This former gold mining town on Taiwan's northeast coast has narrow lanes with red lanterns, colonial-era buildings, and hillside tea houses that look out across the Pacific Ocean.
Jiufen, a former gold mining town in northeastern Taiwan, sits on a mountainside 40 km from Taipei. The village's Old Street features narrow alleys lined with red lanterns, street food stalls, and buildings from the Japanese colonial era. In Jiufen, you can walk through bustling market streets, drink tea in houses overlooking the sea, hike Teapot Mountain, or visit the Golden Waterfall nearby.
Getting to Jiufen from Taipei
You can reach Jiufen from Taipei in about 1-2 hours. Take the train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station, then transfer to a local bus for the final leg to Jiufen. Alternatively, catch bus 1062 directly from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT station in Taipei to Jiufen Old Street. For more flexibility, consider hiring a taxi or joining a guided tour.
Exploring Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen Old Street forms the center of the village. This narrow, winding alley contains numerous shops, food stalls, and tea houses. As you walk along the stone steps, you'll encounter vendors selling local specialties like taro balls, peanut ice cream rolls, and grilled Taiwanese sausages. The street gets crowded, especially on weekends, so arrive early in the morning or stay until evening to experience a calmer atmosphere.
Tea Houses with a View
Visit one of Jiufen's hillside tea houses to rest and look out over the coast. A-Mei Tea House, with its red lanterns and multi-tiered structure, has become a symbol of Jiufen. For a more traditional experience, try Jiufen Teahouse, where you can sample various Taiwanese teas in a wooden interior.
Nearby Attractions
If you have extra time, consider visiting the Golden Waterfall, located about 10 minutes from Jiufen by car or taxi. The waterfall's orange color comes from the mineral deposits left by former mining operations. Teapot Mountain offers a challenging trail with views of the coastline and surrounding mountains. The hike takes about 4 hours round trip.
When to Visit
You can visit Jiufen year-round, but expect frequent rain, especially from October to March. Summers are hot and humid, while winters can be cool due to the mountain location. To avoid the largest crowds, plan your visit on a weekday. If you stay overnight, you can experience the Old Street early in the morning or in the evening when day-trippers have left.
Historical Context
Jiufen's history as a gold mining town dates back to the Qing Dynasty. The town experienced a gold rush during the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945), leading to rapid development. After World War II, mining activities declined, and Jiufen became nearly abandoned. The town gained renewed interest in the 1990s after being featured in several films, including the award-winning "A City of Sadness."
