Nestled in the misty mountains of Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Jiufen Old Street is one of Taiwan’s most iconic destinations, famed for its narrow alleys, red lanterns, and nostalgic charm. Once a bustling gold mining town, Jiufen transformed into a tourist hotspot after its cinematic appearance in films like A City of Sadness and its rumored inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. With its vibrant street food scene, traditional teahouses, and breathtaking coastal views, Jiufen is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Taiwan. This guide will help you plan a perfect day trip or overnight stay.
A Travel Guide to Jiufen Old Street
Why Visit Jiufen Old Street?
Jiufen Old Street is a sensory delight, blending history, culture, and cuisine. Its labyrinthine alleys are lined with shops selling Taiwanese snacks, souvenirs, and handcrafted goods, while teahouses offer serene escapes with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Keelung Mountain. The town’s Japanese-era architecture and glowing lanterns create a magical atmosphere, especially at night. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or a photographer, Jiufen’s unique vibe—often compared to a real-life anime setting—makes it an unforgettable stop on any Taiwan itinerary.
How to Get There
Jiufen is approximately 40 km northeast of Taipei, making it an easy day trip. Here are the main transportation options:
By Public Transport: Bus 1062: From MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station (Blue Line, Exit 2), take Bus 1062 to Jiufen Old Street (1–1.5 hours, NT$98). The bus stop is outside Sogo Department Store. Check the timetable, as the last bus back to Taipei is usually around 6:40 PM. Bus 965: From MRT Ximen Station or Beimen Station, take Bus 965 (80 minutes, NT$90). Buses run every 15–20 minutes. Train + Bus: Take a Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station (40–50 minutes, NT$50). From Ruifang, catch Bus 788, 827, or 965 to Jiufen (15–20 minutes, NT$15).
By Taxi or Private Car: A taxi from Taipei costs NT$1,200–1,400 one way (45 minutes). Private car charters via Klook start at NT$3,100 for a group, ideal for splitting costs. Limited parking is available near Jiufen’s entrance, but the town is pedestrian-only, so expect to walk.
Organized Tours: Guided tours (e.g., via Klook or Viator) combine Jiufen with Shifen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, or Yehliu Geopark for NT$1,000–1,500 per person. These are hassle-free and include a local guide.
Tip: Use an EasyCard for seamless payments on buses, trains, and the MRT. Load at least NT$300 for a round trip.
Best Time to Visit
Year-Round Appeal: Jiufen’s charm shines in any season, but weather affects the experience. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer mild temperatures and clear skies, ideal for coastal views. Avoid Rainy Days: Taiwan’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in summer (June–August), when humidity and rain are common. Check the forecast, as wet alleys can be slippery.
Timing: Arrive early (before 10 AM) or stay late (after 5 PM) to avoid peak crowds, especially on weekends. Evening visits are magical when lanterns illuminate the streets. Festivals: The Jiufen Torch Festival in July features red and white lanterns forming a “golden dragon” through the alleys, a spectacular sight.
Tickets and Costs
Entry: Jiufen Old Street is free to explore. Attractions: Nearby sites like the New Taipei City Gold Museum or Jiufen Goldore Museum charge small fees (NT$80–100). Book e-tickets via Klook for convenience during peak seasons.
Food and Souvenirs: Budget NT$500–1,000 for street food, tea, and small purchases. Most stalls accept cash only, so bring NT$ coins and small bills. Teahouses: Tea sessions typically cost NT$200–500 per person, depending on the venue and tea type.
What to See and Do
Jiufen Old Street is compact but packed with experiences. Here are the highlights:
Explore Jiufen Old Street: Wander through Jishan Street (the main “Dark Street”), Shuqi Road, and smaller alleys like Cingbian Road. These narrow, covered lanes are filled with food stalls, souvenir shops, and red lanterns. Expect crowds but embrace the lively vibe.
Try iconic street foods: Taro Ball Soup: Chewy taro or sweet potato balls in sweet red bean soup, hot or cold (NT$40–60). Visit Grandma Lai’s Sweet Taro Balls for a popular option. A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll: A crepe filled with peanut shavings, ice cream, and cilantro (NT$40). Fish Ball Soup and Dried Tofu Buns at Jiufen Fish Ball Po (NT$50–80). Pineapple Cakes at Lao Zhen’s Fragrant Cakes Shop (NT$100–200 for a box).
