Jiufen
Photo: Alexandra Tran / Unsplash
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
September to November (clear skies, comfortable temps); misty overcast days add atmosphere but limit views
Language
Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese Hokkien; some English at tourist shops and tea houses
Currency
New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
Time Zone
CST (UTC+8)
Airport
Nearest: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) — 1.5 hours by car/bus via Taipei
Population
~3,000 permanent residents (village within New Taipei City)
Climate
Subtropical mountain, avg 12-28°C; frequently misty and rainy due to elevation; bring a rain jacket year-round
Safety Rating
Very Safe (Level 1)
Historical Significance
Gold rush town from the 1890s Japanese colonial era; Asia's largest gold mine operated here until 1971
Top Highlights
Jiufen Old Street (Jishan Street)
A narrow covered market alley winding through the heart of the village with food stalls, souvenir shops, and tea houses. Taro balls (yuyuan, 50-70 TWD) from Ah Gan Yi or Lai A Po are the must-eat snack. Peanut ice cream rolls (50 TWD) and herbal tea eggs are also popular. Open roughly 10AM-7PM (weekends later). Most atmospheric after 4PM when lanterns light up.
A-Mei Tea House
The most photographed building in Jiufen — a red-lanterned multi-story tea house said to have inspired the bathhouse in Miyazaki's Spirited Away (though Ghibli hasn't confirmed this). Tea sets from 300 TWD per person. Open 10AM-8PM. The terrace overlooking the ocean and village is magical at dusk. Lines form on weekends — visit on a weekday afternoon.
Shuqi Road Stairway
The steep lantern-lined stone stairway that descends through the village — the most iconic view in Jiufen, especially at dusk when hundreds of red lanterns glow against the darkening sky. Free. The stairway connects the bus stop to the lower village. Best photographed from midway down, looking back up toward A-Mei Tea House. Allow 15 minutes for photos.
Gold Ecological Park (Jinguashi)
A former gold mining complex 3km from Jiufen with mine tunnels, a 220kg gold bar you can touch, and the ruins of a Japanese Shinto shrine. Entry: 80 TWD. Open 9:30AM-5PM (closed first Mon of month). The POW camp memorial tells the story of Allied prisoners forced to mine during WWII. The mountain views are stunning. Allow 2-3 hours. Bus 788 connects Jiufen and Jinguashi.
Shitoushan Lookout Point
A hiking path from Jiufen leads to panoramic views of the coastline, Keelung Mountain, and the Yin-Yang Sea (where mining runoff creates a striking two-toned ocean). Free. The 30-minute hike to the Wuji Tianyuan Temple viewpoint rewards with one of northern Taiwan's most dramatic landscapes. Best on a clear day. Bring water.
Jiufen Tea Culture
Beyond A-Mei, the village has dozens of traditional tea houses where you can learn gongfu tea ceremony. Jiufen Teahouse (since 1991) offers ocean-view seating and high-mountain oolong (250-400 TWD per person). The ritual of brewing and serving is meditative. Most tea houses include snacks. A perfect rainy-day activity — and it rains often in Jiufen.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Jiufen Itinerary
Arrival & Jiufen at Dusk
Arrive from Taipei in the afternoon to catch Jiufen's magical lantern-lit atmosphere at dusk — the golden hours that make this village unforgettable.
Bus 1062 from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT to Jiufen(1 hour 15 minutes)
Direct bus, 101 TWD. Use EasyCard. Alternatively, train to Ruifang Station (40 min, 76 TWD) then bus 788 or taxi (~250 TWD, 15 min)
Check into a Jiufen guesthouse(30 minutes)
Stay overnight in the village — after 7PM when day-trippers leave, you get Jiufen to yourself. Guesthouses from 1,200 TWD/night
Shuqi Road Stairway at lantern-lighting(45 minutes)
The steep lantern-lined stone stairway — Jiufen's most iconic view. Hundreds of red lanterns glow against the darkening sky. Best photographed from midway down, looking up toward A-Mei Tea House
Dinner at a quiet village restaurant(1 hour)
With day-trippers gone, the village restaurants are calm. Try a hot pot or local fish soup with mountain views. 200-400 TWD
Jiufen Old Street & Tea Houses
Full morning in the village before the tour bus crowds arrive, followed by an afternoon tea ceremony.
Early morning: Empty village photography walk(1 hour)
Before 9AM, the village belongs to residents and overnight guests. Misty alleys, quiet temples, and atmospheric light on the old buildings
Jiufen Old Street (Jishan Street)(1.5 hours)
Covered market alley with food stalls. Taro balls (yuyuan, 50-70 TWD) from Ah Gan Yi or Lai A Po. Peanut ice cream rolls (50 TWD). Most atmospheric before 11AM
Lunch: Mountain boar sausage and fish ball soup(45 minutes)
Grilled wild boar sausage from a street vendor (50 TWD) and a bowl of fish ball soup at the covered market. Simple and perfect
A-Mei Tea House(1.5 hours)
The most photographed building in Jiufen — said to inspire the Spirited Away bathhouse. Tea sets from 300 TWD. The terrace overlooks the ocean and village. Visit weekday afternoon to avoid lines
Jiufen Teahouse (gongfu tea ceremony)(1.5 hours)
Since 1991 — ocean-view seating and high-mountain oolong tea (250-400 TWD per person). The ritual of brewing and serving is meditative
Jinguashi Gold Mining History
3km from Jiufen — the gold mining complex that created this village, with mine tunnels, a 220kg gold bar, and a WWII POW camp memorial.
Bus 788 to Jinguashi(10 minutes)
Short bus ride from Jiufen. Or walk the scenic 3km road (40 minutes)
Gold Ecological Park(2.5 hours)
Former gold mining complex with mine tunnels, a 220kg gold bar you can touch, and ruins of a Japanese Shinto shrine. Entry 80 TWD. Open 9:30AM-5PM (closed first Monday)
WWII POW Camp Memorial(45 minutes)
A sobering memorial to Allied prisoners forced to mine gold during WWII. Well-curated exhibits tell the story of the Kinkaseki camp
Lunch at a Jinguashi restaurant(45 minutes)
Mountain village lunch — wild vegetable stir-fry and braised pork. 150-300 TWD
Shitoushan Lookout hike(1.5 hours)
30-minute hike to panoramic views of the coastline, Keelung Mountain, and the Yin-Yang Sea (mining runoff creates two-toned ocean). Best on a clear day
Shifen Sky Lanterns & Waterfall
Day trip to Shifen for sky lanterns and Taiwan's most famous waterfall — easily combined with Jiufen via the Pingxi Line.
Bus to Ruifang Station(15 minutes)
From Jiufen, bus 788 to Ruifang. Transfer to Pingxi Line train (hourly, 52 TWD)
Shifen Waterfall(1.5 hours)
Taiwan's widest waterfall — often called Little Niagara. Free entry. A well-maintained 20-minute walk from Shifen train station through a riverside trail
Release a sky lantern on Shifen Old Street(45 minutes)
Write wishes on a paper lantern and release it into the sky from the train tracks. 150-200 TWD. The lanterns floating up against the mountain backdrop is magical
Lunch at Shifen Old Street(45 minutes)
Grilled sausages, tofu pudding, and bubble tea at the stalls along the tracks. 100-200 TWD
Sunset from Jiufen(1 hour)
Watch the sun set over the Pacific from the village's ocean-facing terraces
Coastal Hike & Yin-Yang Sea
Explore the dramatic coastline around Jiufen — cliffs, abandoned mining ruins, and the otherworldly two-toned sea.
Morning hike along the old mining trail(2.5 hours)
A trail from Jinguashi follows the old mining railway along cliff edges with views of the Yin-Yang Sea below. Moderate difficulty. Bring water
Yin-Yang Sea viewpoint(30 minutes)
Where natural mineral runoff from decades of mining creates a striking division of yellow and blue water. Free viewpoint from the coastal road
Lunch: Seafood at Bitou Cape area(1 hour)
Fishing village restaurants serving fresh catch — grilled squid, clam soup, and fried fish. 200-400 TWD
Rest afternoon at a Jiufen cafe(2 hours)
Find a mountain-view cafe, order oolong tea and a slice of cake, and watch the clouds roll over the peaks
Keelung Day Trip
The port city 20 minutes from Jiufen — night market capital, harbor temples, and the Zhongzheng Park coastline.
