A trip to Taiwan isn’t complete without visiting Jiufen (九份).
This mountaintop village in New Taipei City, is famous for its red lanterns, misty ocean views, and nostalgic atmosphere. Once a booming gold mining town, today Jiufen is a maze of tea houses, souvenir shops, and steep stairways. It's buzzing by day and glowing by night.
Curious? This guide covers everything from how to get there to the best things to do.
Why Should You Visit Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen was once a gold mining town nicknamed “Little Hong Kong.” Though the mines closed long ago, its charm lives on in the Old Street’s stairways, tea aromas, and alleys shimmering under the golden-red lights of lanterns.
History lingers too through Japanese-era buildings, the Gold Museum in nearby Jinguashi, and the restored Shengping Theater show Jiufen’s layered past. In one compact stop you get heritage, scenery, and food. It's basically Taiwan in a single village.
How To Get to Jiufen From Taipei
There are several ways for you to reach Jiufen from the capital. Each option balances cost and convenience differently.
Getting to Jiufen - Half-Day Options
Option | Duration & Cost | Where to Catch | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
Direct Bus | 1-1.5 hrs (NTD 100 / USD 3) | Taipei: Zhongxiao Fuxing (1062) or Ximen (965) | Cheap and easy, but queues can be long. Avoid last bus. |
Train + Bus | 1 hr train + 15 min bus (NTD 80-150 / USD 2–5) | Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station (bus) | Transfer required at Ruifang. Use an EasyCard for seamless travel. |
Taxi / Uber | 45-60 min (NTD 1,200-1,500 / USD 40-50) | Hail in city or via app | Fast and direct. Mostly cash. Great for small groups. |
Self-drive | 1 hr (rental + gas varies) | Hwy 62 to Route 102 | Freedom to explore, but roads are narrow and parking limited. |
Getting to Jiufen - Full-Day Options
Option | Duration & Cost | Where to Catch | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
9-10 hrs full day (NTD 1,000-1,500 / USD 33-50) | Pre-book online | Easiest option: a Jiufen day tour with multiple sights. Fixed schedule, includes extras. | |
5-10 hrs (NTD 3,000-5,000 / USD 95-160 per car) | Pre-book online | Flexible and comfortable. Door-to-door with driver, customisable itinerary. Best for families. |
When is the Best Time to Visit Jiufen
Jiufen is always open, but shops generally run from 10am-6pm. Some cafes and bars stay later, though by 9-10pm it’s quiet.
Wondering when to plan your Jiufen trip? Here’s what to expect depending on what season and day you might pick.
Best Seasons To Visit Jiufen
When | What to Expect |
|---|---|
Autumn (Sep-Nov) | Best season: mild weather, less rain, colourful sunsets. |
Spring (Mar-May) | Pleasant, occasional drizzle/fog gives Jiufen a mystical feel. |
Winter (Dec-Feb) | Chilly (12-15°C), damp, fewer crowds outside holidays. |
Summer (Jun-Aug) | Warm (25-30°C) but rainiest; misty lantern alleys feel cinematic in showers. |
Best Time of Week & Day to Visit Jiufen
When | What to Expect |
|---|---|
Weekdays (Mon-Thu) | Manageable crowds. Avoid Lunar New Year/major holidays. |
Weekends | Packed with tour groups. Go before 10am or after 6pm to skip the gridlock. |
Afternoon-Evening | Arrive 3-4pm for sunset and lantern glow. By 8-9pm, streets are quiet and romantic. |
Overnight | Stay for peaceful mornings and lantern-lined alleys after tourists leave. |
Best Things To Do in Jiufen
Though Jiufen is small and compact, it’s packed with interesting sights and activities.
If you’re planning a longer trip, you can easily add Jiufen as a trip in your Taipei itinerary. Here are some of the best things to do when visiting this quaint hillside town.
Historic Sights in Jiufen Old Street
1. Shuqi Road Staircase (豎崎路階梯)
Photo: @molly888666 on Instagram
The Shuqi Road Staircase is Jiufen’s most iconic sight, a steep stone lane lined with glowing red lanterns, welcoming tea houses, and bustling souvenir shops. This is the image that defines the Jiufen vibe, with narrow steps winding through a lantern-framed hillside village.
