Magical Jiufen in Taiwan: 5 must-see attractions!
- Noa
Jiufen is a picturesque and charming village located in the mountains of northern Taiwan, an hour’s drive from Taipei. The village was once a gold mining town, and has developed into a tourist destination thanks to its stunning mountain-to-sea views, narrow alleys, and excellent Chinese food. If you are planning a visit to Taiwan, Jiufen is a place you should not miss!
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Table of Contents
Renting a car and arriving at Jiufen
It is best to rent a car in Taipei and take an amazing trip around Taiwan. The town is an hour’s drive from Taipei, so it is a perfect destination to start your trip with! You can rent a car at local agencies, or with companies like Expedia and Kayak.
Beyond that, you can take a bus from Taipei, which takes about an hour, or arrive with an organized day trip.
Recommended hotels in Jiufen
There are plenty of affordable places to stay in the village! Here are some highly recommended places, from low to high budget:
A cozy and comfortable hostel at really good prices.
Rating of 8.9 on Booking.com
Excellent location Capsule rooms for singles or couples Sea view
Book now ￬
A small and charming boutique hotel located in the center.
Rating of 9.0 on Booking.com 10 minutes walk from the old town Private rooms – suitable for couples or families Breakfast included
Book now ￬
A magical place with stunning and luxurious rooms!
Rating of 9.3 on Booking.com Convenient and recommended location Super spacious and luxurious rooms Includes an excellent breakfast
Book now ￬
Jiufen attractions
First of all, it’s fun to just wander around the alleys there! In addition, here are the most worthwhile attractions in the area:
Jiufen Old Street
This is the heart of the town. It is a very long, winding, narrow alley filled with street food stalls, souvenir shops, and traditional tea houses. Here you can sample local food such as taro balls, pineapple cakes, and fresh seafood.
Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock
Shanau Rock is a famous attraction in the area and is located a fifteen-minute drive from the town. The rock looks like an elephant’s trunk and offers a magical view of the ocean.
Teapot Mountain Trail
One of the most famous trails in the area. It is called the Teapot Trail because of the huge teapot-shaped rock at the top of the mountain. The trail is a bit challenging and takes about an hour to reach the top, but the views you will see up the trail are worth every drop of sweat!
Shifen Waterfall
Shipan Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the country. The wide waterfall rises 20 meters high and is surrounded by beautiful jungle vegetation. You can walk along the observation bridge that leads directly in front of the waterfall, or simply sit by the water and relax to the sound of the flowing water.
Shifen Old Street
Not far from Shipan Falls, there is the Old Shipan Street. This is a picturesque street built along old railway tracks. You will find a variety of food stalls, local shops and flying paper lanterns. Visitors here enjoy the ancient tradition of releasing paper lanterns with wishes written into them into the sky.
Day trips to Jiufen from Taipei
If you’d prefer to explore the area on a day trip from Taipei, here are some recommended tours with Viator.
A day trip to all the beautiful places, combining the village with the natural wonders of the famous Yehliu Geopark and the Pingshi village with its flying paper lanterns.
Private visit to the magical sites of northern Taiwan Traditional releasing of wishing lanterns over Pingxi Also available in Geofen
Book now ￬
On this trip, you will discover northern Taiwan in comfort and privacy on a perfect tour that includes stops at the most special and beautiful places!
Private tour of your choice in the most beautiful areas of northern Taiwan Choice of three routes including Yiliu, Haotong or Yangmingshan Park Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup
Book now ￬
Tea houses in town
The teahouses throughout the town are an integral part of the visiting experience! They are decorated in a traditional and relaxed atmosphere, with perfect views of the sea and mountains.
Jiufen Teahouse
A magical and ancient place that combines local art with a traditional tea experience. Its unique structure is decorated with antiques, artwork and a peaceful atmosphere. Here you can sit on open balconies, drink carefully prepared traditional tea, and experience moments of peace in front of the stunning mountain views of the area.
A-Mei Teahouse
One of the most popular teahouses, thanks to its unique construction, inspired by traditional architecture. Many identify it with the film “Amazing Journey”, which has made it a pilgrimage destination for film fans. On the charming terrace of the place you can enjoy a cup of quality tea while watching the views of the town and the sea below.
After Jiufen
If you haven’t been to the capital yet – a trip to Taipei is an amazing city with lots of cool attractions. If you feel like delving deeper into the lesser-known sides of the island, Hengchun is a stunning destination, full of nature and not far from Kaohsiung – which is also a highly recommended destination in southern Taiwan.
Jiufen FAQs
What is a must-do in Jiufen?
First of all, the old street! It is also recommended to visit one of the ancient teahouses and go to one of the sea lookouts.
How to get to Jiufen from Taipei?
The easiest way to get there is by direct bus from Songshan Station or Taipei Main Station. You can also rent a car or take an organized tour from Taipei.
What is the weather like in Jiufen and when is the best time to visit?
The town tends to be rainy and humid most of the year, so it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella. The recommended months to visit are September-November, when temperatures are comfortable.
What’s so special about the town?
It is a picturesque mountain village with narrow alleys filled with tea shops, street stalls and perfect sea views. The place is also famous for being the inspiration for Miyazaki’s film “Spirited Away”!