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JUN 28 2024

Just like in the movies. Enjoy the spectacular views and delicious food at Jiufen, a popular tourist spot in Taiwan

Jiufen is a small town surrounded by the sea and mountains, located about 30km from Taipei. At dusk, the lanterns are lit up, creating a scene that makes you feel as if you have wandered into a movie world. We recommend arriving early in the morning, enjoying local cuisine at Jiufen Old Street, and relaxing at a tea house in the afternoon while taking in the spectacular view. In the evening, you can enjoy eating around the night market in the port city of Keelung before returning to Taipei. There are several guesthouses in Jiufen, so we also recommend staying overnight.

*1 yuan = approximately 4.9 yen (at the time of publication)

Jiufen, a popular tourist spot in Taiwan

Image: iStock/ErmakovaElena

iStock/ErmakovaElena

"Jiufen" is a popular tourist spot in Taiwan. I'm sure there are many people who would like to visit it at least once.

It prospered after gold veins were discovered in the 1890s, and became a tourist spot after being the setting for the Taiwanese film "A City of Sadness" made in 1989. In fact, the name Jiufen comes from the fact that before it prospered from gold mining, camphor was produced here, and nine people shared a camphor furnace.

Currently, Shuqi Road, which was used as a filming location for the Taiwanese movie "A City of Sadness," is a popular photo spot.

Image: iStock/FotoGraphik

iStock/FotoGraphik

This is a rainy area. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes and rain gear.

Jiufen is an area with a lot of rain and a changeable climate, so don't forget your rain gear. In the evenings, when it gets crowded, it's dangerous to open an umbrella, so it's a good idea to bring a raincoat. Another characteristic is that there are many stone pavements and stone steps. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes that you are used to walking in.

5 ways to get to Jiufen, Taiwan

There are multiple ways to get to Jiufen. Find the travel option that best suits your itinerary.

1. Direct express bus

Take the 1062 express bus bound for Jinguashih on the Keelung Bus from the bus stop "MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station" near the Zhongxiao Fuxing Station of the MRT. The journey takes about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes (fare: NT$101).

Alternatively, you can take Taipei Bus Express 965 from the bus stop "Ximen Station" near MRT Longshan Temple Station towards Jinguashi, take the bus for about 40 minutes to an hour (fare: NT$90) and get off at the bus stop "Jiufen Old Street".

There are many curves on the road, so if you are prone to motion sickness it is a good idea to take some medicine.

Image: Bus stop heading back to Taipei and Keelung from Jiufen Old Street

Bus stop for returning to Taipei and Keelung from Jiufen Old Street

In addition, you can use the Easy Card (Yoyo Car) for both. For more information on the Easy Card, please see the following article.

Related article

②Train + Bus (or Taxi)

Image: Map to the bus stop at Ruifang Station roundabout

Map to the bus stop at Ruifang Station Rotary

Take the Taiwan Railway from Taipei Station for about 35 minutes to an hour (fare: 25 to 38 NTD) and get off at Ruifang Station. With your back to the station building, turn left and head about 300m to the bus stop "Ruifang Rail Station (Resident Square.)" Take the Keelung Bus 1062 bound for Jinguashi for about 12 minutes (fare: 25 NTD), or the Taipei Bus 965 or 788 bound for Jinguashi for about 15 minutes (fare: 15 NTD), and get off at the bus stop "Jiufen Old Street". EasyCard is accepted for both buses.

Photo: Tourist Service Center inside Ruifang Station. Various brochures are available.

Tourist service center inside Ruifang Station. Various brochures available.

If you take a taxi from Ruifang Station, it will take about 12 minutes to get to Jiufen Old Street (fixed fare: NT$220).

③Taxi

It takes about an hour from Taipei to Jiufen Old Street per car (fare: about NT$1,500). The fare varies depending on traffic conditions, so it is best to negotiate with the driver in advance. If you plan to visit the area around Jiufen in the morning and head to Jiufen in the afternoon, we recommend a one-day charter.

④Participate in optional tours

There are optional tours that are affiliated with travel agencies that combine a walk around Jiufen and Shifen. Many of them are accompanied by a Japanese guide, so you can learn about the history and interesting facts.

Eight gourmet spots in Jiufen that are perfect for food hopping and eating your way around

Jiufen is lined with shops where you can enjoy local flavors, from gourmet food to sweets. We will introduce some carefully selected recommended spots.

① [Gourmet] Jinji Red Sauce Meatballs Main Branch

Photo: Meatballs NT$60, Wuweizongfu wonton soup with five kinds of dumplings NT$70

Meatballs NT$60, Wuwei Zongfu Wonton soup with five kinds of dumplings NT$70

Image 1: ① [Gourmet] Jinji Red Sauce Meatballs Main Branch

Rouyuan is pork stuffing wrapped in squishy skin. The rouyuan here is made with pork belly seasoned with red yeast rice wine lees (red lees) and bamboo shoots wrapped in skin made from rice flour. It is packed with bean paste and the sauce is soy sauce, garlic, and sweet chili sauce. The unique flavor and texture make it a dish that is hard to find in Japan.

Image 2: ① [Gourmet] Jinji Red Sauce Meatballs Main Branch

Golden Branch Red Leaf Meatballs Main Branch

addressNo. 112, Jishan St., Ruifang District, New Taipei City
phone+886-2-2496-0240
FacebookGolden Branch Red Leaf Meatballs General Store

②【Gourmet】Kunohe Tea Language

Image: Fresh fruit tea 220 yuan

Fresh fruit tea NT$220

Image: Pork chop rice 350 NTD

Pork chop rice NT$350

The fruit tea (fresh fruit tea) made with plenty of seasonal fruits is highly recommended, and the fruits on this day were apples and passion fruit. The set menu is recommended. The pork bone rice is a great value menu that comes with side dishes and drinks. The terrace seats have an unobstructed view!

Image: ② [Gourmet] Kunohe Tea Language (Joufu Chayu)

Kunohe Tea Language

addressNo. 300, Libin Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
phone+886-2-2406-3388
FacebookKunohe Tea Language

③【Gourmet】Haiyulou Jingguan Teahouse

Image: White-sliced chicken (small) NT$320, fried shrimp and egg NT$300, etc.

White-sliced chicken (small) NT$320, fried shrimp and egg NT$300, etc.

The owner's family has lived in Jiufen for generations, and the building that was used as a residence has been renovated to become a Taiwanese restaurant and cafe. The former movie theater "Shengping Theater" is located nearby. The recommended dish here is the simple Bai Zhan Ji, which is fresh boiled chicken with a soy sauce-based sauce. There is also a wide variety of drinks on the menu, and the rose tea and Oriental Beauty tea are recommended.

Haiyue Lou Scenic Tea House

addressNo. 31, Shuqi Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
phone+886-2-2496-7733
FacebookKaiyokurou

④【Sweets】Liar Bo Yui Yuan

Image: Taro balls, 50 yuan

Taro balls 50 yuan

Jiufen's specialty, taro balls, are chewy balls made from taro. Since its establishment in 1970, this shop has been committed to handmade products, and all the balls are made in store. The taro balls come in flavors such as sweet potato, sesame, and green tea, and are topped with mung beans and red beans. You can choose between hot and iced.

Image: ④ [Sweets] Lai A Po Taro Balls

Lai Aba Imo Yen

addressNo. 143, Jishan St., Ruifang District, New Taipei City
phone+886-2-2497-5245

⑤【Sweets】Jiufen Azhu Xue Zaixiao

Image: Snow in a pot 50 yuan

Snow in the oven 50 yuan

Image 1: ⑤【Sweets】Jiufen Azhu Xue Zaixiao

This sweet treat is made of a slightly salty skin, rolled with peanut flour, two kinds of homemade ice cream, and coriander. The ice cream changes daily, and on this day it was peanut, taro, and pineapple. The peanut flour is made by frying peanuts and malt sugar for two hours until it solidifies, and then shaving it just before wrapping it up. If you don't want coriander, just say "我不要香菜( Wobu Yao Shanzai.)"

Image 2: ⑤【Sweets】Jiufen Azhu Xue Zaixiao

Jiufen Azhu Snow Grill

addressNo. 20, Jishan St., Ruifang District, New Taipei City
phone+886-2-2497-5258
FacebookJiufen Azhu Snow Grill

⑥【Tea Art House】A Mei Tea House

Comes with a cup to enjoy the aroma of tea.

Image: Clockwise from top left: mung bean cake (NT$90), almond tofu (NT$90), fried pie stuffed with jasmine tea leaf paste (NT$90)

Clockwise from top left: mung bean cake (NT$90), almond tofu (NT$90), fried pie stuffed with jasmine tea leaf paste (NT$90)

A landmark of Jiufen, lit by numerous red lanterns. It was originally a blacksmith's shop. The staff will explain how to brew tea in Japanese, using an authentic tea ceremony set. There are also a variety of single items on the menu, such as a great value set (NT$300 per person) that includes Alishan oolong tea and snacks, and a refreshing oolong tea (NT$700, plus an additional NT$100 for hot water), which has a floral aroma.

Image: Popular terrace seating

Popular terrace seating

Image: ⑥ [Tea Art House] Amei Tea House

Amei Tea House

addressNo. 20, Shixia Lane, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
phone+886-2-2496-0833
webAmei Tea House Official Website (Foreign Language Site)

⑦【Tea Art House】Jiufen Tea House

Image: Lishan Oolong 37g NT$1,200, Dongding Chamei (S) NT$80

Lishan Oolong 37g NT$1,200, Dongding Chamei (S) NT$80

Image: Homemade Oolong Kisidan Cake NT$150, Taiwanese pomelo flower and sweet osmanthus dark chocolate NT$120

Homemade oolong cake, NT$150; dark chocolate with Taiwanese pomelo flower and sweet osmanthus, NT$120

A tea art museum run by artist Hong Zhisheng. On the premises, there is a teahouse, a tea utensil sales space, a gallery, and a pottery studio. Tea leaves cost around 600-1,800 NTD for 37g. The teahouse is a three-hour course and the fee is 120 NTD per person. Lishan Oolong is a high mountain tea with an elegant and refreshing aftertaste, and the homemade cheesecake and tea plum made with oolong tea leaves are must-try.

