Day 5 in Taipei 2013 (II) - Shifen (十分)

Our taxi driver, Mr Cai came to pick us up from Taipei Hero House at 8am. As we have several places to visit in one day, we had to start out early. By 9.20am, we arrived at our first destination, Shifen Waterfall (十分瀑布) in Shifen (十分). As it was still very early, there were very few visitors around. :) We could take photos to our hearts' content.

Suspension bridge on the way to Shifen Waterfall and overlooks Yen Jing Dong Falls

Us on the suspension bridge

One of three curious and playful kittens at Shifen Waterfall

On the way to Shifen Waterfall (十分瀑布), we also saw Yen Jing Dong Falls (眼鏡洞瀑布) which is upstream to Shifen Waterfall. It is called Yen Jing Dong Falls because the water rushes over a rock cliff between two hollows so it looks like a nose and a pair of glasses. 

After admiring Nature's handiwork, we went on to Shifen Old Street (十分老街) which is very unique because residences and shops are lined closely on both side of the train tracks. We also wanted to let off a sky lantern (放天燈). We bought a sky lantern which allows us to wish for blessings in the following areas - studies (Marieann and Juliane), work (me), health (whole family), and happiness (whole family). We wrote auspicious words on each coloured-side of our sky lantern (each colour represents an specific area of blessings). It was really fun. The shop lady helped us to take photos of our sky lantern and us and also when we let if off into the sky. It was a sight to see our sky lantern soaring high into the sky and disappearing from our sight. I believe the heavens have heard our wishes. :) 

We bought our sky lantern from this shop. A few other shops selling sky lanterns too.

Auspicious words wishing for good health

Auspicious words wishing for good exam results

Auspicious words for happiness

Auspicious words for career/ work

Getting ready to let off our sky lantern

Off it goes!

Bringing our wishes to the heavens

Photo of us on the train tracks

A train just passed through the Shifen Old Street

Mini Sky lantern souvenirs :)

Just a little further down the Old Street is the Shifen Train Station (十分車站). We were lucky to see a train pulling into the station. It was really interesting for the girls to see a real train. We bought a couple of souvenirs from the shop at the Shifen Train Station. :)

Another train pullling into the Shifen Train Station

The Happy Station souvenir shop which made us very happy with our purchases

My purchases :)

Another unique feature in Shifen is the Jing-An Suspension Bridge. It was built in 1947 for coal transportation from the mines. It was later reconstructed, after the mines closed in 1962, to serve as a suspension bridge between two villages. The bridge's old-fashioned appearance was retained with additional decor. 

As it was still early, only 10.45am, we actually went to Jingtong (菁桐) first before returning to Shifen Old Street for lunch. The food was simple but satisfying. After lunch, we set off for Houtong (㺅硐).

One of the shops at Shifen Old Street

Order form for old-fashioned Taiwanese food

One of several cats spotted at Shifen Old Street :)

The next post is on Jingtong (菁桐).