One-Day Railway Trip on the Pingxi Line

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One-Day Railway Trip on the Pingxi Line
Category :
Rail travel
Travel days :
1 day

推薦路線

Day
    第一天

      Introduction

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      As the train enters Yilan Line from Ruifang, we will arrive at Houtong and enter Pingxi Line from Sandiaoling. This railway line stretches amidst the verdant and lush mountainous area of Northern Taiwan, was built due to past prosperous coal mining industry, and is still operating. Besides transporting passengers, this is a popular route for railway trips in which it starts from Houtong. The magnificent achievements of the mining industry can be seen throughout the place in which they brought about railways and the prosperous development of towns along the way. Coming to Shifen, the origin of Sky Lantern and the largest station along the Pingxi Line, this is a major train intersection station. Looking back at the mining history of Pingxi, Shifen is the earliest and largest settlement developed. Its greatest feature is that the old street stands side-to-side with the railway track and presents the unique railway scenery of “the train passes through your front door”. Although the coal mining industry is a thing of the past, countless coal mining relics still remain along the Pingxi Line. It is rich with scenery and culture, in which visitors can seek tranquility at small unmanned stations, or enjoy traditional gourmet foods, visit grocery stores and hardware stores dating back to your grandparents’ days at bustling old streets. You can also get a Happiness Stamp at the station or fly a Sky Lantern written with your wishes for this year. You can enjoy a spectacular day and this is the branch line you cannot dare to miss.
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        Unexpected Art - Jinshan Hot Spring Feast One-Day Trip
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        Take the MRT to Savor New Taipei’s Michelin Bib Gourmand Delicacies
        The Michelin Guide is the world's premier dining and travel guide. Since its debut in Taiwan in 2018 with the Michelin Guide Taipei, it has significantly boosted the international visibility of Taiwanese cuisine and driven the upgrade of the catering industry. In 2025, New Taipei City was included in the evaluation for the first time, with a total of 15 restaurants receiving the Bib Gourmand recommendation, showcasing the profound strength of New Taipei's local street food. Many award-winning shops are located near popular attractions; use the MRT to connect sights with flavors for a New Taipei food day trip! Image source: Michelin GuideTake the MRT to Xindian Station in the morning; the famous Bitan Scenic Area in Xindian District is located right next to the station. Bitan is situated in the middle reaches of the Xindian River, where the wide waters resemble a sea at the edge of a basin, making one feel relaxed and happy. Walk across the Bitan Suspension Bridge or ride a swan boat to admire the lake and mountain scenery of Bitan from different angles.Superman Sea Bass🚇MRT Xindian District Office StationAfter enjoying Bitan, take the MRT for one stop to Xindian District Office. Superman Sea Bass is located along the bustling Beixin Road. The made-to-order sea bass soup features tender meat and springy skin. The broth is brewed with clams and milkfish, with goji berries and basil added to enhance the aroma and sweetness—fresh, sweet, and stomach-warming! A wide array of side dishes, maltose braised pork knuckles, and braised pork rice are also must-order popular items in the shop. After enjoying the sea bass soup, take the MRT to Dingxi Station. From Exit 1, a half-minute walk brings you to the street with the most authentic "Korean flavor" in all of Taiwan. Yonghe Zhongxing Street is known as "Korean Street" or "Little Korea." In the 1950s, Korean expatriates settled in Yonghe, forming the earliest cluster of Korean goods in Taiwan. The neighborhood features lifestyle Korean language signboards and Korean traditional toy experiences. Shops line both sides, offering everything from instant noodles, seaweed, and ginseng to clothing, cookware, and electric blankets. Song Jhao🚇MRT Dingxi StationSong Jhao's warm and low-key sign is hidden inside the market next to Korean Street. The two-story hipster-style dining space is comfortable and cozy. Since its opening in 2022, it has focused on exquisite Sichuan-style cuisine: the must-order dish is Mouth-Watering Chicken, with tender and fresh meat paired with a secret sauce that is numbing, fragrant, and appetizing; Spicy Braised Pork Rice is another signature dish, with distinct grains of rice drizzled with braised sauce and fatty pork cubes, full of collagen and melting in your mouth. As the lights illuminate and the evening begins, Lehua Night Market gradually becomes lively. Located in the heart of Yonghe, this night market has developed since the 1970s into a large-scale night market covering Yongping Road, Section 1 of Baofu Road, and Lane 18 of Baoping Road, merging with the Dingxi shopping district and Beyond Plaza department store into a vibrant area. A-Pa's Taro Balls🚇MRT Dingxi StationThe popularity king of Lehua Night Market—A-Pa's Taro Balls—is deeply loved by taro enthusiasts. The signature "Taro Meets Mud Sugarcane Flake Ice" uses refreshing and delicate sugarcane flake ice as a base, topped with homemade chewy taro balls, dense and rich taro mash, as well as Job's tears, white jade tangyuan, and pearls. The multi-layered textures and rich flavors bring surprises with every bite. The walls covered with sticky notes add to the youthful and vibrant atmosphere. After exploring Lehua Night Market, take the MRT to Banqiao Station. Centered around the multi-rail Banqiao Station, the Xinban Special District is the largest urban-type shopping district in New Taipei City. Every year on the eve of Christmas, the dazzling "Christmasland in New Taipei City" debuts in the Xinban Special District and Fuzhong Shopping Area. Take beautiful photos in the brilliant light zones, enjoy spectacular light shows, and browse the Christmas market to immerse yourself in the holiday atmosphere. Daonegone Lamb🚇MRT Xinpu Station / Xinpu Minsheng StationLocated on the outskirts of the Xinban Special District, Daonegone Lamb is the top choice for a late-night snack after visiting Christmasland. After ordering and taking a number, wait for the piping hot mutton soup and "black gold" braised pork rice to be served. The angelica broth, simmered all day, exudes a sweet herbal fragrance, paired with Australian mutton to warm and nourish the body. The black gold braised pork rice features springy rice grains and fatty pork mince overflowing with collagen, savory and well-seasoned. Paired with a braised egg, it is aromatic and deliciously perfect.
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