Is Jiufen Worth Going on a Taiwan Trip? Why You Shouldn't Skip It (2025)

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Is Jiufen Worth Going on a Taiwan Trip? Why You Shouldn’t Skip It (2025)

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Nov 1, 2024

By Jade and Deeshen •

Taiwan

•

Last Updated on November 25, 2024 by Jade and Deeshen

Table of Contents

Is Jiufen Worth Going?

Asking yourself is Jiufen worth going? Absolutely! Jiufen is worth visiting if you enjoy delicious food, tea houses, shopping, glorious views and incredible hikes.

is most known for Jiufen Old Street, made famous by the Japanese movie Spirited Away, which fans around the world find a magical resemblence to (and so do we!).

As Taiwan travel writers and having lived as a local in Taiwan, we LOVE Jiufen. In fact, we make it a tradition to take a 4-5 day trip every year. If you’re wondering where to stay in Jiufen, we highly recommend staying for at least 3 nights at these best hotels in Jiufen.

Jiufen is unforgettable, whether you come for the day from Taipei or stay overnight. Here’s how to plan your trip, including where to stay, things to do, and how to get there!

Jiufen Didn’t Inspire Spirited Away — But It’s Still Amazing

Jiufen has amazing history, culture, and stunning views. We found Jiufen to be one of the most magical places in Taiwan. With its winding alleys, traditional tea houses, and lantern-lit streets, it feels like stepping back in time!

So If you’re wondering, is Jiufen worth visiting or is Jiufen worth it, the answer is YES! Whether you’re wondering what’s the best food in Jiufen, what to do, or where to see breathtaking scenery, Jiufen offers something for everyone whether you’re a couple or family!

Where to Stay in Jiufen

If you’re wondering where to stay, read our guide on where to stay in Jiufen Taiwan for the best hotels in Jiufen (including tips we wish we knew before our first overnight trip!

Daybreak Jiufen Hotel and Windsor’s Sunlight Han-Guan are our favorites when we visit! Jiufen has the best sea to mountain views in Taiwan, and you’ll want to find a hotel to enjoy these glorious views.

Spending the night in Jiufen is absolutely worth it!

By staying here for 3-5 days, you’ll be able to explore our favorite parts of Taiwan including Jiufen at night (and during the day!), the surrounding coast, Keelung, Ruifang, Pingxi, and even Shifen. All of these boast what we think to be the best coastal views and cultural activties in Taiwan!

By staying overnight, it also gives you the chance to see the village in its quietest and most beautiful moments, in the silent mornings and after the massive crowds leave for the evening.

Booking a room with a view is highly recommended! This was the view from our hotels at sunset. (If this doesn’t convince you to stay overnight, keep reading!)

Book our favorite place to stay in Jiufen Daybreak Jiufen Hotel and Windsor’s Sunlight Han-Guan for these views!

Honestly with views this perfect, it’s almost criminal not to book a room without a view!

You won’t find any Marriott, Holiday Inns or large chains in Jiufen. Instead you’ll find these local best hotels in Jiufen and Minsus in Taiwan which are family run bed and breakfasts. Many of these hotels have been hosting guests over 2-3 generations which was awesome to support!

We always stay at least 4-5 nights and Jiufen is a great homebase to explore the tea houses, local hikes, and amazing nature!

How to Get to Jiufen from Taipei

If you’re wondering how to get to Jiufen from Taipei, it’s super easy! If you’re staying overnight in Jiufen and have lots of luggage, the fastest way to Jiufen will be taxi or Uber in Taiwan.

Read our is there Uber in Taiwan Guide and the best apps for Taiwan travel for navigation and taxis.

We’ve taken Uber to Jiufen numerous times from Taipei to Jiufen, and it’s costs around 1100-1200 New Taiwan Dollar ($34-40 USD). The ride is usually around 40-45 minutes with no traffic and this will save you at least 2 hours one way!

We highly recommend taking Uber from Taipei to Jiufen, it’s 100% worth it especaully if you want to save time and energy from making multiple bus/taxi transfers!

Alternatively, you can take Taipei Bus 965 to Jiufen from Taipei Main Station or grab a train from Taipei Station to Jiufen (via Ruifang Station). After you get off the train at Ruifang Station, the bus stop to Jiufen is a few blocks from the station. You can take a taxi from there to Jiufen. It will take at 2.5-3.5 hours one way using these methods.

The Taipei Main Station to Jiufen route and taxi from Taipei are the most common. Either way, getting to Jiufen Taipei is simple and affordable.

Things to Do in Jiufen

Jiufen is the perfect place to wander through lantern-lit alleys, discover local food, experience a piece of old Taiwan, and experience local hikes. We’ve rounded up the best things to do so you can make the most of your visit!

Walk Jiufen Old Street

You’ll love getting lost in Jiufen Old Street, a lively maze of shops, street food stalls, and small cafes. Wander the narrow lanes and find everything from unique souvenirs to traditional snacks. It’s the ideal spot to get a feel for Jiufen’s vibrant atmosphere!

