Shifen Old Street is located at Pingxi district. It was once a railroad town that transports coal. Meanwhile, the sky lantern was used as a signalling system for those who are working in the coal mining industry and their families.

The Sky Lantern

Shifen old street is the only place in Taiwan where you can fly a sky lantern. It is open all year round. Every January 15 is the sky lantern festival.

A sky lantern costs 200 NTD. You can choose a single coloured or multi-coloured lantern. Each colour has a meaning. The famous colour combinations are red for wealth, yellow for money, blue for career, and orange for love. After choosing your lantern, you will write your wishes on it. They believe that God in heaven will read and grant written wishes.

The Foods

How to rent a bicycle in Youbike

How much does it cost

For a rental under 4 hours, every 30 minutes is charged NT$10. 
Between 4-8 hours, every 30 minutes is charged NT$20. 
Over 8 hours, every 30 minutes is charged NT$40.

Where to start 

After some photo ops at Beitou Thermal Valley, we went back to a YouBike terminal near Xinbeitou station.

How did it go

Last stop: Tamsui Station

Day 1

Flight Z2 7124 CEB-TPE
Check-in at Green World Sansui
Bike around National Taiwan University
Stroll at Raohe Night Market
Chill at Rainbow Bridge

Day 2

Beitou Thermal Valley
Cycling day: Xinbeitou to Tamsui Station

Day 3

4-hour Taipei Sightseeing
Blue line: National Palace Museum
Red line: Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall and Taipei 101

Day 4

KKday Tour: Yehliu Geopark, Shifen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, Jiufen
Ximending Night Market

Day 5

Elephant Mountain

"The best view comes after the hardest climb." Manulit Peak, Balamban

Mt. Manunggal

Step 1: Identify the type of visa

Step 2: Gather the requirements

1. Passport. Its validity must be more than 6 months and still has at least 2 blank pages. If you still don't have one, secure an appointment by visiting DFA's Passport Appointment System site.
2. Visa Application Form. Fill the form completely in block letters. No erasures. No blank fields, just write "N/A". This can be handwritten or computerized. Print this form in an A4 sized bond paper. 
3. 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm Photo. White background. Do not smile. It must be taken within 6 months. Write your name and birthdate on the back then paste it on the application form.
4. PSA Live Birth Certificate. This must be issued within 1 year. To request it online visit PSAHelpline.ph
5. Marriage Certificate. This is for a married applicant. Must also be issued within 1 year.
6. Daily schedule. This is an overview of your daily schedule in Japan. Can be handwritten or computerized. You can book your accommodation through Booking.com or Airbnb. For activities, you can count on Klook. 
7. Proof of income

• Employed:

1. Certificate of Employment. Ask this from your HR. (optional)
2. Bank Certificate. Must be issued within 3 months. Make sure the money on your bank is enough for your trip.
3. Photocopy of latest ITR or Form 2316. For OFW secure a Tax Exemption form from BIR.

• Unemployed:

1. Letter of Guarantee. This is for applicants who don't have a source of income. My dad signed this for my grandfather and mom. 

All documents must be in an A4 sized bond paper. You can also submit your flight itinerary.

Step 3: Submit all your documents in an accredited agency

As of May 21, 2017