When it comes to Jiufen's Old Street, most visitors see it as the inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away Yubaba's Bathhouse, or as a paradise for affordable treats like taro ball and grass jelly. But they often overlook the most precious cultural heritage of this gold mining mountain town—tea house culture.
The reason Jiufen has preserved traditional tea houses that remain operational to this day lies in its unique geographic location and history. The narrow alleyways built into the mountainsides, with tea shops scattered among residential houses, allow visitors to experience the mountain town's stories through a cup of hot tea, just like the miners did in the past. In recent years, as Chinese outbound tourists have exceeded 175 million, Jiufen's tea houses have also welcomed new business opportunities—many international travelers are beginning to realize that rather than the deepest underground bathhouse scenes, climbing up to a tea house overlooking the old street and tasting local oolong is the most memorable experience Jiufen has to offer.
Highlights of Jiufen Tea Houses
What distinguishes Jiufen's tea houses most from flatland tea parlors is the fusion of "scenery" and "history." Most long-established tea houses have been operating for over 20 years, using local tea leaves (particularly Four Seasons Spring and Qingxin Oolong from the Ruifang area), and place great importance on tea ware selection. Many tea houses still retain antique wooden furniture and dim lighting, creating an atmosphere where time seems frozen. Additionally, Jiufen's tea houses are relatively affordable—an average spend of NT$200-500 for tea and snacks, far lower than tea houses of comparable quality in Taipei.
Recommended Spots
1. A-Mei Tea House
Location: No. 143, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
This is the most iconic tea house in Jiufen. With red lanterns, wooden staircases, and elevator access (convenient for elderly visitors), the windows on the third floor overlook the entire old street. The tea menu focuses on Tieguanyin and Dongding Oolong, with snacks including almond tofu, red bean tangyuan, and other traditional treats. The most popular option is the "Old Street View Set" (NT$380-480/person), including one pot of tea and two tea snacks. Extended operating hours (09:30-22:00) even allow you to enjoy the misty mountain town night views in the evening.
2. Tea House
Location: No. 7, Shulun Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
A serene tea house hidden deep in the old street's alleyways, with antique furnishings and walls adorned with vintage tea canisters. The owner personally selects and brews the tea, providing detailed explanations of each pot's tea origin and production process. Perfect for visitors who truly want to delve into Taiwanese tea. Average spending around NT$250-350, serving from 10 AM to 7 PM.
3. Yueluo Tea House
Location: No. 134, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
A relatively younger tea house (established about 15 years), blending traditional and modern design styles. Its specialty lies in the "tea pairing" service, recommending seasonal specialty tea selections based on guests' tastes, paired with local handmade snacks (such as sesame cake and mung bean cake). The window seats offer expansive views, perfect for photos and social media posts. Average spending NT$300-450, operating 09:30-21:30.
4. Zhuxuan Tea House
Location: No. 101, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
A smaller family-operated tea house specializing in Dancong tea, with the operator having deep research on Chaozhou Oolong. Offers tasting experiences of rare aged teas, suitable for tea collectors or visitors looking to elevate their tea appreciation. Average spending NT$280-380, with quieter tea-tasting golden hours on weekday afternoons from 2-6 PM.
Useful Information
Transportation: From Taipei, take the Taiwan Railway to Ruifang Station (about 40 minutes), then transfer to a Ruifang bus to Jiufen (about 15 minutes), and get off at the Jiufen Old Street stop. Drivers can park at the parking lot and walk up the mountain.
Operating Hours: Most tea houses operate between 09:00-22:00, but some family-operated tea houses may close earlier (around 19:00-20:00). It's recommended to verify in advance.
Payment Methods: Both cash and mobile payment (LINE Pay, Apple Pay) are accepted, though some long-established establishments still prefer cash. Most tea houses use "per-person pricing" or "snacks charged separately," so be sure to clarify when ordering tea.
Best Visiting Seasons: Spring tea (March-May) and autumn tea (September-November) are the prime tea-tasting seasons when tea quality is at its best. Summer (June-August) sees many tourists but relatively lower tea quality, while winter is quieter, suitable for visitors who enjoy peaceful tea tasting.
Travel Tips
— Allow Sufficient Time: Tea tasting should not be rushed. It's recommended to spend 45 minutes to 1 hour at each tea house, savoring the rhythm of the old street.
— Avoid Peak Hours: Weekends and national holidays see peak customer flow from 1-5 PM. It's recommended to visit on weekdays or head up the mountain right when doors open at 9:30 AM. With increasing Chinese tourists, tea house seats are often full, so early birds get the advantage.
— Bring Cash: Although payment options are diverse, ATMs are scarce on the old street. It's recommended to prepare sufficient cash beforehand.
— Tea Etiquette: In Taiwanese tea houses, guests tapping the teacup lid three times signifies "thank you" to the tea master—this is basic etiquette worth learning.
— Buy Tea to Take Home: Many tea houses also sell tea leaves. If you enjoy what you taste, you can purchase some to brew at home. Jiufen's tea prices are relatively 15-25% cheaper than Taipei's urban area, making them a great souvenir choice.
