Travel to Jiufen – Return to the Ancient Atmosphere in the Mountains of Taiwan

Just about an hour's drive from Taipei, Jiufen is an ideal destination for those who love the nostalgic beauty nestled in the mountains. With its stone-paved alleys, red lanterns hanging outside houses, cool climate, and scenic views that resemble a scene from an old movie, Jiufen offers an unforgettable experience.

Visit Jiufen to experience a truly ancient, poetic, and artistic Taiwan in the following article!

Travel to Jiufen, Taiwan offers a unique experience of exploring its scenery and culture.

1. Explore Jiufen - The Beautiful Ancient Village in the Mountains of Taiwan

Nestled between the lush green mountains of northern Taiwan, Jiufen was once a bustling gold mining town in the late 19th century. The name "Jiufen" originated from the time when there were only nine families living here, and every time goods were delivered, they were divided into "nine portions." This unique name has been passed down to the present day.

1.1 Where is Jiufen, Taiwan?

Jiufen is an ancient village located in the northeastern mountainous region of Taiwan, in New Taipei City, about 50 km from downtown Taipei.

It rests against Keelung Mountain (Keelung), facing the Taiwan Strait, and offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, which contrasts sharply with the lively pace of Taipei. Thanks to its prime location, Jiufen has a cool climate year-round and is often covered with a dreamy mist, giving it both a nostalgic and poetic beauty.

Location: Thụy Phương District, New Taipei City, about 1 hour from Taipei.

Jiufen is perfectly situated "against the mountain and facing the sea," with an ideal climate and breathtaking views.

1.2 How to get to Jiufen

From Vietnam, travelers can fly directly to Taipei and then easily continue to Jiufen from downtown Taipei. Here are your transportation options:

Public bus: From the Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT station (exit 1), take bus 1062 directly to Jiufen Old Street. Travel time is approximately 1 - 1.5 hours.
Train + bus: Take a train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station, then take a bus or taxi to Jiufen. This option is ideal if you want to stop and explore Ruifang as well.
Private car or taxi: If you're traveling in a group, you can hire a car or take a taxi for convenience, especially if you have a lot of luggage or want more flexibility with time.

2. What makes Jiufen so attractive?

Jiufen is not only an ancient village but also one of Taiwan’s top tourist destinations, thanks to its cinematic atmosphere and unique attractions:

2.1 Ancient and cinematic landscapes

With winding stairs and wooden houses with red tiled roofs stacked on the mountainside, Jiufen reminds one of the settings in period films or Japanese animated movies. Particularly, it is believed to be the inspiration for the village scene in the famous animated film Spirited Away by Studio Ghibli. This adds an extra layer of mystery to Jiufen, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Additionally, the village preserves many buildings from the gold mining era, allowing visitors to feel the historical atmosphere interwoven into every old wall.

2.2 Mild Climate Year-round

Located at an average altitude of about 300 meters above sea level and close to the coast, Jiufen enjoys a mild, cool climate all year round. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C, and the weather is pleasant even during the summer. In particular, the misty mornings and late afternoons create a dreamy atmosphere, perfect for strolling, taking photos, and enjoying a slow pace of life amidst nature.

2.3 Unique and Distinct Culture

Jiufen is not only beautiful in its scenery but also rich in traditional culture. The old tea houses, family-run eateries, and the local way of life have been preserved over generations. If you're lucky, you may even encounter local festivals such as the Torch Festival, which usually takes place every July.

Jiufen Travel – Step Back into an Ancient World Amid Taiwan

Walking through the alleyways of Jiufen, visitors will experience a nostalgic atmosphere along with unique architectural styles.

3. Unmissable Experiences in Jiufen

3.1 Strolling Through Jiufen Old Street

Jiufen Old Street is the soul of the village – a place where you'll see winding stone-paved alleys, winding stairs that wrap around red-roofed houses, and lanterns hanging along the path. Along both sides of the street, there are countless tea shops, traditional eateries, and souvenir stores with an old-school style, creating a nostalgic yet vibrant atmosphere. This is also a cinematic "check-in" spot, loved by many visitors.