Read our Guide on Exploring Jiufen at Night

See the “Spirited Away” View

For Studio Ghibli fans, this is a must-see! Head to A-Mei Teahouse at sunset, where glowing lanterns light up the street and give you a view straight out of Spirited Away. It’s a magical moment you won’t want to miss.

For an actual tea experience, we recommend our favorite tea house in Jiufen instead. It’s actually right next to A-mei teahouse but tucked in a quiet corner without the crowds (and has actual food instead of just snacks with your tea!).

For tea lovers, the traditional tea houses offer breathtaking views while you sip on high-quality tea.

Eat Delicious Food in Jiufen

Food is a big part of the Jiufen experience! You’ll find everything from sweet potato and taro balls, peanut ice cream to grilled mochi, and other Taiwanese specialties.

Read our guide on what to eat in Jiufen Old Street with all the best eats!

We loved the peanut ice cream rolls, which combine peanut brittle, cilantro, and ice cream in a crepe—it’s a must-try! Other street food options include stinky tofu, grilled mochi, and taro balls.

There are also plenty of traditional tea houses where you can enjoy local teas while gazing out at the stunning views of the mountains and the sea. Here’s the best teahouse in Jiufen, and our favorite everytime we visit!

Hike Teapot Mountain

For those up for a little adventure, Teapot Mountain offers an exciting hike with unbeatable views. As you climb, you’ll spot the iconic teapot-shaped rock formation and take in sweeping coastal scenery. It’s a fantastic way to get some exercise and enjoy the landscape.

Read our guide to hiking Teapot Mountain and Keelung mountain (a hidden gem hike just a 15 minute walk from Jiufen).

Hike Bitoujiao

Bitoujiao is a shorter, scenic trail that treats you to dramatic coastal views. The path is well-marked and easy to follow, with perfect lookout spots to admire the cliffs and the endless blue ocean below. Don’t forget your camera!

Make an Excursion to Shifen Waterfall

A short trip from Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall is Taiwan’s widest waterfall, and it’s truly a sight to see! Follow the easy path to feel the mist on your face and take in the view of this natural wonder. It’s a refreshing stop and an unforgettable experience.

Make an Excursion to Pingxi

Pingxi, famous for its lantern festival, offers a unique experience year-round. Here, you can release a sky lantern with your wishes written on it and watch it float up into the sky. It’s a memorable way to add a touch of magic to your trip.

Visit the Gold Museum

Step into Taiwan’s gold-mining history at the Gold Museum, where you’ll learn about life in the mines and even try panning for gold yourself. The museum is set against stunning mountain and sea views, adding to the charm of this fascinating stop.

Why is Jiufen Famous?

Jiufen Old Street is famous for its historical significance as a gold mining town, but it’s also known for its incredible mountain and ocean views.

You may recognize Jiufen from the famous movie Spirited Away, which people believe inspired the village’s architecture and lantern-lit streets. Even though this isn’t true, fans (including Jade) see the magic Spirited Away in Jiufen and it’s wonderful!

Jiufen is one of the best places to shop in Taiwan especially for food souvenirs, tea pots, and trinkets! It’s also popular for its vibrant street food scene and traditional tea houses.

We loved how every corner of Jiufen Taiwan has something unique to offer—whether it’s the stunning views, hikes, or the bustling Jiufen Old Street. Jiufen is so famous that it’s even written about by National Geographic and other international news.

Other FAQs About Visiting Jiufen

Is Jiufen Old Street Worth Visiting?

Yes! Jiufen Old Street is the heart of the village and a must-see. We spent hours wandering the narrow lanes, trying street food, and browsing unique shops. The street is bustling with energy, and there’s always something new to discover. If you’re wondering is Jiufen Old Street worth visiting, we highly recommend it. It’s one of the best ways to experience the soul of this village.

How Long to Spend in Jiufen?

We recommend spending at least 4-5 hours in Jiufen if you’re doing a day trip. This gives you enough time to explore Jiufen Old Street, try some local food, and maybe hike up to Keelung Mountain. If you’re planning to visit Shifen as well, allocate a full day. For a more relaxed experience, stay overnight so you can enjoy the village when it’s quieter.

How Much Time Do You Need in Jiufen?

We found that 4-5 hours is enough to see the main highlights, but you could easily spend more time if you want to take things slow. Between the food, shopping, and views, Jiufen Taiwan is a place you can really savor. If you’re also visiting Shifen, plan for a full day to travel from Jiufen to Shifen and explore both spots.

Can You Stay Overnight at Jiufen?

Yes! Staying overnight in Jiufen is a fantastic experience. We found that the village takes on a completely different vibe once the day-trippers leave. It becomes peaceful, and the red lanterns light up the streets, creating a magical atmosphere.

Here’s the best hotels in Jiufen where you can stay to waking to the best views!

Why is Jiufen So Popular?

Jiufen has become incredibly popular because of its picturesque scenery, rich history, amazing food, and vibrant Jiufen Old Street culture. We believe its mix of old-world charm and breathtaking landscapes makes Jiufen travel an unforgettable place to visit!

