Jiufen Old Street

Jiufen Old Street is one of the most colorful and recognizable landmarks in Taiwan, located in a former gold-mining mountain town about an hour and a half drive from Taipei. It is not just a street, but an entire labyrinth of narrow, cobbled alleys and stairs cascading down the hillside. Many travelers note that this unique atmosphere and architecture served as inspiration for the famous animated film "Spirited Away," although director Hayao Miyazaki himself has denied this.

The main charm of Jiufen lies in its unmistakable atmosphere, which becomes especially magical at twilight when hundreds of traditional red lanterns are lit, illuminating tea houses and souvenir stalls. Here, you can feel the spirit of old Taiwan: traditional wooden buildings, temple roofs adorned with dragons, and countless small shops create a sense of traveling back in time. A walk through these streets opens up breathtaking views of the mountains and the coastline, creating unforgettable memories.

A visit to Jiufen Old Street is also a gastronomic adventure. The street is literally filled with the aromas of local cuisine. Be sure to try famous desserts such as taro balls, herbal cakes, and peanut ice cream rolls. Beyond street food, Jiufen is famous for its tea houses, where you can leisurely enjoy a cup of high-mountain tea while admiring panoramic views, such as at the iconic A-Mei Teahouse.

This picturesque location, where history, culture, and nature intertwine harmoniously, offers visitors vibrant experiences and the opportunity to take stunning photographs.

As Jiufen Old Street is an open tourist area rather than a single establishment, it does not have a central contact phone number or an official website for inquiries. All essential information for travelers primarily concerns transportation and the operating hours of individual shops and restaurants.

You can reach Jiufen from Taipei via public transport. One of the easiest ways is to take a train to Ruifang Station and then transfer to a local bus (such as No. 788 or No. 965), which will take you directly to the entrance of the old street. The entire journey takes about an hour and a half. Keep in mind that while the street itself is accessible 24/7, most shops, tea houses, and eateries close around 19:00–20:00.

A stroll along Jiufen Old Street is a true immersion into the world of Taiwanese street food. In addition to the famous desserts, it's worth trying other local delicacies. For instance, be sure to taste the fragrant fish balls in broth or hearty buns with various fillings. But the crowning culinary jewel of Jiufen remains the famous Taiwanese tea. Numerous tea houses nestled on the slopes offer more than just a drink; they provide a genuine tasting experience paired with panoramic views. The atmosphere in some is so authentic that they are rumored to have inspired the creators of world-renowned animated films.

Beyond gastronomic discoveries, Jiufen offers other engaging activities. In the souvenir shops, you can find unique handcrafted items that make wonderful mementos of your trip. Don't be afraid to turn into narrow alleys and climb steep stone stairs—they will lead you to observation points with breathtaking views of the mountains and the ocean. Look out for the "Small Shanghai" teahouse with its distinctive wooden veranda that transports you back to the 1930s. To delve deeper into the history of the area, look for the Gold Miner Statue, a reminder of the days when Jiufen was the center of a gold rush.

In addition to the popular route via Ruifang Station described in the "Contacts" section, there are several alternative ways to get from Taipei to Jiufen Old Street. One of the most convenient options is the direct bus No. 1062, which departs from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station (Exit 2). This trip takes about 90 minutes and eliminates the need for transfers, which is especially valuable for those traveling with luggage or children. There is also the No. 965 express route, which runs from Ximen and Beimen MRT stations, offering comfortable seating and a fast journey to the destination.

For those who value maximum comfort and flexibility, a taxi or a private car rental with a driver is an excellent solution. While this is the most expensive method, it saves time, reaching Jiufen in about 35-40 minutes (depending on traffic) and allowing you to plan your day without being tied to a schedule. This option is particularly cost-effective for small groups. Additionally, numerous day tours are organized from the capital of Taiwan, which often include visits not only to Jiufen but also to other nearby attractions like the Houtong Cat Village or Shifen Waterfall.