Bus to Keelung(30 minutes)
Bus from Jiufen or Ruifang. Keelung is the nearest city
Zhongzheng Park & Guanyin Statue(1 hour)
A hilltop park overlooking the harbor with a 22.5m white Guanyin statue. Panoramic harbor views. Free
Keelung Maritime Plaza(45 minutes)
The harbor area with its distinctive yellow warehouse buildings and ocean-themed murals
Lunch: Keelung Miaokou Night Market (daytime)(1.5 hours)
Yes, this night market also operates during the day. Temple-front food stalls — cream crab soup (80 TWD), pork buns, tempura (30 TWD each), and the legendary Ding Bian Cuo (thick rice noodle soup, 50 TWD)
Farewell sunset walk(1 hour)
One last Shuqi Road stairway photo as the lanterns light up
Departure
Final morning in the village before returning to Taipei.
Early morning: Quiet village walk(45 minutes)
Misty morning alleys one last time. Buy a bag of taro balls to take home (100-150 TWD)
Pick up souvenirs(30 minutes)
Dried taro sweets, oolong tea, hand-painted postcards from Old Street shops
Bus 1062 to Taipei(1 hour 15 minutes)
Direct bus to Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT. 101 TWD. Return buses can be crowded on weekends — plan for the 9-10AM departure
14-Day Jiufen Itinerary
Arrival & Jiufen at Dusk
Arrive from Taipei in the afternoon to catch the magical lantern-lit atmosphere.
Bus 1062 from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT(1 hour 15 minutes)
101 TWD. Or train to Ruifang then taxi (~250 TWD)
Check into guesthouse(30 minutes)
Stay overnight — from 1,200 TWD/night. Village empties after 7PM
Shuqi Road Stairway at lantern-lighting(45 minutes)
Jiufen's most iconic view — red lanterns glowing at dusk
Dinner at a quiet village restaurant(1 hour)
Hot pot or local fish soup. 200-400 TWD
Jiufen Old Street & Tea Houses
Morning village exploration before crowds, afternoon tea ceremony.
Empty village photography walk(1 hour)
Before 9AM — misty alleys, quiet temples, atmospheric light
Jiufen Old Street (Jishan Street)(1.5 hours)
Taro balls from Ah Gan Yi (50-70 TWD), peanut ice cream rolls (50 TWD)
Lunch: Mountain boar sausage and fish ball soup(45 minutes)
Grilled wild boar sausage (50 TWD) and fish ball soup
A-Mei Tea House(1.5 hours)
Spirited Away inspiration. Tea sets from 300 TWD. Ocean-view terrace
Jiufen Teahouse(1.5 hours)
Gongfu tea ceremony with high-mountain oolong. 250-400 TWD
Jinguashi Gold Mining History
Mine tunnels, a 220kg gold bar, and WWII POW memorial.
Gold Ecological Park(2.5 hours)
Mine tunnels, 220kg gold bar. 80 TWD. Closed first Monday
WWII POW Camp Memorial(45 minutes)
Allied prisoners' Kinkaseki camp story
Lunch at Jinguashi(45 minutes)
Wild vegetable stir-fry, braised pork. 150-300 TWD
Shitoushan Lookout hike(1.5 hours)
30-min hike to Yin-Yang Sea views. Best on clear days
Shifen Sky Lanterns & Waterfall
Sky lanterns and Taiwan's widest waterfall via the Pingxi Line.
Bus to Ruifang, Pingxi Line train(30 minutes)
Bus 788 to Ruifang, then Pingxi train (52 TWD)
Shifen Waterfall(1.5 hours)
Little Niagara — Taiwan's widest. Free. 20-min riverside walk
Release sky lantern(45 minutes)
Write wishes, release from train tracks. 150-200 TWD
Lunch: Shifen Old Street(45 minutes)
Sausages, tofu pudding, bubble tea. 100-200 TWD
Coastal Hike & Yin-Yang Sea
Dramatic coastline — cliffs, mining ruins, and two-toned sea.
Old mining trail hike(2.5 hours)
Trail from Jinguashi along cliff edges. Moderate. Bring water
Yin-Yang Sea viewpoint(30 minutes)
Mineral runoff creates yellow-blue division. Free
Lunch: Bitou Cape seafood(1 hour)
Grilled squid, clam soup, fried fish. 200-400 TWD
Cafe afternoon(2 hours)
Mountain-view cafe, oolong tea, watch clouds over the peaks
Keelung Day Trip
Port city 20 minutes away — harbor, temples, and famous night market.
