Jiufen Old Street – the Romantic Nostalgic Mountain Town

Jiufen Old Street – the Romantic Nostalgic Mountain Town

Taiwan is a charming place that we have various type of culture.

If you want to experience the style differentiated from the modern city, ”Jiufen” definitely will be the best choice!

Today, let me take you away from the hustle and bustle of city.

Jiufen Old Street 

Jiufen Old Street

Jiufen is a traditional old town located on the hillside of the mountain in northeastern Taiwan. 

It was prosperous in the early era due to a gold rush for the abundance of gold mines, but a large number of people moved out when the gold mines excavation was once declined, and the town was almost forgotten for a while.

Until 1989, the film ”A City of Sadness” featuring Jiufen’s unique retro architectures and style attracts many tourists to visit, since then undoubtedly Jiufen has become one of the most popular tourism in Taiwan.

Jiufen Old Street

When reaching Jiufen, the first thing to do is exploring the nostalgic Jiufen Old Street, but how to get there?

Way to Jiufen

Before starting your tour, here’s some offer information for you, Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass (TPE Airport Pick Up) and Taipei Transport Fun Pass (TPE Airport Pick Up) will be very useful when you take the public transportation.

Train to Ruifang, Bus to Jiufen

Take the train from any station to Ruifang Station, and transfer to the Keelung Bus (788, 1062, 825, 826, 827, and 856) to Jiufen Old Street Stop and drop off.

*From Taipei Main Station

  • Avg. Time:45m~1hr
  • Train Fare [Local ~ Express]:NT$49~76 ($1.6~2.5)
  • Bus Fare:NT$15 ($0.5)
  • Get Bus Stop Location

Notice:

When you waiting for the bus at Ruifang bus stop, some taxi driver might tell you about taking the bus will spend 2 hours to Jiufen Old Street and persuade you to cost NT$200 ($6.5) taking a taxi is much faster and save your time.

Please DO NOT trust them, it only takes you 20 minutes to Jiufen Old Street and just NT$ 15 ($0.5) while taking the bus!


Bus directly to Jiufen from Taipei City

There are two buses can go to Jiufen directly.

Keelung Bus 1062

Heading to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station, exit 2 then you will see the bus stop on your right hand side.

Taipei Bus 965

There are many stops along the MRT station you can get on, like MRT Fuzhong Station、Banqiao Station, Ximen Station、Beimen Station or Wanhua rail station.


The Fastest and Comfortable Way

Jiufen located at the mountain area far from the Taipei city, there are many ways to Jiufen, but you always have to line up for buses on holiday.

I recommend you make a reservation for Private car, there’s no need to wait, just meet your exclusive car and start your Jiufen tour, the private car will also bring you back to the place where you pick up after finished tour. It is definitely the most comfortable way for your trip.

Do & See in Jiufen Old Street

Around Jishan Street and Shuqi Road are commonly known as Jiufen Old Streets.

Jishan Street mainly sells traditional snacks, souvenir shops and curiosity shop.

Shuqi Road has cafes, restaurant and a bundle of unique retro teahouses along the stone stairway.

Shuqi Road

Jiufen Old Street

Shuqi Road is two meters narrow stone steps lead down to the main road.

Both roadsides surround red brick and wooden old-Japanese style buildings, many characteristic tea houses and Shengping Theater are also on this road.  

Jiufen Old Street

At the night, the hanging red lanterns light on the whole stone steps one by one along with tea aroma and retro buildings outlined the picture of the nostalgic Japanese style of the 1940s and 1950s.

Jiufen Old Street

This unique beautiful road attracts vast visitors every day.


A-Mei Tea House

Jiufen Old Street

A-Mei Tea House is the most famous tea house on Shuqi Road.

The strong Japanese traditional architectural style, as well as the large red signboard and red lanterns, which makes well-known Japanese animated films producer Hayao Miyazaki be inspired to create a popular movie “Spirited Away

Besides its beautiful architecture, It is a good place to enjoy the lovely view and to wait for the sunset while drinking traditional tea.

Due to the popularity A-Mei Tea House has gained, many people always make a line, here offer a good reservation service to skip the line and get fast-track entry to Amei Teahouse even if you can’t speak Chinese!

