Nestled in the mountain town of Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Jiufen was once a significant gold mining center during the Japanese colonial period. Today, it has transformed into a distinctive scenic area that blends nostalgic architecture, teahouse culture, and mining heritage. Unlike ordinary old streets, Jiufen's value lies in its preservation of a complete hillside settlement structure and mining life memories. This is not a traditional "cultural village," but rather a living mountain town museum.
【Feature Highlights】
Jiufen's architectural clusters are built along the mountainside, forming winding stone-step alleys—a characteristic rarely seen in other old streets in Taiwan. Jishan Street, Qingbian Road, and Shuaiqi Road form the main骨架, preserving the sloped roofs, black tiles, and red brick walls from the Japanese colonial period. Teahouse culture has been revived here, with A-Mei Teahouse and Shengping Theater being top choices for experiencing the mountain town's atmosphere. In the evening, shop lanterns light up, echoing the nightscape of Keelung Port, creating Jiufen's distinctive "mountain town nightscape."
【Recommended Spots】
1. A-Mei Teahouse
Located inside a Japanese-style historic building, renowned for traditional gongfu tea experiences. Tea fees are approximately NT$150-250, where you can savor the local Bao Zhong tea. This was the filming location for "A City of Sadness," and the building preserves Japanese elements such as tatami mats and paper doors. On clear days, you can gaze out toward Keelung Islet. The downside is that it gets extremely crowded on holidays, so visiting on weekday mornings is recommended.
2. Shuaiqi Road Viewing Platform
This steep stone staircase is Jiufen's most iconic scenic axis, with several free viewing points along the way. Arriving before 6 AM allows you to enjoy the mountain town's tranquility alone. From the viewing platform, you can take in a complete view of Keelung Port and Ruifang city area. Wear comfortable shoes—the stairs are quite steep.
3. Jiufen Gold Mining Museum
Admission is NT$150, featuring displays of real mining tools and mine tunnel models, with guided tours available. The museum houses preserved early photographs and documents of miners' daily lives, making it the best place to learn about Jiufen's mining history. Guided tours are offered every hour; plan to spend about one hour here.
4. A-Gan-Yi Taro Balls
A local-recommended traditional taro ball shop, located at the end of Shuaiqi Road. Taro balls start at NT$50, with a chewy texture; the sweet soup can be served cold or hot. Seating is limited, often requiring a wait, but the table turnover is fast. The taro balls here use local ingredients with natural colors rather than chemical dyes.
5. Stroll Along Qingbian Road
A gentle slope connecting Jishan Street and the areas above and below, with relatively fewer tourists. Along the way, you can see well-preserved signs from early general stores and old barbershops—the best route for experiencing Jiufen's daily life. The soft lighting after 4 PM in the evening makes this the ideal time for a stroll.
【Practical Information】
Transportation: Take the Taiwan Railway from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station (approximately 40 minutes), then transfer by bus or taxi. You can also take Keelung Bus from the Zhongxiao Fuxing Station of the metro. Drivers should park at the parking lot near Ruifang Station; vehicles are prohibited from entering Jiufen town center on holidays.
Costs: Most attractions are free to visit; teahouses have a minimum charge of approximately NT$150, and the Gold Mining Museum admission is NT$150. Souvenirs like taro balls and grass rice cakes range from NT$30-80.
Hours: Shops typically start opening after 10 AM; most teahouses operate until 9 PM. The Gold Mining Museum is open from 09:00-17:00 (closed on Mondays).
【Travel Tips】
The best way to avoid crowds is to arrive before 8 AM on holidays, or visit on weekdays. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is essential—the mountain town has many steep stairs. Bringing rain gear during the rainy season is recommended, as the stone steps can become slippery. Souvenir recommendations include taro balls, grass rice cakes, and locally designed mineral water bottles as memorabilia. Accommodation options include guesthouses in Ruifang District, which are considerably more affordable than those in Jiufen town center.
