Discovering Jiufen
Taiwan’s Mountain Town Full of Magic, Mist & Memories
Tucked into the lush hills of northern Taiwan, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, lies the enchanting village of Jiufen (九份)—a place where time seems to pause, lanterns glow softly in the twilight, and the aroma of sweet taro balls and herbal tea floats through narrow alleys. Often described as a “living postcard,” Jiufen is more than just a stop on a tourist trail—it’s a sensory journey through Taiwan’s history, culture, and soul.
For many travelers, Jiufen is love at first sight.
Originally a small gold mining town during the Japanese occupation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Jiufen’s fortunes faded with the mines. But what was once forgotten has since been reborn as one of Taiwan’s most iconic travel destinations, thanks to its nostalgic charm, vibrant street life, and cinematic beauty. (It’s even rumored to have inspired scenes in Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away—though that’s hotly debated!)
Today, visitors flock here not only for the stunning mountain and sea views but also for the experience: winding alleyways filled with red lanterns, artisan shops, and tea houses perched on hillsides. Whether you’re sipping tea at a century-old teahouse, writing wishes on a sky lantern in nearby Shifen, or simply watching the fog roll over the mountains, Jiufen invites you to slow down and savor each moment.
But Jiufen isn’t just a pretty face. Behind its Instagrammable corners lies a rich cultural tapestry—woven from indigenous roots, Japanese influence, and Taiwanese resilience. From traditional snacks like peanut ice cream rolls to the preserved heritage architecture, everything tells a story.
So, whether you’re a solo explorer, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family looking to dive into Taiwan’s past and present, Jiufen is a place that captures hearts—and lingers in memory long after you’ve left.
How to get to Jiufen from Taipei
Getting to Jiufen from Taipei is quite straightforward and can be done via train, bus, or guided tour. Here are the most popular options:
By Bus (Easiest Direct Route)
Option 1: Bus No. 1062 (Keelung Bus) to Jiufen Old Street
From Taipei: MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station, Exit 2
To: Quanji Temple (get off at Jiufen Old Street Bus Stop)
Duration: ~1.5 hours (Depending on traffic conditions)
Cost: Around NT$100 (~USD $3)
Frequency: Every 15–30 minutes (peak hours)
Pros: Direct, cheap, and easy
Cons: Can get crowded at peak hours (from late morning)
No matter where you are in Taipei, you can take the MRT to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station, which is on the Bannan Line (blue) and Wenhu Line (brown). Once there, take Exit 2 of Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station and turn right. The bus station is located on Fuxing South Road.
Take the MRT from Zhongxiao Fuxing Station to Jiufen and get off at Jiufen Old Street Bus Stop. The bus continues to the final stop – Quanji Temple, and then returns to Taipei along the original route.
Option 2: Bus No. 965 (Taipei Bus) to Jiufen Old Street
From New Taipei: MRT Fuzhong Station, Exit 1
To: Quanji Temple (get off at Jiufen Old Street Bus Stop)
Duration: ~1.5 hours (Depending on traffic conditions)
Cost: Around NT$90 (~USD $3)
Frequency: Every 1 hour
The bus will pass through MRT Ximen Station, Zhonghua Rd Stop and MRT Beimen Station. If you cannot get on the bus at the departure station(New Taipei), it is not recommended to take this bus midway. Because the bus has to travel on the highway, everyone must have a seat. If the bus is full before you board, you will not be able to board.
Train + Local Bus (Scenic & Flexible)
Train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station
Take a local or express train (TRA, not the HSR)
Duration: ~40-60 minutes
Cost: NT$50–80
Bus from Ruifang (bus stop) to Jiufen
Bus: Bus No. 788, 825, 827, 856, 965 or 1062 to Jiufen Old Street
Pros: More scenic and flexible; you can explore Ruifang too
Cons: Requires a transfer
If you plan to go to Ruifang first, the best option is to take a train from Taipei and then take a bus to Jiufen. The train journey from Taipei to Ruifang takes between 40 and 60 minutes, depending on the type of train you take. If you’re travelling on a local train, you don’t need to reserve a seat, but a seat is not guaranteed. If you want a seat, take an express train and reserve your seat in advance.
