Jiufen

Jiufen Travel Guide

A hillside former gold-mining town famed as inspiration for 'Spirited Away.' Red lanterns strung along narrow alleys create a magical atmosphere, traditional teahouses serve oolong tea overlooking the sea, and old-fashioned snacks like taro balls and fish balls define Jiufen's unique charm. Frequent rain and misty alleys make the scene even more dreamlike. Highly recommended for travelers who love photography and atmospheric settings.

Essential Jiufen Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Jiufen

★ 4.5

Jiufen Old Street

Jiufen Old Street is one of Taiwan's most atmospheric lanes, lined with red lanterns that hang along narrow alleys. The town prospered as a gold-mining center during Japanese rule and became globally famous as the inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki's 'Spirited Away'. Wandering its maze of alleys while sampling traditional snacks like taro balls, fish ball soup, and peanut ice cream rolls is a real treat. Free to walk through (open alleys). About 1 hour 30 minutes from Taipei by bus 1062.

HoursIndividual shops 10:00-20:00 (extended on weekends)

LocationRuifang District, New Taipei City

TipsThe atmosphere peaks once the red lanterns light up at dusk. Weekends are very crowded - weekdays are best.

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★ 4.2

Gold Museum

The Gold Museum traces the Japanese-era gold mining history of the Jinguashi area, with a hugely popular walk through an actual mine tunnel. Its star exhibit is a 220kg pure gold bar that visitors can touch with their own hands. Japanese-style buildings and mining ruins around the museum are well preserved, lending the site a strong period atmosphere. Admission TWD 80. About 10 minutes from Jiufen by bus 788.

HoursMonday-Friday 09:30-17:00; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 09:30-18:00

LocationRuifang District, New Taipei City

TipsOnly about 10 minutes by bus from Jiufen, so combine the two in one trip. The mine tunnel experience requires a separate booking.

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★ 4.4

A-Mei Tea House

A-Mei is Jiufen's most iconic teahouse and is often cited as the inspiration for Yubaba's bathhouse in 'Spirited Away'. From its multi-story traditional building, guests can enjoy Taiwanese oolong tea while overlooking the mountains and ocean. The exterior is especially stunning in the evening once the red lanterns are lit, and tea sets with traditional snacks are available. Tea set about TWD 300 per person. Inside Jiufen Old Street.

Hours08:30-21:00 daily

LocationRuifang District, New Taipei City

TipsTea sets cost around NT$300 per person. Arrive early to snag a window seat with an ocean view.

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★ 4.5

Shuqi Lu Stairs

Shuqi Road is a 360-step stone staircase linking Jiufen Old Street with the hillside above — Jiufen's most photographed spot. Century-old teahouses (A-Mei, Hai Yue, and Jiufen Tea House) line both sides of the steps, and when the red lanterns light up in the evening, the scene looks exactly like a frame from Hayao Miyazaki's 'Spirited Away'. The view from the top, blending mountains, ocean, and twinkling lanterns, is the highlight of Jiufen's night scenery. Free admission. Midway along Jiufen Old Street.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationRuifang District, New Taipei City

TipsJust after sunset (summer 6:30-7 PM, winter 5:30-6 PM) is best for photos. The steps are steep and slippery — wear comfortable shoes.

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★ 4.4

Keelung Mountain Lookout

Keelung Mountain is a 588m volcanic cone rising between Jiufen and Jinguashi — known as the 'lighthouse of northeast Taiwan.' A 1.5km trail of about 1,500 stone steps takes around an hour to reach the summit, where panoramic views unfold over Jiufen village, the Yin-Yang Sea (split into two colors by minerals), Jinguashi, the northeast coastline, and distant Guishan Island. Sunrise and sunset on clear days are picture-perfect, and in autumn (October-November) the slopes turn golden with silver grass. Free admission. About a 15-minute walk to the trailhead from Jiufen Old Street.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationRuifang District, New Taipei City

TipsThe hike takes about an hour with many steep steps — wear sneakers and bring water. Start an hour before sunset for the most dramatic light.

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★ 4.3

Yin Yang Sea

The Yin Yang Sea is a remarkable natural phenomenon along the coast between Jiufen and Jinguashi. Pyrite minerals from nearby mines flow into the sea and create a natural gradient from yellow to gold to ocean blue — looking as though 'yin and yang' meet on the surface. The color boundary shifts daily depending on mineral flow and tides. The phenomenon is non-toxic and safe, and it pairs perfectly with a visit to the Jinguashi Gold Museum. Free to view. A 10-minute walk or 5-minute drive from Jinguashi.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationRuifang District, New Taipei City

TipsClear-weather mornings show the sharpest color contrast. Combine with a visit to the Gold Museum.

