🗺️ Nearby — extend your Jiufen trip
If you liked Jiufen, try these next
A good trip doesn't end at one city — 3 Taiwan destinations easily reached from Jiufen.
A former gold-mining village perched on a hillside above the sea · narrow lanes draped with red lanterns · old wooden tea houses · an atmosphere that feels straight out of a Studio Ghibli film — the best day trip from Taipei
Jiufen thrived as a gold-mining town during the Japanese colonial era. When the mines closed, the village fell quiet — until it was rediscovered as one of Taiwan's most enchanting destinations. Narrow old lanes climb the hillside lined with red lanterns, historic wooden tea houses, and sweeping ocean views, all just an hour from Taipei.
Most visitors do Jiufen as a day trip from Taipei, but if you want to experience the village after the crowds leave, spending the night is absolutely worth it. Here are your accommodation options.
Guesthouses and homestays (Minsu) dotted across the hillside, many with sea-view balconies. Wake up to a quiet morning or step out after dark when the tourist crowds have gone home.
A small town at the foot of the hill with a train station and cheaper accommodation. A great base for exploring the whole northeast corner — Jiufen, Shifen, and Houtong are all within easy reach.
The most convenient option for most visitors — base yourself in Taipei and head to Jiufen for the day. No need to lug your bags up the hill.
The old mining village just beyond Jiufen — far quieter, with a Gold Ecological Park museum and beautiful natural scenery. Ideal if you want to escape the crowds entirely.
Most accommodation in Jiufen consists of guesthouses and B&Bs on the hillside — we've selected places within easy walking distance of the old street with great views. Compare prices across 3 booking sites. Staying overnight means you'll see the village when most visitors have left.
A guesthouse with easy walking access to the old street. Many rooms offer mountain and sea views, and the staff are attentive and helpful.
A charming traditional B&B right on the old street itself, with mountain and sea views and just steps from A-Mei Tea House.
A friendly, laid-back guesthouse in the village. Perfect for a quiet overnight stay to experience Jiufen at its most peaceful.
A cosy little B&B with convenient access to the old street and scenic viewpoints. Great for couples and anyone after a relaxed stay.
Tucked into one of Jiufen's historic alleyways — classic atmosphere, peaceful surroundings, and close to the old street.
A cheerful, welcoming B&B with fun décor, ideal for families and groups. Easy walking access to all the sights.
Accommodation in Jiufen is limited and fills up fast on weekends — we recommend booking ahead. Compare prices across three top booking platforms right here.
Jiufen's old street is a paradise for snackers — just stroll along and eat your way from one end to the other. Here are the signature dishes you should not skip.
Jiufen's most famous treat — chewy, pillowy balls made from taro and sweet potato, served warm with red beans or cold over shaved ice.
#1 Must-TryBouncy fish balls in a clear, piping-hot broth — a beloved local dish that hits the spot on a cool, misty day up in the hills.
Warm & ComfortingIce cream topped with crushed peanut brittle, all wrapped in a thin pastry sheet with fresh coriander. Sweet, salty, and oddly addictive.
Quirky SnackDeep-fried tofu stuffed with glass noodles, sealed with a fish cake, and drizzled with a sweet-spicy sauce. A classic northern Taiwanese street food.
Local SpecialtySit down in an old wooden tea house, sip oolong while gazing over the rooftops and sea below — this is the true soul of Jiufen.
Once-in-a-LifetimePineapple cakes, sesame pastries, peanut sweets — old-school confections sold fresh along the old street, with free tastings before you buy.
Great SouvenirThe village itself can be explored in half a day on foot. Nearby spots like Shifen and Houtong can easily be added to make it a full-day route.
The heart of the village — a narrow, winding lane climbing the hillside, lined with food stalls, souvenir shops, and red lanterns all the way up.
Village CentrepieceA three-storey wooden tea house draped in red lanterns — the most iconic photo spot in all of Jiufen, and most magical after dark when the lanterns glow.
#1 Photo SpotThe oldest cinema in northern Taiwan, lovingly restored to preserve the golden-age atmosphere of this former mining town. Free to visit.
Free · HistoricA riverside village famous for writing wishes on paper sky lanterns and releasing them into the air. Near the beautiful Shifen Waterfall.
Easy Add-OnA former coal-mining village that has become home to hundreds of stray cats. An absolute paradise for cat lovers — on the same rail line as Jiufen.
Cat Lovers' MustA waterfall where the rocks have turned a vivid golden-orange colour from the minerals left behind by the old mines. A scenic photo stop on the way to Jinguashi.
Photo StopThis itinerary is designed to get you to Jiufen in the afternoon, visit Shifen first, then finish the day in Jiufen after dark when the lanterns are lit — the most beautiful time to be there.
Transport tips and practical advice to make your Jiufen day trip as smooth as possible.
Bus 1062 departs from near MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing and goes straight up to Jiufen — the simplest option for first-timers.
Catch a TRA train from Taipei Station to Ruifang, then transfer to bus 788 or 827 up to Jiufen — this route also lets you stop at Shifen.
Your EasyCard works on buses and trains. However, many shops along the old street are cash-only, so carry some New Taiwan Dollars.
The lanterns look stunning in the evening, but don't forget to check the last bus/train time back to Taipei — queues get long after dark.
Click any pin for details — makes planning your route a breeze.
Most visitors base themselves in Taipei and head to Jiufen for the day — browse the well-located Taipei hotels that the Wherebest team has reviewed.
A good trip doesn't end at one city — 3 Taiwan destinations easily reached from Jiufen.