Practical tips: It is convenient to use an EasyCard to pay for bus fares; you can top it up at metro stations and convenience stores. Try to plan your trip for a weekday to avoid the massive tourist crowds on weekends. Jiufen's streets consist of steep stairs and narrow passages, so wear comfortable shoes. The mountain road can be winding, so if you are prone to motion sickness, it's best to prepare in advance. Be sure to check the schedule for the last buses back to Taipei, especially if you plan to stay late to enjoy the view of the lit lanterns.

The history of Jiufen Old Street is inextricably linked to the history of the town itself, whose name, according to legend, dates back to its early days. Originally, it was an isolated village home to only nine families. Every time supplies were delivered from town, they were divided into "nine portions" (Jiu Fen in Chinese). Thus, the unusual name stuck, persisting even after the quiet village transformed into a bustling town.

Everything changed in the late 19th century when rich gold deposits were discovered in the area in 1893. This discovery triggered a true gold rush, turning Jiufen into a prosperous mining center that, during its heyday, was even called the "gold capital of Asia." The town grew rapidly, attracting thousands of prospectors, and much of the architectural character we see today was formed during that turbulent era. However, after World War II, the gold mines ran dry, and the town gradually fell into decline, sinking into silence for several decades.

Jiufen experienced a rebirth thanks to the cinema. In 1989, the famous Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-hsien filmed "A City of Sadness" here, which won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. The film, which captured the unique melancholic atmosphere of the fading town, brought it immense attention. Shortly after, Jiufen Old Street became a highly popular tourist destination for residents of Taipei and travelers from around the world—especially from Japan—wishing to immerse themselves in the nostalgic atmosphere of old Taiwan.

To fully experience Jiufen Old Street, it is recommended to set aside 2 to 4 hours. This is generally enough time to leisurely stroll through the labyrinth of its narrow streets, sample famous local delicacies, browse souvenir shops, and, of course, take photos against the backdrop of breathtaking panoramic views. This duration allows you to soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Time planning depends on your interests. If you just want a quick look around, some iconic photos, and a quick snack, an hour and a half to two hours might suffice. However, for a deeper immersion, plan for at least 3-4 hours. This will allow you not only to explore the main street but also to relax in one of the authentic tea houses while enjoying the coastal views, as well as wander into less crowded side alleys where the true charm of the old town hides. Photography enthusiasts and those who want to see Jiufen illuminated by glowing red lanterns in the evening may wish to spend half a day here.

It is important to consider that the timing of your visit significantly impacts the experience. The largest influx of tourists occurs in the afternoon and on weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds and wander the streets in peace, it is better to arrive on a weekday morning. Alternatively, you can stay until early evening, around 19:00, when most tour groups have left, to enjoy Jiufen's magical atmosphere in a more secluded setting.

Since Jiufen Old Street is an open public space, it is accessible 24 hours a day, year-round. However, to see it in all its glory, you should keep in mind the operating hours of most establishments. The majority of shops, souvenir stalls, and tea houses near Taipei are open to visitors daily, typically from 10:00 to 19:00–20:00. On weekends and holidays, some establishments may stay open longer, and certain tea houses welcome guests until late in the evening.

No prior booking or ticket purchase is required to visit the street itself—admission is completely free. Nevertheless, if you plan to spend the evening in one of the popular tea houses with a panoramic view, such as the famous A-Mei Teahouse, it is recommended to check for table reservations in advance to avoid a long wait. While general operating hours are fairly consistent, for specific shops or restaurants within Taiwan, it is best to check current information on their social media pages or local tourism portals.

Visiting Jiufen Old Street alone offers plenty of impressions, but to make your trip truly unforgettable, it is worth exploring its picturesque surroundings. The mountainous area around Jiufen is rich in natural beauty and other colorful settlements that allow for a deeper dive into the culture and history of northern Taiwan.

Just a few kilometers away are attractions that will perfectly complement your trip. By dedicating time to exploring them, you can create a more complete and diverse itinerary, enriching your day with new discoveries and stunning views. Below are some popular spots located nearby.