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★ 4.2

Jiufen Performance Lane

On weekend evenings (Fri-Sun 6-10 PM), Jiufen's main Jishan Street alleys come alive with free street performances — indie musicians with acoustic guitars, elders playing traditional flutes, acoustic duos, and more. Combined with the red lantern glow, it creates a unique Jiufen night-stroll experience. Some lanes feature live music cafes where you can sip warm oolong while enjoying the music. Free on the street; cafe drinks about TWD 150-300. Main Jiufen Old Street.

HoursWeekend evenings 18:00-22:00 (performance hours)

LocationRuifang District, New Taipei City

TipsWeekend evenings have the most active performances. Grab a cafe seat early for live music sets.

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Things to Do in Jiufen

Culture

Jiufen Old Street Food Tour

Explore the lantern-lined alleys of Jiufen sampling taro balls, fish ball soup, peanut ice cream rolls, and tea eggs on a snack-filled walking tour.

Price TWD 40-65 per itemDuration About 2-3 hours

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Culture

Jinguashi Gold Museum

Visit the Gold Museum near Jiufen to explore Japanese-era mining history. Touch a 220kg gold bar and walk through an actual mine tunnel.

Price TWD 80Duration About 1.5-2 hours

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Nature

Jiufen-Jinguashi Trail Trekking

Trek the trail connecting Jiufen and Jinguashi for stunning north coast views. Abandoned mine ruins blend with mountain scenery.

Price FreeDuration About 1.5-2 hours

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Culture

A-Mei Tea House Tea Ceremony

Enjoy a traditional oolong tea ceremony at the iconic A-Mei Tea House, with ocean views and tea snacks during the 1-2 hour ritual. About TWD 300-500 per person

Price About TWD 300-500 per personDuration About 1-2 hours

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Culture

Shuqi Lu Night Photo Tour

Capture Jiufen's iconic Shuqi Road lantern-lit staircase at night. The 30 minutes after sunset (blue hour) is the photo golden time; guided tours available. Free (guided tour about TWD 1,000-1,500)

Price Free (guided tour about TWD 1,000-1,500)Duration About 1-2 hours

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Adventure

Keelung Mountain Sunrise Hike

Predawn hike up 588m Keelung Mountain for sunrise views of the Yin Yang Sea and east coast from the summit. About 1-hour ascent, then 1 hour resting at the top. Free

Price FreeDuration About 3 hours

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Must-Try Food in Jiufen

Yu Yuan (Taro Balls)

🍰 Dessert

A traditional dessert of chewy taro and sweet-potato balls served in warm sweet syrup. About TWD 45-65 per bowl. A-Gan Yu Yuan and Lai A Po Yu Yuan are Jiufen's two must-visit spots.

A-Gei (Fish Ball Soup)

🍢 Street Food

A Jiufen specialty of fresh fish balls in a clear broth. About TWD 40-60 per bowl. Available at stalls near the Old Street entrance.

Peanut Ice Cream Roll

🍰 Dessert

Peanut Ice Cream Roll: a thin crepe filled with shaved peanut candy, ice cream, and cilantro - a Taiwanese classic. About TWD 40-50 each. Made to order at stalls near the Old Street entrance.

Tea Egg (Cha Ye Dan)

🍢 Street Food

Tea Egg: eggs slow-simmered in tea leaves and soy sauce until aromatic and marbled — a Taiwanese street classic. About TWD 15-25 each. Sold at A-Gan Yi Yu Yuan along Old Street.

Jiufen Oolong Tea

🍵 Drink

Jiufen Oolong Tea: high-grade oolong grown in northern Taiwan's mountains, served as a traditional hour-long tea ceremony with snacks. About TWD 300-500 per person. A-Mei Tea House and Hai Yue Tea House are the standout teahouses.

Sweet Potato Mochi (Di Gua Yuan)

🍰 Dessert

Sweet Potato Mochi: chewy multicolored mochi balls made from purple and yellow sweet potatoes. About TWD 60-100 per pack. Lai A Po Yu Yuan sells freshly made ones to take home.

Walnut Cake (Hu Tao Bing)

🍰 Dessert

Walnut Cake: a crispy traditional Jiufen cookie baked with walnuts and sesame — a classic tea accompaniment. About TWD 100-150 per pack of 10. The Hu Su Ju shop and 100-year-old Huang Gong Tang on Old Street are famous.

Jiufen Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Jiufen?

Autumn (September-November) has the best weather. Rain is frequent here, so always pack an umbrella.

How much does it cost to travel in Jiufen?

Daily budget approx. $20-45 (transport $7-15, food and souvenirs $15-30; day trip recommended)

How do I get around in Jiufen?

About 1 hour 30 minutes by bus 1062 from Taipei, or roughly 15 minutes by bus from Ruifang Station. Taxis are also available. Bus fare from Taipei can be paid with EasyCard. Cash is the main payment method; tipping is not customary.

Do I need a visa to visit Jiufen?

Korean passport holders may enter visa-free for up to 90 days.

Is Jiufen safe for tourists?

Very safe, but the steep stone stairs can get slippery in the rain - watch your step.

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