At dusk, the street transforms as lanterns flicker on against the darkening sky, creating the most beautiful sea of lights.
2. Shengping Theater (昇平戲院)
Photo: @brilliant.years on Instagram
Opened in 1914, the Shengping Theater is Taiwan’s oldest surviving cinema and a nostalgic glimpse into Jiufen’s golden days. Tucked just off Old Street, this vintage theatre once entertained miners and their families with movies and stage shows.
Today, it’s free to step inside daily (except Mondays) and browse a small exhibition of old posters, film reels, and wooden seats, offering a charming snapshot of Jiufen’s past as a bustling mining town.
3. City God Temple (城隍廟)
Instagram: @travelleryog on Instagram
The Jiufen City God Temple is a colourful hillside shrine that’s been a spiritual centre for locals since the late 19th century.
Dedicated to the City God, protector of the town, it’s a place where residents still come to pray for peace, prosperity, and safety. Visitors will often see worshippers lighting incense sticks, bowing three times, and placing offerings of fruit or snacks at the altar.
Step inside and you’re greeted by the scent of burning incense and the soft glow of lanterns, creating a calm refuge from Jiufen’s crowded lanes. From the courtyard, the temple opens out to views of Keelung Mountain and the rolling Ruifang hills, a reminder of Jiufen’s quiet hillside setting.
4. Gold Museum (黃金博物館)
Photo: @super.oeo on Instagram
Located in nearby Jinguashi, the Gold Museum is part of the Gold Ecological Park built on a former mining site. It offers a fascinating look into the area’s gold rush past, with underground mining tunnels, interactive exhibits, and preserved workers’ quarters.
A highlight for visitors is the chance to see and touch a colossal 220kg solid gold bar. The museum also provides insight into Japanese-era mining life, making it a rewarding cultural stop beyond Jiufen’s bustling streets.
Tea Houses in Jiufen Old Street
5. A-Mei Tea House (阿妹茶樓)
The A-Mei Tea House (also known as A Mei Teahouse) Jiufen’s most iconic landmark.
It's a multi-storey wooden building draped in glowing red lanterns. Fans of Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away often note its resemblance to the film’s lantern-designed bathhouse scene, with wooden balconies, glowing lights, and a dreamlike atmosphere that feels straight out of an anime.
It’s the perfect spot to settle in for a traditional Taiwanese tea ceremony. The highlight? Sipping tea on the balcony, overlooking Jiufen’s lantern-decorated stairways and the Pacific coast.
6. Hima Café (暇 珈琲)
Photo: @xinyi_5125 on Instagram
Tucked a short walk from Jiufen’s main street, near the police station is Hima Café.
This spot is a modern hideaway with a clean, minimalist décor, featuring pale wood and uncluttered spaces that let the surroundings shine. Its star feature is a floor-to-ceiling picture window that perfectly frames the green hills rolling into the Pacific Ocean, making the café scenic not just for its design, but for the panoramic view it offers.
Sip on freshly brewed coffee, creamy matcha lattes, or indulge in their popular matcha roll cake, all while seated on tatami mats upstairs.
7. Skyline Tea House
Photo: @doughletha on Instagram
Set on the hillside with an open-air terrace, Skyline Tea House offers sweeping views of Keelung Mountain and the East China Sea. On clear days you can spot fishing boats scattered along the coast, while at sunset the sky glows orange.
The atmosphere is relaxed thanks to its quieter setting away from Old Street crowds, wooden tables spaced for comfort, and soft background music. Besides tea, the menu features traditional snacks and light meals, making it a good spot to rest while soaking in the scenery.
Scenic Spots in Jiufen Old Street
8. Qingbian Road (輕便路)
Photo: @larafans on Instagram
Perched above Jiufen’s Old Street, Qingbian Road offers the experience of a panoramic overlook of the coast. From here, you can look down over the lantern-filled stairways, teahouses, and winding alleys, with the mountains and ocean stretching into the distance.