Taxi or Car Rental with Driver
Cost: Around NT$1000–1500 one way
Time: ~45 minutes
Ideal for groups or if you’re short on time.
Pros: Fast and door-to-door
Cons: More expensive
■ Private City Transfers between Taipei and Jiufen or Shifen (From Taipei)
■ Taipei Car Rental with Driver- Customized itinerary (From Taipei) (Chinese/English/Korean/Japanese)
■ Private tour Car Rental with Driver : Jiufen , Pingxi(From Taipei) (Chinese/English/Korean/Japanese)
Day Tour (Most convenient)
Many companies offer half-day or full-day guided tours to Jiufen, often paired with Shifen, Yehliu.
Prices range from NT$700–1500, depending on the itinerary.
Pros: Zero hassle, includes other scenic stops
Cons: Less flexibility
■ Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfall (From Taipei)
■ Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen (From Taipei)
■ Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen with Taiwanese Pastry Making (From Taipei)
■ Houtong Cat Village, Jiufen and Shifen (From Taipei)
■ Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen (From Taipei)
■ Heping Island, Shifen and Jiufen (From Taipei)
■ Jiufen Old Street & Yinyang Sea Half-day Historical & Nature Tour (From Taipei)
Why You Should Join a Day Tour
Why You Should Join a Day Tour to Jiufen, Shifen & Beyond
If you’re planning a trip to Taipei, chances are Jiufen is already on your bucket list. With its nostalgic alleyways, glowing lanterns, and breathtaking mountain views, Jiufen is a must-see. But getting there—and combining it with other iconic spots like Shifen or Yehliu—can be a bit of a hassle if you’re doing it on your own. That’s where a day tour comes in.
Here’s why joining a day tour might be the smartest move for your Taiwan adventure:
Zero Planning, All Fun
Let’s face it—figuring out Taiwan’s local transportation, transfers, and train schedules can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t speak Mandarin. A day tour takes all that stress off your plate. Everything is pre-arranged: your transport, your stops, and even suggestions for where to grab a snack.
If you’re the kind of traveler who loves deep dives and total flexibility, DIY might still be for you. But if you want to see Taiwan’s iconic spots comfortably, efficiently, and stress-free, a day tour to Jiufen and beyond is a fantastic choice. You just show up, and enjoy the ride.
Hassle-Free Transportation
Jiufen, Shifen, and Yehliu aren’t exactly next door to each other. If you try to DIY the trip, you’ll likely need to juggle multiple buses and trains—often with limited signage in English. With a tour, you’re in a comfortable vehicle the entire way, and you won’t have to worry about missing the last bus back to Taipei.
See More in Less Time
Most day tours cover multiple destinations in a single trip. Think:
Jiufen Old Street – tea houses, lantern-lit streets, and scenic views
Shifen – release a sky lantern on the railway tracks
Yehliu Geopark – otherworldly rock formations by the sea
Trying to do all of these on your own in one day? Not easy. With a tour, it’s totally doable—and efficient.
Local Insights & Hidden Gems
Tour guides aren’t just there to herd you from spot to spot. Good ones share local stories, historical facts, food tips, and sometimes even secret photo spots tourists usually miss.
It’s like having a local friend showing you around.
Perfect for Families & Groups
Whether you’re traveling with kids, parents, or friends, a tour keeps everyone on the same schedule. No more arguing over maps or waiting at confusing bus stops. Plus, it’s usually more economical when the cost is split among a group.
Maximize a Short Trip
Only in Taipei for a few days? A day tour helps you pack a lot into one day without it feeling rushed. You’ll leave with great memories—and great photos—without feeling drained by logistics.