Image: The first cup will teach you how to brew it

The first cup will be taught to you how to brew it.

Photo: Antiques and art on display

Antiques and art works on display

Jiufen Teahouse

addressNo. 142, Jishan St., Ruifang District, New Taipei City
phone+886-2-2496-9056
webJiufen Teahouse Official Website

8. [Cafe] HIMA CAFE | Hima Cafe

Image: Cafe latte 160 yuan, caramel pudding 160 yuan, etc.

Cafe latte 160 yuan, caramel pudding 160 yuan, etc.

It opened in March 2024. The second floor has floor-to-ceiling windows that make it seem as if it is floating in the air. The coffee brewed by the barista owner is excellent, and the homemade sweets are also recommended. The cafe is open irregularly, so be sure to check Instagram before heading out.

Image 1: ⑧【Cafe】HIMA CAFE|Hima Coffee
Image 2: ⑧【Cafe】HIMA CAFE|Hima Coffee

HIMA CAFE|Hima Coffee

addressNo. 18, Shuqi Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
phone+886-958-246-988
Instagram@hima.cafe_
※Reservations not accepted

Explore the surrounding area! 4 recommended spots around Jiufen

Why not take the opportunity to explore the area around Jiufen? We will introduce some recommended spots along with how to get there.

①Sufficient 

Image: Lanterns from 200 yuan per color iStock/PRImageFactory

Lanterns start from 200 yuan per color
iStock/PRImageFactory

Image: Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, New Taipei City iStock/RichieChan

New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
iStock/RichieChan

You can enjoy lantern-raising experiences all year round in Shifen. Lanterns are adorned with different colors depending on your wishes: red for good health, yellow for luck in money, blue for work, pink for a good relationship, and so on. On the Lantern Festival of the Lunar New Year (the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar), the New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is held, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Don't miss the Shifen Waterfall!

Access from Jiufen to Shifen

Take bus 1062, 965, or 788 from the Jiufen Old Street bus stop for about 15 minutes (fare: starting from NT$15) and get off at Ruifang Station (Local Public Square). Then take the Pingxi Line, which runs once an hour, from Ruifang Station to Shifen Station for about 27 to 32 minutes (fare: NT$19).

②Houtong

Image: iStock/undefined

iStock/undefined

Cats live here and there in the town, which is why it is commonly known as "Cat Village" (Feeding the cats is prohibited). There are also cat-themed objects, cafes, and general stores, making it a must-see for cat lovers!

Image: Houtong Coal Mine Museum Park iStock/Sanga Park

Houtong Coal Mine Museum Park
iStock/Sanga Park

In front of the station is the Houtong Coal Mine Museum Park, which exhibits the history of coal mining.

How to get from Jiufen to Houtong

Take bus 1062, 965, or 788 from Jiufen Old Street bus stop for about 15 minutes (fare: starting from NT$15) and get off at Ruifang Station (Local Public Square). Then take the Pingxi Line from Ruifang Station to Houtong Station for about 6 minutes (fare: NT$15).

③ New Taipei City Gold Museum

Photo: ③ New Taipei City Gold Museum
Image: Former site of Ougon Shrine

Former site of Kokin Shrine

Jinguashi flourished as a gold and copper producing area during the Japanese colonial period. There is a spacious museum on the premises, which introduces the history and culture of the region through exhibition rooms and experience corners. There is also a restaurant and a museum shop, and there are remains of a shrine nearby.

How to get to the Gold Museum from Jiufen

Take bus 788, 1062, or 965 from the bus stop "Jiufen Old Street" towards Jinguashih for about 10 minutes (fare: from 15 NTD) and get off at "Jinguashih (Gold Museum)".

Gold Museum, New Taipei City

addressNo. 8 Jinguang Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
phone+886-2-2496-2800
webNew Taipei City Gold Museum Official Website (Foreign Language Site)

④Keelung Miaokou Night Market

Photo: Gourmet food stalls in front of the temple

Gourmet food stalls in front of the temple

Image: Tempura 40 yuan

Tempura 40 yuan

A night market in the port city of Keelung with a wide selection of seafood delicacies. Must-try dishes include the Taiwanese version of fried fish cakes, "Tenpura," and the simple garlic-flavored noodles, "Da Mian Chao."

How to get to Keelung from Jiufen

Take Keelung Bus No. 788 from the "Jiufen Old Street" bus stop towards Keelung for about an hour (fare: NT$30), get off at "Yi'er Road Intersection", and then walk for about 7 minutes.

Jiufen is a recommended area that can be fully enjoyed even on a short trip. It shows a completely different face depending on the time of day and the weather, so you will have new encounters every time you go. Why not combine it with nearby tourist spots for a short trip to Taiwan?

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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.

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