3.2 Tea Tasting at A-Mei Tea House

A-Mei Tea House is an iconic spot in Jiufen – a classic tea house with distinct Japanese architecture, highlighted by red lanterns hanging along the entrance. From the balcony, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the distant ocean, particularly breathtaking at sunset. This place is believed to be the inspiration behind the setting in the famous animated film Spirited Away.

A-Mei Tea House is believed to have inspired the setting in Spirited Away.

3.3 Visiting Shengping Theatre – Jiufen's Oldest Theatre

Shengping Theatre is one of the oldest and most historically significant cultural sites in Jiufen. Originally a small theatre built in 1916, it was once a venue for Taiwanese opera performances for miners and local residents. After several renovations, the theatre was rebuilt in 1934 and completed in 1937, becoming the first and largest theatre in Northern Taiwan during the Japanese occupation.

Although it was severely damaged after a storm and closed in 1986, the theatre was restored and reopened in 2011. It was featured in the famous film City of Sadness, and it has since become a favorite spot for visitors who wish to relive the classic cinematic atmosphere.

3.4 Visiting the Gold Museum

Just a few minutes away by car from Jiufen, the Gold Museum is an ideal place to learn about the prosperous gold mining era that once brought the village to its peak. Visitors can see models of old mines, experience gold panning, and admire unique gold collections.

3.5 Tasting Local Specialties at Old Street

Food is an essential part of a visit to Jiufen. You can wander around the old street and enjoy a variety of tasty dishes such as:

Fish Ball Soup: Hot, chewy, and fragrant, this beloved dish is especially appealing when enjoyed at the night market in the old street.
Fried Taro Balls: Golden and crispy on the outside, with a rich, sweet filling on the inside, this is a signature dish of Lai Ah Po Taro Ball shop.
Peanut Roll Ice Cream: Consisting of two rolls of ice cream filled with peanuts and malt syrup, this treat has a unique flavor that leaves a lasting impression.
Mochi: Soft and chewy, lightly sweetened, often with flavors like green tea, black sesame, or red bean, making them great souvenirs to bring home.

4. Travel Tips for Jiufen

To make your trip to Jiufen more enjoyable and smooth, here are some helpful tips to save time, avoid crowds, and fully experience the nostalgic atmosphere of this mountain village:

4.1 Ideal Time to Visit Jiufen

The best time to visit Jiufen is between March and May, or September and November. The weather is cool, clear skies, and there's little rain, making the scenic mountain landscapes even more picturesque.
Prioritize visiting during weekdays: Avoid weekends or holidays as the area can get very crowded, making it difficult to move around the narrow streets.

4.2 Some Helpful Tips

Wear low-heeled, non-slip shoes: Since the streets in Jiufen are mostly stone-paved steps, they can be slippery in damp conditions. Visitors should wear flat, anti-slip shoes for comfort when moving between sites.
Time spent in Jiufen: Visitors can visit Jiufen in a day or stay overnight to experience the illuminated atmosphere of the old street at night. Typically, Jiufen, Shifen, and Houtong Cat Village can be combined into a day tour.
Prepare cash: Many small shops do not accept international cards, and there are few ATMs in the village, so you should bring cash for convenience when shopping. Visitors are advised to exchange foreign currency before the trip to avoid difficulty finding places to exchange money at the destination. In Vietnam, you can exchange cash at banks, foreign exchange companies, or currency exchange counters at airports. For passengers purchasing round-trip tickets from Vietjet, you only need to enter the booking code (PNR) on the Vietjet website or app to use the online currency exchange service with simple steps, competitive exchange rates, and guaranteed security.

A day in Jiufen will take you through cinematic streets, admire the stunning mountain landscapes, and enjoy famous local dishes. Let your journey to this ancient village be a memorable mark on your Taiwan trip. Book your flight to Taiwan with Vietjet today. The Zero-Dong ticket program from 12 PM to 2 PM every day will help you save more than ever. For more details, check HERE.

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