Riding the Pingxi Line: A Journey Through Taiwan's Mountain Country

If you want to experience a quieter and more nostalgic side of Taiwan, riding the Pingxi Line is an excellent choice. This small railway winds through the green mountains of New Taipei City, connecting villages, waterfalls, old mining communities, and historic railway stations.

Unlike Taiwan's high-speed trains, the Pingxi Line moves at a leisurely pace, giving travelers time to enjoy the scenery outside the window. Taiwan's Tourism Administration describes it as a slow railway experience through mountain cliffs, streams, waterfalls, rural villages, and former mining towns.

The branch line runs between Sandiaoling and Jingtong, covering about 12.9 kilometers. It was originally built in 1918 to transport coal and was later transformed into a tourism route.

Today, the journey is one of the most charming railway experiences near Taipei.

What Makes the Pingxi Line Special?

The appeal of the Pingxi Line train is not speed. It is atmosphere.

As the train travels through narrow valleys, passengers see forested hills, streams, old houses, bridges, and small communities tucked into the mountains. The railway connects several destinations that are easy to combine into a relaxed day trip.

The main stations on the branch include:

• Sandiaoling

• Dahua

• Shifen

• Wanggu

• Lingjiao

• Pingxi

• Jingtong

Taiwan Railway's current network information confirms these stations as part of the Pingxi/Shen'ao Line.

For travelers who enjoy photography, local culture, history, and scenic train journeys, each stop offers something different.

Starting Your Pingxi Line Journey

Many visitors begin the trip from Ruifang Station, where they transfer to the Pingxi branch.

Taiwan's Tourism Administration has recommended traveling from Taipei to Ruifang and then transferring to the Pingxi Line, continuing through stations such as Houtong, Sandiaoling, Shifen, Wanggu, Lingjiao, Pingxi, and Jingtong.

This makes the railway particularly convenient for a day trip from Taipei.

Before traveling, check the current Taiwan Railway timetable because train frequency and operating arrangements can change.

1. Stop at Shifen for Waterfalls and Old Streets

Shifen is arguably the most famous stop along the route.

The village sits in a dramatic river valley surrounded by green mountains. Houses and shops are located remarkably close to the railway, creating the nostalgic atmosphere that makes the Pingxi Line so distinctive.

One of the area's major attractions is Shifen Waterfall, located between Dahua and Shifen stations. Taiwan's Tourism Administration describes the waterfall as a major scenic attraction in the area, with water dropping dramatically into a deep pool surrounded by lush vegetation.

After visiting the waterfall, travelers can explore Shifen Old Street, where traditional shops and food stalls line the railway corridor.

2. Experience the Famous Sky Lantern Tradition

Shifen is also closely associated with Taiwan's sky lantern tradition.

Visitors can write wishes, messages, or drawings on lanterns before releasing them into the sky. The tradition has become one of the best-known cultural experiences in the Pingxi area.

The official tourism authority notes that the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival has been promoted as an international cultural event since 1999.

If you participate, follow local instructions and choose an authorized location. The experience is especially atmospheric around sunset, when lanterns rise above the mountain valley.

3. Discover the Quiet Village of Pingxi

After the excitement of Shifen, Pingxi offers a slower atmosphere.

The town is known for its old streets, traditional buildings, small shops, and connections to the sky-lantern tradition. The surrounding mountains make the area feel surprisingly peaceful despite its proximity to Taipei.

The official tourism information lists Pingxi as both an old-street destination and a railway attraction, making it a natural stop for travelers exploring the branch line.

Take time to walk rather than simply arriving, taking a photograph, and immediately boarding the next train.

A short stroll through the side streets can reveal small temples, traditional houses, local snack shops, and everyday village life.

4. End at Historic Jingtong

At the end of the branch line is Jingtong, a former mining town with a distinctly nostalgic character.

The town's history is closely connected to the coal industry that originally supported the railway.

