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Jiufen Old Street
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Landmark
Jiufen Old Street, tucked away in the mountains of Ruifang District, is a historic former gold mining town famous for its nostalgic atmosphere and impressive coastal views. The town reached its peak during the Japanese colonial era following the discovery of gold in 1893, earning it the nickname 'Little Hong Kong.' After the mines closed in 1971, Jiufen transformed into a cultural destination, gaining international fame after featuring in Hou Hsiao-hsien's award-winning film 'A City of Sadness.' Its narrow, winding alleys, most notably Shuqi Road, are lined with traditional teahouses, food stalls, and red lanterns that create a mystical evening glow. Many visitors believe the town's architecture inspired the settings of Hayao Miyazaki's animated masterpiece 'Spirited Away.' Culinary highlights include the famous taro balls and herbal rice cakes, which have been local staples for decades. Today, Jiufen is a premier spot for experiencing Taiwan's rich history and dramatic scenery overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
- Location: Taiwan
- Top sights: RAIL BIKE · Jingyudong · Jilongshan
- Nearby: Keelung (12 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 17 | 18 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 24 | 22 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 99 | 92 | 131 | 126 | 228 | 262 | 162 | 263 | 252 | 116 | 115 | 100 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Jiufen Old Street is freely accessible at any time, with narrow alleys and teahouses to explore. Most shops and stalls are open during the day.
Typical hours
Most shops open around 10 AM and close late in the evening. Weekends and holidays may have extended hours.
Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere; the alleys offer great subjects. Shots in fog or at night with lantern light are especially atmospheric.
Time needed
Allow about two to three hours for a leisurely stroll and a tea visit. Those who also want to hike nearby trails should budget more time.
Combine with
Combine with the nearby Gold Museum or a hike up Keelung Mountain. The north coast of Taiwan is also worth seeing.
Getting there
Jiufen is reachable by bus or train from Taipei; the trip takes about an hour. The town is on a hill, so be prepared for many stairs.
Insider tip
Visit Jiufen on a weekday to avoid crowds. Be sure to try local specialties like taro balls.
Geography
Facts
- Gold was discovered in 1893 by a local railway worker.
- The town was once a major supplier of camphor for the global market.
- Shengping Theater was established in 1934 and later restored.
- Jiufen experienced a tourism boom in the 1990s.
- The local food trail includes taro balls, fish balls, and glutinous cakes.
- The view from the top overlooks the Yin-Yang Sea.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Jiufen Old Street (9)
National Museum of Marine Science & Technology🏛 museum
The National Museum of Marine Science & Technology features extensive interactive exhibits on ocean conservation, housed in a strikingly modern architectural complex.
🌐 nmmst.gov.tw🕒 Tu-Fr 09:00-17:00; Sa-Su 09:00-18:00
i OCEAN🏛 museum
i OCEAN is an advanced marine education center combining live aquatic displays with cutting-edge digital projections of underwater ecosystems.
🌐 iocean.nmmst.gov.tw🕒 Mo-Fr 09:00-17:00
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is Jiufen so famous?
For its nostalgic atmosphere and teahouses.
Are there typical foods?
Yes, try the taro balls.
When is the best time to visit?
Weekdays to avoid the crowds.
Is there evening entertainment?
Yes, the lit lanterns are very atmospheric.
How to get there from Taipei?
The easiest way is by bus.
Jiufen Old Street: where is it located?
Jiufen Old Street is located in Taiwan.
Jiufen Old Street: what is there to see?
Highlights include RAIL BIKE, Jingyudong, Jilongshan.
Jiufen Old Street: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Nov, Dec.
Jiufen Old Street: why is it worth visiting?
Jiufen Old Street, tucked away in the mountains of Ruifang District, is a historic former gold mining town famous for its nostalgic atmosphere and impressive coastal views.
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