Shifen Station Introduction
Shifen Station is located in the Pingxi District of New Taipei City. It is a railway station operated by the Taiwan Railway Administration and serves as the largest station on the Pingxi Line. Whenever a train stops here, the conductor exchanges an ancient brass sign (the train's passing permit) to authorize further travel, making it a unique railway sight. From coal transport to tourism, the revival of the century-old railway along the Keelung River Valley began with the Pingxi Branch Line, originally known as the Shih-Di Line built by the Taiyang Company for coal transport. Spanning 12.9 kilometers from Sandiao Ling Station to Jingtong Station, it was established in 1921 by the mining magnate Yan Yunian. In 1929, the Taiwan Governor-General's Railway Bureau invested to publicize the line and also took over passenger services. However, since 1970, due to reduced coal production leading to population outflow, the Taiwan Railway Administration faced losses and had planned to abolish operations in 1989. Despite these challenges, due to strong advocacy from local residents, the Taiwan Railway Administration finally designated the Pingxi Branch Line as a tourist route in 1992. Currently, there are seven stations along the line, including Sandiao Ling, Dahua, Shifen, Wanggu, Lingjiao, Pingxi, and Jingtong, with a travel time of approximately 40 minutes. Around Shifen Station, you can find Shifen Old Street and the Jing'an Suspension Bridge, where visitors can stroll along shops beside the railway and taste local snacks. The most distinctive scene here is not the old buildings but the unique sight of trains passing right in front! In recent years, it has become a must-visit destination for international tourists traveling to Taiwan. When visiting Shifen, you can write your blessings and wishes on a sky lantern using a brush. Under the guidance of shopkeepers, you can release the lantern and watch it rise gracefully in the small town, creating the most beautiful impression of Shifen.
