Jiufen , Taiwan

🏮 Jiufen: Taiwan’s Enchanting Mountain Village

🌟 Overview

Perched on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Jiufen is a picturesque village filled with narrow alleyways, red lanterns, and tea houses clinging to cliffs.
Once a booming gold mining town, today Jiufen is famous for its nostalgic atmosphere, historic streets, and stunning views over the ocean — it feels like stepping into a living storybook.

🏯 Top Things to See and Do in Jiufen

🏮 Jiufen Old Street

Wander through Jiufen Old Street, a maze of narrow lanes packed with street food stalls, souvenir shops, and traditional craft stores.
The scent of taro balls, grilled mushrooms, and herbal teas fills the air, making it a sensory feast for visitors.

🍵 Traditional Tea Houses

Experience the magic of Jiufen by visiting one of its many historic tea houses.
Spend a peaceful afternoon sipping fine Taiwanese teas while enjoying panoramic views of the sea and mountains.
The atmosphere is dreamlike, especially when the mist rolls in.

🏰 A-Mei Tea House

Although famous and often busy, this iconic tea house, with its tiered lanterns and wooden façade, is often said to have inspired scenes from the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away.

⛩️ Temples and Shrines

Visit beautiful temples like Fushan Temple and City God Temple, where intricate carvings, incense, and sweeping ocean views create a serene escape from the bustling streets.

🎬 Movie Nostalgia

Film buffs will appreciate that Jiufen served as the setting for the movie A City of Sadness, further solidifying its place in Taiwanese cultural history.

🍡 Food You Must Try in Jiufen

Taro Balls (芋圓 Yù Yuán): A chewy, sweet treat made from taro, sweet potato, and green tea.
Peanut Ice Cream Rolls: Shaved peanut brittle and ice cream wrapped in a soft pancake.
Herbal Rice Cakes: Savory snacks infused with fragrant herbs.
Braised Pork Rice (滷肉飯): Comforting, rich, and flavorful, perfect for cooler days in the mountains.

🌿 Nature and Views

Keelung Mountain Hiking Trail: A short but steep hike rewarding you with 360-degree panoramic views of the coastline, Jiufen village, and surrounding mountains.
Shengping Theater: One of Taiwan's oldest surviving cinemas, it offers a glimpse into Jiufen’s golden era.

🌞 Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May): Pleasant temperatures and lush greenery.
Autumn (September–November): Crisp air and fewer crowds, ideal for walking around.
Evening: Jiufen truly comes alive at dusk, when the red lanterns light up, and the village glows with an ethereal charm.

🚗 How to Get There

From Taipei:
Take a train from Taipei to Ruifang Station, then a local bus or taxi up to Jiufen.
Total travel time: about 1.5 hours.
By car: Jiufen is about a one-hour drive from Taipei City.

🏨 Where to Stay

Boutique Inns and Guesthouses: Stay overnight in a cozy guesthouse perched on the hillsides for a magical experience, especially when the day-trippers leave and the village quiets down.
Luxury Stays: Some stylish, renovated traditional homes offer upscale comfort and stunning sunrise views.