New Taipei: Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival Experience in Shifen

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Shifen, New Taipei City, is a must-visit cultural experience. Thousands flock annually in February to release paper and bamboo lanterns filled with their dreams and wishes, creating a breathtaking display. The festival’s central activity is lantern releasing, which represents good luck, letting go of the past, and celebrating heritage. Shifen Old Street offers shops selling sky lanterns, traditional snacks, and souvenirs. This wheelchair-accessible experience starts from $6.24 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Visitors can capture the ethereal display and enjoy the vibrant local culture. There’s more to explore at this cherished Taiwanese tradition.

Key Points

• The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Shifen, Taiwan, is a popular annual event that attracts thousands to release sky lanterns filled with dreams and wishes.

• Sky lanterns, made of paper and bamboo, hold symbolic significance, representing good luck, letting go of the past, and celebrating Taiwanese heritage.

• The Shifen Old Street offers a year-round experience, where visitors can purchase sky lanterns, try traditional snacks, and explore local handicrafts and cultural activities.

• The experience is wheelchair accessible, promoting inclusivity, and offers flexible booking options with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

• Capturing the ethereal display of countless sky lanterns is a memorable photographic opportunity, with various vantage points and camera settings recommended for optimal shots.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience Overview

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Shifen offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with Taiwanese culture and history.

This traditional activity, popular among travelers, allows participants to send sky lanterns into the sky filled with dreams and wishes. The festival attracts thousands of visitors annually in February, but the experience is available year-round at Shifen Old Street.

This bustling market offers a chance to take in the local atmosphere, with shops selling sky lanterns, traditional snacks, and souvenirs.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors.

Lantern Tradition and Symbolism

Sky lanterns, made of paper and bamboo, have a long and rich history in Taiwanese culture. They were once used for communication between villages during the 19th century.

Today, the tradition of releasing sky lanterns symbolizes:

1. Good luck and fortune
2. Letting go of the past and embracing the future
3. Connecting with one’s hopes and dreams
4. Celebrating Taiwanese heritage and identity

The lanterns are a central part of the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, allowing participants to write their wishes and watch them float up into the night sky.

This unique experience offers visitors a chance to engage with a cherished Taiwanese tradition.

Location and Accessibility

Shifen Old Street, located in the Pingxi district of New Taipei City, is a bustling market where visitors can find sky lanterns, traditional snacks, and souvenirs.

The area is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors. The market is a popular destination for the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, drawing thousands of travelers annually in February.

While the festival is a seasonal event, the experience of releasing sky lanterns is available year-round at Shifen Old Street.

Visitors can purchase lanterns, write their wishes, light a candle inside, and release them into the sky – a tradition that symbolizes good luck and fortune.

Booking and Pricing Details

Tickets to the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival experience start from $6.24 per person, with options to reserve now and pay later.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Each ticket includes a single color sky lantern, and participants must present a QR code for redemption.

The booking process offers several benefits:

1. Flexible payment options, allowing visitors to reserve their spot now and pay later.
2. Easy cancellation policy, with a full refund available up to 24 hours prior.
3. Inclusive pricing, with the cost of a single sky lantern covered in the ticket.
4. Convenient QR code redemption, ensuring a hassle-free experience on-site.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visitor Feedback and Guidelines

The experience has received a rating of 4.8/5 based on 6 reviews, highlighting the assistance provided during the lantern release.

Visitors praise the helpful staff who guide participants through the lantern-lighting process, ensuring a smooth and memorable experience.

It’s important to note the festival’s dress code: no sandals, flip-flops, shorts, or sleeveless shirts are allowed.

This guideline helps maintain the cultural atmosphere and ensures the safety of all attendees.

With these practical considerations in mind, visitors can fully enjoy the beauty and tradition of the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival.

Preparing for the Experience

Prior to attending the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, visitors can prepare by ensuring they pack appropriate clothing and footwear.

To make the most of the experience, consider the following tips:

1. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes to navigate the cobblestone streets of Shifen Old Street.
2. Dress in layers, as the weather can be cool, especially in the evening when the lanterns are released.
3. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the festivities.
4. Pack a portable phone charger to capture the magical moments with photos and videos.

With these preparations, visitors can fully enjoy the cultural tradition of the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival.

Capturing the Memorable Moment

As visitors ascend the steps leading to the historic Shifen Old Street, they are greeted by a captivating sight – countless sky lanterns dotting the horizon, their vibrant hues contrasting against the azure sky. Eager participants gather to immortalize this moment, capturing the ethereal display through their camera lenses. The area offers numerous photo opportunities, from the lantern-lined streets to the iconic railway tracks that bisect the town. A photo guide table outlines the best vantage points and settings to ensure breathtaking shots:

Location	Angle	Settings
Shifen Old Street	Eye-level	ISO 400, f/8, 1/250s
Railway Tracks	Low	ISO 800, f/5.6, 1/125s
Lantern Release Area	High	ISO 200, f/11, 1/500s
Panoramic Views	Wide	ISO 100, f/11, 1/500s

Exploring Shifen Old Street

Amidst the bustling energy of Shifen Old Street, visitors can enjoy a vibrant tapestry of local culture and tradition.

This charming market offers a multitude of experiences:

1. Browse the array of sky lantern shops, each offering an array of colors, designs, and personalization options.

2. Indulge in traditional Taiwanese snacks, from steaming hot stinky tofu to delectable pineapple cakes.

3. Explore the historic railway and capture the iconic photographs of trains passing by.

4. Discover unique handicrafts, from intricate paper cuttings to handcrafted artisanal goods.

The accessibility and diversity of Shifen Old Street make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Taiwanese experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Lantern to Release?

While participants can purchase lanterns at Shifen Old Street, they’re not allowed to bring their own. The festival provides pre-made sky lanterns for a more organized and safe experience.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participation?

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival doesn’t have a minimum age requirement. Kids and adults alike can participate in releasing the lanterns, but children may need parental supervision for safety. The activity is suitable for all ages.

Are There Any COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place?

According to the information provided, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival follows COVID-19 safety protocols to ensure visitor safety. Participants must wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines during the lantern release.

Can I Purchase Additional Lanterns On-Site?

Yes, visitors can purchase additional lanterns on-site at Shifen Old Street. The lanterns are available for sale in a variety of colors, allowing participants to send more wishes and messages into the sky.

Is There an Option to Have My Lantern Personalized?

Yes, visitors can personalize their lanterns at Shifen Old Street. They can purchase additional lanterns and write their wishes in any language before lighting and releasing them into the sky.

Sum Up

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Shifen offers a one-of-a-kind cultural experience that immerses visitors in Taiwanese traditions. From releasing sky lanterns to exploring the charming Shifen Old Street, this destination promises lasting memories. Whether seeking a cultural connection or a unique photo opportunity, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is a must-visit for travelers to New Taipei City.

You can check availability for your dates here: