Shenkeng Tofu & Pingxi Railway Heritage Day Tour

Highlights
★ Shenkeng Agricultural Products Promotion Center: Hands-on tofu-making DIY experience!
★ Shenkeng Old Street: Optional tasting of classic tofu dishes.
★ Jingtong: Explore mining relics and enjoy “Carbon Café” in the historic coal washing plant.
★ Wanggu Station: Visit the hidden gem Wanggu Waterfall and enjoy the natural scenery along the railway.

Itinerary

07:20　Meet at Taipei Main Station
07:30　Depart
09:00　Wanggu Waterfall
10:40　Board Pingxi Line Train from Wanggu
10:55　Arrive at Jingtong
11:00　Jingtong Carbon Café (Historic Coal Washing Plant)
12:30　Shenkeng Old Street (lunch at own expense)
14:00　Shenkeng Agricultural Products Promotion Center – Tofu DIY
16:30　Return to Taipei Main Station

Attractions

Shenkeng Old Street – Famous for Tofu Cuisine (Optional Meal at Own Expense)

The name Shenkeng comes from its location, surrounded by mountains on all sides, resembling the bottom of a pit. In the past, Shenkeng was an important stop on the route between Taipei and Yilan, and a trading hub for tea and dyes. Today, it is best known for tofu delicacies. At the entrance of the old street, a large Chinese hackberry tree welcomes visitors. Don’t miss the famous tofu dishes such as braised tofu, black tofu, and charcoal-grilled stinky tofu – all must-try specialties!

Shenkeng Agricultural Products Promotion Center – DIY Tofu Workshop

Originally the home of a tea farmer, this space was transformed into a visitor center in 2002 with the support of the Shenkeng Farmers’ Association. Here, visitors can join a hands-on tofu-making class (approx. 1 hour), suitable for all ages. With provided equipment and guided instructions, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the process behind Shenkeng’s signature tofu.

Jingtong – Charcoal Café & Mining Heritage

Coal mining relics such as the Coal Washing Plant and Shidi Inclined Mine Shaft reflect Jingtong’s vibrant history. During the Japanese colonial era, Jingtong was a bustling mining town comparable to today’s Ximending.

The Shidi Inclined Mine Shaft once gathered coal from nearby sites and transported it efficiently to the washing plant. Built in 1921 and later reinforced with red bricks in the 1960s, the coal washing plant remains a landmark of Jingtong. Though mining has ceased, the old red-brick structure still stands tall and proud, recognized in 2001 as one of Taiwan’s top 100 historic buildings. Today, the building has been revitalized as a cozy café where visitors can enjoy “Charcoal Coffee.”

Wangguyan Secret Nature Spot – Wangguyan Waterfall & Hiking Trail

Take the Pingxi Line Railway to explore this hidden gem. While most visitors only stop at Pingxi, Shifen, or Jingtong, few alight at Wangguyan Station – a tiny stop averaging only 58 daily passengers in 2023.

Historically known as “Wangku Mine,” the area developed in the Japanese era for coal mining. The station, established in 1972, has since faded with the decline of mining. Today, most visitors come here to hike to the Wangguyan Waterfall, a scenic spot surrounded by lush forests and rich biodiversity – the perfect escape into nature.

Inclusions

• Round-trip coach transportation and toll/bridge fees (coach size depends on final group size)

• DIY Tofu Workshop (NTD 150 value per person)

• Charcoal Coffee tasting at Jingtong Coal Washing Plant (served in large pot, shared; NTD 150 value per person)

Exclusions

• Pingxi Line Train Ticket: from Wangguyan Station to Jingtong Station (NTD 22 adult / NTD 11 child). As Wangguyan Station is unmanned, please prepare an electronic transit card (EasyCard, iPASS, or icash).

• Tips for Tour Leader and Driver: Suggested NTD 150 per person.

• Meals and personal expenses (drinks, shopping, etc.).

• Personal travel insurance (guests may arrange individually if required).

• Any expenses not specifically listed in the inclusions, including optional or self-guided activities.

Reservation Notes

• A minimum of 30 participants per bus is required for the tour to operate.

• Pets and hazardous items are not allowed on board, as the bus is a closed environment.

• Please arrive at the designated meeting point on time. Keep your registered mobile phone switched on so the tour leader can contact you if necessary.

• No refunds will be given if participants leave the group midway or fail to return to the meeting point on time.

• The itinerary and driving times are for reference only. Changes may occur due to traffic conditions or large crowds on holidays.

• Please bring your own cold-weather clothing, rain gear, and any personal medication such as motion sickness pills, cold medicine, or insect repellent.

• For the health and comfort of all passengers, please wear a mask if you are experiencing cold or cough symptoms.

• Once the booking and payment are completed, any cancellation or rescheduling fees must be borne by the customer.

• In the event of unavoidable circumstances such as typhoons, earthquakes, or heavy rain, the company reserves the right to postpone the tour or provide a full refund.

Confirmation Details

• This product requires double confirmation. You will receive a confirmation email within 48 hours after booking. Please check your inbox.

• If the minimum number of participants is not met, a cancellation notice will be sent 4 days prior to departure.

• If you do not receive the email within the specified time (including checking your spam folder), please contact our travel consultant by email or call us during office hours at +852 2152-3599.

How to Use

• Present either a printed voucher or the electronic voucher on your mobile phone upon participation.

• Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes in advance.

• If you arrive earlier, kindly wait near the designated bus stop.

Cancellation Policy

• Once the booking is confirmed, no cancellations, amendments, or refunds will be accepted.