New Taipei City Travel

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.

Starting with “Pinglin Old Street”, first savor the various types of creative tea meals made with the famous “Pouchong Tea”, such as tea-flavored steamed buns, tea oil vermicelli, as well as the sweet tofu dish. Then rent a bicycle in the vicinity of the Old Street to head towards the “Beishixi Bikeway”, which is honored as the “most beautiful bikeway in Northern Taiwan.” Admire the magnificent sceneries of the stream and tea gardens along the way; after that, go to “Pinglin Tea Museum, New Taipei City” to learn about “tea knowledge.” For instance, learn more about the complete production process of tea leaves, tea-drinking ware, packaging culture, as well as smell and observe several types of tea leaves up close in the “Experience Zone”. Visit the largest osmanthus ecological farm - “Tea Town Osmanthus Farm” in Taiwan to savor the various types of creative osmanthus dishes. At last depending on the schedule planning, one may go to the Shiding District to visit the unique stilted buildings, the “Roofed Street” suspended over the riverbed with support only from the posts, as well as the “Shiding Old Street” with its century-old tofu store. This itinerary will definitely introduce you to innovative impressions and sensual experience of “Taiwan Tea Culture”!