Zhongzheng Park & Guanyin Statue(1 hour)
22.5m white Guanyin overlooking the harbor. Free
Keelung Maritime Plaza(45 minutes)
Yellow warehouses and ocean murals
Lunch: Miaokou Night Market (daytime)(1.5 hours)
Cream crab soup (80 TWD), tempura (30 TWD), Ding Bian Cuo (50 TWD)
Rest & Village Slow Day
A day without plans — wander, read, drink tea, and absorb the village rhythm.
Sketch or journal at a tea house(2 hours)
Bring a notebook, order a pot of oolong, and sit for hours. The misty mountain views change constantly
Afternoon: Browse pottery and art shops(1.5 hours)
Jiufen has several small galleries and pottery studios selling handmade ceramics
Pingxi Line Full Day
Ride the entire historic Pingxi railway through mountain villages and coal mining history.
Houtong Cat Village(1 hour)
A former mining village now famous for its cat population — over 100 cats roam freely. Cat-shaped bridges and cafes. Free
Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail(2 hours)
A stunning trail to three waterfalls. Free. Well-maintained. Moderate difficulty. The most scenic hike on the Pingxi Line
Lunch: Mountain noodles at Sandiaoling(45 minutes)
Simple noodle shop near the station. 60-100 TWD
Pingxi village & Sky Lantern Museum(1 hour)
The birthplace of sky lanterns. Small museum on the tradition. Free
Northeast Coast National Scenic Area
Explore the dramatic coastline south of Jiufen — rock formations, fishing villages, and ocean trails.
Nanya Rock Formations(45 minutes)
Bizarre weathered sandstone formations along the coast. Free. Short walk from the road
Longdong Bay & Cape(1.5 hours)
Northeast Taiwan's best snorkeling/diving spot (seasonal). Or walk the cliff-top path for ocean views
Lunch: Fulong Beach area(1 hour)
The famous Fulong Bento (biandang) — rice box lunch sold at the train station since the 1960s. 60 TWD. A Taiwan railway icon
Bitou Cape Trail(1 hour)
A short coastal hike to Taiwan's northeasternmost point. Lighthouse and sweeping ocean views. Free
Keelung Islet & Northern Coast
Volcanic island hike and dramatic northern coastal geology.
Bus to Keelung, ferry to Keelung Islet(1.5 hours)
Seasonal ferry (March-October). Reservation required online. 300-500 TWD round trip
Keelung Islet (Jilong Yu) hike(3 hours)
A volcanic island with hiking trails, wild lilies (April-May), and panoramic ocean views. Limited daily visitors — book ahead
Lunch: Back in Keelung(1 hour)
Keelung's famous pepper buns and crab meat soup at the harbor stalls
Heping Island Park(1 hour)
Bizarre mushroom-shaped rock formations carved by wind and waves. Entry 80 TWD. Natural tidal pools for swimming
Tea Farming & Mountain Villages
The hills above Jiufen were once tea country — explore the remnants of this tradition.
Morning hike to Keelung Mountain(2.5 hours)
The prominent peak above Jiufen. A steep but rewarding 1-hour climb to 588m with 360-degree views of the coast and mountains. Best before 9AM for clear skies
Visit a mountain tea farm(1.5 hours)
Several small tea farms in the hills above the village still produce high-mountain oolong. Ask at your guesthouse for introductions. Tasting and buying directly from the farmer
Lunch: Village home cooking(1 hour)
Mountain restaurants near the tea farms serve simple local food — wild greens, bamboo shoot soup, chicken. 150-250 TWD
Afternoon: Final Old Street browsing(1.5 hours)
Last chance for taro ball souvenirs, dried goods, and handmade crafts
Yehliu Geopark & North Coast
Taiwan's most famous geological attraction — Queen's Head rock and hundreds of strange formations.
Bus to Yehliu via Keelung(1.5 hours)
Bus from Keelung to Yehliu. Or taxi for the day (2,000-3,000 TWD)
Yehliu Geopark(2 hours)
The Queen's Head rock is Taiwan's most famous natural icon — one of hundreds of mushroom-shaped hoodoo rocks carved by erosion. Entry 80 TWD. Best in morning light
Lunch: Yehliu fishing village seafood(1 hour)
The village adjacent to the geopark has seafood restaurants with harbor views. Fresh sashimi and grilled fish. 200-400 TWD
Jinshan Old Street(1 hour)
A charming old street famous for taro cakes and duck meat. Try the sweet potato and taro balls
Final Village Day & Photography
Last full day — golden hour photography, final tea ceremonies, and farewell meals.
