Pingxi Old Street
Shop like you’re in the 1930’s
Pingxi Line
Take a train ride into rustic New Taipei
The Pingxi Line (平溪線) is a small branch line of the TRA (Taiwan’s national rail) that is popular with tourists. Along the line there are a variety of spots to check out, such as waterfalls, countless hiking trails and old-fashioned shopping streets. Originally built during the Japanese colonial era to support the coal industry in the area, the line is now supported by the thousands of travelers that use it every year.
Things to do
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Eight Spirits Cave
Cave complex full of odd amenities
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Shifen Old Street
Famous shopping street on either side of the train line
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Shi Ti Slope Mine
Explore a once unknown tourist spot
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Shifen Waterfall
The Pingxi Line’s most popular nature spot
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Lingjiao Waterfall
Spectacular waterfall near Lingjiao Station
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Wanggu Waterfall via the Mount Lingjiaoliao Trail
Excellent hike away from all the crowds
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Houtong Cat Village
Former mining village now famous for its cat population
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How to get there
By train
The Pingxi Line is located to the east of Taipei, and can easily be done as a day trip from the capital. First you’ll need to get a train from Taipei Station to Ruifang Station (35-45 minutes on a limited express train, NT$76). Limited express trains are not that frequent, so try to book at least a day before. Local train services are also available for NT$49 and only take 10 to 20 minutes more.
From Ruifang Station, you can then join the Pingxi Line trains. Service is roughly hourly, but be sure to check the schedule when you are there, so you don’t miss the last train back. It’s recommended to get the Pingxi Line day pass, a convenient and cheap pass for the whole line.
By bus
If you would like to take a bus ride through the scenic valleys, you can alternatively take route 795 from Muzha Station on the Taipei Metro (about 1 hour, NT$45). There are also a variety of day tours on KKday that include all the highlights.