Visit Traditional Teahouses: A-Mei Teahouse: The most famous, with its red lanterns and Japanese-style architecture, often linked to Spirited Away. Book ahead for tea sessions with ocean views (NT$300–500). Jioufen Teahouse: A quieter alternative with artist workshops and a pottery kiln. Free tea tastings are available downstairs. Skyline Teahouse: Offers a stunning view over A-Mei Teahouse and Keelung Mountain.
Cultural and Historical Sites: Jiufen Goldore Museum: A family-run museum detailing Jiufen’s mining history. Night tours include English and Mandarin guides (NT$100). New Taipei City Gold Museum: Located in nearby Jinguashi, this eco-museum lets you touch a massive gold bar and try gold panning (NT$80). Cyuanji Temple: A 1896 temple with a 25-ton gold-bronze Guan Gong statue, overlooking Qitang Old Street. Shengping Theater: Taiwan’s oldest theater, with free entry to see vintage movie posters and a preserved projector.
Unique Experiences: Qipao Rental: Dress in a traditional Chinese cheongsam for photos in the historic alleys (NT$200–500). Photography: Capture the lantern-lit streets, especially at dusk. The Jishan Street Viewing Platform offers panoramic coastal views.
Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with: Golden Waterfall: A striking orange-hued waterfall, 10 minutes by taxi from Jiufen. Teapot Mountain Hike: A 1-hour trail with coastal views, starting near the Gold Museum. Shifen Old Street and Shifen Waterfall: 40 minutes away, famous for sky lantern releases and Taiwan’s “Little Niagara” (NT$50–100 for lanterns).
Where to Eat
Jiufen Old Street is a foodie paradise, with stalls and small eateries dominating the alleys:
Must-Try Stalls: Grandma Lai’s Sweet Taro Balls: Famous for its chewy dessert (NT$50). A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll: A refreshing treat with a unique texture (NT$40). Jiufen Jie Jiao Traditional Diner: Offers xiaolongbao with scenic views (NT$100–150). Teahouses: For a sit-down meal, A-Mei or Jioufen Teahouse serve Taiwanese dishes like braised pork rice alongside tea (NT$150–300).
Tip: Bring cash, as many stalls don’t accept cards. Arrive hungry to sample multiple snacks
Where to Stay
While Jiufen is often a day trip, staying overnight lets you enjoy the quieter, lantern-lit streets:
Jiufen Cafe Sleep B&B-Rain House: A cozy homestay with themed rooms (e.g., Totoro) and free breakfast (NT$1,500–2,500/night). Chiu Chunt Dint Inn: Centrally located on Jishan Street with ocean views and complimentary snacks (NT$2,000–3,000/night).
Shanyuhai Guesthouse: Offers private decks with sea views, 350 yards from Old Street (NT$1,800–2,800/night). Booking Tip: Reserve early via Booking.com or Agoda, as Jiufen’s boutique hotels and minsu (B&Bs) fill up quickly.
Tips for a Great Visit
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The stone steps and uneven alleys require sturdy footwear. Bring Cash: Most vendors don’t accept cards, and ATMs are scarce.
Avoid Peak Crowds: Visit early morning or late afternoon for a less crowded experience. Check Bus Schedules: Note the last bus back to Taipei to avoid pricey taxi fares.
Combine Your Trip: Pair Jiufen with Shifen, Jinguashi, or Keelung’s Miaokou Night Market for a full day. Weather Prep: Bring an umbrella or raincoat, as Jiufen’s mountain location can be rainy. Respect Locals: Stick to designated paths and avoid blocking narrow alleys for photos.
Final Thoughts
Jiufen Old Street is a captivating blend of Taiwan’s past and present, where every alley tells a story, and every bite is a taste of tradition. From savoring taro balls to sipping tea with ocean views, this mountain town offers an immersive experience that feels like stepping into a Ghibli film. Plan your visit to avoid crowds, embrace the winding paths, and let Jiufen’s charm sweep you away. Whether as a day trip from Taipei or an overnight adventure, Jiufen is a highlight of any Taiwan journey.
Happy travels!