Sunrise photography from the village edge(1 hour)
If the sky is clear, the sunrise over the Pacific from Jiufen's eastern viewpoints is extraordinary
Final tea ceremony(1.5 hours)
Return to your favorite tea house for a last meditative session
Lunch: All the street food hits(1.5 hours)
Final rounds — taro balls, peanut ice cream rolls, fish balls, mountain boar sausage
Dusk: Shuqi Road one last time(1 hour)
The lanterns, the stairway, the ocean — one final evening
Departure
Final morning before returning to Taipei.
Early morning village walk(45 minutes)
Misty alleys, the sound of birds, quiet temples. Buy taro sweets for the road
Souvenirs(30 minutes)
Oolong tea, dried taro, hand-painted postcards
Bus 1062 to Taipei(1 hour 15 minutes)
101 TWD. Take the 9-10AM bus to avoid weekend crowds
21-Day Jiufen Itinerary
Arrival & Jiufen at Dusk
Arrive from Taipei to catch the lantern-lit atmosphere at dusk.
Bus 1062 from Taipei(1 hour 15 minutes)
101 TWD. Or train to Ruifang then taxi (~250 TWD)
Check into guesthouse(30 minutes)
From 1,200 TWD/night. Village empties after 7PM
Shuqi Road Stairway at dusk(45 minutes)
Red lanterns glowing — Jiufen's most iconic view
Dinner at a quiet village restaurant(1 hour)
Hot pot or fish soup. 200-400 TWD
Jiufen Old Street & Tea Houses
Village before crowds, then afternoon tea ceremony.
Early morning photography(1 hour)
Before 9AM — misty alleys and atmospheric light
Old Street (Jishan Street)(1.5 hours)
Taro balls from Ah Gan Yi (50-70 TWD), peanut ice cream rolls
Lunch: Street food(45 minutes)
Wild boar sausage (50 TWD), fish ball soup
A-Mei Tea House(1.5 hours)
Tea from 300 TWD. Ocean-view terrace
Jiufen Teahouse(1.5 hours)
Gongfu ceremony, high-mountain oolong. 250-400 TWD
Jinguashi Gold Mining History
Mine tunnels, 220kg gold bar, WWII POW memorial.
Gold Ecological Park(2.5 hours)
80 TWD. Mine tunnels, gold bar, Japanese shrine ruins
Lunch at Jinguashi(45 minutes)
Wild vegetables, braised pork. 150-300 TWD
Shitoushan Lookout hike(1.5 hours)
Yin-Yang Sea views from the hilltop
Shifen Sky Lanterns & Waterfall
Sky lanterns and Taiwan's widest waterfall via Pingxi Line.
Shifen Waterfall(1.5 hours)
Little Niagara. Free. Riverside trail
Release sky lantern(45 minutes)
150-200 TWD on the train tracks
Lunch: Shifen Old Street(45 minutes)
100-200 TWD
Coastal Hike & Yin-Yang Sea
Cliffs, mining ruins, and two-toned sea.
Old mining trail hike(2.5 hours)
Cliff-edge trail from Jinguashi. Moderate
Yin-Yang Sea viewpoint(30 minutes)
Yellow-blue water division. Free
Lunch: Bitou Cape seafood(1 hour)
Grilled squid, clam soup. 200-400 TWD
Keelung Day Trip
Port city — harbor, temples, famous night market.
Zhongzheng Park(1 hour)
22.5m Guanyin statue and harbor views. Free
Miaokou Night Market(1.5 hours)
Cream crab soup (80 TWD), Ding Bian Cuo (50 TWD)
Rest Day
No plans — wander, read, drink tea.
Tea house journaling(2 hours)
Oolong tea and mountain views
Pingxi Line Full Day
Historic railway through mountain villages and coal mining history.
Houtong Cat Village(1 hour)
100+ cats roaming freely. Cat bridges and cafes. Free
Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail(2 hours)
Three waterfalls. Free. Moderate difficulty
Lunch: Sandiaoling noodles(45 minutes)
60-100 TWD
Northeast Coast Scenic Area
Rock formations, fishing villages, and ocean trails.
Nanya Rock Formations(45 minutes)
Bizarre weathered sandstone. Free
Longdong Bay(1.5 hours)
Snorkeling spot or cliff-top ocean views
Lunch: Fulong Bento(45 minutes)
Iconic railway rice box lunch. 60 TWD
Bitou Cape Trail(1 hour)
Northeast Taiwan's tip. Lighthouse and ocean views. Free
Keelung Islet & Northern Coast
Volcanic island hike and coastal geology.
Ferry to Keelung Islet(1.5 hours)
Seasonal (March-Oct). Book ahead. 300-500 TWD
Keelung Islet hike(3 hours)
Volcanic trails, wild lilies (Apr-May), ocean views
Lunch: Keelung harbor(1 hour)
Pepper buns and crab soup
Heping Island Park(1 hour)
Mushroom rocks, tidal pools. 80 TWD
Tea Farming & Keelung Mountain
Mountain hike and visits to tea farms above the village.
Keelung Mountain hike(2.5 hours)
Steep climb to 588m. 360-degree views. Best before 9AM
Mountain tea farm visit(1.5 hours)
Small farms still producing oolong. Tasting and direct buying
Lunch: Mountain home cooking(1 hour)
Wild greens, bamboo shoot soup, chicken. 150-250 TWD
Yehliu Geopark & North Coast
Queen's Head rock and strange formations.
Yehliu Geopark(2 hours)
Mushroom-shaped hoodoo rocks. 80 TWD
Lunch: Yehliu fishing village(1 hour)
Fresh sashimi and grilled fish. 200-400 TWD
Jinshan Old Street(1 hour)
Taro cakes and duck meat
Wanli & Juming Museum
North coast hot springs and one of Asia's largest outdoor sculpture parks.
Transport to Jinshan/Wanli(1.5 hours)
Via Keelung. Taxi for the day 2,500-3,500 TWD
Juming Museum(2.5 hours)
A 24-hectare open-air sculpture park by Taiwan's most famous sculptor. Monumental Tai Chi series and Living World series scattered across the hillside. 350 TWD. Stunning in any weather
Lunch at museum cafe(45 minutes)
The museum cafe overlooks the sculpture garden. 200-400 TWD
Jinshan Hot Springs(1.5 hours)
Public hot spring baths near the coast. Some have ocean views. 200-500 TWD
Rest & Slow Village Day
Another rest day — deeper village immersion.
Morning: Village temple visits(1.5 hours)
Small temples tucked into the hillside that most tourists miss
Tea and reading(2 hours)
Find a different tea house for a new perspective
Evening: Cook with your guesthouse host(2 hours)
Some guesthouses offer informal cooking sessions. Ask — most hosts are happy to share
Day Trip to Yilan & Kavalan Whisky
Cross the mountain to Taiwan's east coast for hot springs and world-award-winning whisky.
Train from Ruifang to Yilan(1 hour)
Local train through the mountains. ~100 TWD
Kavalan Distillery Visitor Center(1.5 hours)
Taiwan's world-famous whisky distillery (multiple international awards). Free tours and tastings. Open 9AM-6PM
Lunch: Yilan scallion pancake (cong you bing)(45 minutes)
Yilan is famous for its green onion pancakes. Several legendary stalls near the train station. 30-50 TWD each
Jiaoxi Hot Springs Park(1.5 hours)
Free public foot baths and hot springs in Jiaoxi town. Full soak at a bath house: 150-500 TWD
Caoling Historic Trail
A 19th-century mountain trail connecting the north and east coasts — one of northeast Taiwan's best hikes.
Train to Fulong Station(30 minutes)
From Ruifang on the main line
Caoling Historic Trail hike(4 hours)
A 8.5km trail over the coastal mountains following an old trade route. The Hukoushan lookout at the summit offers views of both the Pacific and the northern coast. Moderate difficulty. Bring water and lunch. Free
Descend to Dali, train back(1.5 hours)
The trail ends at Dali on the east coast. Train back via Yilan or directly to Ruifang
Jiufen Art & Pottery Workshop
Get creative — pottery, painting, and the village art scene.
Pottery workshop(2.5 hours)
Several studios in the village offer wheel-throwing classes. 500-800 TWD. Your piece can be shipped
Watercolor painting session(2 hours)
Some art shops offer drop-in watercolor sessions painting Jiufen's lanterns and stairways. 300-500 TWD
Evening: Night photography walk(1.5 hours)
Long-exposure shots of lanterns, misty alleys, and the stairway. The village at night is a different world
Day Trip to Toucheng & Turtle Island
Taiwan's only active volcanic island, off the east coast near Yilan.
