Jiufen: An Enchanting Town In The Heart Of The Mountains

To spend a day in Jiufen is to stroll through a magical, mystical world, where history meets tradition and you can relax with a cup of tea, contemplating the often rainy landscape. So, without further ado, here are my top 5 things to do in Jiufen!

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Jiufen in a few words

The village, once known as “Little Shanghai“, was famous for its gold mining activities, which led to a gold rush that transformed the village’s status into a town, but this soon declined after the Second World War, leaving Jiufen in oblivion. Later, thanks to the many films that chose to shoot in the town, Jiufen once again gained in popularity, becoming a popular tourist destination. Teahouses, cafés, breathtaking views, historical artifacts and many other wonders await you in this magical place.

Main Sights

1. Explore Jiufen Old Street

Address: Jishan St, Ruifang District

Want to satisfy your shopping spree or one of your cravings? Let me tell you, this is the street for you! With its many stalls and special atmosphere, you’ll probably find it hard to leave the street without succumbing to its temptations.

Wander through the narrow streets, open up your senses and let the vibrant lanterns guide you.

2. Marvel at the beauty of A-Mei Tea House

Address: 市下巷20號, Ruifang District
Open every day: 10.00-21.30

I guess you can’t visit Jiufen without spending some time admiring or relaxing inside the iconic A-Mei teahouse. This former forge is now one of Jiufen’s most famous teahouses. Its Japanese architecture – not, as many believe, the inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film “Spirited Away” – and its oceanfront location make it an ideal place to take photos and warm up with a nice cup of freshly brewed tea.

3. Taste the delights of Jiufen

After smelling all these different flavors, I’m pretty sure your stomach will already be rumbling or your mouth will, at the very least, water a little. The best remedy is to try some of the specialties presented on Jiufen Old Street. Whether you opt for meatball soup, sausages, taro balls or another dish, the city has something for everyone!

4. Discover the old mining tunnels

Wondering what it was like in the not-so-distant past, when once-poor Jiufen attracted gold miners from all over the world? You can revisit the country’s history as you wander through its many tunnels and feel the memories of the past, when people dreamed of a better future.

Entering these frightening tunnels, without knowing what awaits you at the other end, is a unique and spellbinding experience! You could find yourself in a whole new world, just like in the manga and animated film “The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes“. Who knows?

5. Hike Teapot Mountain

How to get there: you can take the bus 788 or 965 from Jiufen Old Street for 15mn and then walk another 15mn to the trail OR you can also choose to directly walk around 40mn to the beginning of the trail

If you have time and the weather is mild on the day of your visit, you should do this loop hike, as its many trails and panoramic views are sure to take your breath away! Each season offers something different that will make you want to come back again and again!

This is a moderate, steep hike, with some parts quite rocky and requiring the use of ropes, so, as always, be very careful.

And if it’s raining or you’re not really into hiking, don’t worry, as there are plenty of viewpoints that don’t require much physical effort. The Cats viewpoint is one of them, and will allow you to enjoy stunning views of the sea and the charming surrounding mountains.

Best time to go to Jiufen

The best months to plan a visit to Jiufen are March, October, November and December, as these are the best periods in terms of weather, cost of travel and avoidance of high season.

I’d also recommend getting there early (just before 10 a.m.) on a weekday if you’re only staying in the city for a day, as it will be less crowded and you’ll be able to appreciate Jiufen more leisurely.

How long for a trip to Jiufen

In general, people choose to go there for a day trip, as it’s possible to see everything there is to discover in that time.

But if you’re not in a hurry and are traveling in low season, you can stay longer to enjoy Jiufen’s relaxing atmosphere and beauty.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Jiufen is by bus. Go to Zhongxiao Fuxing station on the Taipei MRT and take Keelung bus 1062 to Jiufen Old Street. The journey costs NT$90 ($2.50) and takes around 90 minutes.

In a nutshell

Jiufen may be a very popular destination, but getting there, if only for its rich history and vibrant lifestyle, is well worth the effort. This small village, perched on the side of a hill, will transport you to an ancient world tinged with nostalgia and illuminated by beautiful red lanterns.

Want another idea for a day trip to Taiwan? Visit the beautiful historic city of Tainan!

🎯 Would you like to go straight to my recommendations?

🛌 Hostel: 九窩Jiu Wow Box Inn Jiufen九份

🗺️ Recommended Tours:
– Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen Day Tour from Taipei

🫖 Tea Experience
– Skyline Teahouse in Jiufen (A-Mei Tea House alternative option)

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