Pingxi Rail Line and Scenic Railway

The Pingxi Rail Line is a historic and scenic railway branch managed by Taiwan Railways Administration that runs through Ruifang and Pingxi Districts in New Taipei City. The line stretches about 12.9 km and was originally built in 1921 to transport coal but now primarily serves tourists exploring scenic towns, waterfalls, and cultural landmarks.

Route and Stations

The line starts mainly at Ruifang Station, a hub connecting to Taipei and other train lines. It continues through these key stations:

• Houtong: Famous for its Cat Village and old mining heritage.
• Sandiaoling: Known for mountain hiking trails.
• Dahua: Site of natural pot holes.
• Shifen: Popular for Shifen Old Street, sky lantern releases, the scenic Shifen Waterfall, and Jingan Suspension Bridge.
• Wanggu: Access to a small waterfall nearby.
• Lingjiao: Known for Lingjiao Waterfall and the Tsai Family Red House.
• Pingxi: Known for the less crowded Pingxi Old Street which is more local and authentic, and proximity to the Pingxi Crags hiking trail.
• Jingtong: The terminus, a quaint old mining town with a preserved historic atmosphere.

Services and Tips

• Most trains run through Ruifang Station, where visitors can easily transfer to other routes.
• Tickets for the Pingxi Line include unlimited usage day passes allowing hopping on and off.
• The area is famous for sky lantern releases, with Pingxi and Shifen Old Streets as the most popular sites.
• Bus connections from Shifen, Pingxi, and Jingtong to Muzha MRT station offer alternatives to returning by train.
• Weekday visits are recommended to avoid large crowds, especially during Lantern Festival events.

The Pingxi Line is a unique way to experience Taiwan’s rural beauty, vibrant local culture, and heritage sites with convenient access from Taipei