There’s something for everyone at Jiufen, whether you’re looking for nature, a romantic getway, a family visit, or a foodie adventure.

The fact that people believe it inspired Spirited Away has only added to its allure, attracting fans of the film from all over the world. From its iconic tea houses to its stunning mountain views, Jiufen offers a travel experience that’s hard to beat.

What to Expect at Jiufen

Expect winding, narrow streets filled with food vendors, tea houses, and charming little shops. We were amazed by the atmosphere—the red lanterns and cobblestone paths make you feel like you’ve stepped into a different era. It can get crowded, especially on weekends, but the village has an energy that’s worth experiencing. From delicious street food to unique souvenirs, there’s always something to catch your eye. We also loved how quiet it gets in the evening, so if you can, stay overnight!

What to Eat at Jiufen

Food is a big part of the Jiufen experience! One of the best things to do in Jiufen is to try the local delicacies.

We loved the peanut ice cream rolls, which combine peanut brittle, cilantro, and ice cream in a crepe—it’s a must-try! Other street food options include stinky tofu, grilled mochi, and taro balls. There are also plenty of traditional tea houses where you can enjoy local teas while gazing out at the stunning views of the mountains and the sea.

Is Jiufen Very Touristy?

Yes, Jiufen is touristy, especially on weekends and holidays. We visited during the week, early mornings and late evenings, and found it much quieter, so we’d recommend avoiding the weekend crowds if possible.

Despite its popularity, Jiufen has managed to keep its charm and is quite clean too (which speaks to the overall culture in Taiwan).

Even with the crowds, the atmosphere, food, and scenery make it well worth the visit. If you want a more peaceful experience, stay overnight and explore in the early morning or late evening.

What is the Best Time to Visit Jiufen?

The best time to visit Jiufen is early in the morning (before 11am) or late at night (after 5:30pm) to avoid crowds. Between 11am to 5:30pm, there are huge crowds from countless tour buses as Jiufen is the most popular day trip from Taipei.

If you visit during peak hours and want to avoid crowds, go on the backstreets of Jiufen where there are still shops and tea houses, but with a much quieter atmosphere. Just before the entrance, duck to the right lane steps that go down. Follow those steps to the side streets.

We stayed overnight in Jiufen which gives us a chance to do a sunrise/morning hike (Keelung Mountain or Teapot Mountain), before returning to Jiufen at 8:30am. A few of the shops start opening then.

For the best experience, stay overnight for 3-4 days so you can enjoy the stunning views of the mountains and the sea, and the night time views of Jiufen lighted up in lanterns. No matter what time you visit, Jiufen travel is always worth it!

Do I Need to Join a Tour to Visit Jiufen?

No, you don’t need to join a tour to visit Jiufen. You can easily take an Uber in Taiwan there, the bus or the train from Taipei. Read our is there Uber in Taiwan Guide and the best apps for Taiwan travel.

We found it easy to explore on our own, but here’s the best tour available from Taipei if you can only squeeze one day in.

You can get there easily via public transport, so it’s a great option for independent travelers.

Should I Go to Jiufen or Shifen?

We get a lot of questions on this. Why not visit both? Jiufen and Shifen are just a short trip apart (30 minute Uber ride), and both offer unique experiences.

Shifen is famous for its beautiful Shifen Waterfall and sky lanterns, while Jiufen is more known for its food and views.

We recommend staying in Jiufen as your homebase, then making a day trip to Shifen, Pingxi to fly sky lanterns, Huotong Cat Village, and the other towns on nearby train route.

Athough we prefer going to Jiufen and Pingxi instead of Shifen. Most tours go to Shifen, which means you guessed it – it’s crazy busy from day to night. If you want to fly a sky lantern and enjoy the atmosphere without the crowds, check out our guide on where to stay in Jiufen, and do a Pingxi and Jiufen combo.

If you’re deciding between them, Jiufen is the best for its overall atmosphere, food, culture, and tea houses. But Shifen is definitely worth a visit if you have time.

Is Shifen Worth a Visit?

Absolutely! Shifen is famous for its beautiful waterfall and the tradition of releasing sky lanterns. It’s a short trip from Jiufen, and we think it’s worth visiting both if you have the time. The Shifen Waterfall is stunning, and we loved the experience of sending a sky lantern into the air. If you’re planning a day trip, Shifen is worth a visit!

Final Thoughts: Is Jiufen Worth Visiting

We think Jiufen is absolutely worth visiting! You’ll love the mix of old-world charm, incredible views, and cozy atmosphere that make it feel like a step back in time. If you can, stay overnight in Jiufen to enjoy it at its most peaceful, with lanterns lighting up the quiet streets. We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Jiufen!

And if you’re wondering where to go after Jiufen, head to Sun Moon Lake for the best luxury hotels and cycle one of the world’s best bike routes at Sun Moon Lake bike trail. From Jiufen, you just need to take a taxi to Nangang Station, which is the closest High Speed Rail (HSR) station. Read more in my Taiwan guides below.