Jiufen is a charming village that grew around the gold mining trade in the green mountains of northern Taiwan. Traditional multi-level teahouses provide spectacular views of the rolling hills, while rickety historic buildings line the narrow alleys at street level. On a visit to Jiufen, consider how the discovery of gold in these mountains turned a sleepy village into this eclectic town.
Head to the Gold Museum to learn about the horrid work conditions of the miners who first came here. Admire the elegant Japanese architecture in this open-air museum and stroll through the walking paths of nearby Songde Park.
Back in the town center, amble along Jiufen Old Street, stopping at various teahouses and cafés. Many believe this town’s delightful alleys were among the inspirations for the movie Spirited Away. Browse the vintage clothing and search for unusual souvenirs on this meandering avenue.
To find out about the latest activities in the town, stop to chat with a staff member at the Jiufen Visitor Center. Among the popular and traditional activities in the region is flying kites, which you can learn about in the Jiufen Kite Museum.
For a sense of the local culture and history, watch a movie or Taiwanese opera in the Chiufen Shengping Theater, which dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. Enjoy watching some of the latest releases in this old-world setting. The town also has plenty of outdoor activities, with the Mount Keelung Trail and the Shanjian Road Trail favorites for hikers.
Jiufen stands in the heart of the Ruifang District, in the northeastern part of Taiwan. It is 9 miles (14 kilometers) east of Keelung City. Arrive at the Ruifang Train Station and travel by bus east for about 20 minutes to get to the town center. Stay in the region to discover neighboring attractions such as Jinguashi, the Houtong Cat Village and the Yin and Yang Sea.
