Shifen Waterfall 十分大瀑布
Shifen is well known for the Shifen Waterfall (十分大瀑布), a 40 metre tall waterfall that creates a rainbow as it splashes into the lake, widely regarded as the most scenic in all of Taiwan. The train station located down the river from the waterfall area, originally built for transporting coal, was built right alongside the Shifen Old Streets (十分老街), and today stands as a reminder of Taiwan's history and culture. With the marketplace surrounding the train station and the openness in which people can freely cross the tracks running straight through the centre of town, the marketplace area of Shifen is definitely an interesting place for visitors to check out.
The waterfall is located 30 minutes away from Shifen Old Streets by walking along either side of the tracks in the northeast direction.
Events such as the Sky Lantern Festival draw visitors year round to the Pingxi area to create a Chinese Lantern (天燈) with a wish written on it to set into the sky.
From Taipei Main Station, take a northbound train (except Keelung-bound trains) towards Ruifang Station. Transfer to the Pingxi Line (平溪線) and purchase a One Day Ticket for the Pingxi Line, NT$52.
A shuttle bus service is available to Shifen as part of a day tour, leaving from Taipei Main Station in the morning and returning around dinner back to Taipei 101 or the train station.
Shifen may also be spelled Shi Fen.