How to Reach Jiufen in Taiwan
Jiufen is a charming mountainous town located in the northeastern part of Taiwan. Famous for its narrow alleys, traditional tea houses, and stunning views, Jiufen is a must-visit destination for travelers.
Jiufen
Jiufen is a charming mountain village located in the northeastern part of Taiwan. Known for its narrow alleys, quaint tea houses, and stunn…
Best for you if…
- A long weekend
- Walkable sightseeing
- Cultural exploration travelers
- Food tasting travelers
- Visiting in Spring and Autumn
More about this guide
Jiufen is a strong pick for cultural exploration & food tasting — plan about 2-3 days, with sights close enough to walk between. Peak season: Spring and Autumn.
Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 90/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)
Packed density — Lots to see in a compact city footprint.
50
Places to explore
2-3
Recommended days
Spring and Autumn
Best season
8
Nearby places
Find nearby destinations
When to go
High season: Spring and Autumn
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Best months for lower-cost travel: January · February · September · October
Weather
Autumn
20-25°C
Spring
15-25°C
Summer
25-30°C
Winter
10-15°C
How to get there
By Bus
One of the most convenient ways to reach Jiufen is by bus. From Taipei, you can take a direct bus from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station or Songshan Station. The journey takes approximately one hour, depending on the traffic. Buses run regularly throughout the day, so you can easily plan your trip.
By Train and Bus
If you prefer a combination of train and bus, you can take a train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station. The train ride takes around 40 minutes. From Ruifang Station, you can then catch a local bus to Jiufen, which takes about 15 minutes. The bus stop is conveniently located just outside the train station.
By Taxi
If you prefer a more private and direct mode of transportation, you can opt for a taxi. Taxis are readily available in Taipei, and you can negotiate a fare with the driver to take you directly to Jiufen. However, this option can be more expensive compared to taking public transportation.
By Private Tour
If you prefer a hassle-free experience, you can also join a private tour to Jiufen. Many tour operators in Taipei offer day trips to Jiufen, providing transportation, guided tours, and the opportunity to explore other nearby attractions. This option is ideal for those who prefer a more structured itinerary and want to make the most of their visit.
Whichever mode of transportation you choose, reaching Jiufen is relatively easy and well worth the journey. Once you arrive, you can immerse yourself in the nostalgic atmosphere, wander through the bustling streets, and indulge in local delicacies while enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and sea.
Getting to know Jiufen
Jiufen is a charming mountain village located in the northeastern part of Taiwan. Known for its narrow alleys, quaint tea houses, and stunning ocean views, Jiufen is a popular tourist destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
The village is famous for its nostalgic atmosphere, which takes visitors back to a bygone era. Jiufen was originally a gold mining town during the Japanese colonial period and became a prosperous area due to the discovery of gold. Today, remnants of this mining era can still be seen in the historic buildings and narrow streets lined with retro-style shops.
One of the major highlights of Jiufen is its bustling night market. The market is filled with an array of local street food, traditional crafts, and souvenirs, making it a paradise for food lovers and shopaholics alike. Visitors can savor delicious snacks such as taro balls, pineapple cakes, and stinky tofu while exploring the vibrant atmosphere of the market.
For those seeking a glimpse of Jiufen's natural beauty, the village offers stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountains. The famous A-Mei Tea House, perched on a hilltop, provides an excellent vantage point where visitors can sip tea while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
In addition, Jiufen has attracted attention from international tourists for its resemblance to the famous Japanese animated movie "Spirited Away." The iconic red lanterns that line the alleys and the whimsical architecture contribute to the enchanting ambiance, evoking a sense of wanderlust.
Overall, Jiufen is a captivating place that captures the essence of Taiwan's rich history and cultural heritage. With its stunning views, vibrant night market, and nostalgic atmosphere, it is no wonder that Jiufen continues to attract travelers from around the world.
Pre-trip checklist
Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking uphill
- Try local street food like taro balls and tea eggs
- Visit the Jiufen Old Street during weekdays to avoid crowds
Places worth exploring
50 places mapped for this destination
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Walking loops
Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.
Evening stroll 1
~1.2 km · 4 places
Evening stroll 2
~0.5 km · 2 places
Evening stroll 3
~1.1 km · 4 places
Half-day loop 1
~2.6 km · 5 places
Half-day loop 2
~2.5 km · 5 places
Half-day loop 3
~1.5 km · 5 places
Half-day loop 4
~5.2 km · 5 places
Full-day loop 1
~6 km · 7 places
Full-day loop 2
~5 km · 7 places
Full-day loop 3
~3.3 km · 7 places
Suggested 2-day outline
Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.
Day 1
~3.2 km path
Day 2
~6.6 km path
Frequently asked questions
Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.
How many days do you need in Jiufen?
Most travelers spend about 2-3 days in Jiufen, Taiwan.
When is the best time to visit Jiufen?
High season is typically Spring and Autumn.
Which months are more budget-friendly in Jiufen?
Travelers often find better value in January, February, September, October.
What kind of trip is Jiufen good for?
Jiufen suits Cultural exploration, Food tasting, Shopping, Nature sightseeing.
Is Jiufen walkable?
Lots to see in a compact city footprint.
Any local tips for Jiufen?
Wear comfortable shoes for walking uphill
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