It’s a quieter alternative to the crowded staircases, perfect for capturing wide shots of Jiufen’s glowing lights after dusk.
9. Golden Waterfall (黃金瀑布)
Photo: @samil_shoot on Instagram
Just down the road from the Gold Museum lies the Golden Waterfall. It's a cascade tinted orange and yellow by mineral-rich runoff from the old mines, creating the effect of a golden falls against the rocks. The unusual colours give the water a shimmering golden hue.
It’s a quick but memorable stop for photos and a glimpse of Jiufen’s mining legacy blending with natural scenery.
10. Yin-Yang Sea (陰陽海)
Photo: @lina_huang0309 on Instagram
At the base of the Jinguashi hills, the Yin-Yang Sea is a striking bay where golden-yellow mineral water from the mountains meets the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. The sharp contrast creates a two-toned effect (half golden, half blue) resembling the yin-yang symbol.
This natural wonder is a reminder of Jiufen’s mining past and makes for a dramatic photo stop along the coastal highway. It’s best appreciated from the viewing platform above the bay, where you can see the colours clearly.
Places to Hike in Jiufen
11. Keelung Mountain (基隆山)
Photo: @molly888666 on Instagram
Rising just north of Jiufen, Keelung Mountain is the town’s most recognisable peak. A well-marked stair trail of about 600 steps takes 30-40 minutes to climb, rewarding hikers with panoramic views over Jiufen, Jinguashi, and the Pacific coastline.
It’s a peaceful escape from the crowds below and especially breathtaking on a clear day. The trail is best tackled in autumn or spring, when the weather is cooler and skies are clearer. Aim for sunrise or late afternoon for golden light and fewer people.
12. Teapot Mountain (茶壺山)
Photo: @h.c.h.lee on Instagram
Named for its teapot-shaped rock formation, Teapot Mountain is one of the most rewarding hikes near Jiufen and Jinguashi. The trail winds uphill through lush greenery, taking about 1.5-2 hours one way depending on pace. At the summit, you’ll be treated to the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean, Keelung Mountain, and the Northeast Coast.
The climb is steeper and longer than Keelung Mountain’s, with some rocky sections that may require hands-on scrambling, but the dramatic vistas are well worth the effort. The hike is best in autumn or spring, when temperatures are mild and skies are clearer. For the most stunning light, go in the morning or late afternoon.
Where to Eat in Jiufen Old Street
There is a lot of delicious street food and local specialties to try in Jiufen, making it a paradise for food lovers.
The Old Street is home to several stalls that serve everything from sweet to savoury. Here are some of the best things to eat while visiting Jiufen.
13. Lai Ah Po Taro Balls (賴阿婆芋圓)
Photo: @debstagramer on Instagram
Right on Jiufen Old Street, Lai Ah Po Taro Balls is the most famous stall for Jiufen’s signature dessert. You’ll often see the elderly owner hand-rolling the colourful taro and sweet potato balls at the front. The store offers five flavours of their balls: taro, sweet potato, matcha, purple sweet potato, and sesame.
Served warm in syrup or chilled over shaved ice, the chewy taro balls are comforting, affordable, and a must-try for first-time visitors.
Good to know: Cash only. Queues up to 20 mins at peak times.
14. Ah Gan Yi Taro Balls (阿柑姨芋圓)
Photo: @micchon.424 on Instagram
Tucked up a stairway above Old Street, Ah Gan Yi Taro Balls is the main rival to the famous Lai Ah Po Taro Balls, and locals often debate which stall makes the better dessert. Here, the chewy taro and sweet potato balls are served in bowls of sweet soup or over shaved ice with taro, peanuts, and red and green beans. It's just as comforting as the original.
What sets this spot apart is its seating area overlooking Jiufen’s stairways and rooftops cascading down the hillside, with views stretching out to Keelung Mountain and the East China Sea. It’s the perfect place to rest your legs and savour the treat while soaking in both the town’s lantern glow and the coastal horizon.
