Jiufen Shopping Guide: Featured Shops and Must-Buy Souvenirs in the Mountain Town Old Street

When most visitors think of Jiufen, the first things that come to mind are Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away and the stone-step old street built into the mountainside. However, this small mountain town in Ruifang District, New Taipei City, has seen in recent years not just traditional teahouses, but also the rise of many specialty cafes and creative shops, bringing new vitality to the Jiufen shopping experience.

Jiufen itself is not a traditional "department store" destination, but rather wins visitors over with its特色店家in the mountain town old street. There are no large department stores here, but there are handmade boutiques and nostalgic teahouses that offer more warmth than chain malls. According to the latest 2025 trends, outbound spending by tourists from China, Hong Kong, and Macau reached US$280 billion, and as a popular attraction near Taipei, Jiufen continues to attract large numbers of domestic and international visitors.

The shops in Jiufen Old Street are mainly concentrated on three main streets: Jishan Street, Shaki Road, and Qingbian Road. Rather than being called a shopping street, it's better described as a time-traveling cultural experience. Visitors can enjoy tea and scenery at traditional teahouses, or discover unique handmade souvenirs at creative shops.

Featured Teahouse Recommendations

A-Mei Teahouse is the most representative teahouse in Jiufen, and is said to be one of the inspirations for the Bathhouse in Spirited Away. Their tea seating set is approximately NT$300-500 per person, featuring high-quality oolong tea with精致茶點. The operating hours are 9:00-21:30, suitable for lunch or afternoon tea. A special recommendation is to visit during evening hours to enjoy Jiufen's night view—the red lanterns creating an unforgettable scene.

Jiufen Tea House, established in 1993, was the first teahouse in Jiufen to be renovated from an ancient residence, preserving a strong traditional atmosphere. The shop offers a variety of Taiwan high mountain teas, with tea gift boxes priced between NT$500-2000, making them great gift options. The building itself is worth savoring—the wooden structure complements the old street scenery beautifully.

New Cafes 2025-2026

Hima Cafe is a recent highlight in the Jiufen mountain town, known for specialty desserts like Basque cake and caramel pudding. The cafe features bright natural lighting, contrasting with traditional teahouses, and is suitable for young visitors who prefer modern cafe atmospheres. The pricing is moderate, with desserts around NT$150-250.

Although Mountain Residence Cafe in Shuinandong is slightly farther from Jiufen Old Street, it offers excellent views of the Yin-Yang Sea, making it a highly discussed Instagram-worthy cafe in recent years. If time allows, it's well worth planning a half-day trip.

Featured Souvenir Shops

Old Miner General Store sells a variety of Jiufen-themed souvenirs, from magnets and luggage tags to handmade accessories. Small items cost around NT$50-200, making it a great place to pick out souvenirs. The store's decor is filled with mining village charm, allowing visitors to experience Jiufen's mining history.

Henry Cats & Friends is a rare hand-drawn cat-themed souvenir shop in Jiufen, with product prices ranging from NT$200-800. All products in the store feature cute cat designs, making it especially popular among young women and cat lovers.

Budget Street Food Recommendations

Street snacks in Jiufen Old Street have always been a favorite among visitors. Ah Zhu's Peanut Roll Ice Cream costs NT$40 per serving, representing classic old-fashioned flavor. Taro ball soup is Jiufen's most representative dessert, with prices ranging from NT$40-60 at various shops. It's recommended to choose shops that insist on handmade production for a chewier texture. Fish ball soup with dried tofu wraps is the top savory choice, costing around NT$50-80 for a set.

Practical Information

Regarding transportation, there are two main ways to travel from Taipei: First, take bus 1062 from Exit 2 of Zhongxiao Fuxing Station, with a journey of about 1-1.5 hours and a fare of NT$98; alternatively, take a train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station (about 30 minutes, fare around NT$45), then transfer to a bus or walk up the mountain.

Jiufen Old Street is free to visit, and shops typically open after 10 AM, with larger teahouses and restaurants closing between 19:00-21:00. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) operate 24 hours, making them great helpers for visitors staying overnight in Jiufen.

Travel Tips

To avoid crowds, it's recommended to arrive before 10 AM on weekdays, or visit from Tuesday to Thursday. After 17:00, tour groups gradually disperse, and 19:00-20:00 is the best time to photograph the red lantern night scenes. For a deeper experience of Jiufen, it's recommended to stay overnight—the morning and late-night atmosphere of the mountain town is completely different from daytime, offering a unique charm.

October to December in autumn is the best season to visit Jiufen, with cool and comfortable weather and lower chances of rain. It's recommended to avoid the typhoon season from June to September and the humid summer months.