The First Time Releasing Lanterns on the Railway: A Wish Experience Guide to Shifen Old Street
Auto-TranslationThe sound of the train arriving at the station is closer than I imagined.
The railway is right at your feet, yet the crowd is still taking photos. When I first walked into Shifen Old Street, my first thought wasn't romance; rather, I was surprised that this railway is still in use.
Taking the Taiwan Railways from Ruifang and transferring to the Pingxi Line to Shifen Station takes about 30 minutes. Less than a minute after exiting the station, you stand in the middle of the railway. There are no platforms or street boundaries here; the railway is the main axis of the old street.
One thing that first-time visitors must remember: when you hear the bell, immediately leave the tracks.
Standing outside the yellow line for photos is the most basic safety etiquette. This isn’t a display railway, but an operational transportation line.
However, you will soon realize that the reason everyone comes to Shifen is not for the trains.
It’s for the sky lanterns.
First Time Choosing a Sky Lantern: Wishes Start to Take Shape
When I walked into the first sky lantern shop, I actually didn’t know what to write.
A row of colorful paper lanterns hangs overhead, with red representing safety, yellow for wealth, and blue for academics. Each color seems to be making a choice for you, while also complicating your decision. After all, wishes are never too few.
After a lot of effort in choosing the lantern, the shop owner handed me a brush and ink.
You will hold the brush and think about what to write.
Those few seconds are mystical, as wishes jump from battling in your mind to the paper, transforming into something truly visible.
Most shops will display the prices at the entrance, but the actual amounts are subject to on-site announcements. Multiple people can write on the same lantern, making it perfect for friends and families to create shared memories together.
The Moment of Ignition: Everyone's Eyes on the Sky Lantern
As the flame lifts the lantern body, the people around will naturally step back.
The hot air shapes the paper lantern into a breathing form. You hold the corners, waiting for it to stand up by itself. At that moment, everyone looks up at the same lantern.
The lantern rises slowly, and you can’t help but keep looking up until the light disappears. The strangers beside you are also watching; you may not know each other, but you share the same moment together.
This is the reason Shifen is truly worth visiting: it's not just about releasing the lanterns, but about watching them leave together.
Don't Rush to Leave After Releasing the Lantern
Many people leave right after releasing their sky lanterns, but the real joy comes afterward.
The first time I stayed and strolled slowly through the old street, I realized that this place isn’t just a tourist backdrop, but a living environment. Fish ball soup is steaming, sweet potato noodles are simmering in pots, and residents pass by with their carts along the railway.
This street operates every day, with travelers merely joining in for a brief moment.
Remember to give way on the railway while walking, and don’t occupy the center when taking photos. Shifen is a shared space, not an individual stage.
Beginner's Safety Guide
If you're visiting Shifen for the first time, remember a few things:
Leave the railway immediately when you hear the bell.
Choose legal stalls to release lanterns.
Cash is the most convenient.
Wear shoes with non-slip features (the tracks can be damp).
You can release lanterns on rainy days, but strong winds may cause suspensions.
It’s recommended to stay for 2-3 hours.
The atmosphere is best in the evening to night.
After releasing the lanterns, a 15-minute walk will take you to Shifen Waterfall, extending your wish journey into the natural landscape.
Why is It Worth the Trip?
Shifen is not just a photo spot. It is one of the few places where travelers can actively participate in local rituals. You’re not just standing outside observing the culture; you are writing, igniting, and releasing, completing the entire process.
Many trips only offer scenery, but Shifen gives you an experience of action.
When the last lantern disappears, the sounds of the street return, and the train arrives once more, you’ll realize that you have just participated in a moment that you will remember for a long time.
Wishes don’t fly away; they are handed over by you with your own hands.
And you will remember the entire process.
