Pingxi Sky Lanterns: Worth It?

Releasing a sky lantern in Pingxi is a simple, peaceful experience. You write wishes on a paper lantern, light the fuel cell, and watch it drift slowly into the sky with dozens of others. The lanterns float for several minutes before disappearing or burning out. It feels communal and slightly magical at night, especially when hundreds are released together during the festival. Expect a mix of families, couples, and tour groups. The area itself is a quiet old mining town with a short main street; the lantern release happens along the railway tracks or a dedicated open area. It’s not a thrill ride, but it’s genuinely pretty and a low-key way to participate in a Taiwanese tradition.

The best time is the Pingxi Lantern Festival (usually February, tied to Chinese New Year) for the full spectacle with thousands of lanterns. Outside festival dates, evenings on weekends are nicest for smaller crowds and better photos. Avoid midday in summer — it’s hot, crowded with day-trippers, and the lanterns look less impressive in daylight. Expect to pay around $30–$110 per person depending on whether you do a quick DIY stop in Shifen or join a small-group guided trip from Taipei that includes transport, a workshop, and sometimes stops at Jiufen or the waterfall. Independent travelers can just take the train and buy a lantern for under $10 at a local shop.

Tip: pick a plain white or light-colored lantern — they photograph better at night and show your writing clearly. Skip the giant “super” lanterns unless you really want to spend extra; they’re heavier and don’t fly as gracefully. Bring a headlamp or phone light for the train station at night, and wear layers — mountain evenings get chilly.