Pingxi line day trip: old streets, waterfalls, and a Houtong cat-village detour
A practical guide to one of Taipei’s easiest ‘small-town’ escapes—pick one rail-line vibe (lantern towns, waterfalls, cats), then keep the day spacious.
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A low-stress rail-line day trip built around two stops: one old-street vibe and one cute, photogenic cat-town moment—plus an optional mining-history add-on.
Best for
Trips 4+ days, cat lovers, slow travel
Pace
Easy to moderate
Rule
Pick two stops
Highlights
- A ‘two stops max’ plan that stays enjoyable
- Great for photographers and slower travel days
- Adds variety beyond Taipei’s city-core icons
Option A: classic rail-line day (old street + waterfall)
If you want classic Pingxi-line texture, choose an old-street stop and a waterfall stop. Leave buffer time—this is not a ‘rush between stations’ day.
- Shifen Old Street for lantern-town atmosphere
- Pingxi Old Street for old-street texture
- Shifen Waterfall for scenery
- Return to Taipei for dinner
Option B: gentler day (cats + mining heritage)
If you want a calmer day with fewer crowds, build it around Houtong. It’s charming, easy to wander, and pairs naturally with a mining-history stop.
- Houtong Cat Village for photos and a light stroll
- Houtong Coal Mine Ecological Park for context
- Finish early—this day is meant to be gentle
A note on pacing
This day trip is best when it feels spacious. If you start layering too many stops, it becomes transit-heavy and stops being fun.
Keep exploring
Hand-picked next reads to make your Taipei plan smoother.
Ready to plan your next stop?
Start with a simple loop: one neighborhood stroll, one iconic sight, and one night market. Taipei rewards balance.
Tip: hours, prices, and seasonal schedules can change. When something matters (like a museum ticket or a special exhibition), check the official listing before you go.