Good to know: Best ocean-view seating in Jiufen. Less crowded if you go before 3pm
15. A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll (阿珠雪在燒)
Photo: @mikyach on Instagram
One of Jiufen’s most beloved snacks, the A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll is as fun to watch being made as it is to eat. Staff shave a block of crunchy peanut brittle into powder, add two scoops of ice cream, sprinkle fresh cilantro, and wrap it all in a paper-thin crepe.
Besides the classic vanilla, you’ll often find variations like taro, peanut, or red bean ice cream. The mix of creamy, crunchy, and herbal flavours is unexpectedly addictive.
Note: NTD 40-50 each (USD 1.3-1.6). Vendors pause for photo ops.
16. Jia Vin Bakery (佳賓餅家-九份店)
Photo: @taipeinavi on Instagram
A Jiufen favourite since the 1970s, Jia Vin Bakery is best known for its freshly baked pineapple cakes and nougat crackers. The sweet, buttery aroma drifts onto Old Street, drawing visitors in to sample treats that make perfect souvenirs.
The shop often offers free tastings, so you can try before you buy. There are a lot of different pastries and treats to sample here, making it a popular stop for visitors.
Good to know: Closes once stock sells out (often before 7pm on weekends). Famous for packaged treats ideal for souvenirs.
17. Shipi 23 Snack Bar (石埤23)
Photo: @food_bf on Instagram
Tucked along Jiufen’s winding lanes, Shipi 23 Snack Bar is a relaxing spot that blends traditional snacks with a relaxed café atmosphere. Popular menu picks include braised pork rice, fish ball soup, stinky tofu, and stir-fried noodles.
It’s less crowded than the main food stands, so you can enjoy local flavours at an unhurried pace. The wooden tables, handwritten menu boards, and warm service give it a homely, lived-in feel, making it popular with travellers looking for a rest stop away from the bustle.
Note: Usually no wait. Good spot for a sit-down snack.
18. Jiufen Street Corner Traditional Cuisine (九份街角傳統小吃)
Photo: @food_hunter68 on Instagram
For a heartier sit-down meal, head to Jiufen Street Corner Traditional Cuisine. This local eatery is known for its freshly made xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). There are a lot of different traditional dishes to choose from, making it a great spot for a full meal. Other favourites include beef noodle soup and pan-fried dumplings.
Its central location means you won’t have to wander far. It’s just a short 2-3 minute walk from the Shuqi Road Staircase. The casual vibe is perfect for resting your feet before continuing up Jiufen’s steep lanes.
Good to know: Meals from NTD 150-250 (USD 5-8). Go early to avoid dumplings selling out.
19. Lao Zhen Xiang Bakery (老珍香餅店)
Photo: @hiprolo on Instagram
A long-standing favourite on Jiufen Old Street, Lao Zhen Xiang Bakery is best known for its pineapple cakes and sun cakes, which are popular souvenirs to take home. The shop also sells traditional Taiwanese pastries like mung bean cakes, all baked fresh with recipes passed down through generations.
Many visitors drop by to sample before buying, and the friendly staff often offer tasters at the entrance.
Good to know: Signature sun cakes are lighter and flakier than most in Taiwan. Lines form quickly around mid-morning when fresh batches come out.
Where to Stay in Jiufen Old Street
Most travellers visit Jiufen on a day trip, but staying overnight is a special experience.
You’ll enjoy streets bathed in a warm amber glow after the crowds leave and quiet mornings before they return.
Jiufen offers plenty of options, from minsu (民宿, family-run bed-and-breakfasts) to guesthouses and hostels, many within walking distance of Old Street.
Here are some of the best stays:
1. Windsor Han-Guan B&B (雲山水含光民宿)
Photo: @windsorbnb on Instagram
Situated on Jiufen’s hillside, Windsor Han-Guan B&B is one of the village’s most popular stays, known for its panoramic views of the East China Sea and Jiufen’s red-lantern-lined stairways and rooftops tiered down the slope. Rooms are stylish yet welcoming, and many have a balcony where you can sip tea while gazing over the coast.
Guests love its location, which is just a minute’s walk from Old Street, making it easy to explore Jiufen. The owners can even help arrange private car pickups, so you can have a smooth travel experience.
