Pingxi Lantern Festival – dates, tips, how to go

The festival returns on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Pingxi Junior High School, celebrating under the theme “Golden Snake Brings Prosperity”—a nod to the Year of the Snake.Edison Tours+10Taiwan Travel Blog+10Culture Trip+10 AP News+6New Taipei City Travel+6New Taipei City Travel+6
A second mass lantern release will unfold on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 (the Lantern Festival, marking the 15th day of Lunar New Year), at Shifen Square, themed “Golden Snake Spreads Love”.Take your Backpack+6New Taipei City Travel+6New Taipei City Travel+6
Thousands of glowing lanterns will drift skyward in timed waves between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM.Taiwan Obsessed+4Rove+4Take your Backpack+4

How to Go: Getting to Pingxi & Shifen

From Taipei MRT: Take the Brown (Wenshan–Neihu) Line to Taipei Zoo Station, then hop on the official festival shuttle bus (approx NT$50 one way; ~40 minutes).eWave+9gourmetflyer.com+9橘子貓TTtrips+9
- Why use it: The festival area will be heavily traffic-controlled, banning most private vehicles.

Take a TRA local train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang (~45 minutes).
Transfer to the Pingxi Line to reach Pingxi Station or Shifen Station—both near festival sites.Culture Trip+15The Sensible Fay+15gourmetflyer.com+15
Heads-up: Expect crowded trains and platforms—arrive early.

Organized tours (via Klook, Viator, etc.) provide round-trip transport, English-speaking guides, and often include lanterns—great for stress-free participation.The Sensible Fay+2Taiwan Travel Blog+2 eWave+1

Register early: To join the official mass lantern release, arrive before 10:30 AM to get a free ticket and lantern—these are limited!Rove+5The Sensible Fay+5Taiwan Obsessed+5
Release waves: Lanterns are sent off in 20-minute intervals between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM—stay near your timeslot for the best experience.The Sensible Fay Rove
What if tickets run out? You can still buy a lantern from vendors along the railway tracks and release it independently—though not as part of the main ceremony.eWave+10The Sensible Fay+10AP News+10
Environmental note: Consider using eco-friendly lanterns (made of rice paper and bamboo) and visit cleanup initiatives—some are held after the festival.gourmetflyer.com+1

Stroll Shifen or Pingxi Old Streets: Try local snacks like stinky tofu, peanut ice-cream rolls, and grilled river shrimps.Edison Tours+14The Sensible Fay+14Taiwan Travel Blog+14
Visit Shifen Waterfall: Called “Little Niagara,” it’s Taiwan’s widest waterfall and just a short walk from Shifen Station.Wikipedia+1
Explore further: Drop by Jiufen Old Street or Houtong Cat Village for picturesque alleys and local culture.The Sensible Fay+2Taiwan Obsessed+2

Time of Day	Activity
Morning	Take early train/shuttle to Pingxi
Late Morning	Register for lantern release (by 10:30 AM)
Afternoon	Explore Old Streets, waterfall, snacks
Evening	Attend the mass lantern release (6–9 PM)
Night	Return to Taipei via train/shuttle

A: In major cities and tourist areas, yes. Carry hotel cards and use translation apps for taxis and rural areas.

A: Cards are common, but small eats and rural buses may be cash‑only. ATMs are easy to find.

A: EasyCard and iPASS both work on most public transport and convenience stores—buy whichever you see first.

A: Very safe. Use standard city smarts and keep an eye on personal items in crowded night markets.

A: Popular day trips and high‑demand dates (festivals, weekends) can sell out—book 1–2 weeks ahead when possible.

Published 2025-08-27 on UnusedRooms.com