If the bandits had left, they would release sky lanterns as a signal. Over time, this practice became a symbol of hope, peace, and simplicity for the local people.

Rooted in the rich folklore of Taiwan's people, visitors to Shifen Old Street can take part in the tradition of writing wishes on sky lanterns, which are then lit and released into the sky.

The sky lantern wish release activity at Shifen Old Street (Photo: @mylifesatravelmovie)

Checking in at Shifen Waterfall.

Shifen Waterfall is located just a 10-minute walk from the Old Street. Here, visitors can witness the majestic waterfall, with water rushing down from a height of 40 meters. The surrounding landscape is covered with pristine forests, making the waterfall not only breathtaking but also refreshingly clean and serene.

Visitors to Shifen Waterfall can walk along the waterfall's path, while also exploring the local shops offering regional products and unique food and drinks.

Check-in at Shifen Waterfall (Photo: @dan_round_the_world)

Taking in the scenery at Shifen City Temple.

The Shifen City Temple, dating back to 1859, is dedicated to the God of Love, the City God, his wife, and hundreds of other deities revered by the locals. It is said that praying to the God of Love here will bring blessings for romantic success. As a result, the Shifen City Temple is a popular stop for many visitors to the Old Street.

Explore the ancient Tran Thien Lai House.

The Tran Thien Lai House, owned by a tea merchant named Tran Thien Lai, is over 100 years old and located in the Shifen Old Street area of Taiwan. Unlike the typical tiled houses, this house is built in Buddhist architectural style, with wooden frames, pillars, and layers of overlapping roofs.

This place is not only a witness to a thriving era of tea, textiles, and herbal trade, but the Tran Thien Lai House also preserves many aspects of local culture, religion, and historical value.

Stroll across the iconic Jing'an Suspension Bridge.

One of the few well-preserved suspension bridges in Taiwan, the Jing'an Suspension Bridge stretches nearly 130 meters over the Jilong River (Cat Long), connecting the villages of Shifen (Thập Phần) and Nanshan (Nam Sơn).

The Jing'an Suspension Bridge has largely preserved its unique charm, with its wooden deck and securely tightened cables. Notably, if you walk from the Old Street to the Shifen Waterfall, you will be required to cross this bridge.

The iconic Jing'an Suspension Bridge near Shifen Old Street (Photo: @__jeaninenicole)

Experience a river cruise on the Tamsui River.

For a completely different experience, visitors can explore the Tamsui River (Dam Shui) with boat tours or kayaking. This fresh perspective allows you to admire the unique architecture of the riverside houses, cafes, and traditional shops. Particularly, you can enjoy the refreshing air and take in the breathtaking sunset over the iconic river of Taipei.

Savor local cuisine.

In addition to exploring the time-honored architecture, tasting the local cuisine at Shifen Old Street in Taiwan is an experience that cannot be missed. Numerous eateries offering authentic local dishes line the street from the railway track to the Shifen Waterfall area.

While here, visitors should definitely try some unique dishes such as: bubble tea, Yongkang beef noodles, Taiwanese dumplings, flatbread, and grilled meats.

Grilled meat specialties at Shifen Old Street (Photo: @firexjourney)

Mua sắm quà lưu niệm

Ghé thăm phố cổ Thập Phần, du khách có thể thấy rất nhiều cửa hàng dọc đường ray tàu bày bán những mẫu đèn lồng nhấp nháy, đồ trang trí, đồ thủ công mỹ nghệ hoặc sản vật địa phương. Chi phí cho những món quà này thường khá vừa túi, dễ mua, dễ mang về làm quà.

Mua quà lưu niệm tại phố cổ Thập Phần

Lưu trú ở đâu khi du lịch phố cổ Thập Phần

Shifen Old Street in Taiwan is conveniently located, so visitors can easily choose hotels in Taipei or stay near the old street area with a range of prices. Below are some suggestions for hotels near Shifen Old Street with attractive rates:

*Hotel prices near Shifen Old Street in September 2024, prices may vary depending on the time and room availability.

Nearby attractions to Shifen Old Street

Taipei 101 Tower

• Address: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan.
• Distance to Shifen Old Street: 31.5 km.

Standing at 509.2 meters tall with 101 floors, Taipei 101 is regarded as an iconic symbol of Taiwan, and a must-visit spot when traveling to Taipei. The tower is a testament to the fusion of modern architecture and traditional feng shui, reflecting the cultural heritage of the Taiwanese people.

Taipei 101 Tower (Image: @ayk19931007)

Raohe Night Market Park

• Address: Raohe St, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan.
• Distance to the Old Street: 28.6 km.

Raohe Night Market, also a park and famous night market area, is large in scale and boasts hundreds of food stalls, shops, and accessory stands. Visitors cannot miss trying some iconic dishes such as meat-filled sesame buns, herbal pork ribs soup, oyster noodles, stinky tofu, spicy duck blood, and fried oyster omelets.

Songshan Ciyou Temple

• Address: No. 761, Section 4, Bade Road, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan.
• Distance to Old Town: 28.6 km.

Located right next to the Raohe area, Songshan Ciyou Temple (also known as Songshan Mazu Temple) is a renowned Taoist temple dedicated to the Goddess Tianhou in Taiwan and serves as a spiritual center for the Tongan people. The temple consists of 6 floors, covering an area of about 600 square meters, and is built with a unique architectural blend of Western and Japanese styles.

Taipei Puppet Art Theater

• Address: 1F, No.2, Nanjing East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan.
• Distance to Old Town: 30.4 km.

Rich in Eastern cultural influences and similar to Vietnamese traditions, Taiwanese puppet arts are quite developed and are predominantly performed at the Taipei Puppet Art Theater. The theater showcases a variety of performances that tourists should not miss, including water puppet shows, shadow puppetry, and winged puppet performances.

National Palace Museum in Taipei

• Address: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan.
• Distance to Old Town: 34.5 km.

If you're a history and culture enthusiast, the National Palace Museum in Taipei is a must-visit. This museum is not only famous for its grand and palace-like architecture but also houses hundreds of thousands of priceless royal artifacts from the Chinese imperial era.

National Palace Museum, Taipei (Image: @national_palace_museum)

Things to note when visiting Shifen Old Street

This old street is not very large, but if you plan to spend time here, it is essential for visitors to keep some tips in mind to ensure the best experience.

• Shifen Old Street in Taiwan has a cool but humid climate year-round, with frequent rainfall in most seasons. To make the most of your visit, especially for checking in and releasing sky lanterns, it’s recommended to check the weather before heading to this historic street.
• Shifen Old Street, the Jing'an Suspension Bridge, and the waterfall are located close to each other. Visitors should try to experience all three attractions while they are in the area.
• Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and soft walking shoes suitable for the mountainous terrain and stair climbing in the area.
• When participating in the sky lantern tradition, a team will assist with lighting, releasing, and taking photos with the lantern. However, the flame inside the lantern is usually quite large and easily blown by the wind. Make sure to follow the instructions closely to avoid any unexpected accidents.

Admiring the ancient homes nestled closely together and experiencing cultural values untouched by the modern hustle of the city, a visit to Shifen Old Street – a place with a peaceful, simple rhythm of life – is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Author: Dung

Image Source: Dung & Internet