2. Something Easy Inn (不厭晴民宿)
Photo: Something Easy Inn on Facebook
Tucked on Jiufen’s slope, Something Easy Inn is a boutique-style homestay with a simple, contemporary design that feels calm and uncluttered. Rooms are clean and modern, many with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies overlooking Keelung Mountain and the East China Sea.
The inn’s peaceful setting is just far enough from Old Street to escape the bustle, yet only about a 5-7 minute walk away. It’s a great choice if you want to enjoy a quiet retreat without losing convenience.
3. Chiu Chunt Dint Inn (九重町客棧)
Photo: @kerokero3939 on Instagram
Set right along Jiufen Old Street, Chiu Chunt Dint Inn is a charming stay that immerses you in the village’s historic atmosphere. The inn combines traditional wooden interiors with modern comforts, and some rooms come with balconies looking out over the sea of lanterns and rooftops.
When you are staying here, you are right in the heart of Jiufen’s lively lanes. You just need to step outside and you’re immediately in the centre of the action. Despite being in the middle of the action, the inn maintains a mellow, nostalgic feel that makes it stand out among Jiufen’s homestays.
4. 95 Pavilion (95行館)
Photo: @keung502 on Instagram
Named after its address at No. 95, 95 Pavilion is a boutique inn that blends refined comforts with traditional Jiufen charm. The accommodation offers stylish, well-equipped rooms, many with balconies overlooking the sea.
Set along Qingbian Road, it’s only a 5-7 minute walk from Old Street yet far enough to feel calm and unhurried. Guests get the best of both worlds. It's a quiet place to stay with easy access to Jiufen’s highlights.
5. On My Way Jiufen Hostel (途中九份青年旅舍)
Photo: @robertkuei on Instagram
For budget travellers, On My Way Jiufen Hostel is one of the most popular choices. It offers clean dormitory beds and private rooms, plus a common area where you can meet fellow travellers.
Located within walking distance of Old Street, the hostel balances convenience with a laid-back, social atmosphere. Dorm beds usually cost around NTD 500-600 (USD 15-20) per night, while private rooms are a budget-friendly alternative to Jiufen’s pricier inns. The hostel features welcoming staff and the chance to swap tips with fellow travellers, making it a good choice if you enjoy a more communal vibe.
6. Good Time B&B (九份 美好時光)
Photo: Good Time B&B on Facebook
Set in a whitewashed art deco-style building, Good Time B&B combines relaxed comfort with stunning views of the East China Sea and Mount Jilung. Staying here offers a unique experience of a traditional B&B in Taiwan, with beautiful views and local hospitality.
Rooms are airy and simply decorated, with en suite bathrooms and large windows framing the scenery. Guests can enjoy complimentary afternoon tea and breakfast in a bright dining room overlooking the coast, or relax in the shared lounge.
FAQs About Visiting Jiufen Old Street
1. Is Jiufen worth visiting on a day trip from Taipei?
Many travellers do Jiufen as a half-day or full-day trip from Taipei, but staying overnight lets you enjoy the quiet mornings and night views after the crowds leave.
2. How long should I spend in Jiufen?
Plan at least 3-4 hours to explore Old Street, tea houses, and food stalls. Add half a day if you want to hike Keelung Mountain or visit nearby spots like the Gold Museum and Golden Waterfall. Consider staying overnight if you don't want to rush through the sights.
3. What time to visit Jiufen Old Street?
Shops usually open 10am-6pm, but the best time is 3-8pm. You’ll catch the sunset, see the lanterns glow, and avoid the heaviest tour crowds.
4. What should I eat in Jiufen Old Street?
Don’t miss Jiufen’s signature taro balls, A-Zhu peanut ice cream rolls, and local pastries like pineapple cakes. There are also plenty of savoury snacks like fish ball soup and braised pork rice.
5. Is Jiufen cash only?
Most street food stalls and small shops are cash-only, though some tea houses and guesthouses may accept cards. It’s best to bring enough cash in NTD, especially coins and small bills.