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About Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen Old Street (九份老街) is a breathtaking mountain village nestled along the coastal hillsides of Ruifang District in New Taipei City. Renowned for its narrow, winding alleyways, glowing red lanterns, traditional teahouses, and dramatic ocean views over the Pacific, Jiufen is one of Taiwan's most popular and magical destinations. Its atmospheric charm draws visitors from all over the world, often evoking comparisons to cinematic worlds like Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away.
Centered primarily around Jishan Street, Shuqi Road, and Qingbian Road, Jiufen Old Street offers an intoxicating mix of traditional Taiwanese culture, historic architecture, and incredible local street food. Whether you visit during the day when mist rolls across the mountainside or in the evening when glowing lanterns illuminate the stone steps, Jiufen guarantees a timeless travel experience.
History and Gold Rush Heritage
During the Qing Dynasty, Jiufen was a tiny, isolated village consisting of just nine families. Because transportation was difficult, whenever supplies arrived from outside, the village requested "nine portions" (which translates directly to Jiufen in Chinese). The town's quiet existence changed forever in 1893 when gold was discovered in the nearby hills, sparking a massive gold rush that transformed Jiufen into a prosperous mining boomtown.
During the Japanese colonial era (1895–1945), gold mining operations reached their peak, leaving behind much of the town's distinct architecture, wooden buildings, and Japanese-style tea culture. After World War II, gold resources dwindled, and the mines were permanently closed in 1971, causing the town to fade into temporary obscurity. Jiufen was reborn in 1989 after serving as the filming location for Hou Hsiao-hsien’s award-winning film A City of Sadness, which sparked a massive wave of cultural tourism that continues to flourish today.
What to See
Jiufen Old Street is packed with photogenic vantage points, historic structures, and stunning vistas. Here are five sights you should not miss during your visit:
1. A-Mei Tea House (阿妹茶樓)
Located along Shuqi Road, this multi-story iconic wooden teahouse decorated with glowing red lanterns is Jiufen's signature landmark. It offers an incredible backdrop for photography and sweeping mountain views from its balcony.
2. Shuqi Road Lantern Stairs (豎崎路)
This steep stone staircase cuts through the heart of Jiufen. Lined with wooden buildings, souvenir shops, and red paper lanterns, walking down Shuqi Road feels like stepping back into an ancient era.
3. Shengping Theater (昇平戲院)
Established during the Japanese era in 1934, Shengping Theater was northern Taiwan’s first modern cinema. Restored to preserve its vintage 1930s projector room, movie posters, and wooden seats, it offers a fascinating look into the gold rush era.
4. Jishan Street Market Alley (基山街)
The primary commercial artery of Jiufen Old Street, this covered alley is densely packed with food vendors, craft shops, tea stores, and souvenir stalls stretching under a canopy of lanterns.
5. Keelung Mountain Lookout Views
From various open terraces along Jiufen, take in panoramic viewpoints overlooking Mount Keelung, the coastline of Shen'ao, and the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.
What to Do
A visit to Jiufen goes beyond sightseeing; it is an immersive cultural journey. Be sure to include these five signature activities in your plan:
1. Experience a Traditional Gongfu Tea Session
Escape the busy crowds by booking a table at a historic teahouse like A-Mei Tea House or Skyline Teahouse. Sip premium Taiwanese oolong or High Mountain tea served with sweet tea cakes while watching fog roll over the bay.
2. Hunt for Iconic Street Food Snacks
Eat your way down Jishan Street by sampling famous local eats, ranging from handmade hot taro balls and peanut ice cream rolls to savory herbal rice cakes.
3. Photograph Jiufen at Twilight
Position yourself at the viewdeck across from A-Mei Tea House around sunset to capture the moment when the village's red lanterns light up against the darkening twilight sky.
4. Dress in Traditional Hanfu or Qipao
Rent traditional Chinese Qipao or Hanfu garments from local rental shops and stroll through the historic stone staircases for unforgettable cultural photos.
5. Hike the Mount Keelung Trail
For an active adventure, hike up the Mount Keelung Trail located near the entrance of Jiufen Old Street. The 45-minute summit hike rewards you with 360-degree views over Jiufen, Jinguashi, and the coastline.
How to Book Activities
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How to Get There
Getting to Jiufen Old Street from central Taipei is simple via public transport or direct buses:
- By Direct Express Bus (Fastest & Most Convenient):
- Board Bus 965 from MRT Ximen Station or MRT Beimen Station, taking you directly to Jiufen Old Street in roughly 80 to 80 minutes.
- Alternatively, board Bus 1062 from MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station (Exit 2) straight to the Jiufen Old Street Bus Stop.
