Pingxi, Taiwan

Executive summary by Darmansjah

Why Go Now?

The famed Sky Lantern Festival is celebrated all over Taiwan on the 15^th day of the lunar New Year (13 February 2014), but nowhere is it more breathtaking than in the remote and secenic mountain district of Pingxi – up to 80,000 visitors release 200,000 lanterns every year on this day. While collective launches start from 6.30pm on festival day, arrive ahead of the crowd and stroll down Shifen Old Street’s railway tracks to soak in some old-world architecture, visit the market area with various stalls selling localsnacks such as fired  baby crabs and handmade sausages, or soak in the scenic Shifen waterfall, the broadest in all of Taiwan with a width spanning 40m.

How Do I Make It Happen?

Fly direct from Singapore to Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) via Singapore Airlines or AirAsia, and Kuala Lumpur via Malaysia Airlines. Take the northbound train from Taipei Main Station towards Ruifang Station and transfer to the Pingxi Line.

Most travelers choose to visit Pingxi as a day-trip, and return to accommodations closer to the city centre. Bask in the comforting luxury of the Palais de Chine hotel in Taipei – from French aristocratic elegance to stunning Art Nouveau interiors, this five-star hotel has something for everyone (from US$ 156; palaisdechinehotel.com).