Going to Jiufen & Shihfen to watch the Sky Lantern

Hi, ten of us will be going to Jiufen in the morning, then to Shihfen to watch the sky lantern on 9 Feb 09 (or 15th of the Lunar Calendar)in the evening. Can anyone give me some advice or info for:

1. The best to get to these 2 places from Taipei Main Station and also back to Taipei.

2. Will there be any inconveniences in getting back to Taipei after watching the sky lantern, which I understand that it is going to be very crowded.

Going to Jiufen %26amp; Shihfen to watch the Sky Lantern

1) Board a railway train from Taipei to Rueifang Station. Transfer to Keelung bus for Jiufen. Cross the road in front of Rueifang Railway Station (Mingdeng Rd Sec 3) to the bus stop outside the shops and café. Board a Keelung bus with its destination “金瓜石” in English / Chinese LED sign display without a bus route service number. Alight at Jiufen Old Street (Jishan Street) stop.

To get to Shifen from Rueifang Railway Station, purchase a ticket from the booth at the train platform and transfer to trains on Pingsi branch line. Consider purchasing a NT$54 one-day pass for unlimited rides on the Pingsi branch line.

2) Whether returning to Taipei by railway trains or buses, it will be very crowded despite extra buses and trains in service for that evening.

Train and bus transportation schedule: http://www.pingshi.com.tw/alle.html

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Suggested accommodation at Shifen:

Herwan Hotel (Hotel is just a short walk from Sky Lantern Festival event grounds at Shifen Scenic Area, about 10-mins%26#39; walk from Shifen Station)

No. 273-1 Shihfen St, 2F, Pingsi

Tel: 02-24958325

From NT$3000 per night (double room)

Prior hotel reservation recommended since it is festive period.

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