About Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen was a gold mining townin the early days, and was known as the “Golden Mountain City”. It was prosperous due to the influx of gold miners, but later the gold mining declined and it became quiet. If you are interested, you can take a bus to Jinguashi Gold Museum. Locals come to the Gold Museum to touch the huge gold, hoping that every year will bring more wealth. There are three places in the Gold Museum where you can purchase additional experience tickets, such as gold panning , mining tunnel , and little train experience.
Jiufen is known for its charming streets, traditional tea houses, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Nestled along the mountainside of Jishan Mountain, Jiufen has a rich history that dates back to the Gold Rush Era of the late 19th century, when it was a thriving mining town. Today, it is one of Taiwan’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors with its nostalgic atmosphere, traditional architecture, and breathtaking scenery.
The town’s narrow, winding streets are lined with colorful teahouses, street vendors, and small shops selling local handicrafts and snacks. Jiufen’s unique mix of old-world charm and modern-day tourism has earned it a reputation as a “mini Kyoto” or a “Taiwanese San Francisco” due to its steep terrain and scenic views. It’s often celebrated for its atmospheric streets, lantern-lit alleys, and views that stretch over the ocean, particularly at sunset.
How long should I spend in Jiufen?
Jiufen is half a day trip from Taipei. You can take bus No. 1062 directly to Jiufen, which takes about 2.5 hours round trip. You only need 3 hours to enjoy and explore Jiufen.
Best Things to Do in
Jiufen’s Old Street is a must-visit for anyone exploring the town. This bustling pedestrian street is filled with traditional shops, tea houses, and food stalls. Here, you can sample local delicacies like taroko (sweet taro balls), peanut brittle, and taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries filled with sweet fillings).
Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen Old Street is located in a narrow and winding alley on the hillside. There are different kinds of shops in the winding alleys, such as tea houses, traditional food and souvenir shops, etc. I recommend going to Jiufen on weekdays because it can be very crowded on weekends and public holidays. The crowds in the winding alleys are a bit unbearable. Most restaurants and shops are open until about 7pm. If you don’t live in Jiufen, it is recommended that you take the bus back to Taipei before 6pm.
Shengping Theater
Shengping Theater was built in 1931 for drama performances and film screenings. It was the most important entertainment center for the general public in the Jinjiu area at that time. It is free entry. The big screen in the theater regularly broadcasts documentaries, Jiufen history and old Taiwanese movies.
Tea Houses
Jiufen is famous for its traditional tea houses, where visitors can experience Taiwanese tea culture. The A-Mei Tea House, perched on the edge of the mountain, is one of the most iconic. Many of the tea houses offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and ocean, providing a peaceful retreat to enjoy the ritual of tea brewing.
Jiufen Viewpoints
The town is renowned for its stunning viewpoints, where visitors can look out over the Pacific Ocean and the nearby mountains. The views are especially mesmerizing at sunset when the golden light casts a magical glow over the town and the surrounding landscape.
Golden Waterfall
A short drive from Jiufen, you’ll find the Golden Waterfall, a natural wonder with water that appears golden due to high levels of iron and minerals in the water. It’s a beautiful spot for photography and a quick stop during your visit to Jiufen.
Old Mining District
Jiufen’s history is rooted in gold mining, and remnants of the old mining district can still be seen throughout the town. Many visitors come here to explore the abandoned mines and learn about the town’s historical significance during the gold rush.
Cultural and Art Exhibitions
Jiufen’s old streets and buildings are filled with traditional and contemporary art exhibits. You can discover local art, crafts, and historical exhibitions throughout the town, making it a great destination for culture and history enthusiasts.
Eat in Jiufen
賴阿婆芋圓 Taro Balls
阿柑姨芋圓 Taro Balls
阿蘭草仔粿 Hakka Rice Cake
阿妹茶樓 Teahouse
九份茶坊 Teahouse
Opening Hours
Opening Hours: Most restaurants and shops are open until about 7pm.
Price
Cost: Free Entrance
The Best Time to Visit
I recommend going to Jiufen on weekdays because it can be very crowded on weekends and public holidays. The crowds in the winding alleys are a bit unbearable.
The best times to visit Jiufen are during the spring and fall months when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for walking around the town. The mild weather allows you to enjoy the outdoor viewpoints and attractions without being too hot or cold. Jiufen is also known for its evening ambiance, with street lights and lanterns creating a magical atmosphere in the old streets. Visiting in the late afternoon or evening allows you to experience the town’s beauty at both sunset and night.
How to get to?
Day Tour From Taipei (klook)
■ Shifen Sky Lantern Experience (Colorful Sky Lantern Voucher) Shifen old street
■ Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfall
■ Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen
■ Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen with Taiwanese Pastry Making
■ Houtong Cat Village, Jiufen and Shifen
■ Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen
■ Heping Island, Shifen and Jiufen
■ Jiufen Old Street & Yinyang Sea Half-day Historical & Nature Tour
Car Rental with Driver From Taipei (klook)
■ From Taipei: Taipei Car Rental with Driver- Customized itinerary (Chinese/English/Korean/Japanese)
■ From Taipei: Private tour Car Rental with Driver : Jiufen , Pingxi (Chinese/English/Korean/Japanese)
By MRT + Bus
Take the MRT to MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing ( Exit 2) → then take Bus No. 1062
After exiting Zhongxiao Fuxing Station (Exit 2), you will see the bus station on Section 1, Fuxing South Road on your right.
Bus No. 1062 (about 70 minutes)
From: MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing station
You must get off at Jiufen Old Street station
Bus No. 1062 Timetable
MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing to Jiufen:
First bus on weekdays 08:10
First bus on weekends 07:50
CyuanJi Temple (Pass by Jiufen) to MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing:
Last 3 buses on weekdays 18:05, 18:20, 18:35
Last 3 buses on weekends 18:35, 19:35, 20:40
Pease check their official website before you go.
Because you are not familiar with transportation, your round trip could take up to 4 hours. If you live in Taipei, I recommend taking a day tour. This way you can have fun without worrying about which station to get off and transfer to another bus, and then you can sleep peacefully on the car.
🔥ChiaTe Pineapple Cake / Delivery or Airport Pickup
■ ChiaTe Bakery Pineapple Pastry-Delivery(Home / Hotel) / Airport Pickup (klook)
Prepare your trip to Taiwan?✈️Buy discounted tickets in advance (Klook)
■ EasyCard and SIM Card Package
■ Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket
■ Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus
■ National Palace Museum Ticket
■ Taipei Fun Pass (Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Taipei MRT, city buses, and 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle)
■ Taipei Transport Fun Pass (Taipei MRT, city buses, 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes, and Maokong Gondol)
■ Taipei Metro (MRT) Day Pass
■ (Taiwan Pass) HSR + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket for non-Taiwanese Discounts or Buy 1 Get 1
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Joint Ticket
■ (Taiwan Pass) Taiwan Railways + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle