Jiufen is a hillside former gold-mining town in northern Jiufen Taiwan, about 40 km east of Taipei. You can reach it in 60 to 90 minutes by direct bus from Taipei. The best time to visit is before 10 AM or after 6 PM, when the crowds thin out and the lanterns glow. Most visitors spend 3 to 5 hours on Jiufen Old Street, its teahouses and its sea-view stairways.
That’s the short answer. The rest of this guide covers how to plan the day properly, because Jiufen rewards people who arrive with a plan and punishes those who show up at 1 PM on a Saturday.
What Is Jiufen and Why Do People Visit?
Jiufen is a small mountain town in New Taipei City, once a gold-mining settlement and often nicknamed “Little Hong Kong”. The mines closed long ago. What remains is a maze of narrow alleys, steep stairs, teahouses and red lanterns, all facing the Pacific coast.
People visit for three reasons: the atmosphere, the food and the views. The town is also strongly linked in popular culture to the film Spirited Away, although the filmmakers have never confirmed it as the direct inspiration. That rumour is a big reason the A-Mei Teahouse draws such long queues.
How to Get from Taipei to Jiufen
There is no direct train to Jiufen. Taipei to Jiufen travel is done by bus, by train plus bus, or by taxi and private car.
| Option | Starting point | Approx. time | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct bus 1062 | Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT (Exit 2) | 60–90 min | about NT$90 |
| Direct bus 965 | Ximending area | 60–90 min | about NT$90 |
| Train + bus | Taipei Main Station → Ruifang, then bus 788 | 75–90 min | train fare + low bus fare |
| Taxi or private car | Anywhere in Taipei | 40–50 min | much higher |
Fares change, so confirm the current price on the day.
Option 1: Direct Bus (Simplest)
Take the MRT to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station and leave by Exit 2. The bus stop is about 50 metres south on Fuxing South Road. Bus 1062 is run by Keelung Bus and runs roughly every 30 minutes off-peak, more often at busy hours. Get off at the “Jiufen Old Street” stop, right beside the 7-Eleven at the entrance to Jishan Street.
Expect a queue on weekends. If the line looks very long, the train option below can actually be faster.
Option 2: Train to Ruifang, Then Bus
Take a Taiwan Railway train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station. From there, bus 788 runs up to Jiufen and is much cheaper than the direct bus. Travellers report it as a good fallback when the 1062 queue is long.
Option 3: Taxi or Private Driver
A taxi or charter makes sense for groups of three or four, or if you want to combine Jiufen with Shifen and Jinguashi in one day.
Best Time to Visit Jiufen
The best time to visit Jiufen is on a weekday, arriving around 9:30–10:00 AM or after 6 PM. Mid-day on weekends is the worst window, when the lanes become shoulder-to-shoulder.
Here’s the pattern most visitors find:
- 9:30–11:00 AM: Shops are opening and the lanes are walkable. Best for photos and tea.
- 12:00–4:00 PM: Peak crowds, especially at weekends and holidays.
- After 6:00 PM: Day-trippers have left and the lanterns come on. Many food stalls close between 7 and 8 PM, so eat first.
- Around 9 PM: Shuqi Road is still lit, but lanterns go off at about 10 PM.
Cool, drier months are generally more pleasant. Jiufen sits on a mountainside facing the sea, so it can be misty or rainy in any season. Carry a light rain jacket.
What to Do on Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen Old Street, also called Jishan Street, begins beside the 7-Eleven near the bus stop and climbs uphill. It is short, so the real experience comes from the side lanes and stairs that branch off it.
1. Walk Jishan Street and Shuqi Road
Jishan Street is the busy food-and-souvenir alley. Shuqi Road is the stairway with the lanterns and the famous teahouse view. Outside these two streets, Jiufen is much quieter.
2. Have Tea at A-Mei Teahouse
A-Mei Teahouse is the most famous teahouse in Jiufen, known for its lantern-lit façade. Expect a wait at busy times. If the queue is too long, a smaller teahouse nearby gives you a similar sea view with far fewer people.
3. See Shengping Theater
This vintage theatre once entertained miners and their families. The stairs near it are one of the most photographed spots in town.
4. Eat Your Way Up the Street
Taro balls (yuyuan) served warm or cold are the classic Jiufen dessert. You’ll also find peanut ice-cream rolls, fish balls, tea eggs and grilled sausage. Eat standing at the stalls, then sit for tea afterward.
5. Add Jinguashi, Shifen or Houtong
Jinguashi is one bus stop further uphill. It has the Gold Museum and the remains of a Japanese-era gold mine. Shifen (sky lanterns) and Houtong (cat village) are popular add-ons for a full day.
Suggested One-Day Plan
- 9:00 AM: Bus 1062 from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT.
- 10:15 AM: Arrive at Jiufen Old Street, walk Jishan Street while it’s quiet.
- 11:30 AM: Tea at a teahouse with a sea view.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch, then Jinguashi Gold Museum.
- 4:30 PM: Return to Jiufen, rest, snack.
- 6:00 PM: Lanterns on. Photos on Shuqi Road.
- 7:30 PM: Bus back to Taipei before the last departures.
Practical Tips
- Wear grippy shoes. The stairs are steep and wet when it rains.
- Bring small cash for stalls, even though some accept cards.
- Check the last bus time before you start dinner.
- If you’re travelling with a stroller or a mobility aid, Jiufen is difficult. A taxi to the top and a slow walk downhill is easier.
- Book accommodation early if you want to stay overnight; the town is calm and beautiful once the day-trippers leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jiufen worth visiting?
Yes, if you like atmospheric old streets, tea culture and street food. It is crowded, so go early or late.
How far is Jiufen from Taipei?
About 40 km by road. The trip takes 60–90 minutes by bus.
How do I get from Taipei to Jiufen without a car?
Take bus 1062 from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT, or train to Ruifang and then bus 788.
How long should I spend in Jiufen?
Plan 3 to 5 hours. Add 2 to 3 hours if you combine it with Shifen or Jinguashi.
Is Jiufen better during the day or at night?
Both. Daytime gives you sea views and open shops. Evening gives you the lanterns and fewer tour groups.
What is Jiufen known for?
It is known for its former gold-mining history, its old street, its teahouses and its lantern-lit stairways.
Is Jiufen the town from Spirited Away?
It is widely rumoured to have inspired the film, but this has not been officially confirmed.
Can I visit Jiufen on a rainy day?
Yes. Rain makes the lanes slippery, but the mist adds mood. Bring a rain jacket and non-slip shoes.
Conclusion
Jiufen works best when you plan around the crowds. Go early or late, take the direct bus, eat before the stalls close, and give yourself time for a slow cup of tea. Do that and you’ll see why this small hillside town in Jiufen Taiwan remains one of the best day trips from Taipei.
