A one-day mini trip to Pingxi — explore hidden gems with Taiwan Tourist Shuttle and release an e-sky lantern

Reported by He Guanxian / New Taipei City

The year’s almost over—time for a relaxing getaway. Taiwan Tourist Shuttle’s Muzha–Pingxi Line has launched a limited-edition e-ticket in line with eco-friendly trends. With just one card, you can explore Pingxi, immerse yourself in its laid-back lifestyle, sample local tea snacks, and even take part in releasing an electronic sky lantern.

▲ Explore all of Pingxi in a day with one card. The NT$200 ticket includes transportation and a chance to experience an e-sky lantern. (Photo / Reporter He Guanxian)

▲ Take bus No. 795 from across Muzha MRT Station to head to Pingxi. (Photo / Reporter He Guanxian)

For just NT$200, the “Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Muzha–Pingxi Line E-Ticket” covers transportation from Muzha MRT Station to Pingxi, a NT$150 e-sky lantern experience voucher, and a NT$100 discount voucher for merchandise. The NT$100 can be used at four shops, including two in Shenkeng: Guzao Cu Humanities Tofu Delicacy and Shenkeng Baogui Shop. There are also Liuliumen Yan Family Teahouse and Meiyun Fabric Workshop on Pingxi Old Street.

▲ The NT$100 discount voucher in the e-ticket can be used at Liuliumen Yan Family Teahouse, the only teahouse in Pingxi. (Photo / Reporter He Guanxian)

With the e-ticket, you can visit the mountain-hidden “Wanggu Waterfall.” After walking through a secluded, narrow forest path, you’ll arrive at the four-tiered Wanggu Waterfall. Like Tarzan, you can enjoy pristine natural beauty—with not only the breathtaking waterfall in front of you but also crystal-clear streams flowing nearby.

Read more:Feel like a celestial being for a day — the hidden gem “Wanggu Waterfall” deep in the forest

▲ The fairyland of Wanggu Waterfall makes visitors feel like ethereal beings. (Photo / Provided by netizen ruru1419; please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

You can also visit “Lingjiao Station” to see its uniquely smiling-shaped platform. Hidden in the mountains, Lingjiao Station’s platform is not straight like most, but curved into a smiley shape—so train conductors have to walk forward to check if there are still passengers getting on or off.

Read more:“The station that smiles” — the beautiful little Lingjiao Station forgotten by travelers

▲ The classic-style Lingjiao Station, where you can watch slow-moving trains pass right by. (Video / Reporter He Guanxian)

When night falls, head to Tian Deng Police Station to try“e-sky lanterns.”Not only is it eco-friendly, but it also lets you make a wish without worrying about the environmental harm caused by traditional lanterns burning and falling. E-sky lanterns let you wish freely and even make multiple wishes.

▲ With an environmentally friendlye-sky lantern, you don’t have to worry about harming nature—and you can enjoy a light show from nearly 200,000 LED lights. (Photo / Reporter He Guanxian)