Book NowAmei Teahouse in Jiufen

  • Avg. Cost:NT$300~400 ($10~13)
  • Get Location
  • Tel:+886 2 2496-0833
  • Hours:Sun – Thu 08:30~24:00 | Fri – Sat 08:30~01:00

Jioufen Tea House

Walk into Jioufen Teahouse and discover Taiwan’s tea culture.

Relax and enjoy in the peaceful ambiance with a cup of freshly-brewed tea. In addition, you can explore Jiufen Gallery, an art and cultural exhibition space displaying many tea accessories, experience the tea culture!

I recommend you make a reservation without waiting.

Book Now Jioufen Teahouse | Artist Teahouse in Jiufen

  • Avg. Cost:NT$300~400 ($10~13)
  • Get Location
  • Tel:+886 2 2496-9056
  • Hours:Mon – Sun 10:30~21:00

Shengping Theater

Jiufen Old Street

The Shengping Theater was the largest theater under Japanese rule, it still remains old ticket window, oil paintings movie poster and wooden chairs.

Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen Old Street

There is no Dolby, 3D, or IMAX. However, it brings you back to the old days.

Jiufen Old Street
  • Get Location
  • Tel:+886 2 2496-9926
  • Hours:Mon – Fri 09:30~17:00 | Sat – Sun 09:30~18:00

Wear Traditional Qipao

Source : Klook

“Qipao” is a kind of Chinese traditional dress, every time when I saw women wearing qipao, I always thought that is the demonstration of “Classy and fabulous.”

You can rent a qipao to take some pictures in Jiufen old street, it will just like in the Chinese old movies.

Book NowOne Day Traditional Qipao Rental in Jiufen

Eat in Jiufen

阿柑姨芋圓 Ah Gan Taro Balls

One thing you must to do in Jiufen is tasting the “Taro Balls”

Ah Gan Taro Balls is very popular in Jiufen old street, their taro balls are made by fresh material that you can find the natural taro inside it; Taro balls are very chewy, you can taste the authentic flavor without the additives.

Ah Gan Taro Balls is located at the top of Shuqi road, people love to seat in front of the windows that you can enjoy your tasty taro balls and amazing Jiufen mountain view at the same time!

Jiufen Old Street
  • Avg. Cost:NT$50~60 ($1.6~1.9)
  • Get Location
  • Tel:+886 2 2497-6505
  • Hours:Mon – Sun 09:00~20:00

賴阿婆芋圓 Lai Ah Po Taro Balls

Jiufen Old Street

Compared to “Ah Gan Taro Balls”, ”Lai Ah Po Taro Balls” have more special flavors like sweet potato、yam、green tea and sesame, Taro Balls are chewy and tasty with syrup, you can choose ice or hot, and you can also add red bean, green bean, or other ingredients if you like.

Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen Old Street
  • Avg. Cost:NT$50 ($1.6)
  • Get Location
  • Tel:+886 2 2497-5245
  • Hours:Mon – Sun 08:00~20:00

阿婆魚羹 Grandma‘s Fish Thick Soup

It’s a famous shop since 1950, “Grandma‘s fish thick soup” provides only handmade fish ball with traditional ingredients, fish thick soup has always cooked by charcoal fire from then till now and the good taste has never changed.

Jiufen Old Street

In order to retain the fine qualities, fish thick soup is limited every day, they would close when the meals were all sold out, so come here earlier to make sure you can try it.

I recommend you try some mixed-flavor fish ball soup, you can taste five different kinds of flavor at the same time.

  • Avg. Cost:NT$30~70 ($1~2.3)
  • Get Location
  • Tel:+886 2 2497-6678
  • Hours:Mon – Sun 08:00~18:00

魚丸伯仔 Uncle Fish Ball

Jiufen Old Street

When you just walk in the Jiufen old street, you can find the”魚丸伯仔” on your left side, they are famous for their bean bag which is stuffed with minced steak then sealed with minced fish, it is so special and tasty.

Jiufen Old Street

The handmade fish ball soup and dry green bean noodle are also popular.

Jiufen Old Street

The foods here are simple, but you can taste 100% authentic flavor with cheap price.