- By TRA Train + Public Bus:
- Take any local northbound TRA train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Train Station (approx. 40–50 minutes).
- Exit Ruifang Station, walk 100 meters down the street to the bus stop, and transfer to Bus 788, 827, 856, 965, or 1062 up the mountain to Jiufen (approx. 15 minutes).
- By Taxi or Private Shuttle:
- A fixed-rate taxi from Ruifang Station to Jiufen costs approximately NT$205. Taxis or ride-hailing services directly from downtown Taipei take about 40 to 50 minutes.
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Where to Stay Nearby
While many visitors take a day trip to Jiufen, staying overnight allows you to experience the quiet, peaceful streets after day-trippers leave. Recommended accommodations include:
Beimen Wow Poshtel
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Inn Cube
Offering a minimalist, capsule-inspired concept near major transit hubs, Inn Cube provides compact, private rooms for solo travelers and quick overnight stays. It is ideal for those who value privacy, clean air-conditioned spaces, and maximum convenience. 👉 Book Inn Cube here! Special Offer: Save on your trip by booking with Hotels.com to earn rewards nights on eligible stays.
Cavemen Hostel
Featuring unique interior styling and cozy pod-style bunk beds with privacy curtains, Cavemen Hostel offers a comfortable retreat in central Taipei. Situated within easy walking distance of CKS Memorial Hall, it provides fast Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a friendly vibe for global backpackers. 👉 Book Cavement Hostel here! Special Offer: Check rates on Trip.com to grab special mobile-only deals and flexible booking options.
Fun Inn
Positioned near Ximending and central MRT stations, Fun Inn is a bright, contemporary hostel known for high standards of cleanliness, keycard security, and comfortable privacy-screened dorms. It serves as a social, budget-friendly launchpad for exploring the city's historic landmarks. 👉 Book Fun Inn here! Special Offer: Reserve your bed via Booking.com for free cancellation flexibility on select room rates.
Meow Day Hostel
A delightful spot for pet lovers and social travelers, Meow Day Hostel is an inclusive, welcoming hostel located close to major night markets and attractions. Aside from its resident felines, guests enjoy modern common areas, shared kitchen amenities, and a warm atmosphere. 👉 Book Meow Day Hostel here! Special Offer: Plan your Taipei trip on Klook to bundle your stay with discounted travel passes and local attraction tickets.
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Local Delicacies
Jiufen is famous for several unique traditional snacks made fresh every day along Jishan Street:
- A-Gan-Yi Taro Balls (阿柑姨芋圓): Chewy, handmade taro and sweet potato balls served hot or cold over shaved ice with sweet red beans at the top of Shuqi Road.
- Peanut Ice Cream Roll (A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream): Two scoops of taro ice cream placed over freshly shaved peanut candy, wrapped in a thin crepelike spring roll skin with cilantro.
- A-Lan Herbal Rice Cakes (阿蘭草仔粿): Chewy glutinous rice cakes infused with mugwort, stuffed with savory dried radish, sweet red bean, or green bean paste.
- Jiufen Traditional Meatballs (Bawan): Chewy translucent tapioca dough filled with red-fermented pork and bamboo shoots, served with sweet sauce.
- Taiwanese Fish Ball Soup: Piping hot savory broth filled with handmade milkfish, squid, and stuffed pork meatball combinations.
Travel Tips
- Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes: Jiufen is built on steep hillsides connected entirely by stone staircases; leave heels and heavy footwear behind.
- Bring an Umbrella or Raincoat: Jiufen's coastal mountain location means rain and fog can develop unexpectedly.
- Visit Late Afternoon or Stay Overnight: Most shops close around 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Visiting in the late afternoon allows you to enjoy daytime views, sunset, and night lanterns without peak crowds.
- Bring Cash: Most small food vendors, teahouses, and market stalls in Jiufen do not accept credit cards.
- Use EasyCard for Transportation: Tap your EasyCard for hassle-free payment on TRA trains and local buses (Buses 965 and 1062).
Nearby Attractions
Combine your visit to Jiufen Old Street with these popular nearby destinations along the northeast coast:
- Jinguashi Gold Ecological Park: Located just 10 minutes up the road, explore historic Japanese gold mines, touch a 220kg pure gold brick, and visit the historic Crown Prince Chalet.
- Golden Waterfall & Shen'ao Elephant Trunk Rock: Marvel at the chemical copper-hued Golden Waterfall situated down the valley from Jiufen.
- Shifen Old Street & Waterfall: Located along the Pingxi Railway Line, famous for releasing sky lanterns along train tracks and viewing Taiwan's widest waterfall.
- Keelung Miaokou Night Market: Located a 30-minute bus ride away, offering world-class seafood street eats along glowing yellow lantern walkways.
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