Jiufen Old Street, a captivating mountain village just an hour away from Taipei, has long been on my travel radar, and it absolutely should be on yours too. Its enchanting atmosphere, often likened to the magical town in Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved animated film Spirited Away, draws visitors from across the globe. While the connection to the movie might be more of a fan fantasy than a factual inspiration, the undeniable charm of Jiufen, with its red lanterns and narrow alleyways, makes it a must-visit destination in Taiwan. During my recent Taiwanese food adventure, I carved out time to explore this hillside gem, and I’m excited to share my experience and guide you through planning your own trip to Jiufen Old Street.
A-Mei Teahouse at Jiufen Old Street with red lanterns glowing warmly.
Jiufen and Spirited Away: Unraveling the Myth
The allure of Jiufen Old Street is undeniably intertwined with the popular belief that it served as the inspiration for Spirited Away. Despite the widespread rumors and visual similarities, it’s important to clarify that Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki himself have never officially confirmed Jiufen as the sole or primary inspiration. Miyazaki has stated that the film’s setting was inspired by various locations around the world.
However, the resemblance is striking, and for fans of Spirited Away, wandering through Jiufen’s lantern-lit streets truly feels like stepping into a real-world version of the onsen town. The red lanterns, the traditional teahouses perched on hillsides, and the overall atmosphere evoke the magical and slightly mysterious ambiance of the anime.
Even if you’re not a Spirited Away enthusiast, Jiufen Old Street holds its own magic. Its unique history, delicious street food, and stunning views make it a worthwhile destination for any traveler exploring Taiwan. As a long-time Miyazaki fan, the Spirited Away connection was a delightful bonus for my visit during my Taiwanese culinary journey. And if you haven’t experienced the wonder of Spirited Away yet, I highly recommend adding it to your watchlist – it’s a cinematic masterpiece!
Planning Your Visit to Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen Old Street is perfectly suited for a day trip from Taipei, requiring approximately 6 to 8 hours to fully immerse yourself in its sights, sounds, and flavors. An overnight stay isn’t essential, but it offers a unique opportunity to experience Jiufen’s tranquility before the daytime crowds arrive or after they depart.
Accommodation Options in Jiufen
While a day trip is common, staying overnight in Jiufen allows you to appreciate the village in a more peaceful setting. Imagine strolling through the old street in the quiet morning hours or enjoying the illuminated lanterns under the night sky without the bustling crowds.
If you’re considering an overnight stay, Jiufen offers a range of charming guesthouses and boutique hotels. These accommodations often provide stunning views and a more intimate experience of the village. Consider booking in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred lodging.
Getting to Jiufen from Taipei: Transportation Guide
Reaching Jiufen from Taipei is convenient, with several transportation options available to suit different preferences and budgets. You can choose from public transport, private car charters, taxis, or shuttle buses.
1. Private Car Charter: Comfort and Convenience
For groups or families, especially those with young children, a private car charter offers the most comfortable and efficient way to travel to Jiufen. Having a dedicated driver for the day allows for flexibility and ease of travel.
Private car services can be pre-booked and often offer various vehicle sizes to accommodate different group sizes. Inquire about child car seat availability if traveling with young children, as they are legally required in Taiwan.
2. Taxi: A Faster Route
Taking a taxi from Taipei to Jiufen is a faster option, with a journey time of under an hour. The cost typically ranges from TWD 1,200 to 1,400 (approximately US$38-45). For groups of four, the cost per person becomes comparable to bus fares, making it a worthwhile choice for speed and convenience.
When taking a taxi, ensure the driver understands your destination. It’s helpful to show them the destination in Chinese characters: 九份老街 (Jiufen Old Street), and even point it out on Google Maps for clarity. While most drivers are familiar with Jiufen, occasional misunderstandings can happen, as my own experience of being mistakenly taken to Keelung Market illustrates!
3. Public Transportation: Budget-Friendly Travel
For solo travelers or couples, public transportation provides the most economical way to reach Jiufen. There are three main public transport options:
- Bus 1062: This direct bus from Taipei to Jiufen takes around 1.5 hours and costs approximately TWD 113. Board Bus 1062 at Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station Exit 2 (Blue Line). Check the Bus 1062 Timetable for departure times, noting the last bus usually departs around 6:40 PM.