Boat to Turtle Island (Guishan Island)(30 minutes)
Seasonal (March-November). Book ahead through a registered operator. 1,000-1,500 TWD including island hike. Limited daily visitors
Turtle Island hike(2 hours)
Volcanic crater lake, sulfur vents, and dramatic cliff views. The underwater hot springs around the island create milky-blue water
Whale watching (seasonal April-October)(2 hours)
Combined with the Turtle Island trip. Dolphins and occasional whale sightings. 1,500-2,000 TWD
Ruifang & Local Mining Towns
The gateway town most people rush through — but Ruifang has its own character.
Ruifang Old Street morning market(1.5 hours)
The old commercial street where miners once shopped. Local breakfast stalls, produce market, and nostalgic shops
Monkey Cave (Houdong)(1 hour)
An old mining tunnel converted into a walking path through the mountainside. Free. Short but atmospheric
Lunch: Ruifang miner's lunch box(45 minutes)
Traditional bento boxes inspired by what miners ate — hearty rice, pork cutlet, and pickled vegetables. 80-120 TWD
Final Village Immersion
Last full day — everything you want to do one more time.
Sunrise walk(1 hour)
Early morning light on the ocean from the village edge
Final tea ceremony(1.5 hours)
Return to your favorite tea house
Lunch: Complete Old Street food crawl(1.5 hours)
Every snack one last time — taro balls, fish balls, sausage, peanut ice cream
Souvenir shopping(1 hour)
Oolong tea, dried taro, handmade ceramics, postcards
Final Shuqi Road sunset(1 hour)
The lanterns, the stairway, the ocean — one last time
Departure
Final morning in Jiufen.
Early morning quiet walk(45 minutes)
The village at dawn — just you and the mist
Bus 1062 to Taipei(1 hour 15 minutes)
101 TWD. Take the early bus
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Taiwan Visa-Free Entry
US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian, and many other passport holders get 90-day visa-free entry to Taiwan. Jiufen is a day trip from Taipei — no special permits needed.
transport
Getting to Jiufen from Taipei
Bus 1062 from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station direct to Jiufen Old Street (1 hr 15 min, 101 TWD, use EasyCard). Alternatively, train to Ruifang Station (40 min, 76 TWD) then bus 788 or taxi (15 min, ~250 TWD). Return buses can be very crowded after 5PM on weekends — plan accordingly or take a taxi to Ruifang.
Combine with Shifen for Sky Lanterns
Shifen Old Street (famous for releasing sky lanterns, 150-200 TWD each) is 30 minutes by bus from Ruifang Station. A popular route: Taipei to Shifen (train, morning) then Shifen to Jiufen (bus, afternoon for lanterns at dusk). Pingxi Line trains run hourly. This makes a perfect full-day itinerary from Taipei.
Local Customs
Visit at Dusk, Not Midday
Most tourists arrive 11AM-2PM, creating suffocating crowds in the narrow alleys. The magic of Jiufen is the lantern-lit atmosphere at dusk (4-7PM). Arrive at 3PM, explore the food street, then stay for lantern-lighting. If staying overnight (recommended), you get the village to yourself after 7PM when day-trippers leave.
Budget
Very Affordable Day Trip
Bus from Taipei: 101 TWD each way. Street food items: 30-80 TWD each. Tea house: 250-400 TWD per person. Total budget for a full day: under 1,000 TWD (~$30 USD). Guesthouses for overnight stays from 1,200 TWD/night. Souvenir shopping (taro sweets, dried goods) averages 100-300 TWD per item.
Safety
Slippery Steps and Rain
Jiufen's stone stairways and narrow alleys become slippery when wet — and it rains frequently due to mountain elevation. Wear shoes with good grip, not flip-flops. Bring a compact umbrella or rain jacket. The mist and rain actually enhance the Spirited Away atmosphere, so don't cancel for bad weather. Carry cash — many small vendors are cash-only.
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Travel GuidesJiufen vs Shifen: Which Taiwan Day Trip Should You Actually Do?
Both are popular Taipei day trips. Both involve narrow streets and Instagram moments. But they're completely different experiences — and one might suit you way better than the other.
Stories5 Days in Jiufen: A Solo Traveler's Honest Journal
I came for the Spirited Away photos. I stayed because the rain, the tea, and the empty morning streets made me forget I was supposed to leave on day three.