Shifen Old Street is one of Taiwan’s most unique and memorable destinations for families travelling with autistic children. Built directly along an active railway line, it offers a fascinating mix of tradition, visual stimulation and open-air exploration, all within a compact and easy-to-navigate setting.
What makes Shifen stand out is its rhythm. Trains pass slowly through the centre of the street, vendors pause, crowds step aside, and then everything resumes again. This predictable stop-start pattern can actually feel more manageable than chaotic city environments, especially for children who benefit from clear cues and structure.
This guide walks you through exactly what to expect at Shifen Old Street, how to get there, what to do, and how to make the experience as smooth as possible for your family.
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Getting to Shifen Old Street
Shifen is located in Pingxi District, around 1 to 1.5 hours from Taipei depending on your route.
The most popular way to get there is by train. You can take a train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang, then transfer onto the Pingxi Line, which is a slower, scenic railway that stops directly at Shifen. This route is simple, predictable and often enjoyable for children who like trains. If you want to learn more about how accessible transport is in Taiwan, my guide has you covered.
You can also take a taxi or private driver from Taipei, which offers a more direct and controlled journey, ideal if your child struggles with transitions or busy stations. We took a private driver from Keelung, because we were leaving Taiwan that day and were going to the airport anyway. The driver took us on our tour and later took us to the airport.
Tours are another option, often combining Shifen with Jiufen, but these can feel rushed and less flexible.
Where to stay in Shifen Old Street
Most families choose to stay in Taipei and visit Shifen as a day trip. Alternatively, you can visit Shifen from Keelung instead.
Taipei offers the widest range of accommodation, including larger family rooms, reliable transport and access to quieter neighbourhoods if you choose carefully. My guide to visiting Taipei with autistic children will help you plan your stay in Taipei, alternatively my guide to visiting Keelung helps parents plan an autism-friendly stay in the rainy city.
If you prefer to stay closer, Ruifang is the nearest base, though options are more limited and less geared towards international families.
Family-friendly activities in Shifen Old Street
Sky lantern experience
This is the main attraction in Shifen for families. Families write wishes or messages on a paper lantern and release it into the sky from the railway tracks.
It’s a highly visual and engaging activity with a clear beginning, middle and end, which can work well for autistic children. The anticipation, writing, and release all follow a predictable sequence.
There is a clear process, staff guide you through each step, and the moment of release provides a strong visual reward. It’s easy to understand, doesn’t require long waiting times, and gives children a sense of control and participation.
Watching the trains pass through the street
One of the most unique features of Shifen is the active railway running through the centre of the street.
Vendors and visitors step aside when a train approaches, then return once it passes. The repetition of this process can be reassuring, and many children enjoy the clear signal of the train bell and the movement itself.
Shifen Waterfall
Around a 15–20 minute walk from the old street, Shifen Waterfall offers a calmer, more open environment.
The path is mostly flat and manageable, and the sound of the waterfall can either be soothing or overwhelming depending on your child’s sensory profile, so it’s worth preparing in advance.
Street Food Exploration
Shifen Old Street has a wide range of simple, visual street food options.
Even if your child has a restricted diet, the ability to see food being prepared and choose familiar items can help reduce anxiety. If street food isn’t your thing, my guide to eating in nearby Keelung will help you plan an alternative, delicious meal.
Getting around Shifen Old Street with autistic children
Shifen Old Street itself is compact and mostly flat, making it easy to explore on foot.
The main challenge is that it can become crowded, particularly around midday and weekends. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can make a significant difference.
The train line runs directly through the street, so supervision is essential, but the warning signals and predictable train schedule help reduce unexpected movement.
Is Shifen Old Street autism-friendly?
Shifen can be surprisingly autism-friendly for the right child, especially if they enjoy visual experiences, repetition and environments with clear structure.
Although it is busy, the layout is simple and easy to understand. The street follows the railway line, so there is a clear path rather than lots of confusing side streets or large open spaces. The biggest attraction – releasing a sky lantern – also follows a very predictable routine: choosing a lantern, writing on it, taking photos, then releasing it.
Many autistic children also enjoy the train element. The warning bells ring, everyone steps aside, the train passes slowly through, and then normal activity resumes. This repeated pattern can feel much easier to process than the unpredictable movement of a busy city centre.
Things that make Shifen Old Street stand out
- Shifen can be a surprisingly good fit for some autistic children, particularly those who enjoy visual experiences and structured activities.
- The environment is busy but predictable. The train provides clear signals, the lantern activity follows a defined sequence, and the overall layout is linear and easy to understand.
- However, it is still a sensory-heavy environment with noise, crowds and strong smells, so it may not suit children who are highly sensitive to these factors.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Plan Ahead: Research each location and contact them to discuss any special accommodations your child might need. If you can plan to arrive after check-in time you should, or try to arrange an early check-in. Visit my Taiwan travel guide to start planning your trip to Taiwan with autistic children.
- Sensory Tools: Bring along sensory tools and comfort items that help manage sensory needs, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys, and a sensory toolkit.
- Clear Communication: Ensure that everyone involved in the trip understands the needs and preferences of the neurodiverse individual. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and enhance the travel experience. Consider using PECS or an AAC. We have a free pack of travel PECS available for download. Consider using our
- Safety: Consider getting an autism card for your child, or even better – use our emergency passport for medical information and important contacts. Our absolute must have safety item for travelling with an autistic child is a TinyTags wristband or tag that can be tapped or scanned by a mobile phone – giving the person who tapped it all of the information they need to get your child back to you. TinyTags also feature a location alert to help you find your child.