- Bus 965: Bus 965 departs from Ximending MRT Station and runs every 15-20 minutes, costing around TWD 90. The journey to Jiufen takes approximately 80 minutes.
- Train to Ruifang Station + Bus/Taxi: Take a train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang MRT Station. Ruifang is located closer to Jiufen, reducing travel time. From Ruifang, you can then take Bus 965 or a taxi to Jiufen Old Street. A taxi from Ruifang will be significantly cheaper than from Taipei.
EasyCard: For seamless travel on buses and trains in Taiwan, including the Airport MRT, purchase an EasyCard. This rechargeable card simplifies payments – just tap and go! Consider purchasing an EasyCard online for airport pickup for added convenience.
4. Shuttle Bus Tours: Combine Jiufen with Other Attractions
Shuttle bus tours offer a convenient way to visit Jiufen and explore other nearby attractions in a single day. These tours often include destinations like Shifen Waterfall and Shifen Old Street.
Consider these tour options:
- Jiufen Shuttle Bus Tour: Jiufen Shuttle Bus from Ximen, Taipei – This tour focuses on Jiufen, providing direct transport.
- Yehliu, Jiufen, and Shifen Day Tour: Yehliu, Jiufen, and Shifen Day Tour from Taipei – Ideal for maximizing your day and seeing multiple popular spots.
These tours are time-saving, especially if you want to explore beyond Jiufen Old Street, which can be thoroughly explored in a couple of hours.
Returning to Taipei from Jiufen
Getting back to Taipei from Jiufen is straightforward. You can easily reverse the transportation methods mentioned earlier.
Taxis are readily available in Jiufen for the return trip. If you plan to take Bus 1062 back to Taipei, double-check the Bus 1062 Timetable for the last departure time to avoid getting stranded.
Narrow alley in Jiufen Old Street lined with shops and lanterns.
Must-Do Activities in Jiufen Old Street
Once you arrive in Jiufen Old Street, a delightful array of experiences awaits. Here are some top things to do:
- Wander Along Jiufen Old Street: The heart of Jiufen is its narrow, winding old street. Explore the alleyways filled with food stalls, teahouses, souvenir shops, and pottery stores.
- Visit the Iconic A-Mei Teahouse: This is the quintessential Jiufen landmark, the teahouse featured in countless photos.
- Relax in a Traditional Teahouse: Beyond A-Mei, discover other teahouses for a tranquil break and stunning views.
- Indulge in Local Street Food and Snacks: Jiufen is a food lover’s paradise. Sample the local specialties.
- Discover Jiufen’s Gold Mining History: Learn about Jiufen’s past as a prosperous gold mining town.
- Hike Teapot Mountain: For outdoor enthusiasts, enjoy a scenic hike up Teapot Mountain.
1. Explore the Bustling Jiufen Old Street Alleyways
Jiufen Old Street is a vibrant and bustling pedestrian alley, the main artery of the village. Lined with a captivating mix of food vendors, traditional teahouses, quaint souvenir shops, and artisan pottery stores, it’s an immersive sensory experience.
Shops and teahouses line Jiufen Old Street.
Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak hours, as Jiufen Old Street is a popular destination. Embrace the lively atmosphere, navigate the throng, and allow yourself to be drawn into the shops that pique your interest. The charm of Jiufen lies in its lively energy and the treasures you discover within its bustling alleyways.
2. Admire the Famous A-Mei Lantern Teahouse
The A-Mei Teahouse is the visual icon of Jiufen Old Street. Its multi-story wooden structure, adorned with vibrant red lanterns, is perched slightly off the main street, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
A-Mei Teahouse at dusk with lanterns illuminated.
From the teahouse balcony, you can admire Keelung Mountain to the east and the Northern coast of Taiwan to the west. While incredibly picturesque, A-Mei Teahouse is often crowded.
3. Find Serenity in a Local Teahouse
While A-Mei Teahouse is the most photographed, Jiufen boasts numerous other teahouses, often offering a more relaxed and less crowded experience.