  • Avg. Cost:NT$60~100 ($1.9~3.2)
  • Get Location
  • Tel:+886 2 2496-0896
  • Hours:Mon – Fri 10:00~19:00 | Sat – Sun 10:00~21:00

金枝紅糟肉圓 Red Vinasse Taiwanese Meatballs

Jiufen Old Street

Meatball is also the local food that you must to try,” Red Vinasse Taiwanese Meatballs” is the first one who made red vinasse meatball, it’s famous because they’re careful about making the meatball and choosing the materials,the visitors love the jelly skin and  juicy stuffing, that why people come here again and again.

Jiufen Old Street

They also have mixed-flavor fish ball soup, you can taste five different kinds of flavor at the same time!

Jiufen Old Street
  • Avg. Cost:NT$45~105 ($1.5~3.4)
  • Get Location
  • Tel:+886 2 2496-9265
  • Hours:Mon – Fri 10:00~19:00 | Sat – Sun 09:00~20:00

阿蘭草仔粿 A-Lan Salty Grass Mochi

Jiufen Old Street

“A-Lan” has been in business for 3 generations, they’re famous for the salty grass mochi. The skin is very chewy and the various flavors of stuffing are delicious, you can see that people always make a line for buying grass mochi, they even don’t need the beautiful packing.

Jiufen Old Street

The traditional snack is small and cheap, many people come for buying the gifts.

Jiufen Old Street
  • Avg. Cost:NT$15~150 ($0.5~4.8)
  • Get Location
  • Tel:+886 2 2496-7795
  • Hours:Mon – Fri 09:00~20:00 | Sat – Sun 09:00~20:30

SIIDCHA

SIIDCHA is a three-floors building, it serves the healthy meals, pancake and ”Hakka Leicha”, you can enjoy the Jiufen mountain view on the second and third floor, it’s a great place to relax.

You can get a discount with the reservation below, in this package, you can learn more about the Hakka culture, then grinding fresh tea leaves to create your own Lei Cha.

Each set has 1 cup of Hakka Pounded Tea, 1 plate of Traditional Puffed Rice Cakes and 1 scoop of Handmade Japanese Matcha Ice Cream, it will be an unforgettable experience.

Booking now – SIIDCHA Teahouse in Jiufen

  • Avg. Cost:NT$200~400 ($6.5~13)
  • Get Location
  • Tel:+886 2 2496-9976
  • Hours:Mon – Sun 11:00~19:00

What Else Fun Nearby Jiufen

Many people also go to Jinguashi nearby Jiufen, there is a bundle of natural attractions you can go around at the same time.

See also : Jinguashi – Northeastern Taiwan’s Most Natural Spot


Jinguashi Gold Museum

Jiufen Old Street

You can take Keelung Bus (788, 825, 826, and 856) from Jiufen police station in Jiufen Old Street or take Keelung Bus 1062 and Taipei Bus 965 bus to Jinguashi Gold Museum. 

In the past, here is the largest gold mining area in Asia, now renovated to the first ecological museum in Taiwan.

In here you can understand Taiwan’s gold mining history and the museum display old artifacts and mining tool so that you can experience miner’s lifestyle and learn so many knowledge.

Jiufen Old Street

On the second floor, you will see Guinness World Record largest 999.9 fine gold block which weighs 220 kg and can be touched.

There is a funny slogan: If you can move it up by your hands, then you can take it home!

I recommend you book the entrance ticket online, also you can choose the combo set, including an entrance ticket and a delicious packed lunch (Taiwanese crispy fried spareribs with traditional side dishes), after lunch you can take home your traditional Taiwanese lunch box and utensils as a souvenir.

Photo Source: Klook
  • Get Location
  • Admission fee:NT$80 ($2.6)
  • Tel:+886 2 2496-2800
  • Hours:Mon – Fri 09:30~17:00 | Sat – Sun 09:30~18:00

Jinguashi Shrine

Jinguashi Shrine was built under the Japanese rule era but it is a ruin now.

Need to climb 600 meters uneven stairs from Jinguashi Gold Museum to the shrine. The view from the shrine is great and really worth to climb up.

If you go there on the foggy day which makes the shrine more mysterious and beautiful.


Golden Waterfall

Golden Waterfall is not far from Jinguashi Gold Museum, only take Bus (826, 856 and 891) can get there.

Water flowing along the steep golden mining area reflects its golden appearance.

The waterfall is small, but it still worth to see this stunning natural view.


Remains of the 13 Levels

It takes 15 minutes walk from Golden waterfall to here.

