Auspicious Snake Year Travel Adventures – Unique Experiences in Pingxi
New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Department Press Release 114.01.13
Auspicious Snake Year Travel Adventures – Unique Experiences in Pingxi
【New Taipei City News】The natural landscapes and historical charm of Pingxi and its surroundings make it one of the must-visit areas in New Taipei City. In celebration of the 2025 New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, the event has collaborated with local business associations to launch four special "Snake Year 699 Experience Tours." These affordable travel packages invite visitors to explore hidden gems in Pingxi, Shifen, and Jingtong, while immersing themselves in the nostalgic railway culture, rich coal mining history, and tranquil natural beauty. The itineraries also feature unique DIY blessings workshops, offering a deeper appreciation for Pingxi's cultural and historical significance.
One of the highlights, the "Shifen Experience Tour – Serene Wanggu Line," takes participants to secret spots around Wanggu Station on the Pingxi Line. Key attractions include the ruins of Qinghe Suspension Bridge, a relic of Pingxi’s coal transportation era; the stunning curtain-style Wanggu Waterfall; and the historic Shifen Old Street, one of the earliest developed settlements in Pingxi. Meanwhile, the "Jingtong Experience Tour – Spring Fun Jingtong Line" centers on Jingtong's mining history. The tour explores the iconic Shidi Inclined Mine Shaft, the Jingtong Mining Life Museum preserving miners’ memories, the classic Japanese-style wooden Jingtong Railway Station, and the bamboo-filled Jingtong Old Street, radiating a peaceful nostalgic charm.
For those craving a cultural journey, the "Pingxi Experience Tour – Railway Hidden Gems Line" is a must. This tour showcases the vintage Lingjiao Old Street, the Western-style Cai Family Mansion symbolizing Pingxi's historical prosperity, and the majestic Lingjiao Waterfall, the second largest in Pingxi. Another fascinating route, the "Pingxi Experience Tour – Japanese Colonial Heritage Line," explores historical landmarks from the wartime era. Visitors can learn about the significance of air-raid shelters and alarm bell pavilions as symbols of protection and peace, visit Guanyin Rock, and witness the unique sight of Pingxi trains passing right above residential rooftops, a reflection of historical living conditions.
Each tour includes a DIY blessings workshop, such as creating Pingxi Blessing Tea Bags, Shifen Wooden Omamori (amulets), or Jingtong Blessing Bamboo Tubes. These hands-on activities allow participants to craft meaningful souvenirs while embracing the local spirit of well-wishing. Additionally, participants will receive a NT$100 shopping voucher for use in local business districts and a sky lantern voucher for the festival. Registrations can be made via the 2025 New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival official website. Don’t miss this opportunity for an in-depth Pingxi journey. End your day by lighting up the night sky with hundreds of sky lanterns, creating a romantic and memorable scene while praying for a safe and prosperous Snake Year!
On February 8 (Saturday), the event will also collaborate with New Taipei Coin. Participants completing on-site activity tasks and scanning the reward QR code at the service booth will receive a NT$100 coupon redeemable at partnered stores. Everyone is invited to join this vibrant celebration! For more details on the 2025 New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, please visit the official event website.
【This news release has been translated by ChatGPT.】