I opted for a teahouse named “Jiufen Teahouse,” located just off the main alley. From the outside, it appeared unassuming, but inside, it revealed a beautiful interior with a lovely open balcony at the back.
Interior of Jiufen Teahouse with traditional decor.
Balcony view from Jiufen Teahouse overlooking the mountains.
We were fortunate to find it relatively quiet and secured a table on the balcony. While perhaps not as dramatically positioned as A-Mei, the view was still captivating, and the tranquil ambiance made for a delightful tea break.
4. Savor Jiufen’s Delicious Street Food
Taiwanese street food is renowned, and Jiufen Old Street is a fantastic place to sample local delicacies. Here are some must-try food items:
Lu Rou Fan and Fishball Noodles at a Jiufen food stall.
- Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan): A Taiwanese comfort food staple, Lu Rou Fan consists of braised pork belly in a rich, savory sauce served over rice. Learn more about Lu Rou Fan in my Taiwanese Food Guide.
- Taro Ball Soup: A signature Jiufen dessert, taro balls are chewy and flavorful, made from taro root. Enjoy them hot or cold, often served with sweet beans.
Bowl of Taro Ball Soup in Jiufen Old Street.
- A-zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll: A popular Jiufen snack, this features shaved peanut candy and scoops of ice cream wrapped in a thin crepe. The combination of textures and flavors is unique and delicious.
For more culinary adventures in Taipei, check out my guide to must-eat foods in Taipei, including night market delights.
5. Delve into Jiufen’s Gold Mining Heritage
Before becoming a tourist hotspot, Jiufen thrived as a gold mining town during the World War era. As you explore, look for remnants of this history, such as old mining tunnels. One tunnel entrance is located near A-Mei Teahouse, serving as a unique entryway to the Taiwan Sweet Potato Teahouse.
For a deeper understanding of Jiufen’s mining past, visit the Jiufen Gold Ore Museum.
Entrance to a mining tunnel in Jiufen Old Street.
6. Hike Up Teapot Mountain for Panoramic Views
For outdoor enthusiasts, Teapot Mountain offers a rewarding hiking experience near Jiufen. Bus 1062, which connects Taipei and Jiufen, also stops at Quanji Temple, the trailhead for Teapot Mountain. Disembark at Quanji Temple to begin your hike.
Explore Beyond Jiufen: Nearby Destinations
Jiufen Old Street itself can be explored relatively quickly, making it ideal to combine your visit with other attractions in the area. Consider these nearby destinations:
- Keelung Night Market: One of Taiwan’s most famous night markets, Keelung is a short 15-minute drive from Jiufen. Visit in the late afternoon or evening to experience its vibrant food scene.
- Shifen Waterfall and Old Street: Shifen Waterfall is a stunning natural attraction, and Shifen Old Street is known for its sky lanterns.
Consider a Shifen, Jiufen, and Keelung Bus Tour to see these highlights efficiently.
- Yehliu Geopark: Located on Taiwan’s north coast, Yehliu Geopark is famous for its unique rock formations shaped by erosion. A must-visit for nature lovers.
The Yehliu Geopark, Shifen, and Jiufen Shuttle Bus provides convenient transport to these locations.
Jiufen Old Street: Is It Worth Visiting? My Verdict
Jiufen Old Street is undeniably a popular tourist destination, and yes, it can get crowded. During my visit, the narrow alleyways were packed with people, as you can see in the photos. Jiufen is also relatively small, so you can explore the main areas in a few hours.
However, despite the crowds, I wholeheartedly believe Jiufen Old Street is worth a visit. It possesses a unique charm, and beyond the main thoroughfare, quieter alleys await discovery. We ventured off the beaten path and found peaceful corners with hardly any other visitors.
Manage your expectations – don’t anticipate crowd-free photos at such a well-known spot. Embrace the experience with an open mind, and you’ll likely find yourself captivated by Jiufen’s magic. If you truly desire a less crowded experience, consider an overnight stay and explore the village in the early morning.
And with its convenient location just an hour from Taipei, Jiufen Old Street is easily accessible and a fantastic addition to any Taiwan itinerary.