Remains of the 13 Levels was once a copper refinery under the Japanese ruled, it looks like an abandoned palace for many years but still spectacular.


Qitang Old Street

Jiufen Old Street

Qitang Old Street is the living area of early miners, which have been completely remained now.

There are hospital, temples, bookstores, restaurants, suit shop, and shoe store, etc.

You can feel a similar atmosphere to Jiufen Old Street but without the hustle and bustle of tourist activities.

You can take a break at the 山城金棧 cafe (Open Fri – Sun: 1130-1800), it is a good place to see the mountain view while dining.


Baoshishan Lookout

Jiufen Old Street

Drop off at Chuen Ji Hall Station by taking Bus 1062 from Jiufen Old-street, the Baoshishan trail entrance is nearby the Chuen Ji Hall parking lot.

It only takes less than 30 minutes hike to the lookout which able to catch all the view of the sea, you can also enjoy the breeze and beautiful scenery of the mountain while hiking. 

Especially when the silver grass in blossom during the autumn season has another special scenery.


Teapot Mountain

Teapot Mountain is shaped like a handleless teapot.

Drop off at Chuen Ji Hall Station by taking Bus 1062 from Jiufen Old-street, you will see the trail entrance is nearby. Its 1-hour one-way trail is not hard to climb and has a wonderful view.

You can overlook the beauty of the Keelung Mountain and Yinyang Sea at the top.

The amazing scenery will make people stay here for a long time.


Disused Funicular Railway

Jiufen Old Street

Funicular Railway was built in 1932 for carrying the gold mining and cargo in steep terrain, today it is not used anymore.

It’s so thrilling that standing at this 45-degree extremely steep track makes you feel like almost rush into the sea.

Jiufen Old Street

Buyen Pavilion

Jiufen Old Street

Buyen Pavilion, one of the famous attractions in Taiwan, is located on provincial highway No. 102.

The view from Buyen Pavilion is breathtaking, is also a popular place to watch the sunset.

Unfortunately, no buses come by here, so you have to drive or choose private car charter.

Where to Stay

Something Easy Inn

Photo from Klook

Something Easy Inn is about 1-minute walk to Jiufen Old Street and features own terrace. All rooms have a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV, guests can chill in the room and enjoy the beautiful view of mountains and sea.

  • Price: $ 153 +
  • Internet review: 4.8/5 (232 reviews from Klook) 
  • Reservation website: Something Easy Inn

H& Jiufen Ore Inn

H& Jiufen Ore Inn is just 5 minutes walk to Jiufen Old Street. All rooms has a flat-screen TV、free WiFi and a private bathroom. Some room’s bathroom has a big window and you can enjoy the view from the bathtub is so breathtaking!

  • Price: $ 91 +
  • Internet review: 4.8/5 (109 reviews from Klook)
  • Reservation website: H& Jiufen Ore Inn

H& Jiufen The Ocean Theory

H& Jiufen The Ocean Theory is about 2 minutes to Jiufen Old Street, All rooms with sea view have a flat-screen TV, free WiFi and a private bathroom. Some rooms have a big window so you can quietly enjoy a beautiful view of the sea and mountain!


Kyufun Komachi

Jiufen Old Street

Kyufun komachi is a Japanese style hotel featuring traditional Japanese style tatami rooms, the hotel is about 10 minutes to Jiufen Old Street, all rooms with the beautiful view have a flat-screen TV, free WiF, a private bathroom and terrace.

Jiufen Old Street
  • Price: $ 78 +
  • Internet review: 4.7/5 (39 reviews from Klook)
  • Reservation website: Kyufun Komachi

數樹私房 Shu Shu

數樹‧私房 Shu Shu is a private place located in the mountain area, you can walk here about 3 minutes from Juifen old street .

Every single room has their own style,they decorate with plenty of antique furnitures,it’s very gorgeous with the natural view,I can stay here all day long.

They don’t have a TV and DVD in the room, but you even don’t need them. When you wake up in the morning, you can hang around in nature or just sit beside the windows in the room, taking a bath with the beautiful tub, or relax in the SPA room. You won’t feel bored here if you know how to enjoy the peaceful moment.

How to Plan Your Jiufen Tour 

1 Day Tour

You can first go to some attractions in Jinguashi during the day.

