Text / Compiled and reported by the Editorial Department of MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network
In recent years, Pingxi has become a well-known must-visit destination in Taiwan. Aside from sky lantern releases, Pingxi has also received high praise since the launch of the "Sky Lantern Police Station" in March this year, drawing many tourists who come specifically and share photos online, attracting even more visitors to the area. To encourage seniors to experience the innovative "Policemen's Sky Lantern" release, the New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Bureau has partnered with the Pingxi Charm Business District to offer a 50% discount every Tuesday, starting in July, on "Senior Citizen Days." Grandpas and grandmas are welcome to join in the “happy sky lantern release and joyful Pingxi tour.”
Recently, to celebrate the panda cub’s first birthday, a giant 15T panda-shaped sky lantern was specially released. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Bureau)
The Sky Lantern Police Station, located at the entrance of Jing Tong Old Street in Pingxi District, is the Pingxi substation of the Ruifang Precinct of the New Taipei City Police Department. It combines functions such as public security, travel consultation, scenic viewing, a cycling station, light meals, and restroom services, forming a unique, world-first composite tourism substation. Romanticly launched on White Day, March 14, 2014, its distinctive design has quickly become a new landmark in the Jing Tong area. The nearly 9-meter-high sky lantern-shaped curtain, made up of 200,000 LED lights, is highly eye-catching and frequently attracts passersby to stop and take photos.
The Sky Lantern Police Station, located at the entrance of Jing Tong Old Street in Pingxi District, features a highly design-oriented appearance. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Bureau)
The Pingxi Charm Business District Association stated that following the success of the "Buy One Get One Free" Policemen's Sky Lantern event in June to honor Police Day, which received an enthusiastic response from tourists, another exclusive discount for seniors has been launched starting in July. With the summer travel season in full swing and coinciding with New Taipei City’s promotion of “Senior Citizen Days” every Tuesday, the association hopes senior friends will visit Pingxi with or accompanied by family to enjoy the beautiful mountains, waters, and rich cultural scenery. Therefore, in partnership with the New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Bureau, an exclusive Policemen's Sky Lantern Pavilion (Sky Lantern Police Station) discount has been introduced. From now until December 31, 2014, every Tuesday on “Senior Citizen Day,” seniors aged 60 and above can enjoy a 50% discount on Policemen's Sky Lantern releases (original price: NT$150 per lantern) by presenting valid ID. Grandpas and grandmas are welcome to create their own unique Policemen's Sky Lanterns with their partners or bring their beloved grandchildren to Pingxi for a fun-filled family day.
Created with nearly 200,000 LED lights, it delivers a visually stunning performance. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Bureau)
The nostalgic mining town of Pingxi, with its mountain-city charm, features the Pingxi Branch Line that runs through the entire region—a must for railway enthusiasts. Along the Pingxi Railway Branch Line, visitors can enjoy the ever-changing mountain-city scenery across the seasons. The scene of trains passing by in front of houses on Shifen Old Street and the sky lanterns filled with wishes are sources of happiness for travelers. Shifen Waterfall and Eyeglass Cave Waterfall offer a refreshing soak in nature’s negative ions, invigorating both body and mind. Wishing bamboos covered with heartfelt messages can be found all along Jing Tong Old Street, while the “Lover’s Bridge” behind Jing Tong Station is adorned with bamboo wishes from couples sharing their feelings—its romantic vibe rivals the love lock wall beneath Seoul Tower in the Korean drama “My Love from the Star” and the world-famous love lock bridge on Paris’s Seine River.
Additionally, the Tourism and Travel Bureau also recommends three one-day travel routes using public transportation for public reference:
Pingxi Jing Tong Train Tour (Pingxi Branch Line)
Pingxi Station → Pingxi Old Street → Jing Tong Station → Jing Tong Old Street → Policemen's Sky Lantern Substation → Taiyang Mining Company Pingxi Guesthouse (Jing Tong Crown Prince Mansion) → Japanese-Style Dormitory Complex
Shifen Houtong Train Tour (Pingxi Branch Line)
(Ruifang) Houtong Station → Houtong Coal Mine Museum Tour → Shifen Station → Shifen Visitor Center → Siguangtan → Eyeglass Cave Waterfall → Shifen Old Street → Jing Tong Policemen's Sky Lantern Substation
Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Pingxi Shenkeng Leisure Tour (Taiwan Tourist Shuttle - Muzha Pingxi Line)
(Shiding) Five Lucky Gods Temple / Maiden Temple → Pingxi Old Street → Jing Tong Old Street → Policemen's Sky Lantern Substation → (Shenkeng) Shenkeng Old Street- 1
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