Why is Shifen famous?

Shifen is famous for its unique combination of Shifen Waterfall, often called Taiwan's "Little Niagara," and its Shifen Old Street, where colourful sky lanterns carrying wishes are released directly from active railway tracks, creating a magical atmosphere. This charming former coal mining town offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural tradition, drawing visitors to experience the dramatic falls and the iconic lantern release over the train line.

What is Shifen known for?

Shifen is famed for its sky lantern releases and the Shifen Waterfalls, often called Taiwan's “Niagara Falls,” located just a few miles from Old Street.

Is it better to visit Jiufen or Shifen first?

If you're planning to visit either, you might as well visit both. If you are driving or taking a taxi, it doesn't really matter which town you visit first. The shops at Jiufen open at 10 and it starts to get busy after noon. If you don't like crowds, it might be better to go to Jiufen first in the morning.

How long to spend in Shifen?

Shifen old street is pretty small, so you will be able to see it all in 15-20 minutes. However, if you plan on setting off a sky lantern, expect to stay for closer to 1 hour. If you choose to walk to the nearby Shifen waterfall, this will take around an hour for a round trip, including sightseeing.

Where does the name Shifen come from?

The name 'Shifen' (十分) literally means 'ten portions' or 'ten parts' in Chinese. Its origin dates back to the early Qing Dynasty when ten families settled in the area. Each family was said to have occupied 'one tenth' of the land, leading to the name 'Shifen' to represent the collective ten shares.

Shifen - Taiwan

What does Shifen mean in Chinese?

The word "Shifen" means "10 portions" because the original 10 families of the village used to ask for 10 portions of the supplies.

Are Filipinos originally Taiwanese?

The connections between Taiwan and the Philippines go much deeper than most international relationships: They can be traced back to the time when Austronesian peoples migrated southward from Taiwan, which archaeological evidence suggests was the place of origin of these peoples.

Is it okay to wear red in Taiwan?

Yes, you can absolutely wear red in Taiwan; it's a very auspicious color symbolizing good fortune, happiness, and celebration, used extensively in festivals, weddings, and temples, though you should avoid writing someone's name in red ink as it's considered bad luck and a sign of death. Red clothing is common and welcomed, especially during festive times, and generally, you can wear whatever you like, with few restrictions. 

What to eat in Shifen, Taiwan?

Here are some must-try dishes in Shifen:

• 3.1 Grilled Mochi. One of the most popular snacks in Shifen. ...
• 3.2 Stinky Tofu. An iconic staple of Taiwanese cuisine. ...
• 3.3 Glutinous Rice-Stuffed Chicken Wings. A street food specialty often found near the train station. ...
• 3.4 Peanut Ice Cream Roll. ...
• 3.5 Herbal Sugarcane Juice.

Which month not to visit Taiwan?

We advise: Exercise normal safety precautions in Taiwan. Typhoons occur during the wet season from May to November, causing heavy rain, flooding and strong winds and can disrupt essential services and transport.

Where to avoid staying in Taipei?

Wanhua District and Zhongshan District have been considered as the most dangerous districts in Taipei.

Why do Filipinos go to Taiwan?

Most Filipinos working in Taiwan work as factory workers, domestic workers, construction workers, fishermen and professionals and they would send a large part of their earnings to their families in the Philippines. Many Taiwanese men have also chosen Filipino women as brides through arranged marriages.

Why is pork not allowed in Taiwan?

To keep African Swine Fever(ASF) out of Taiwan

The competent authority had banned the import of all kinds of pork products from ASF infected area. Passengers in first time violation shall be fined NTD 200,000 regardless of nationalities. Foreigners would be repatriated if they had not paid the fine at the border.

What is special to buy in Taiwan?

Here are 10 of the best Taiwan souvenirs to bring home.

• Pineapple Cakes. ...
• Taiwanese Oolong Tea. ...
• Handcrafted Taiwanese Ceramics. ...
• Indigenous Handicrafts. ...
• Paper Lanterns & Calligraphy. ...
• Taiwanese Beauty Products. ...
• Iron Eggs & Local Snacks. ...
• Jade & Stone Jewelry.

Is Taiwan a rich or poor country?

Taiwan is a rich, high-income, technologically advanced economy, ranking high globally in GDP per capita and known for its "Taiwan Miracle" of rapid development, strong tech sector (especially semiconductors), and universal healthcare. Despite this wealth, some locals perceive less prosperity due to high property costs and a gap between the thriving tech sector and lower wages in other industries, creating a contrast between national wealth and individual financial feel. 

Where do rich people stay in Taiwan?

Based on the above, I would say that, depending on which rooms you choose, The Lalu, Volando Urai, Villa 32, Mandarin Oriental, and Gaia Hotel are the most expensive hotels in Taiwan.

How tall are Taiwanese girls?

For example, from 1985 to 2019, the average height of males and females in Taiwan increased from 169.2 cm to 173.5 cm and from 158.3 cm to 160.7 cm, respectively; those for males and females in the United Kingdom increased from 176.4 cm to 178.2 cm and from 162.7 cm to 163.9 cm, respectively5,6,7,8,9,10.

What is the most beautiful town in Taiwan?

Here's our pick of the most beautiful towns and villages in Taiwan:

• Dajia. Located on the northwestern corner of Taichung, Dajia is an old coastal town in a picture-perfect setting. ...
• Beitou. ...
• Shifen. ...
• Meinong. ...
• Jiji. ...
• Kenting.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for outfits?

The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.

What is the coldest month in Taiwan?

January is the coldest month of the year in Taiwan.

What happens if a woman picks up a red envelope in Taiwan?

According to local folklore, picking up a red envelope could mean you're being tied to a ghost seeking a spouse—often someone who passed away without marrying. The consequences of rejecting this ghost marriage are serious, as it's believed to bring bad luck.

Why do some Taiwanese look Filipino?

🇵🇭🇮🇩🇲🇾 The origin of Austronesian people (Modern Filipino, Indonesia, Malaysian as well as pacific Islanders) Taiwanese Aboriginals and the Austronesian peoples of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia share a common ancestry as part of the Austronesian ethnolinguistic group, which originated in Taiwan around 4,000– ...

What race is Filipino closest to?

The results of a DNA study conducted by the National Geographic's "The Genographic Project", based on genetic testings of Filipino people by the National Geographic in 2008–2009, found that the Philippines is made up of around 54% Southeast Asia and Oceania, 36% East Asian, 5% Southern European, 3% South Asian and 2% ...

Are Taiwanese genetically Chinese?

Taiwan is an island (35,801 km2) in the Pacific Ocean with a population of ∼23 million people (1). As an immigrant population, the majority (>95%) of Taiwanese are of Han Chinese ancestry, whereas ∼2% are of aboriginal ancestry (Austronesian) (1).