Then back to the Jiufen Old Street for the dinner in the evening, enjoy the beautiful night of Jiufen Old Street.


2 Days Tour

You can go to Pingxi during the day and then have a one night stay in Jiufen, as well as enjoy the beautiful night of Jiufen Old Street.

Next day, you can have lunch on Jiufen Old Street and then begin to explore attractions in Jinguashi.


Recommended Itineraries

It’s okay if you still have no idea how to plan your tour, consider to join one or two of these tour packages below we pick out for you, their professional and experienced tour guides can speak fluently English, Japanese and Chinese, and the best thing is their tour bus can pick you up at your hotel which is saving you tons of time!

Half day tour to explore the fascinating shoreline and Jiufen’s teahouse culture:

Jiufen Village & The Northeast Coast

  • Free Cancelation – 24 hrs notice
  • Hotel Pickup
  • Yin Yang Sea – Nanya Rock Formations – Bitou Cape – Jiufen Old Street

You might like to make Taiwanese pastry by yourself and also have one day fun in Jiufen、Yehliu and Shifen:

Yehliu & Jiufen & Shifen Day Tour with Taiwanese Pastry Making

  • Free Cancelation – 48 hrs notice
  • Taipei Main Station Pickup
  • Yehliu Geopark – Jiufen Old Street – Shifen Sky Lanterns – Shu Shin Bou Wagashi Museum(DIY Taiwanese pastries)

Reminder:

Jiufen is a mountainous area, means the weather changes greatly, it will rain any time, so remember to bring the raincoat or umbrella with you.

The rainy season is generally from November to April, although the rainy season probably disturbs your plan, the rainy day makes Jiufen extraordinarily beautiful.

Jiufen Old Street

Extra information for you

Do you want to share your vacation photos or videos with your family and friends while experiencing the best moment?

International Roaming is too expensive, but with a local 4G SIM card or router, you’ll enjoy the fast、efficient、and unlimited Internet while traveling in Taiwan!

Book now

4G SIM Card (TPE Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan from Far EasTone Telecom

4G SIM Card (TW Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan from Chunghwa Telecom

4G WiFi Router (TW Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan

I hope you enjoyed reading this post.

Tell us what is the most favorite part of Jiufen Old Street? What kind of food you would like to try? Which hotel do you prefer?

If any questions on your trip to Jiufen you have, please leave in the comments below.

18 Comments

  1. Taiwan is on my “to visit” list for a long time. I think it’s a captivating country with plenty of opportunities for hiking since I love hiking.
    Jiufen looks vivid and adventurous. You describe everything to the slightest detail and that makes planning easy as pie.
    One question – is it expensive compared to Europe?

  2. Daniel

    Hi Chas, I am very glad I came across your article. My friends and I have been contemplating visiting Asia for a holiday. Taiwan is one of the destinations on our list. Where else in Taiwan, will you recommend besides Jiufen, please?

  3. Hi, this is amazing. I’ve always been curious about traveling to Taiwan and you just made it clear that it’s a must. Great article. I hope I do get a chance to travel there on day. Does the Sunshine B&B usually have rooms with that view available? I would absolutely love it.

  4. Hi Chas,
    Thanks for your sharing! I am happy you shared this post with me. There are so many useful contents here. I will be going to Taipei tomorrow! I have been to Jiufen many years ago, will go there / Shifen again in my trip. I will bookmark your page.

  5. Hi Chas,

    This is awesome!!

    I’m really interested in visiting Tiawan soon and I have bookmarked this to come back it nearer the time! Really interested in going to Jioufen Teahouse, it looks so quirky and like a real Tiawan expereience.

    Thanks so much for sharing

  6. Thank you, Chas, for an excellent and thorough article. I have heard a lot about Taiwan but have never had the opportunity to visit. There was a fellow student at my high school who was here on exchange from Taiwan.
    She told many stories that made it sound like a lovely place to visit. If I’m ever able to visit Jiufen Old Street, I’ll be sure to avoid the rainy season.

  7. Nate Stone

    Hi Chas,

    Thanks for providing this info Jiufen Old Street looks like stunning place! Me and my girlfriend are going to be going to Hong Kong, Taiwan and South korea next year, we have 5 days planned in Taiwan at the moment, how long would you say we need to set aside to see Jiufen properly?

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