Many people, different races gathers in this place to witness how the majestic lanterns as they climb up to the sky - hoping their wishes to come true. A 2 hour travel (via train or buses) located in Pingxi District, New Taipei Taiwan. Lantern cost 200 NTS so better if your traveling with friends and family, it is way much cheaper rather than spending 200 bucks alone.

If you happen to be in Taipei Taiwan on the 15th day of Chinese lunar January, try to take a visit to Shifen to experience one of the world famous events–Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival. It is just amazing and spectacular. You will be watching mass sky lantern releases ascending the sky. To get there, the most economic, easiest, and convenient way from Taipei is to take the shuttle bus at MRT Taipei Zoo station, about a 50-minute bus ride. It will take you directly to the village of Shifen, located in the mountain area of northeastern Taiwan.

Upon my arrival I got so excited at seeing a few lanterns flying in the sky right at the moment I got off the bus. Before my entering to the old street I was told that people “Releasing Lantern activity” on the rail tracks and I did not believe what I heard till I got there. To me it was really unimaginable seeing a lot of people standing on the railway tracks taking photos and releasing the lanterns. People jumped off the tracks when a train was approaching and returned to the tracks for continuation of lantern release activity. The shops selling foods, drinks, souvenirs, and mainly sky lanterns were on both sides of the rail tracks. Visitors wrote down their wishes and blessings on four sides of the lanterns that were brought onto the tracks and lit and operated each by the man. Within few seconds, the lanterns with different kinds of languages carrying prayers and hopes gradually rose up to the sky.

The highlight of the Sky Lantern Festival was the mass ascension of lanterns at Shifen Square starting at 5:45PM. Tourists from different parts of world plus locals flocked to this small town to participate this big event. The road and/or the drive way to the entrance of the Square was already jam-packed with the visitors. One path was reserved for those participants going into the main stage for “mass lanterns ascension” activity. I hardly found a spot for myself. Instead of going into the Square, I stood on the other side opposite to the Square but I got so excited while watching the 1st round of mass ascension of lanterns rising and floating in the sky like Balloon ride in Cappadocia. The night sky filled with hundreds of lanterns was really beautiful and spectacular. I left after the 3rd round of lanterns release to avoid a long line up waiting for the bus. Above all, I enjoyed my half day trip to experience/feel this tradition and atmosphere other than the visual enjoyment of amazing view.

The place was very pleasant! Everything was very organized. There was a stand where our lanterns were hanging. We had to write on the them and eventually, a long-haired blond man came to us, directed how we should pose and assisted us make our lanterns fly! He took the video and took more pictures of me and my husband! Thank you Mr. Long-haired blond man! I loved the experience!