When it comes to Jiufen, most people think of the historic mining town steeped in tea fragrance, but during the annual Lantern Festival period, this mountain village on the North Coast dons a different coat of light and shadow, welcoming the festival with lanterns covering the hillsides and traditional activities.
The core charm of the Jiufen Lantern Festival lies in the "perfect blend of tradition and mountain town ambiance." Unlike the large-scale lantern exhibitions found in cities, Jiufen's Lantern Festival activities offer a more intimate experience—visitors can stroll through the stone steps and ancient alleyways carrying small lanterns, soaking in the festive atmosphere of the former mining village. Around the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, the entire Shenglian Road and Qingbian Road are adorned with red lanterns, and street performers occasionally demonstrate traditional lantern-making, immersing the entire mountain village in warm festival light.
For those seeking to deeply experience the Jiufen Lantern Festival, the following locations are worth visiting:
A-Mei Tea House is the most representative spot in Jiufen for tea tasting and scenic views. During the Lantern Festival, the tea house decorates its outdoor platform with handmade lanterns, allowing visitors to enjoy traditional tea snacks like peanut candy and sesame candy while appreciating the night view of Keelung Port below. The tea house's mountain-facing angle makes it particularly suitable for capturing photos of lanterns against the mountain town backdrop. Tea service here costs approximately NT$150-250, which is quite reasonable.
Shengping Theater is one of the oldest theaters in Taiwan, built during the Japanese colonial period. During the Lantern Festival, the theater's front square hosts a small lantern exhibition showcasing traditional paper lantern craftsmanship, sometimes featuring free traditional opera performances. The theater itself is free to visit, but viewing classic films inside requires a separate ticket. This location is especially suitable for visitors interested in Taiwanese film and television culture.
Jiufen Old Street is the core of the entire itinerary. During the Lantern Festival, merchants along the old street hang homemade lanterns at their shop entrances, forming a "lantern tunnel." Traditional snacks like taro balls, grass rice cakes, and red ferment pork dumpling are particularly atmospheric during the festival. It's worth noting that shops on the old street typically operate from 10 AM to 6-7 PM and may close earlier during the Lantern Festival, so timing is essential.
Jishan Street Viewing Pavilion is an excellent spot for appreciating Jiufen's night views and sea of lanterns. This free public viewing platform is located above the old street and offers expansive vistas. On Lantern Festival night, you can witness the entire mountain village illuminated by lanterns. It's recommended to arrive around 5-6 PM to capture both the sunset and nighttime lights.
Bapan Creek Homestay Alley is a newly emerged cultural and creative district in recent years. Originally a miners' dormitory area, it has been transformed into characteristic guesthouses and workshops. During the Lantern Festival, local artists display lantern works, and some workshops offer DIY small lantern experiences for visitors, priced at approximately NT$200-400, which is quite popular among young travelers.
Practical Information:
Regarding transportation, from Taipei you can take the Taiwan Railway to Ruifang Station, then transfer to bus 788, 825, or a taxi (approximately NT$100-150) to Jiufen. Drivers can park at the Jiufen立体停车场 (Jiufen Multistory Parking Lot) at NT$40 per hour. During the Lantern Festival, crowds are heavier, so it's advisable to depart early or choose a non-holiday day.
Jiufen Old Street itself is free to visit, and most tea houses and restaurants have a minimum charge of approximately NT$100-200. DIY handmade lantern experiences range from NT$200-400. Activities mainly concentrate on the 14th to 16th day of the Lunar New Year, but the actual dates vary slightly each year, so it's recommended to confirm before your trip.
Travel Tips:
During the Lantern Festival, Jiufen's evening temperatures are relatively low, and the mountain town can be windy, so remember to bring a jacket. Wearing comfortable shoes is important—Jiufen is entirely made of stone steps, so high heels are impractical for photography. Avoid the peak hours of 2-4 PM; mornings or evenings have fewer crowds, allowing you to experience the mountain town's tranquil atmosphere more fully. For empty-scene photos, it's recommended to arrive around 6-7 AM, when the old street is just opening and the light is soft—prime time for photography.