Walking around the old railway area provides a glimpse into the industrial history of northeastern Taiwan. Old-style buildings, railway facilities, and narrow streets create a strong sense of the past.

For many visitors, Jingtong is the perfect place to slow down after exploring the busier attractions at Shifen.

5. Look Beyond the Famous Stations

Although Shifen receives most of the attention, some of the smaller stops can be just as rewarding.

Wanggu and Lingjiao, for example, offer quieter surroundings and opportunities to enjoy the mountain landscape away from larger tourist crowds.

The appeal of the Pingxi Line is precisely this variety. You can combine a famous attraction with a quieter village and create a journey that feels personal rather than rushed.

If you have extra time, consider getting off at a less-famous station and exploring on foot before catching a later train.

A Suggested One-Day Pingxi Line Itinerary

A relaxed itinerary could look like this:

Morning: Taipei → Ruifang → Shifen
Explore Shifen Old Street and visit Shifen Waterfall.

Late morning: Shifen → Wanggu or Lingjiao
Enjoy a quieter section of the railway and surrounding countryside.

Afternoon: Pingxi
Explore the old streets and learn about the local sky-lantern tradition.

Late afternoon: Jingtong
Walk around the historic railway and former mining area.

Evening: Jingtong → Ruifang → Taipei

The exact train schedule should be checked before departure. Taiwan Railway publishes current schedules and train information online; for example, its timetable data shows local trains running through Jingtong, Pingxi, Lingjiao, Wanggu, Shifen, and onward to Ruifang.

Best Time to Ride the Pingxi Line

The Pingxi region can be visited throughout the year, but the experience changes with the seasons.

Spring brings fresh greenery and pleasant conditions for walking.

Summer creates lush mountain scenery, although temperatures can be warm and rain showers are possible.

Autumn is comfortable for combining train travel with hiking and village exploration.

Winter can feel cooler and mistier, creating a particularly atmospheric railway journey.

If your main goal is to see the sky lantern tradition, check the festival calendar before planning your trip.

Tips for Riding the Pingxi Line

Check the Train Schedule

The line is a branch railway rather than a high-frequency urban metro. Plan your stops around the train timetable rather than assuming another train will arrive immediately.

Consider a Day Pass

Taiwan Railway offers a Pingxi/Shen'ao Day Pass, and the Shifen station information page lists it among available ticket options.

Check the current terms and validity before purchasing.

Avoid Rushing

The biggest mistake is trying to visit every station in a few hours. Choose two or three main stops and leave time for walking.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Shifen Waterfall and village areas involve walking, so comfortable footwear is useful.

Respect the Railway

The tracks are active railway infrastructure. Stay in designated pedestrian areas and never walk along the tracks for photographs.

Visit Early

Starting early can make it easier to enjoy popular areas such as Shifen before the busiest periods.

Why the Pingxi Line Is More Than a Train Ride

The Pingxi Line Taiwan experience combines several layers of Taiwanese culture in a remarkably small area.

It is a railway journey through a former coal-mining landscape. It is a trip through mountain villages. It connects waterfalls and forests with old streets and traditional food. It also introduces visitors to the famous sky-lantern culture of Pingxi.

Most importantly, the train encourages travelers to slow down.

Instead of racing from one attraction to another, you watch the mountains pass outside the window and step off whenever a small village catches your attention.

That slower rhythm is what makes the journey memorable.

A Nostalgic Railway Adventure Near Taipei

Riding the Pingxi Line is one of the easiest ways to escape the urban energy of Taipei and discover northeastern Taiwan's mountain landscapes.

From the waterfalls and lively streets of Shifen to the quieter atmosphere of Pingxi and the historic character of Jingtong, the railway connects a fascinating collection of destinations.

The line's history as a former coal railway adds another layer to the journey, while today's slow trains transform the old route into a popular way to experience rural scenery and local culture.

For travelers searching for a scenic train journey in Taiwan, the Pingxi Line offers a simple but memorable adventure: board the train, watch the mountains roll past, step off in a village, and let the journey unfold at its own pace.