This is a complete guide to Taiwan attractions, including opening hours, admission fees, and the best routes.
For more in-depth analysis, view the complete guide.
When it comes to Jiufen, many people first think of Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away, the inspiration behind Yubaba's Bathhouse, and the hillside town with winding stone steps and nostalgic old streets. This mountain town located in Ruifang District, New Taipei City, once thrived due to gold mining and now attracts domestic and international travelers with its deep cultural heritage and nostalgic atmosphere. Jiufen is not large, yet it is full of stories at every turn, with every alley potentially hiding surprises waiting for travelers to discover.
Jiufen's development can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty, when people were already collecting placer gold here. During the Japanese colonial period, the gold mining industry reached its peak, attracting a large number of miners and merchants who settled here, forming a bustling mining settlement. As the mineral resources depleted, Jiufen fell silent for a time until the late 1980s, when the film A City of Sadness was filmed in Jiufen, and with the promotion of literature and art, this mountain town was rediscovered. In recent years, Jiufen has actively integrated creative industries, allowing traditional architecture to collide with modern creativity to spark new sparks, becoming an important window for experiencing Taiwan's mining culture.
When visiting Jiufen, there are several places you absolutely cannot miss. First is A-Mei Teahouse, which is believed to be the inspiration behind Yubaba's Bathhouse in Spirited Away. With red lanterns hanging high and ancient wooden architecture, it feels like stepping through time. The teahouse serves traditional gongfu tea and Japanese sweets, and sitting by the window on the second floor offers a view of the mountain town's nighttime scenery with an excellent atmosphere.
Next is Shengping Theater, one of the oldest theaters in Taiwan, built in the 1950s, which was once an important venue for miners' leisure and entertainment. Today, the theater interior preserves old-style projectors and nostalgic posters, showing classic Taiwanese films and allowing people to experience a rich nostalgic atmosphere. Admission is free, but separate tickets need to be purchased for screenings.
The third recommended destination is Jinguashi Gold Museum, located in Jinguashi, Ruifang District near Jiufen. This was once the largest gold mining area in Asia. Within the park, there are the Benshan No. 5 Mine Tunnel experience, a Gold Exhibition Hall, and a Japanese-style dormitory complex. Visitors can experience the miner's life by going down into the tunnels, or touch the museum's treasure, a 220-kilogram gold brick, which is perfect for family visits. Admission is NT$100, covering most facilities in the park.
The fourth recommendation is Jiufen Old Street, the liveliest area in Jiufen. Narrow stone-stepped alleys are lined with teahouses, taro ball shops, traditional pastry stores, and creative boutiques. Among them, A-Gan-Yi Taro Balls and Lai-A-Po Taro Balls are must-try traditional sweet treats, with chewy texture and abundant toppings, costing approximately NT$50-80 per bowl. The old street also has many specialty craft shops selling handmade accessories, tea sets, and nostalgic knick-knacks, making it a great place to find treasures.
The final recommendation is Houdong Cat Village, located near Houdong Station. This was once a forgotten coal mining settlement that later became famous due to the large number of stray cats. Cat statues and paintings can be seen everywhere in the village, with many cats leisurely strolling through the alleys. Cat-themed shops are also worth visiting. It is about a 15-minute drive from Jiufen, accessible via the Taiwan Railway Pingxi Line to Houdong Station.
There are various transportation options to reach Jiufen. Starting from Taipei, the most convenient way is to take the Taiwan Railway to Ruifang Station (approximately 50 minutes), then transfer to a bus or taxi to Jiufen, about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Keelung Bus Route 1062 directly to Jiufen at the Taipei Metro Zhongxiao Fuxing Station. If driving, Jiufen has paid parking lots, but during holidays, spots are hard to find. It is recommended to leave early or take public transportation.
Most shops on Jiufen Old Street are open from 10 AM to 8 PM, with some teahouses extending into the evening. For admission, Jiufen Old Street itself is free to visit, but if you wish to visit specific attractions such as the Jinguashi Gold Museum, tickets need to be purchased. Overall, Jiufen's prices are moderate. A lunch costs approximately NT$150-300, and souvenirs like taro balls and tea pastries cost approximately NT$100-500.
The best seasons to visit are autumn and winter, with cool and comfortable weather. Especially between November and December, you can often see the stunning sea of clouds swirling over the mountain town. Spring and summer have more rain, so it is recommended to bring rain gear. When traveling on holidays, be sure to book accommodation early or avoid peak hours between 10 AM and 2 PM to stroll the old street at leisure. It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, as Jiufen's terrain mostly consists of stone steps and slopes.
Jiufen's night is more charming than its day. The illuminated red lanterns and mountain town's lights form a unique night view, making it a paradise for many photography enthusiasts. If time permits, consider planning a two-day, one-night itinerary. Explore mining culture and old street charm during the day, and enjoy tea while admiring the scenery at night, experiencing the different facets of this golden mountain town.
