Pingxi Mini Trip Essay / Bye-bye, Pingxi — See You Next Time

Text & Photos / Scream Girl

Sitting on the Ju-Fang train bound for Ruifang, I watched the scenery outside change continuously as I gradually drifted into my own little world. To be honest, although I’m a true-blue Taipei native who’s traveled to many places around Taiwan over the decades, I’d never been to Pingxi, which is so close to me. Thinking about it now, I’m actually quite surprised.

After entering May, the weather in northern Taiwan seemed as changeable as a stepmother’s mood. I personally guessed it was because she was often in a bad mood, so she kept drenching us common folks — armed with just an umbrella or a raincoat — with heavy thunderstorms. But I really wanted to see the legendary “Pingxi” and release a sky lantern. So on a day off, I spontaneously rushed to the train station counter to buy a ticket to Ruifang, and just like that, embarked on my Pingxi journey.

When I arrived at Ruifang Station, I just missed the train to Pingxi, and the next one wouldn’t come for another hour. Shrugging it off, I decided to check out Ruifang Old Street.

Although there was no heavy downpour, the sky was still drizzling lightly. I dashed out of the small side door of the station toward Ruifang Old Street. For some reason, the place was pretty deserted. A small wonton and noodle stall nearby was also empty. “Miss, come in and have some ice cream!” The ice shop owner’s enthusiastic shout rang even louder in the empty street, but I just smiled and didn’t go in.

The rain grew heavier. I looked up at the sky, sighed, opened my umbrella, and silently turned back toward the station. “Looks like I won’t make it today.” I walked back to the platform quietly, ready to take the train back to Taipei. The return train kept getting delayed, and the platform was packed with tourists who had just come back from Pingxi — Hong Kongers, Japanese, Koreans, and more. The heavy rain didn’t seem to dampen their spirits, as they were still chatting animatedly.

Watching them, I thought to myself, ah yes, this is one of the most interesting parts of traveling. I smiled quietly and looked up at the sky, which continued to pour rain. “Bye-bye, Pingxi — I’ll come see you next time.” The train arrived, and I squeezed onto it with the crowd, beginning my journey home.